To William M. Fishback1Jump to section
My dear Sir: Dec. 19. 1858
Yours of the 1st. to C. M. Smith, has been handed me to answer. Soon after the political campaign closed here Messrs. S. C. Davis & Co wrote us rather complaining that lands had not been sold upon their executions. I answered them, saying it was their own fault, as they never answered after we informed them of the work you had done. I also informed them that in the future we would not follow executions, and requested them to pay you for what you have already done, and transfer all the business in our hands to you. They replied they would do so; but by that time we had learned that you were gone. Very reluctantly I had to write them that you were gone, and that we must renew our effort to collect the money on their executions. And so we have pitched into it again. To my regret I find that I have either lost one of your letters, or your researches did not go so far as I thought. I find nothing about the case at Browning in Schuyler County.
We drew on S. C. Davis & Co for $100 and send you the proceeds.
Unless your prospects are flattering where you are, or your health will not permit, I wish you would return and take charge of this business. With the general chances of a young man, and additional business of the same sort which we could from time [to time] put in your hands, I feel confident you could make a living.
Yours very truly A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi. See Lincoln to Samuel C. Davis and Company, November 17, supra.