Chapter XV

The struggle in Kansas.--The South begins the struggle.--The North meets it.--The Missourians and other proslavery forces.--Andrew H. Reeder appointed governor.--Election frauds.--Mr. Lincoln's views on Kansas.--Gov. Shannon arrives in the Territory.--The Free State men repudiate the Legislature.--Mr. Lincoln's "little speech" to the Abolitionists of Illinois.--Mr. Lincoln's party relations.--Mr. Lincoln agrees to meet the Abolitionists.--Convention at Bloomington.--Mr. Lincoln considered a convert.--His great speech.--Conservative resolutions.--Ludicrous failure of a ratification meeting at Springfield.--Mr. Lincoln's remarks.--Plot to break up the Know-Nothing party.--"National" Republican Convention.--Mr. Lincoln receives a hundred and ten votes for Vice-President.--National Democratic Convention.--Mr. Lincoln a candidate for elector.--His canvass.--Confidential letter.--Imperfect fellowship with the Abolitionists.--Mr. Douglas's speech on Kansas in June, 1857.--Mr. Lincoln's reply.--Mr. Douglas committed to support of the Lecompton Constitution.--The Dred Scott Decision discussed.--Mr. Lincoln against negro equality.--Affairs in Kansas.--Election of a new Legislature.--Submission of the Lecompton Constitution to the people.--Method of voting on it.--Constitution finally rejected.--Conflict in Congress.--Mr. Douglas's defection.--Extract from a speech by Mr. Lincoln........366

CHAPTER XVI.

Mr. Douglas opposes the Administration.--His course in Congress.--Squatter sovereignty in full operation.--Mr. Lincoln's definition of popular sovereignty and squatter sovereignty.--Mr. Douglas's private conferences with Republicans.--"Judge Trumbull's opinion.--Mr. Douglas nominated for senator by a Democratic Convention.--Mr. Lincoln's idea of what Douglas might accomplish at Charleston.--Mr. Lincoln writing a celebrated speech.--He is nominated for senator.--A startling doctrine.--A council of friends.--Same doctrine advanced at Bloomington.--The "house-divided" speech.--Mr. Lincoln promises to explain.--What Mr. Lincoln thought of Mr. Douglas.--What Mr. Douglas thought of Mr. Lincoln.--Popular canvass for senator.--Mr. Lincoln determines to "kill Douglas" as a Presidential aspirant.--Adroit plan to draw him out on squatter sovereignty.--Absurdities of Mr. Douglas.--The election.--Success of Mr. Douglas.--Reputation acquired by Mr. Lincoln..................389

CHAPTER XVII.

Mr. Lincoln writes and delivers a lecture.--The Presidency.--Mr. Lincoln's "running qualities."--He thinks himself unfit.--Nominated by "Illinois Gazette."--Letter to Dr. Canisius.--Letter to Dr. Wallace on the protective tariff policy.--Mr. Lincoln in Ohio and Kansas.--A private meeting of his friends.--Permitted to use his name for the Presidency.--An invitation to speak in New York.--Choosing a subject.--Arrives in New York.--His embarrassments.--Speech in Cooper Institute.--Comments of the press.--He is charged with mercenary conduct.--Letter concerning the charge.--Visits New England.--Style and character of his speeches.--An amusing encounter with a clerical politician...421

CHAPTER XVIII.

Meeting of the Republican State Convention.--Mr. Lincoln present.--John Hanks and the rails.--Mr. Lincoln's speech.--Meeting of the Republican National Convention at Chicago.--The platform.--Combinations to secure Mr. Lincoln's nomination.--The balloting.--Mr. Lincoln nominated.--Mr. Lincoln at Springfield waiting the results of the Convention.--How he received the news.--Enthusiasm at Springfield.--Official notification.--The "Constitutional Union" party.--The Democratic Conventions at Charleston and Baltimore.--The election.--The principle upon which Mr. Lincoln proposed to make appointments.--Mr. Stephens.--Mr. Gilmore.--Mr. Guthrie.--Mr. Seward.--Mr. Chase.--Mr. Bates.--The cases of Smith and Cameron.--Mr. Lincoln's visit to Chicago.--Mr. Lincoln's visit to his relatives in Coles County.--Apprehensions about assassination.--A visit from Hannah Armstrong... 444

CHAPTER XIX.

Difficulties and peculiarities of Mr. Lincoln's position.--A general review of his character.--His personal appearance and habits.--His house and other property.--His domestic relations.--His morbid melancholy and superstition.--Illustrated by his literary tastes.--His humor.--His temperate habits and abstinence from sensual pleasures.--His ambition.--Use of politics for personal advancement.--Love of power and place.--Of justice.--Not a demagogue or a trimmer.--His religious views.--Attempt of the Rev. Mr. Smith to convert him.--Mr. Bateman's story as related by Dr. Holland.--Effect of his belief upon his mind and character...........466

CHAPTER XX.

Departure of the Presidential party from Springfield.--Affecting address by Mr. Lincoln to his friends and neighbors.--His opinions concerning the approaching civil war.--Discovery of a supposed plot to murder him at Baltimore.--Governor Hicks's proposal to "kill Lincoln and his men."--The plan formed to defeat the conspiracy.--The midnight ride from Harrisburg to Washington.--Arrival in Washington.--Before the Inauguration.--Inauguration Day.--Inaugural Address.--Mr. Lincoln's Oath.--Mr. Lincoln President of the United States.--Mr. Buchanan bids him farewell............505

LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.