My dear Sir, July 25. 1858.
Yours of late date was duly received. Many germans here are anxious to have Mr. Hecker come; but I suppose your judgement is best. I write this mostly because I learn we are in great danger in Madison. It is said half the Americans are going for Douglas; and that slam will ruin us if not counteracted. It appears to me this fact of itself, would make it, at least no harder for us to get accessions from the Germans. We must make a special job of Madison. Every edge must be made to cut. Can not you, Canisius, and some other influential Germans set a plan on foot that shall gain us accession from the Germans, and see that, at the election, none are cheated in their ballots? Gillespie thinks that thing is sometimes practiced on the German in Madison. Others of us must find the way to save as many Americans as possible. Still others must do other things. Nothing must be left undone. Elsewhere things look reasonably well. Please write me. Yours as ever
A. LINCOLN.