Note A — MEMOIR OF WARD H. LAMON.
Reading edition
Executive Department, Springfield, Ill., Feb. 9, 1861.
Dear Governor, — You will bear me witness that I seldom trouble my friends in Washington with letters of introduction. I must now ask you to indulge me in a suspension of this general rule, especially as my object has as much to do with your future as my own.
W. H. Lamon, Esq., of our state visits Washington upon the invitation of Mr. Lincoln as his escort and companion. He is one of our ablest young lawyers, a man of strong and vigorous intellect and of influence throughout the entire state equal to any man in the state.
His social qualities upon intimate acquaintance are of the finest type. He is chivalrous, courageous, generous.
His integrity is unquestioned. Though inclined to be conservative, he is a Republican firm, and from principle. He is, however, retiring and not disposed to press himself on any one. May I ask of you that you will be kind to him as you were to me, and very much oblige
Your friend, Richard Yates.
Hon. Wm. H. Seward.