CHAPTER IV.

THE BLACK HAWK WAR.

Black Hawk-His Treachery-Governor Reynolds calls for Volunteers-Lincoln enlists

-He is chosen Captain-His Popularity with the Soldiers-Forced Marches-

"Stillman's Defeat"-Flight of the Indians-Volunteers Discharged-Lincoln re-

enlists-Capture of Black Hawk-Lincoln's Speech on General Cass-Mr. Lincoln

becomes a Candidate for the Legislature-He is Defeated-Purchases a Store, but

fails in Business-Is appointed Postmaster-Anecdote illustrating his Honesty-He

becomes a Surveyor,

CHAPTER V.

48

CHARACTER OF MR. LINCOLN ON ENTERING PUBLIC LIFE.

Mr. Lincoln was a Self-made Man-Loyal to his Convictions-Marked and Peculiar-

Anecdotes-He was Respected and Loved-A Man of Practical Expedients-Anec-

dote-Mr. Lincoln was a Religious Man-His Faith in Divine Providence-His Log-

ical and Reasoning Powers-He was Child-like,
58

CHAPTER VI.

MR. LINCOLN IN THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE.

Mr. Lincoln contemplates the Study of Law-He begins to make Speeches-Elected to

the Legislature in 1834-Commences the Study of Law-Goes on foot to the Capi-

tal-Returns to the Study of Law and to Surveying-Re-elected to the Legislature

in 1836-Speech at Springfield-The "Long Nine"-Distinguished Men in the Leg-

islature-Change of the State Capital-Mr Lincoln's first meeting with Stephen A.

Douglas-Pro-slavery Resolutions adopted-Protest of Abraham Lincoln and Dan

Stone-Anecdote,

CHAPTER VII.

MR. LINCOLN AS A LAWYER.

...64

Mr. Lincoln becomes a Law-partner of Major Stuart, and removes to Springfield-Re-

elected to the Legislature in 1838-Poltica. Parties in Illinois-Mr. Lincoln's Stories

-The Member from Wabash County-" Riding the Circuit" in Illinois-Mr. Lin-

coln's Ability as a Lawyer-His Regard for Justice-Mr. Lincoln and the Pig-His

Power as an Advocate-His "Colt Case" in the Co.es Circuit Court-His Exception-

able Stories-His Regard for Poor Relatives,

CHAPTER VIII.

72

MR. LINCOLN'S MARRIAGE. THE CLAY CAMPAIGN.

Mr. Lincoln Re-elected to the Legislature in 1840-Strange Incident in his Life-He

Accepts a Challenge to a Duel-Forms a Law-partnership with Judge Logan-His

Marriage-His private Letters-His Lovalty to Party-Anecdote illustrating his

Generosity-Political Contest of 1844-Mr. Lincoln a Candidate for Presidential

Elector-He Canvasses the State-Defeat of Mr. Clay-Mr. Lincoln visits him at

Ashland-Anecdotes illustrating Mr. Lincoln's Courage-Anecdote illustrating his

strong Party Feeling,

CHAPTER IX.

87

MR. LINCOLN IN CONGRESS.THE MEXICAN WAR.
Mr. Lincoln nominated for Congress in 1846-He "Stumpe" his District-Elected by a
large Majority-His fitness for the Position-The old Wnig Party and the Mexican
War-Mr Lincoln's Resolutions-Mr. Hudson s Resolut.on-Mr. Lincoln's Speech.
January 12th, 1848-Defense of the Postmaster-general-Mr. Lincoln a member of

the Whig Convention of 1848-Advocates the nomination of General Taylor-Speech

in Congress on the Candidates for the Presidency-Correspondence with the Whig

Leaders in Illinois-Speeches during the Canvass-Second Session of the Thirtieth

Congress-Mr. Lincoln's Position on the Slavery Question-He seeks for the Posi-

tion of Commissioner of the General Land Office, but fails,.

CHAPTER X.

99

RETURN TO PRIVATE LIFE.-REPEAL OF THE MISSOURI

COMPROMISE.

Mr. Lincoln returns to the Practice of his Profession-His Affection for his Children-

His Absent-mindedness-He Studies Euclid-His Mechanical Skill-Anecdotes il-

lustrating his Practice of Law-Opinions of Judge Caton, Judge Breese, Judge

Drummond, and Judge Davis-Mr. Lincoln's Eulogy on Henry Clay-Admission of

California as a Free State-"Compromise Measures" of 1850-Election of Mr. Pierce

to the Presidency-Repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and Passage of the Kansas-

Nebraska Bill-Judge Douglas and Popular Sovereignty-Meeting of Douglas and

Lincoln at Springfield-At Peoria-Extract from Mr. Lincoln's Speech at Peoria-

Overthrow of the Democratic Party in Illinois-Election of Mr. Trumbull to the

United States Senate,
124

CHAPTER XI.

ORGANIZATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

Affairs in Kansas-Border Ruffians-Letter of Mr. Lincoln to Mr. Speed-State of the

Slavery Question-Mr. Lincoln attends a State Convention at Bloomington-Repub-

lican Party organized in Illinois-Mr. Lincoln's Speech at the Convention-Mr. Lin-

coln a Candidate for the Vice-presidency at the National Republican Convention

of 1856-Speech at Charleston, Illinois-Speech of Mr. Douglas at Springfield-Mr.

Lincoln's Reply-The Lecompton Constitution-Position of Mr. Douglas, . . . 144

CHAPTER XII.

CONTEST FOR THE SENATORSHIP.

...

Sketch of the previous History of Stephen A. Douglas-Mr. Lincoln's Opinion of him-

Mr. Douglas opposes the Lecompton Constitution-Democratic State Convention-

Eastern Republicans favor Mr. Douglas' Re-election-Views of the Republican

Party in Illinois-Republican State Convention-Resolution on the Dred Scott De-

cision and the Power of Congress over the Territories-Mr. Lincoln Nominated for

United States Senator-His Speech before the Convention-Speech of Mr. Douglas

at Chicago-His Misrepresentations of Mr. Lincoln-His Views on the Dred Scott

Decision-Mr. Lincoln's Reply-Illustrations of his Tact and Wit, .

154

CHAPTER XIII.

CONTEST FOR THE SENATORSHIP.

...

Mr. Lincoln proposes to Mr. Douglas a Joint Canvass of the State-Mr. Douglas de-

clines, but proposes Joint Debates in seven Districts-Mr. Lincoln commences his

Canvass of the State-His Reply to Douglas' Charge of Falsehood-Meeting of

Douglas and Lincoln at Ottawa-Mr. Douglas' Charges, and Mr. Lincoln's Replies-

Extract from Mr. Lincoln's Speech-Their Meeting at Freeport-Lincoln's Reply

to the Questions of Douglas-His Questions to Douglas-Answers of Douglas, and

Lincoln's Rejoinder-Triumph of Mr. Lincoln in the Popular Estimation-Objects

of Mr. Lincoln in the Campaign-Mr. Douglas Re-elected Senator by the Legisla-

ture,
179

CHAPTER XIV.

PREMONITIONS OF THE PRESIDENCY.

Mr. Lincoln in the Winter of 1858-9 delivers a Lecture on the History of Inventions-

His Popularity at the West-Letter to Dr. Canisius on Naturalization and Fusion-

Reception by the State Convention at Decatur-The Presentation of the Rails from

Macon County-Mr. Lincoln's Visit to Kansas-Extract from his Speech at Leaven-

worth-He Visits Ohio-Speaks at Columbus and Cincinnati-Extract from his

Speech at Cincinnati-Popular Sovereignty Doctrine of Mr. Douglas-Mr. Lincoln

Visits New York-Speaks at Cooper Institute-William C. Bryant presides at the

Meeting-Great Ability and Research displayed in the Speech-Extracts-Mr. Lin-

coln Visits the Five Points Mission-Goes to Connecticut, and speaks at Hartford,

New Haven, Meriden, &c.-His great Success as a Speaker-Anecdote related by

Rev. J. P. Gulliver-Mr. Lincoln Visits his Son at Cambridge, and returns to Illi-

nois,
195

CHAPTER XV.

PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTIONS OF 1860.-MR. LINCOLN'S

NOMINATION.

State of the Country in 1860-Southern Leaders Preparing for Secession-Knights of the

Golden Circle-Church and Press at the South-Cobb and Floyd-Opinions at the

North-Democratic Convention at Charleston-Mr. Yancey and the "Fire-eaters"-

Division of the Convention-Both Factions Adjourn without making Nominations-

National Constitutional Union Convention at Baltimore-Bell and Everett nominated

-Breckinridge nominated by the Fire-eaters, and Douglas by the regular Democratic

Convention-Mr. Lincoln's Story-Republican Convention at Chicago-Prominent

Candidates for the Nomination-The Party Platform-Balloting for President-Nom-

ination of Lincoln-Enthusiasm of the Convention and of the Spectators-Disap-

pointment of Mr. Seward's friends-Reception of the News at Springfield-The

Committee of the Convention visit Mr. Lincoln-Speech of Mr. Ashmun, the Chair-

man-Reply of Mr. Lincoln-His Letter Accepting the Nomination,.
216

CHAPTER XVI.

THE CAMPAIGN.-MR. LINCOLN'S ELECTION.

Mr. Lincoln visited by Multitudes of People-Anecdotes-The Prospect for the Future

-Mr. Lincoln's Views of the Duties of Christians and Ministers-His Conversation

with Mr. Bateman-His Religious Faith and Convictions-Apparent Contradictions

in Character-The Election of Mr. Lincoln Regarded as Certain-Course of the South-

ern Leaders-Silence of Mr. Lincoln during the Campaign-Election of Mr. Lincoln

-Popular Rejoicing at the North, and Exasperation at the South-Feeling of the

Republican Party-Effect upon Mr. Lincoln-An Optical Illusion-Visit to Chicago

-Anecdotes illustrating Mr. Lincoln's Love of Children-" Cabinet-making"-Mr.

Lincoln's Views, .

232

CHAPTER XVII.

MR. LINCOLN'S JOURNEY TO WASHINGTON.

Enormity of the Rebellion-Floyd-Black-Buchanan-Secession of several States-

Forts and Arsenals seized-Position of Mr. Stanton and Mr. Holt-Attempts to con-

ciliate the South-Condition of the Country-Mr. Lincoln leaves Springfield for

Washington-His Farewell Speech-His Speech at Indianapolis-Journey to Cin-

cinnati-Speeches at Cincinnati-Reception at Columbus-At Pittsburg-At Cleve-

land-At Buffalo-At Albany-At Poughkeepsie-At New York-At Trenton-At

Philadelphia-Plot against the President's Life-His Speech at Independence Hall

-Reception at Harrisburg-Journey to Washington, .

249

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE INAUGURATION.-OPENING OF THE WAR.

The Procession-Reception of the President by the People-The Inaugural Address-

Cabinet Appointments-Rebel Sympathizers in Office-Mr. Lincoln's pacific Policy

-Arrival of Rebel Commissioners in Washington-Surrender of Fort Sumter-Effect

upon the North-Proclamation of the President-Response of Massachusetts-At-

tack upon the Troops in Baltimore-Proclamation declaring a Blockade of Rebel

Ports-Position of Virginia-Secession of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and

Arkansas-Response to the Call of the President at the North and West-Mr. Doug-

las's Visit to Mr. Lincoln-His Devotion to the Country-Speeches in Illinois-His

Sickness and Death,
277

CHAPTER XIX.

FIRST SUMMER OF THE WAR.

Important Military Operations-Washington Relieved from Danger-Fortress Monroe

Reinforced-The Government Works at Harper's Ferry Blown Up and Abandoned

-Occupation of Cairo-Rebel Congress assembled at Montgomery-Message of

President Davis-President Lincoln's Call for additional Troops-Affairs in Missouri

-General Butler's "Contraband" Order-Battle of Big Bethel-Death of Colonel

Ellsworth-Battle of Bull Run-Agreement between Buckner and McClellan-Po-

sition of the Government in reference to Slavery-The State of Western Virginia

Organized-Battles of Laurel Hill and Rich Mountain-Special Session of Congress

-Message of the President-The Majority of Congress sustain the Government-

Mr. Crittenden's Resolution-Effect of the President's Inaugural and Message-Ap-

pointment of General McClellan to the Command of the Army of the Potomac, 305

CHAPTER XX.

FOREIGN RELATIONS.-FREMONT IN MISSOURI.

Results of the Bull Run Battle-Foreign Relations-Seward's Instructions to Minister

Adams-To our Ministers at other European Courts-Belligerent Rights of Rebels

recognized by England and France-Sympathy of England with the Rebellion-J.

C. Fremont appointed Major-general-Battle of Wilson's Creek-Condition of Mis-

souri-Fremont's Proclamation-Lincoln's Letter to Fremont-Modification of Fre-

mont's Proclamation-Letter of Hon. Joseph Holt-General Fremont and Colone!

Blair-Charges against Fremont-General Grant occupies Paducah, Kentucky-Sur-

render of Colonel Mulligan-General Fremont takes the Field-He is superseded

by General Hunter-General McClellan and the Army of the Potomac-General

Butler captures the Hatteras Forts-Munson's Hill occupied by the Rebels-Battle

of Ball's Bluff-Resignation of General Scott-Visit of the President and Cabinet

to General Scott-Appointment of General McClellan to the Chief Command-

Victory at Port Royal-Victories of General Grant in Missouri and General Nelson

in Kentucky-Instructions to General Butler on the subject of Slavery, .... 324

CHAPTER XXI.

THE TRENT AFFAIR. THE GOVERNMENT AND SLAVERY.

Capture of Mason and Slidell by Captain Wilkes-Difficulties with England-Letter of

Mr. Seward-Release of Mason and Slidell-Session of Congress-Message of the

President-The Question of Slavery-Mr. Lincoln's Regard for the Constitution and

the Laws-He Recommends Gradual Emancipation-Conference with Members of

Congress from the Border States-Address of the President-The Confiscation Act

-Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia-Letter of Mr. Greeley-Reply of

the President-Mr. Cameron's Resignation-Appointment of Mr. Stanton-Mr. Lin-

coln's Story,.

...

339

CHAPTER XXII.

CAMPAIGNS OF 1862.

General McClellan and the Army of the Potomac-Blockade of the Potomac-Order of

the President for a grand Movement of the Armies of the Union-Order to the

Army of the Potomac-General McClellan advises a different Plan from that pro-

posed in the President's Order-Mr. Lincoln's Reply to McClellan-McClellan's

Plan Adopted-Evacuation of Manassas-Orders of the President-Organization of

Army Corps-Blenker's Division ordered to join Fremont-Banks to attack Jack-

son-McDowell's Corps retained for the Defense of Washington-McClellan at York-

town-McClellan complains of the Inadequacy of his Force-Correspondence be-

tween McClellan and the Authorities at Washington-General Franklin's Division

sent to General McClellan-Evacuation of Yorktown-Battle of Williamsburgh-

Battle at West Point-Correspondence on the Subject of Army Corps-Mr. Lincoln's

"Little Story "-Capture of Norfolk-McClellan still Clamorous for Reinforcements

-Defeat of Banks-Defeat of the Rebels at Hanover Court-House-Battle of Fair

Oaks Further Correspondence-The "Seven Days' Fight," and Retreat to James

River-McClellan's Advice to the Government-The President at Harrison's Land-

ing-The Army of the Potomac returns to Alexandria-Failure of McClellan to Re-

inforce General Pope-The Rebels cross the Potomac-General McClellan appointed

to the Command of the Army in Virginia-Battles of South Mountain and Antietam

-General McClellan ordered to pursue the Rebels-Stuart's Raid-President's Let-

ter to General McClellan-The Army across the Potomac-McClellan relieved of his

Command-His Character-General Burnside appointed to the Command-Defeat

at Fredericksburg-Capture of Roanoke Island-New Orleans surrendered to Gen-

eral Butler-Military Affairs at the West,-.
358

CHAPTER XXIII.

PROCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION.

Mr. Lincoln's Proclamation in pursuance of the Confiscation Act-Fernando Wood's

Letters, advising Negotiation with the Rebels-The President's Replies-Mr. Lin-

coln's Letter to Mr. Hodges-Mr. Carpenter's Account of the Emancipation Procla-

mation-Cabinet Meeting-Opinions of Messrs. Chase, Blair and Seward-Mr. Bout-

well's Account-The Preliminary Proclamation issued-Its Reception by the People

-General McClellan's Order to the Army-The Emancipation Prociamation of

January 1st. 1863-Proclamation suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus-Criticisms

upon it-Circular Letter of the President on Sabbath-breaking in the Army-Letter

to Governor Shepley,
.387

CHAPTER XXIV.

SUSPENSION OF HABEAS CORPUS.-THE DRAFT.-CAM-

PAIGNS OF 1863.

Colonization Schemes of the President-Compensated Emancipation recommended-
Bill for Enrolling and Drafting the Militia-Financial Measures of Congress-Opin-
ions of the President-Western Virginia admitted to the Union-Representatives
from Louisiana admitted to Congress-Peace Agitations-Course of Vailandignam
of Ohio-His Arrest by General Burnside-Decision of Judge Leavitt-Vallandig-
ham's Trial and Sentence-Sentence modified by the President-Letter of Gov-
ernor Seymour-Vallandigham nominated for Governor by the Democratic Con-
vention of Ohio-The Committee of the Convention visit the President-The Pres-
ident's Reply to their Letter-Resolutions of the Albany Meeting-The President's
Reply-Universal Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus-The Draft-Riots :n
New York-Course of Governor Seymour-Action of the President-Elections of
1863-Letter from the Working Men of Manchester, England-The President's
Reply-Mr. Lincoln's Letter to J. C. Conkling-Military Events of the Year-Battle