"I do not believe the story," he wrote, "but still it gives me some uneasiness.
If such was your inclination, I do not believe you would so express yourself.

It is not in character with you as I have always estimated you." Crittenden's reply, however, confirmed his worst fears.

He said he and Douglas had acted together to oppose Lecompton.

For this Douglas had been assailed, and he thought his reelection was necessary to rebuke the Buchanan Administration.

In addition Crittenden also soon wrote the expected letter for publication, in which phraseology of apparent fairness covered an urgent appeal in Douglas's behalf.
[Sidenote] Lincoln-Douglas Debates, pp.