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Lincoln Originals at Cincinnati Museum Center

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to General Cassius M. Clay, Aug. 10, 1860

In this letter dated August 10, 1860, Abraham Lincoln wrote from Springfield, Illinois, to Cassius Marcellus Clay (1810-1903) discussing proposed changes to his Illinois speaking engagement. Clay, second cousin of the famous politician Henry Clay, was a Kentucky abolitionist, a major general during the war, and served as minister to Russia under the Lincoln administrations. Lincoln wrote that he hopes the schedule changes will be agreeable and noted that "it will give you larger audiences, and much easier travel; nearly all being by Railroad."

From the CMC Manuscript Collection: Mss VF 4315.

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Letter to Clay - Page 1

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Springfield, Ill. August 10, 1860

Hon. C. M. Clay.

My dear Sir:
Your very kind letter of
the 6th was received yesterday. It so
happened that our State Central Com=
mittee were in session here at the
time, and thinking it proper to do
so, I submitted the letter to them –
They were delighted with the assur=
sance [sic] of having your assistance –
For what appears good reason, they,
however, propose a change in the pro-
gramme, starting you at the same
place, (Marshall, in Clark Co.) and
thence Northward, instead of South=
ward – This change I suppose will
be agreeable to you, as it will give
you larger audiences, and much ea=
sier travel; nearly all being by Rail=
road. They will be governed by your

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