The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. V Chap. 1.22
The Fight Must Go On

To H. Asbury.

Springfield, November 19, 1858

HENRY ASBURY, Esq.

DEAR SIR:—Yours of the 13th was received some days ago. The fight must go on. The cause of civil liberty must not be surrendered at the end of one or even one hundred defeats. Douglas had the ingenuity to be supported in the late contest both as the best means to break down and to uphold the slave interest. No ingenuity can keep these antagonistic elements in harmony long. Another explosion will soon come.

Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.