To Benjamin F. James1Jump to section
Dear Sir: To succeed, I must have 17 votes in convention. To secure them, I think I may safely claim Sangamon 8, Menard 2, Logan 1, making 11, so that if you and other friends can secure Dr. Boal's2Jump to section entire senatorial district, that is, Tazewell 4, Woodford 1, and Marshall 1, it just covers the case. . . .
Upon the whole, it is my intention to give him the trial, unless clouds should rise, which are not yet discernible. This determination you need not, however, as yet, announce in your paper, at least not as coming from me. . . .