Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

518 SPRINGFIELD, 1636-1886.
thoroughly talked up ou the train. The delegates began instinctively
to treat Mr. Ashmun as the coming man, and thus it was that the
eloquent advocate of Webster, Springfield's fallen whig leader, started
West as an almost unwilling spectator, and arrived at Chicago the rep-
resentative man from Massachusetts. The great wigwam, designed
by Architect Boyington, — formerl}^ a resident of Springfield, b}' the
way, — was thronged with an excited crowd. The Massachusetts
plan was at once laid before the leaders of the party. " Slavery is
sectional ; freedom is national ! " exclaimed David Wilmot, of Penn-
sylvania, the temporary chairman, and shortly afterward the conven-
tion gave six tremendous cheers as the old Springfield whig was
conducted by Carl Schurz and Preston King to the chair, the per-
manent president-elect. Mr. Ashmun's speech was short but warm,
with something of his old oratory.
Mr. Bowles accompanied ]Mr. Ashmun and the committee of the
convention to Springfield, 111., to deliver to Mr. Lincoln the great
message of the party. Mr. Bowles stood near Mr. Lincoln and Mr.
Ashmun while they were making their formal speeches, and after the
ceremony he wrote of Mr. Lincoln: "His face, which in repose
seemed of bronze, was at the instant of speaking lighted up by an
unmistakable fire of intelligence ;
and as soon as it was subsequently
relaxed by the gentle and rapid question and reply of conversation,
the warmth of a great heart shone out of every feature."
Some debate having arisen in the papers about Mr. Lincoln's first
name, he sent Mr. Ashmun the following letter :
Hon. George Ashmun :
—
—
Springfield, III., June 4, ISGO.
My Dear Sir, — It seems as if the question whether my first name is "Abraham"
or " Abram" wiU never be settled. It is " Abraham," and if the letter of
acceptance is not y^t in print, you may, if you think fit, have my signature thereto
printed " Abraham Lincoln." Exercise your judgment about this.
Yours, as ever,
A. Lincoln.