Though this work may not rise to the height required, it is hoped that it is not utterly unworthy of the subject. Such as it is--a labor of love--it is offered to those who loved and labored with the patriot and hero, with the earnest desire that it may not be regarded an unwarrantable intrusion upon ground on which any might hesitate to venture. F. C. _Philadelphia, June, 1865._ CONTENTS CHAPTER I. BOYHOOD AND EARLY MANHOOD. Preliminary--Birth of Abraham Lincoln--Removal from Kentucky--At Work--Self Education--Personal Characteristics--Another Removal --Trip to New Orleans--Becomes Clerk--Black Hawk War--Engages in Politics--Successive Elections to the Legislature--Anti-Slavery Protest--Commences Practice as a Lawyer--Traits of Character-- Marriage--Return to Politics--Election to Congress 13 CHAPTER II. IN CONGRESS AND ON THE STUMP. The Mexican War--Internal Improvements--Slavery in the District of Columbia--Public Lands--Retires to Private Life-- Kansas-Nebraska Bill--Withdraws in Favor of Senator Trumbull-- Formation of Republican Party--Nominated for U. S. Senator-- Opening Speech of Mr. Lincoln--Douglas Campaign--The Canvass-- Tribute to the Declaration of Independence--Result of the Contest 19 CHAPTER III. BEFORE THE NATION. Speeches in Ohio--Extract from the Cincinnati Speech--Visits the East--Celebrated Speech at the Cooper Institute, New York--Interesting Incident 34 CHAPTER IV. NOMINATED AND ELECTED PRESIDENT. The Republican National Convention--Democratic Convention-- Constitutional Union Convention--Ballotings at Chicago-- The Result--Enthusiastic Reception--Visit to Springfield-- Address and Letter of Acceptance--The Campaign--Result of the Election--South Carolina’s Movements--Buchanan’s Pusillanimity--Secession of States--Confederate Constitution-- Peace Convention--Constitutional Amendments--Terms of the Rebels 60 CHAPTER V. TO WASHINGTON. The Departure--Farewell Remarks--Speech at Toledo--At Indianapolis--At Cincinnati--At Columbus--At Steubenville-- At Pittsburgh--At Cleveland--At Buffalo--At Albany--At Poughkeepsie--At New York--At Trenton--At Philadelphia--At “Independence Hall”--Flag Raising--Speech at Harrisburg-- Secret Departure for Washington--Comments 67 CHAPTER VI. THE NEW ADMINISTRATION. Speeches at Washington--The Inaugural Address--Its Effect-- The Cabinet--Commissioners from Montgomery--Extracts from A. H. Stephens’ Speech--Virginia Commissioners--Fall of Fort Sumter 90 CHAPTER VII. PREPARING FOR WAR.