Dear Sir Aug. 19. 1859
Your letter inviting me ``to visit your state during the fall, and participate in the coming canvass'' was duly received; and I have neglected to answer it so long because I disliked to decline the invitation. But on full consideration, I feel constrained to decline; from the necessity, (made very stringent by having lost nearly the whole of last year,) of my attending our fall courts. I regret this; but it is no less than a necessity with me. Yours very truly
A. LINCOLN