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Letter from Silas Merrick to Abraham Lincoln

Creator:: Merrick, Silas
Collection:: Letters to Lincoln
Location:: New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Date of Original:: 1861
Description:: Handwritten letter, 21 cm: 'Don't wan[t] an office.' Signed 'Silas Merrick, To A. Lincoln President Elect of U.S. of America, New Brighton, Penna, Jany 31/61.' Letter written to Lincoln by Merrick because of his great concern in the preservation 'of the union of the States.' Merrick acknowledges Lincoln's election to President in the most crucial period of our history; he feels treason is strong in the U.S. and abroad and that the national capital may be seized and controlled by a mob. He suggests that Lincoln make early departure for Washington to strengthen the weak and wavering and maintain the Constitution and enforcement of the Laws at any cost; pursue course of Andrew Jackson in 1832 & 33 and uphold his presidency 'of the whole of the 34 United States' under our constitution and the enforcement of the laws; and 'This and this alone will maintain our nationality.' Autograph letter signed (ALS).
Subject:: Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865--Correspondence

Category:: Manuscripts & Documents
Format of Original:: Manuscript
Item ID:: 71200908300404
Holding Institution:: Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Digital File ID:: 71200908300404
Available for Viewing:: By appointment only
Download:: PDF (367.23 KB)