Abraham Lincoln - The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. V (Chap. 1.25) lyrics

To H. D. Sharpe Springfield, Dec. 8, 1858 H. D. SHARPE, Esq. DEAR SIR:—Your very kind letter of Nov. 9th was duly received. I do not know that you expected or desired an answer; but glancing over the contents of yours again, I am prompted to say that, while I desired the result of the late canva** to have been different, I still regard it as an exceeding small matter. I think we have fairly entered upon a durable struggle as to whether this nation is to ultimately become all slave or all free, and though I fall early in the contest, it is nothing if I shall have contributed, in the least degree, to the final rightful result. Respectfully yours, A. LINCOLN.