MY DEAR SIR: Let there be no compromise on the question of _extending_ slavery. If there be, all our labor is lost, and ere long must be done over again. The dangerous ground--that into which some of our friends have a hankering to run--is Pop. Sov. Have none of it. Stand firm. The tug has to come; and better now than any time hereafter. Yours as ever, A. LINCOLN. _Confidential_ SPRINGFIELD, ILL., December 17, 1860. HON. L. TRUMBULL, MY DEAR SIR: Yours enclosing Mr. Wade's letter, which I herewith return, is received. If any of our friends do prove false and fix up a compromise on the territorial question, I am for fighting again--that is all. It is but a repetition for me to say I am for an honest enforcement of the Constitution--the fugitive slave clause included. Mr. Gilmore of N. C. wrote me, and I answered confidentially, enclosing my letter to Gov. Corwin to be delivered or not as he might deem prudent. I now enclose you a copy of it. Yours as ever, A. LINCOLN. _Confidential_ SPRINGFIELD, ILL., December 21, 1860. HON. LYMAN TRUMBULL, MY DEAR SIR: Thurlow Weed was with me nearly all day yesterday, and left last night with three short resolutions which I drew up, and which, or the substance of which, I think, would do much good if introduced and unanimously supported by our friends. They do not touch the territorial question. Mr. Weed goes to Washington with them; and says that he will first of all confer with you and Mr. Hamlin. I think it would be best for Mr. Seward to introduce them, and Mr. Weed will let him know that I think so. Show this to Mr. Hamlin, but beyond him do not let my name be known in the matter. Yours as ever, A. LINCOLN. The first of the three resolutions named was to amend the Constitution by providing that no future amendment should be made giving Congress the power to interfere with slavery in the states where it existed by law. The second was for a law of Congress providing that fugitive slaves captured should have a jury trial. The third recommended that the Northern States should "review" their personal liberty laws. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., December 24, 1860. HON. LYMAN TRUMBULL, MY DEAR SIR: I expect to be able to offer Mr. Blair a place in the Cabinet, but I cannot as yet be committed on the matter to any extent whatever. Dispatches have come here two days in succession that the forts in South Carolina will be surrendered by order, or consent, at least, of the President. I can scarcely believe this, but if it prove true, I will, if our friends in Washington concur, announce publicly at once that they are to be retaken after the inauguration. This will give the Union men a rallying cry, and preparations will proceed somewhat on this side as well as on the other.