a lincoln guide k. t. 1859 

From Mark W. Delahay to Abraham Lincoln, June 13, 1858

  Leavenworth K. T. June 13th-1858

Dear Lincoln 

                    The Mail Boat this afternoon brings us the results of the Buckhanan Springfield Convention; and the Times to morrow will notice the results with some speculations on the consequences that will surely follow: ( I will send you a copy ) This settles all questions ( if there be any ) of your success; but it is now a question with many in these parts as where will Mr Douglas go; he can’t go a step backwards, can he, but yet he seems to side with the administration in all but Lecompton: for the feeling in Kansas upon the Submitted ordinance I refer you to my letter in the Mo Democrat of the 9th inst; I also send you a copy of a speech by Stanton: it is a good Document for the States as it brings to light certain Suppressed letters, which

( p. 2 ) Plainly shows up the treachery of the administration towards Gov Walker; Stanton hits old Buch hard and I think his speech ought to be published by every Republican paper in Illinois as it is in my judgement well calculated to produce a sensation in the Democratic States; The troops have all departed for Utah; Genl Harney follows to morrow; Denver is investigating troubles in the South part of the Ty, he is disposed to night and will do it, if let alone at Washington. There are some here who are trying to get up an organization of a Douglas party, but I am opposed to any such folly and I am persuaded the attempt will fail & again there others who are trying to inaugurate a Republican party which I also regard as bad policy and to which I am likewise opposed, at least until we become a State; I prefer but one

( p. 3 ) name and one party in Kansas until Kansas is Free; Then all who want to go off into any distinctive party, can do so, Then we will be governed by the form shape and Cash, that by that time will be developed outside the States, I care nothing about names; if the peoples party of the Union, be the name all well, if it be the Free Democracy or Republican very well; but I insist that there no necessity for a party in Kansas other than the Free State or Anti Lecompton party- the latter seems (Lane) to be the best for our local purposes; I shall leave for Lawrence to morrow, Lane has his examination to morrow, and I may ( but I do not want to have any thing to do with it) take some part in the defense; it is not a case of Murder, each party had made frequent threats and were at Swardspoints & have been for a long time about a claim

 ( p. 4 ) I shall be at the service of you and your friends this Summer if any help is needed and it is thought I could be of any service and you can enroll me for service and Command me,  be of good Cheer all will End right this year in Illinois of that I am confident so much I have to day offered to Bet an even Bet of $100 that you will be the next Senator From Ills

                  Very Truly Yours

                                 M W Delahay

   Transcribed by Larry Faulkner, alincolnguide.com