Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 2 [Sept. 3, 1848-Aug. 21, 1858].

Hon: E. B. Washburne. Springfield, Ills.
My dear Sir: Dec: 11, 1854

Your note of the 5th. is just received. It is too true that by the official returns Allen beats Col Archer one vote.2Open page There is a report to-day that there is a mistake in the returns from Clay county, giving Allen sixty votes more than he really has; but this, I fear is itself a mistake. I have just examined the returns from that county at the Secretarie's office, and find that the agregate vote for Sheriff only falls short, by three votes, of the agregate as reported, of Allen & Archer's vote. Our friends, however, are hot on the track; and will probe the matter to the bottom.

As to my own matter, things continue to look reasonably well. I wrote your friend, George Gage;3Open page and, three days ago, had an answer from him, in which he talks out plainly, as your letter taught me to expect. To-day I had a letter from Turner.4Open page He says he is not committed, & will not be until he sees how most effectually to oppose slavery extension.

I have not ventured to write all the members in your district, lest some of them should be offended by the indelicacy of the thing---that is, coming from a total stranger. Could you not drop some of them a line? Very truly your friend, A. LINCOLN---