Lincoln instructs his secretary: "I wish Mr. Nicolay would invite the following gentlemen to tea at my house, at 5 P.M. tomorrow. Mr. Schenck Mr. Piatt Mr. Cartter Mr. Ogden Mr. Philips Mr. Hatch Mr. Dubois Mr. Nicolay—himself. Saturday, Nov. 3. Lincoln." Abraham Lincoln to John G. Nicolay, 3 November [1860], CW, 4:136.

Lincoln and guests have tea at Lincoln home. Abraham Lincoln to John G. Nicolay, 3 November [1860], CW, 4:136.

When Lincoln visits Post Office bystander asks how he is going to vote. "For Yates for Governor," he replies. But for President? "How vote?" Lincoln repeats—"By ballot!" He tells a funny story and walks off, arms full of mail. N.Y. Tribune, 10 November 1860.

Public reception takes up morning. "Until noon, a steady stream of visitors poured in at the Lake street entrance of the Tremont House." Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln, and Hamlin shake hands with all who pass. After reception Lincoln declines to receive visitors. At 5 he dines with Trumbull and Hamlin. Chicago Tribune, 24 November 1860; N.Y. Herald, 24 November 1860.

Before leaving Tremont House, Lincoln pens note to his old friend Henry Whitney, formerly of Urbana, replying to Whitney's note on behalf of Alschuler, photographer. Abraham Lincoln to Henry C. Whitney, 26 November 1860, CW, 4:145.

Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln leave Chicago at 9 A.M. and reach Springfield at 6:30. Lincoln's return "is the delight of the reporters and a number of office-seekers, who have been lying in wait for him since [Nov. 24]. The President and party traveled in separate cars. No ovations were received on the way on account of the rainy weather." Chicago Journal, 26 November 1860; N.Y. Tribune, 27 November 1860.

Lincoln spends most of day reading several hundred accumulated letters. N.Y. Tribune, 28 November 1860.

To Hamlin he writes: "I deem it proper to advise you that I also find letters here from very strong and unexpected quarters in Pennsylvania, urging the appointment of General Cameron to a place in the cabinet." He writes autograph for Fred R. Jackson of Stillwater, N.Y. Abraham Lincoln to Hannibal Hamlin, 27 November 1860, CW, 4:145.

Lincoln answers demand of H. J. Raymond of N.Y. "Times" for policy statement: "On the 20th. Inst. Senator Trumbull made a short speech which I suppose you have both seen and approved. Has a single newspaper, heretofore against us, urged that speech [upon its readers] with a purpose to quiet public anxiety? Not one, so far as I know." Abraham Lincoln to Henry J. Raymond, 28 November 1860, CW, 4:145-46.

"Quite a number of country people were in town, and paid their respects to the President-elect. Mr. Lincoln, like the rest of Anglo-American mankind, feasted on a roast turkey, and having special cause to thank his Maker, attended Divine service." He has long interview with George Fogg of Republican National Committee. N.Y. Tribune, 1 December 1860.

Lincoln has many visitors, among them Hugh White of New York, with whom he served in Congress, and "several Kentuckians of standing," who are favorably impressed with his "conversational powers." N.Y. Tribune, 1 December 1860; N.Y. Herald, 6 December 1860.

Lincoln writes Alexander H. Stephens requesting copy of speech Stephens has made in Georgia legislature. For John H. Littlefield, law student at his office, Lincoln writes: "I will pay five dollars to whomever will loan that sum to the bearer, Mr. Littlefield." Abraham Lincoln to Alexander H. Stephens, 30 November 1860, CW, 4:146; Note for John H. Littlefield, 30 November 1860, CW, 4:146.