It is not of much importance now to any one whether Douglas is loved
or hated, admired or despised. It is of some importance that he
be understood.

I have derived this narrative mainly from original sources. The
biography written during his life-time by his friend Sheahan, and
that published two years after his death by his admirer, Flint,
are chiefly drawn on for the brief account of his early life.
The history of his career in Congress has been gathered from the
Congressional record; the account of Conventions from contemporary
reports, and the Debates with Lincoln from the authorized publication.

I have not consciously taken any liberty with any text quoted,
except to omit superfluous words, which omissions are indicated by
asterisks. I have not attempted to pronounce judgement on Douglas
or his contemporaries, but to submit the evidence. Not those who
write, but those who read, pass final judgement on the heroes of
biography.





Chapter I. Youth.




Stephen Arnold Douglas was born at Brandon, Vermont, on the 23rd
of April, 1813. His father was a physician, descended from Scotch