Whitney, H. C. Lincoln the Citizen (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ...elected to fill the vacancy of nearly a month. Lincoln and Logan were both candidates for the succession, but the latter withdrew, in consequence, probably, of an agreement that he should run next time. He presented Lincoln's name to the convention, which met at Petersburgh in May, 1846, and the latter was unanimously nominated. The Democrats nominated Rev. Peter Cartwright, the most eminent and widely known Methodist preacher in the State. Cartwright was an untiring worker and personally very popular, owing to his force of character. The canvass on both sides was made with great vigor and spirit, not to say acrimony. Cartwright appealed to the prejudices of the religious community against Lincoln, branding him as an infidel, which was a more terrible accusation then than now. That the reverend gentleman took no pride in this canvass is patent in this, that in an autobiography published by him afterwards the circumstance is not alluded to at all. Lincoln was elected by an unprecedented majority--1,511 votes--the usual majority in the district being about 500. This was a great honor, in view of the kind of canvass which was made against him. The principal subject for political consideration was the Mexican War, which was then waging. In Illinois the war was popular, even among the Whigs. Hardin and Baker, both Whigs, fought in it, and Hardin was killed at Buena Vista. Lincoln partook of the spirit of the time, and made a fervent war speech to his constituents on May 29, 1847. In December, 1847, he appeared in Congress, the only Whig from Illinois; his Democratic colleagues from Illinois being: Robert Smith, from Alton; John A. McClernand, from Shawneetown; Orlando B. Ficklin, from Charleston; William A. Richardson, from Rushville;...