I have heard it insinuated that Baker has been attempting to get you or Miles or both of you to violate the instructions of the meeting that appointed you, [and] to go for him– I have insisted, and still insist, that this can not be true– Surely Baker would not do the like– As well might Hardin ask me to vote for him, in the convention–3

Again, it is said there will be an attempt to get up instruction in your county, requiring you to go for Baker– This is all wrong again– Upon the same rule, why might not I fly from the decision against me in Sangamon, and get up instructions to their delegation to go for me– There are at least twelve hundred whigs in the county, that took no part– And yet I would as soon put my head in the fire as to attempt it– I should feel myself [strongly?] dishonored by it.

Besides, if any one should get the nomination by such extraordinary means, all harmony in the district would inevitably be lost– Honest whigs (and very nearly all of them are honest) will not quietly abide such enormities– I repeat, such an attempt on Baker's part can not be be true– Write, me at Springfield, how this matter is– Dont show or speak of this letter–