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''Abe'' Lincoln's Yarns and Stories - University of Macau Library

''Abe'' Lincoln's Yarns and Stories - University of Macau Library

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<strong>Yarns</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Stories</strong>, by Alex<strong>and</strong>er K. McClure 404however, Mr. Lincoln was induced to follow Douglas around the State <strong>and</strong>reply to him, but after one meeting at Peoria, where they both spoke, theyentered into an agreement to return to their homes <strong>and</strong> make no morespeeches during the campaign.SEEKS A SEAT IN THE SENATE.Mr. Lincoln made no secret at this time <strong>of</strong> his ambition to represent Illinoisin the United States Senate. Against his protest he was nominated <strong>and</strong>elected to the Legislature, but resigned his seat. His old rival, JamesShields, with whom he was once near to a duel, was then senator, <strong>and</strong> histerm was to expire the following year.A letter, written by Mr. Lincoln to a friend in Paris, Illinois, at this time isinteresting <strong>and</strong> significant. He wrote:"I have a suspicion that a Whig has been elected to the Legislature fromEagar. If this is not so, why, then, 'nix cum arous;' but if it is so, then couldyou not make a mark with him for me for United States senator? I reallyhave some chance."Another c<strong>and</strong>idate besides Mr. Lincoln was seeking the seat in the UnitedStates Senate, soon to be vacated by Mr. Shields. This was LymanTrumbull, an anti-slavery Democrat. When the Legislature met it wasfound that Mr. Lincoln lacked five votes <strong>of</strong> an election, while Mr. Trumbullhad but five supporters. After several ballots Mr. Lincoln feared thatTrumbull's votes would be given to a Democratic c<strong>and</strong>idate <strong>and</strong> hedetermined to sacrifice himself for the principle at stake. Accordingly heinstructed his friends in the Legislature to vote for Judge Trumbull, whichthey did, resulting in Trumbull's election.The Abolitionists in the West had become very radical in their views, <strong>and</strong>did not hesitate to talk <strong>of</strong> opposing the extension <strong>of</strong> slavery by the use <strong>of</strong>force if necessary. Mr. Lincoln, on the other h<strong>and</strong>, was conservative <strong>and</strong>counseled moderation. In the meantime many outrages, growing out <strong>of</strong> theextension <strong>of</strong> slavery, were being perpetrated on the borders <strong>of</strong> Kansas <strong>and</strong>

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