"I wrote," said Lincoln, "that I could do it in February, provided they would take a political speech, if I could find time to get up no other." "Your letter was duly received and handed over to the committee," was the response, "and they accept your compromise.

You may lecture at the time you mention, and they will pay you $200.

I think they will arrange for a lecture in New York also, and pay you $200 for that." [Sidenote] C.C.Nott to Lincoln, February 9, 1860.

MS.
Financial obstacles, or other reasons, brought about the transfer of the engagement to a new committee, and the invitation was repeated in a new form: "The Young Men's Central Republican Union of this city [New York] very earnestly desire that you should deliver what I may term a political lecture during the ensuing month.

The peculiarities of the case are these: A series of lectures has been determined upon.
The first was delivered by Mr.Blair, of St.Louis, a short time ago; the second will be in a few days, by Mr.Cassius M.Clay, and the third we would prefer to have from you rather than any other person.
Of the audience I should add that it is not that of an ordinary political meeting.