CHAPTER VI

Lincoln in National Politics--His Congressional
Aspirations--Law-Partnership of Lincoln and Herndon--The
Presidential Campaign of 1844--Visit to Henry Clay--Lincoln Elected
to Congress--Congressional Reputation--Acquaintance with
Distinguished Men--First Speech in Congress--"Getting the Hang" of
the House--Lincoln's Course on the Mexican War--Notable Speech in
Congress--Ridicule of General Cass--Bill for the Abolition of
Slavery--Delegate to the Whig National Convention of 1848--Stumping
the Country for Taylor--Advice to Young Politicians--"Old Abe"--A
Political Disappointment--Lincoln's Appearance as an Officer Seeker
in Washington--"A Divinity that Shapes Our Ends"


CHAPTER VII

Lincoln again in Springfield--Back to the Circuit--His Personal
Manners and Appearance--Glimpses of Home-Life--His Family--His
Absent-Mindedness--A Painful Subject--Lincoln a Man of
Sorrows--Familiar Appearance on the Streets of Springfield--Scenes
in the Law-Office--Forebodings of a "Great of Miserable End"--An
Evening Whit Lincoln in Chicago--Lincoln's Tenderness to His
Relatives--Death of His Father--A Sensible Adviser--Care of His
Step-Mother--Tribute From Her


CHAPTER VIII

Lincoln as a Lawyer--His Appearance in Court--Reminiscences of a