James Conkling was a Union soldier.
He was also an attorney, public official, an Illinois Republican Chairman, a Mayor for the state of Illinois; a very accomplished politician.
Conkling married a close friend of Mary Todd-Lincoln's (though he worked with someone that Lincoln almost fought a duel with). He also had a son named Clinton, who became friend with one of Lincoln's sons, Robert.
In December of 1860, Conkling hosted a dinner for Republicans. Historian Paul M. Angle wrote that Lincoln, "Expressed himself on this occasion in such decided terms against any movement looking to a compromise on the slavery question..."
In August 1863, Conkling sent an invitation to Lincoln to attend a meeting of Illinois' Union soldiers and supporters. He also stresses how the Union men directed him to invite the occasion. Lincoln wrote a letter telling Conkling why he wouldn't be attending (see Lincoln's Letter to James Conkling at http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/conkling.htm).
Lincoln was very angry to find that he found his letter in the New York Times. Conkling explained this by saying he was trying to show the intense anxiety in his views.
He was also an attorney, public official, an Illinois Republican Chairman, a Mayor for the state of Illinois; a very accomplished politician.
Conkling married a close friend of Mary Todd-Lincoln's (though he worked with someone that Lincoln almost fought a duel with). He also had a son named Clinton, who became friend with one of Lincoln's sons, Robert.
In December of 1860, Conkling hosted a dinner for Republicans. Historian Paul M. Angle wrote that Lincoln, "Expressed himself on this occasion in such decided terms against any movement looking to a compromise on the slavery question..."
In August 1863, Conkling sent an invitation to Lincoln to attend a meeting of Illinois' Union soldiers and supporters. He also stresses how the Union men directed him to invite the occasion. Lincoln wrote a letter telling Conkling why he wouldn't be attending (see Lincoln's Letter to James Conkling at http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/conkling.htm).
Lincoln was very angry to find that he found his letter in the New York Times. Conkling explained this by saying he was trying to show the intense anxiety in his views.