Gents:--By your paper of Friday, I discover that General Whiteside has published his version of the late affair between Messrs. Shields and Lincoln, I now bespeak a hearing of my version of the same affair, which shall be true and full as to all material facts.
On Friday evening, the 16th of September, I learned that Mr. Shields and General Whiteside had started in pursuit of Mr. Lincoln, who was at Tremont, attending court.
I knew that Mr. Lincoln was wholly unpractised both as to the diplomacy and weapons commonly enjoyed in similar affairs; and I felt it my duty, as a friend, to be with him, and, so far as in my power, to prevent any advantage being taken of him as to either his honor or his life.
Accordingly, Mr. Butler and myself started, passed Shields and Whiteside in the night, and arrived at Tremont ahead of them on Saturday morning. I told Mr. Lincoln what was brewing, and asked him what course he proposed to himself.
He stated that he was wholly opposed to duelling, and would do anything to avoid it that might not degrade him in the estimation of himself and friends; but, if such degradation or a fight were the only alternatives, he would fight.
In the afternoon Shields and Whiteside arrived, and very soon the former sent to Mr. Lincoln, by the latter, the following note or letter:--
Tremont, September 17, 1842.
A. Lincoln, Esq.:--I regret that my absence on public business compelled me to postpone a matter of private consideration a little longer than I could have desired.
It will only be necessary, however, to account for it by informing you that I have been to Quincy on business that would not admit of delay.
I will now state briefly the reasons of my troubling you with this 