To John G. Lowe, Thomas A. Phillips, and W. H. Gillespie1Jump to section
Gentlemen: Your note of to-day, inviting me while on my way to Washington, to pass through the town and accept the hospitalities of the citizens of Dayton, Ohio, is before me.
A want of the necessary time makes it impossible for me to stop in your town. If it will not retard my arrival at or departure from the city of Columbus, I will endeavor to pass through and at least bow to the friends there; if, however it would in any wise delay me, they must not even expect this, but be content instead to receive through you, my warmest thanks for the kindness and cordiality with which they have tendered this invitation. Your obt Servt. A. LINCOLN
Messrs. J. G. Lowe, T A. Phillips & W H Gillespie committee.
Annotation
[1] Copy, DLC-RTL. That Nicolay composed Lincoln's reply is indicated by Lincoln's autograph note on the verso of the letter of invitation from Lowe, Phillips, and Gillespie: ``Mr. Nicolay will answer this that I will pass through Dayton, and bow to the friends there, if I can get to and from Columbus just as soon; otherwise not. Lincoln.'' John G. Lowe was an attorney; Thomas A. Phillips, a cotton manufacturer; and W. H. Gillespie, the mayor, of Dayton, Ohio.