Final answer:
Lincoln was responding to accusations made by newspaper editorials in the Handbill. His public position in August 1862 was that he was prepared to take action for enslaved people under certain conditions. Lincoln wanted to avoid controversy and even changed his schedule to avoid a possible threat to his life.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Handbill, Lincoln was responding to charges made by newspaper editorials that criticized him for sneaking into Washington, as well as accusations that the government and its supporters were doing great harm. Lincoln's public position in August 1862 was that he was prepared to take action for enslaved people, but under certain conditions. He wanted to avoid saying anything controversial and even rearranged his schedule to avoid a possible threat to his life in Baltimore.