So, the times advocated war against Mexico? Oh, dear, that is beyond un-PC, that’s Racist!
The Times wasn’t around until 1851. I think this letter refers to the fact that some eastern Republicans were supporting Douglas for reelection over Lincoln, and the Times was running with the story that Lincoln didn’t vote to supply the army in the field during the War. Most northern conservatives, including Lincoln, opposed the Mexican war, but once it started they knew the troops had to be taken care of. And, as Lincoln says in the letter to Medill, he didn’t get to Congress until the war was essentially over.