,
was suspected of being a deist, and had talked about fighting a duel.
With all these things, Baker of course had nothing to do. Nor do I
complain of them. As to his own church going for him, I think that was
right enough, and as to the influences I have spoken of in the other,
though they were very strong, it would be grossly untrue and unjust to
charge that they acted upon them in a body, or were very near so. I only
mean that those influences levied a tax of a considerable per cent. upon
my strength throughout the religious community."

In the same letter we have a striking illustration of Lincoln's
intelligence and skill in the intricate details of political management,
together with the high sense of honor and manliness which directed his
action in such matters. Speaking of the influences of Menard County, he
wrote:

"If she and Mason act circumspectly, they will in the convention be able
so far to enforce their rights as to decide absolutely which one of the
candidates shall be successful. Let me show the reason of this. Hardin,
or some other Morgan candidate, will get Putnam, Marshall, Woodford,
Tazewell, and Logan [counties], making sixteen. Then you and Mason,
having three, can give the victory to either side. You say you shall
instruct your delegates for me, unless I object. I certainly shall not
object. That would be too pleasant a compliment for me to tread in the
dust. And, besides, if anything should happen (which, however, is not
probable) by which Baker should be thrown out of the fight, I would be
at liberty to accept the nomination if I could get it. I do, however,
feel myself bound not to hinder him in any way from getting the
nomination. I should despise myself were I to attempt it. I think, then,
it would be proper for your meeting to appoint three delegates, and to
instruct them to go for some one as a first choice, some one else as a
second, and perhaps some one as a third; and if in those instructions I
were named as the first choice it would gratify me very much. If you
wish to hold the balance of power, it is important for you to attend to
and secure the vote of Mason also."

A few weeks again changed the situation, of which he informed Speed in a
letter dated May 18:

"In relation to our Congress matter here, you were right in supposing I
would support the nominee. Neither Baker nor I, however, is the man--but
Hardin, so far as I can judge from present appearances. We shall have no
split