J. M. Douglas, of the I.C.R.R. Co is here, and will carry this letter. He says they have a large sum (near $90,000) which they will pay into the Treasury now, if they have an assurance that they shall not be sued before Jany. 1859- otherwise not. I really wish you could consent to this. Douglas says they can not pay more, & I believe him.
I do not write this as a lawyer seeking an advantage for a client; but only as a friend, only urging you to do, what I think I would do if I were in your situation. I mean this as private and confidential only, but I feel a good deal of anxiety about it. Yours as ever
A. LINCOLN---