Abraham Lincoln - The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. V (Chap. 1.6) lyrics

To John Mathers, Jacksonville, Ill Springfield, July 20, 1858 JNO. MATHERS, Esq. MY DEAR SIR:—Your kind and interesting letter of the 19th was duly received. Your suggestions as to placing one's self on the offensive rather than the defensive are certainly correct. That is a point which I shall not disregard. I spoke here on Saturday night. The speech, not very well reported, appears in the State journal of this morning. You doubtless will see it; and I hope that you will perceive in it that I am already improving. I would mail you a copy now, but have not one [at] hand. I thank you for your letter and shall be pleased to hear from you again. Yours very truly, A. LINCOLN.