Looking towards the Presidency--The Illinois Republican Convention
of 1860--A "Send-Off" for Lincoln--The National Republican
Convention at Chicago--Contract of the Leading Candidates--Lincoln
Nominated--Scenes at the Convention--Sketches by
Eye-Witnesses--Lincoln Hearing the News--The Scene at
Springfield--A Visit to Lincoln at His Home--Recollections of a
Distinguished Sculptor--Receiving the Committee of the
Convention--Nomination of Douglas--Campaign of 1860--Various
Campaign Reminiscences--Lincoln and the Tall Southerner--The Vote
of the Springfield Clergy--A Graceful Letter to the Poet
Bryant--"Looking up Hard Spots"


CHAPTER XIV

Lincoln Chosen President--The Election of 1860--The Waiting-Time at
Springfield--A Deluge of Visitors--Various Impressions of the
President-Elect--Some Queer Callers--Looking over the Situation
with Friends--Talks about the Cabinet--Thurlow Weed's Visit to
Springfield--The Serious Aspect of National Affairs--The South in
Rebellion--Treason at the National Capital--Lincoln's Farewell
Visit to His Mother--The Old Sign, "Lincoln & Herndon"--The Last
Day at Springfield--Farewell Speech to Friends and Neighbors--Off
for the Capital--The Journey to Washington--Receptions and Speeches
along the Route--At Cincinnati: A Hitherto Unpublished Speech by
Lincoln--At Cleveland: Personal Descriptions of Mr. and Mrs.
Lincoln--At New York City: Impressions of the New President--Perils
of the Journey--The Baltimore Plot--Change of Route--Arrival at the
Capital