The material for this study has been brought together from many sources. Through the kindness of Mrs. James W. Patton of Springfield, Illinois, I have had access to a valuable collection of letters written by Douglas to her father, Charles H. Lanphier, Esq., editor of the Illinois _State Register_. Judge Robert M. Douglas of North Carolina has permitted me to use an autobiographical sketch of his father, as well as other papers in the possession of the family. Among those who have lightened my labors, either by copies of letters penned by Douglas or by personal recollections, I would mention with particular gratitude the late Mrs. L.K. Lippincott ("Grace Greenwood"); Mr. J.H. Roberts and Stephen A. Douglas, Esq. of Chicago; Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller and the late Hon. Robert E. Hitt of Washington. With his wonted generosity, Mr. James F. Rhodes has given me the benefit of his wide acquaintance with the newspapers of the period, which have been an invaluable aid in the interpretation of Douglas's career. Finally, by personal acquaintance and conversation with men who knew him, I have endeavored to catch the spirit of those who made up the great mass of his constituents. Brunswick, Maine, November, 1907. CONTENTS BOOK I. THE CALL OF THE WEST CHAPTER I FROM THE GREEN MOUNTAINS TO THE PRAIRIES 3 CHAPTER II THE RISE OF THE POLITICIAN 18 CHAPTER III LAW AND POLITICS 51 CHAPTER IV UNDER THE AEGIS OF ANDREW JACKSON 68 CHAPTER V MANIFEST DESTINY 84 CHAPTER VI WAR AND POLITICS 109 CHAPTER VII THE MEXICAN CESSION 127 BOOK II. THE DOCTRINE OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY CHAPTER VIII SENATOR AND CONSTITUENCY 145 CHAPTER IX MEASURES OF ADJUSTMENT 166 CHAPTER X YOUNG AMERICA 191 CHAPTER XI THE KANSAS-NEBRASKA ACT 220 CHAPTER XII BLACK REPUBLICANISM 260 CHAPTER XIII THE TESTING OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY 281 BOOK III. THE IMPENDING CRISIS CHAPTER XIV THE PERSONAL EQUATION 309 CHAPTER XV THE REVOLT OF DOUGLAS 324 CHAPTER XVI THE JOINT DEBATES WITH LINCOLN 348 CHAPTER XVII THE AFTERMATH 393 CHAPTER XVIII THE CAMPAIGN OF 1860 412 CHAPTER XIX THE MERGING OF THE PARTISAN IN THE PATRIOT 442 CHAPTER XX THE SUMMONS 475 BOOK I THE CALL OF THE WEST CHAPTER I FROM THE GREEN MOUNTAINS TO THE PRAIRIES