Your letter asking me "Are you in favor of a Tariff & Protection to American Industry?" is received-- The convention which nominated me, by the 12 th plank of their platform, selected their position on this question; and I have declared my approval of the platform, and accepted the nomination-- Now, if I were to publicly shift the position, by adding or subtracting anything, the convention would have the right, and probably would be inclined, to displace me as their candidate-- And I feel confident that you, on reflection, would not wish me to give private assurances to be seen by some, and kept secret from others--

I enjoin that this shall, by no means be made public--

Yours Respectfully

A. Lincoln "

"By no means be made public?" So much for the 'honest' myth that's been stuck on him. He was just a man who wanted a job and was willing to do what he had to to get it.

Pam