(Confidential.)
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, October 23, 1860.
My dear Sir: Yours of the 13th was duly received. I appreciate your motive when you suggest the propriety of my writing for the public something disclaiming all intention to interfere with slaves or slavery in the States; but in my judgment it would do no good. I have already done this many, many times; and it is in print, and open to all who will read. Those who will not read or heed what I have already publicly said would not read or heed a repetition of it. “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.”
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
Update note: This Abraham Lincoln letter was also posted today on The American Civil War blog at civilwar-online.com.
