SPRINGFIELD, ILLS. Sep 22, 1860.
MRS. M. J. GREEN
My dear Madam: Your kind congratulatory letter, of August, was received in due course, and should have been answered sooner. The truth is I have never corresponded much with ladies; and hence I postpone writing letters to them, as a business which I do not understand. I can only say now I thank you for the good opinion you express of me, fearing, at the same time, I may not be able to maintain it through life.
Yours very truly,
A. LINCOLN