AFF Neoowslerrtte r ottf thhe Aeebra h aPmP Lieencoooln Appssoclliaeteion V ol ume 7, Numb er 4 Wi n ter 2005 Spr i n g f i el d, I l l i n oi s

The -Stephen Douglas Joint Debates and the Communication of the Newspaper

By Philip Silberman * the first debate at Ottawa, twelve thou - and Douglas in Ottawa, Twelve Thou - n the modern day, television and sand people gathered in the public park sand Persons Present, The Dred Scott 3 the Internet are the main sources of where it was held. In the second debate Champion Pulverized.” It followed information to people throughout at Freeport, fifteen thousand people with a short synopsis of the debate as Ithe United States. However, in 1858, attended, this in a town with a popula - well as verbatim speeches from both during the famous Lincoln-Douglas tion of about five thousand at the time. Douglas and Lincoln. The reason Dou - Debates, the newspaper was the only In Jonesboro, the smallest crowd came glas was said to have lost was because engine of mass communication. The at two thousand people. Twelve thou - of Chicago’s large number of Republi - debates were covered by many national sand attended at Charleston, sixteen can and generally abolitionist popula - and local newspapers and propelled thousand at Galesburg, twelve thou - tion. The publishing of the speeches Abraham Lincoln into the national sand at Quincy, and six thousand at was an important aspect of the article, 2 spotlight. Lincoln, although losing the Alton. The Alton crowd, however, however. When a person in Chicago, senatorial race, became known all over contained many people from the state or anywhere else, read the newspaper the country because of the newspaper of Missouri, providing further evidence and read Lincoln’s speeches, they reports and accounts, and two years of the effectiveness of the mass press. would communicate Lincoln’s ideas later was nominated for the presidency. To understand the exact communica - and his popularity would be spread, The debates, and the communication tion used, specific articles should be even if they did not necessarily agree of them by the newspapers on both a looked at from the larger debates, with him and his policies. The publish - local and national scale, are what gave specifically, the debates at Ottawa, ing of the speeches, especially the Lincoln the popularity he needed to Freeport, and Alton. Ottawa ones, was a key part in the win the presidential nomination as well The first debate took place at spread of Lincoln’s popularity. The as the presidency itself. Ottawa on August 21, 1858, in the Ottawa speeches are important because In late July 1858, Abraham Lin - confines of a public park. The area was Lincoln had the advantage throughout coln, a relatively unknown lawyer, chal - mainly abolitionist Republican territo - the crowd and technically won the lenged the incumbent senator, Stephen ry, giving Lincoln the advantage. Of debate. This is further proven in the Douglas, to a series of joint debates the twelve thousand people that second headline. across the state of Illinois. Douglas reported to the debate, many of them The second headline was also from accepted the challenge and the two were from Chicago and had taken the Chicago Daily Press and Tribune two agreed on seven locations, Freeport, advantage of the cheap railroad rates days after the debate. The headline Ottawa, Galesburg, Quincy, Alton, from the city. It was even published in read: “Rich and Rare Development, Jonesboro, and Charleston. Newspa - the newspaper, about how cheap the The Back-Bone and Muscle of Dou - pers would also publish each debate, railroad would be. On August 18 and glas’ Ottawa Speech Proved to be a Lie 4 many using the verbatim speeches of again on August 21, times for a special and a Fraud.” This is what helped to the candidates. An important part of train to and from Ottawa were listed, cement Lincoln’s victory to the public the newspapers though, was that they and prices were cut in half because of eye. The article established Lincoln as brought people into the audience. The the occasion. This communication was the clear victor over Douglas. Again, Chicago Times specifically headlined: important in the attendance of the the exact speeches of both men were “An Audience Wanted” on July 30, debate and, in turn, in conveying Lin - published. Now, though, Lincoln was 1 1858 for the upcoming debates. The coln’s ideas and spreading his popular - seen as a strong candidate, not simply power of the newspaper advertisement ity. The Chicago Daily Press and Tribune an insignificant lawyer from Spring- is evident when looking at the number had two separate reports concerning field. Another part in the article that of people that attended the debates. In this debate with the headline: “Lincoln continued on page 4 2 For the People

Lincoln: The Lawyer

17 By Rachel Doherty * but that was all.” He did not start study - Truett was acquitted. This trial was n a stormy night in Hardin ing law until after the 1834 election. very helpful to Lincoln’s law career County, Kentucky, on February During the election his future partner because it showed, for the first time, 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln John T. Stuart commented to him that how powerfully and persuasively he 10 Owas born. He was the son of a Kentucky he should study law. could perform before a jury. frontiersman and grew up in a In the fall of 1836 he received his Perhaps his most famous case, how - respectable home. His father owned law license. The following year, on ever, was the Duff Case. In this case, he 586 1/2 acres of farmland, two lots in March 1, Lincoln was admitted to the defended William “Duff” Armstrong 1 11 Elizabethtown, and some livestock. Illinois Bar. He was twenty-nine at the on a murder charge in 1858. Duff was Lincoln looked up to and respected his time and had been living in Illinois for the son of an old friend of Lincoln, who mother, having said: “All that I am, or seven years. There were four judges who was now dead. The entire case rested on hope to be, I owe it all to my angel had admitted Lincoln to the Bar, and the eyewitness Charles Allen. Allen 2 mother.” Unfortunately Lincoln’s they were William Wilson, Samuel D. claimed he saw Duff kill James Metzler mother died when he was just ten years Lockwood, Theophilus W. Smith, and by the light from the full moon at about old. He was named after his grandfa - Thomas C. Browne. Three years later, eleven o’clock, at about 150 feet away. ther, Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lin - on December 9, 1839, Judge Nathaniel Lincoln appeared quite confident about coln Jr. did not know his grandfather Pope admitted Lincoln to practice in the this case, for during Allen’s testimony, 12 well though, and has said: “I don’t United States Circuit Court System. he stared at the ceiling, bored and unim - know who my grandfather was, but I As a young lawyer Lincoln quite pressed. When the time came for him to am more concerned to know who my often worried his client. He did not cross-examine Allen, he asked to use an 3 grandson will be.” argue over every little point, he was not almanac from 1857, and the judge Growing up Lincoln had a variety contentious, and he was flexible with allowed it. Lincoln then asked Allen to of jobs. At the age of nineteen he was minor points, not being bothered if he read out loud the entry for August 29, hired by James Gentry as bow hand and was wrong. He had good humor that 1857, the night of the murder. The made only eight dollars a month. He disarmed the jury, but made his clients truth that ended the case came right out left his home in early 1830 to move to fret that he was giving away too much of Allen’s mouth—there was no full New Salem, a tiny pioneer settlement information. Sometimes he would seem moon that night, nor was any part of 4 near Petersburg, Illinois. During the a bit surprised and slightly confused by the moon visible at eleven o’clock. The 18 winter of 1830 and 1831 Lincoln, Lin - a case, but sooner or later he would usu - jury found Duff not guilty. Lincoln 13 coln’s stepbrother John D. Johnson, and ally master it. Even so, if he found out won the case and did the entire thing for 19 took a flatboat of produce during the course of a case that he was free. from Beardstown, Illinois, to New on the wrong side, he would lose all Lincoln’s honor as an advocate 14 Orleans. He was paid ten dollars a interest in it. before a jury was acknowledged by 5 month. The next summer he moved to Logan, in particular, was very other lawyers of his time as a very high 20 Sangamon County, where he lived for impressed with Lincoln’s unusual grasp order. He appeared as council in the 6 the next six years. He studied English of cases. William Herndon thought he Supreme Court of Illinois, the highest grammar when he was twenty-three. practiced best in the Supreme Court, court of the state, in some 175 cases, For a while he even considered becom - because those cases were never rushed something rarely achieved by any ing a blacksmith. In 1819, when asked or hurried. Lincoln and his partners had lawyer, even today. He also appeared what his future would be, he replied: one of the largest appellate practices in alone as counsel in 51 cases, and of “I’m going to be the President of the Illinois, and argued more than four hun - those, 31 were in his favor, and as asso - 7 15 21 United States.” Later in his life, looking dred cases before the Supreme Court. ciate council in 124 cases. back on that comment, he said: “I did - Lincoln had a number of very During Lincoln’s career, he had a n’t know then I had sense enough to be famous cases. His first major case was total of three law partners. The first one 8 16 a lawyer.” the trial of Henry B. Truett. Truett was was Stuart. They became partners in Lincoln was not the most intelli - charged in the Sangamon County Cir - 1837. Then, on May 14, 1841, Logan 22 gent man. His knowledge of the law cuit in 1838 with the murder of Rev - became Lincoln’s second partner. His and its technologies was limited—even erend M. Early. Coincidently, the oppos - most famous partnership, however, was his partners admitted it. Stephen T. ing attorney was Stephen Douglas. Lin - with Herndon. In 1844 the Lincoln- Logan has said: “He was not much of a coln argued that Early had threatened Logan partnership dissolved, and Lin - 9 reader.” Lincoln too acknowledged the Truett with a “deadly weapon”—an coln took Herndon on as a junior part - 23 fact, because he said: “I could read, upraised chair—and only shot Early in ner. Lincoln and Herndon were quite write, and cipher by the Rule of Three, self-defense. Lincoln was successful and continued on page 6 For the People 3

THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION RICHARD E. H ART President BARBARA HUGHETT Abraham Lincoln Association ROBERT J. L ENZ ROBERT WILLARD Vice-Presidents Student Award THOMAS F. S CHWARTZ Secretary ROBERT A. S TUART JR. Treasurer he Association is proud to pub - Lincoln Legal Papers; 1989, Don E. ROGER D. B RIDGES lish in this issue the two essays Fehrenbacher, author and teacher, for Immediate Past-President selected to receive the 2005 his outstanding contribution to the MARY SHEPHERD Executive Assistant TAbraham Lincoln Association Student advancement of Lincoln scholarship; Board of Directors Awards. The purpose of the awards is 1989, Richard N. Current, author and Kenneth L. Anderson to recognize the best research papers teacher, for his outstanding contribu - Molly M. Becker and best media projects on Abraham tion to the advancement of Lincoln Michael Burlingame Lincoln submitted at the annual Illi - scholarship; 1984, Floyd S. Barringer, Brooks Davis Rodney O. Davis nois History Expo. Projects are devel - M.D., President of the Association, for Robert S. Eckley oped by students in middle school and his service to the Association and to his Allen C. Guelzo high school. Two $500 prizes are pre - efforts in resuming a regular publica - Kathryn M. Harris Earl W. Henderson Jr. sented each year to the award-winning tion program resulting in The Papers of Fred B. Hoffmann students. Winners often go on to com - the Abraham Lincoln Association; David Joens pete at the National History Fair. Pre - 1972, Paul Findley, Congressman of Ron J. Keller Lee McTurnan senting these student awards is one of the 20th Illinois District, for his untir - Richard W. Maroc the most important and satisfying ing efforts in the creation of the Lin - Myron Marty aspects of fulfilling the Association’s coln Home National Historic Park; Richard Mills Susan Mogerman mission. 1971, Nelson O. Howarth, Mayor of Georgia Northrup This is an appropriate opportunity Springfield, for the constancy of his Phillip S. Paludan to review the other awards and prizes efforts in preserving the Lincoln Home James W. Patton III Mark Plummer sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Area as a worthy memorial to Abra - Marvin Sanderman Association. ham Lincoln; 1969, George W. Bunn William G. Shepherd Jr., President of the Association, for his Brooks D. Simpson Daniel W. Stowell The Logan Hay Medal guidance of the Association and most Nicky Stratton especially in the production of the Col - Louise Taper The purpose of the Logan Hay lected Works of Abraham Lincoln; Donald R. Tracy Andy Van Meter Medal is to recognize individuals who 1968, Oliver J. Keller, President of the Margaret Van Meter have made noteworthy contributions Association, posthumously, for his Daniel R. Weinberg to the mission of the Association: to efforts in reactivating the Association Stewart L. Winger Kenneth J. Winkle observe each anniversary of the birth of and restoration of the Old State Capi - Honorary Directors Abraham Lincoln; to preserve and tol; 1967, Otto Kerner, Governor of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich make more accessible the landmarks Illinois, for his efforts in the restoration Senator Richard Durbin associated with his life; and to actively of the Old State Capitol. Senator Barack Obama Congressman Ray LaHood encourage, promote, and aid the col - Congressman John Shimkus lection and dissemination of authentic Lincoln the Lawyer Award Justice Rita Garman information regarding all phases of his Mayor Timothy J. Davlin Emeritus Directors life and career. The award was estab - The Lincoln the Lawyer Award is John R. Chapin lished in 1967 by the Association and presented to recognize individuals who Cullom Davis the descendants of past Association reflect the character and ideals of Abra - John J. Trutter President Logan Hay, who played an ham Lincoln in their legal careers. The Harlington Wood Jr. Distinguished Directors important part in the Association’s award is given infrequently. Past recipi - Mario M. Cuomo formative years. The bronze medal is ents are: 2000, Elmer Gertz, World- David Herbert Donald awarded infrequently and is the highest renowned Chicago Civil Rights Attor - John Hope Franklin honor given by the Association. Past ney; 1998, Joseph H. Hartzler, United Harry V. Jaffa Robert W. Johannsen recipients are: 2002, Thomas F. States Attorney for the Central District Garry Wills Schwartz, Illinois State Historian; of Illinois; 1992, The Honorable 2000, Cullom Davis, Director, The continued on page 7 4 For the People

The Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas Joint Debates and the Communication of the Newspaper

continued from page 1 Evening Post had similar reports. They taken Lincoln’s side and interpreted a bashed Douglas was, “The Douglas did not report with great bias, but second victory for him. The impor - Forgery.” This section was before the complimented Lincoln, saying he was a tance of this debate, however, was not speech, and accused Douglas of forgery worthy candidate and a good choice by to be realized until 1860. During the and fraud in his speeches during the the Republicans. The Baltimore Sun, on debate Lincoln asked Douglas: “Can Ottawa debate. This entire article was August 27, published excerpts from a the people of a United States Territory, conceived mainly because of Chicago’s letter taken from the New York Express, in any lawful way, against the wish of political stance. Chicago, being the praising both candidates. The newspa - any citizen of the United States, more Republican and abolitionist city, per also pointed out: “The political exclude slavery from its limits prior to had their own interpretation of the campaign in Illinois is becoming decid - the formation of a State Constitu - 8 events during the debate. There was, edly warm and interesting, and begins tion?” Douglas’s reply would be however, some truth to these allega - to attract no little attention throughout known after as the Freeport Doctrine, 6 tions. In his speech Douglas called Lin - the country.” The debates were even though he was only restating his coln a saloonkeeper from New Salem, becoming more and more known as views. He stood firmly behind popular as well as claiming that he was conspir - time went on, as was Lincoln. The St. sovereignty, but his views ended up ing secretly to “abolitionize” the Whig Louis Morning Herald published on being too radical for the South, 4 Party he himself was a part of. This August 24 a letter sent in from a person because of the recent Dred Scott Deci - information was all incorrect however. who attended the debate. The author sion. It ended up splitting Democrats Lincoln was not a saloonkeeper in New of the letter concluded saying Douglas over the issue, with the South against Salem and at no point during the sena - was the victor. This letter was probably Douglas, and the North for him. This torial race was he trying to “abolition - published to promote Douglas because is what cost him the presidential seat. If ize” the Whig Party. National reports Missouri was a Southern slaveholding he had kept the Democrats united, he differed on the debates as well, but state. As shown, the debates were pub - may have mustered enough votes to even if they were different, they still licized all over the country and the defeat Lincoln, but in the end he did helped to spread Lincoln’s popularity name Abraham Lincoln became much not, even with his senatorial victory. across the country. more commonly known. The local newspapers did not brand it Nationally, the Ottawa debate was The second debate was to take as anything too important, though it interpreted in different ways. The place on August 27, 1858, at the town turned out to be extremely beneficial to importance, however, does not lie in of Freeport. The Chicago Press and Trib - Lincoln in his run for the presidency. what was reported, but just the fact une reported on August 26 the times Reports of the Freeport debate that it was reported. It was reported in for the railroad that will be going to were published nationally, just as the such cities as Philadelphia, New York, and from Freeport as well as a 60 per - Ottawa debate was. Specifically, the Boston, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Each cent reduction in fares. The outpouring debate was published often in Missouri of these newspapers, though, showed of people was tremendous. The town and New York. In New York the details their own bias. The Philadelphia Press had a population of only five thousand of the debate were published in the reported on August 26: “The Cam - people at the time, yet fifteen thousand Evening Post and the New York Daily paign in Illinois, Great Discussion people, three times the town popula - Tribune. On September 2 the Evening between Douglas and Lincoln. tion, attended the debate. The Chicago Post issued a quick synopsis of the Immense Enthusiasm. The Little Giant Press and Tribune ’s report of the debate debate day, but did not really discuss 5 Triumphant. 20,000 People Present.” headlined: “Great Debate Between the actual debate. They described the In this newspaper, the reporters Lincoln and Douglas at Freeport, Fif - scene, mainly, and the tremendous claimed that Douglas, not Lincoln, had teen Thousand Persons Present. The number of people that attended. It was triumphed in the debate. They also got Dred Scott Champion ‘Trotted Out’ the Evening Post ’s September 7 report the incorrect number of people, over and ‘Brought to His Milk.’ It Proves to that actually dealt with the debates exaggerating to twenty thousand from be Stump-Tailed. Great Caving-in on themselves, as well as the Freeport twelve thousand, to make it seem as the Ottawa Forgery. He Was ‘Consci - Doctrine. They said Douglas was “cor - though Douglas had more support and entious’ about It. Why Chase’s Amend - nered” by Lincoln’s questions and then had a stronger victory. Although the ment Was Voted Down. Lincoln Tum - claimed to be the “upholder of the author goes on to call Lincoln “the bles Him All over Stephenson County. Dred Scott decision, and also of popu - 9 worst used-up man in the United Verbatim Report of Lincoln’s Speech. lar sovereignty.” He then went to on 5 States,” his name became known. The Douglas’ Reply and Lincoln’s Rejoin - say that what the Supreme Court says 7 Boston Daily Advertiser and New York’s der.” Once again the newspaper had makes no difference on slavery, making For the People 5 him in opposition to the Dred Scott amiable toward Douglas and were very spread the hate of Lincoln as well as the Decision. That, in essence, is what supportive of Lincoln. The Illinois State hate of Douglas. After the Freeport truly angered the Southern Democrats, Register, as well as the other newspa - Doctrine, Southern newspapers were and divided the party. In Missouri the pers, mentioned the fact that there against Douglas, and they were always Daily Missouri Democrat was in support were many people from out of state in against Lincoln because of his Republi - of Douglas, while the Missouri Republi - attendance, mainly people from St. can status. Inadvertently, the Southern can was in support of Lincoln. All of Louis and other parts of Missouri. This newspaper coverage of the debates these newspapers, however, managed was what made the debate more could be looked at as a cause of the to communicate the Freeport Doc - important, the fact that the debates had Civil War. Their coverage spread the trine. Since the Freeport Doctrine was become famous enough so that out-of- hate of Lincoln by branding him as an spread throughout the country by the state attendance was close to that of in- abolitionist, and naturally, Southerners newspapers and the Democrats were state attendance. The debates were hated abolitionists. Thus, in 1860 split, it was made impossible for a famous, and so were Douglas and Lin - when he was elected, secession was Democratic candidate to win against a coln. The Chicago Press and Tribune, bound to occur. The South was backed popular Republican. Thus, with the again siding with Lincoln and giving into a corner and could not risk the loss communication of the Freeport Doc - verbatim speeches, described the scene of slavery, so they had no choice but to trine, and the split of the Democratic in the same sense, especially the White secede. Overall, the national coverage Party, Lincoln was seemed more and Cloud steamer from St. Louis that car - in the North was mainly positive, and more like a possible presidential candi - ried a full load of people. In all, the seeing this country lawyer fare so well date. importance was mainly in that of fame against Douglas, Lincoln soon became The Alton debate at was the last and popularity, that made it more the obvious choice for the presidency. important debate between Douglas important than some of the other From July to October of 1858 and Lincoln. The Alton debate took debates. Since Lincoln’s popularity had Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Dou - place on October 15, 1858. Just like obviously become huge in Illinois, his glas partook in some of the finest the other debates, there were published national success must be looked at as debates in the history of the United train schedules for trains that would go well. States. In all, there were seven debates to and from Alton. It was different this Around the country, this debate across Illinois with attendance as large time, though, because it was not only was publicized in generally the same as sixteen thousand people. The impor - advertised in Illinois, but also in Mis - manner. Most of the newspapers wrote tance of the debates, however, is not souri. Springfield’s Illinois State Journal that the allure and novelty had worn immediately recognized. Prior to their and Illinois State Register reported the off and it was shown in the smaller commencement, Lincoln was a rela - times as well as the half-fare price on than usual crowd. Some cities that tively unknown lawyer from the town October 14. The Missouri Republican reported on the debate were New York, of Springfield competing with the gave the times as well as the St. Louis Cincinnati, and St. Louis. In New famous Douglas, the father of the Evening News on October 14. For York, the Evening Post made the point Kansas-Nebraska Act and the incum - trains coming from Missouri, the price about the debates that they “have not bent senator to the U.S. Senate. Lin - was only $1. The Chicago Times did a only been published in nearly all the coln not only competed on the same report on the debate afterward, on journals in this state, but they have level as Douglas, but according to October 17. This newspaper, which attracted the attention of the whole some newspapers, competed on a high - 11 was pro-Douglas, described the crowd country.” This statement aptly er level, such as the article from the of six thousand as being mostly Demo - describes the effect the debates had on Chicago Daily Press and Tribune deem - cratic. This was probably because of the entire country. They also claimed ing Douglas a liar in the Ottawa 4 the number of people that had flocked that the Alton debate had the best dis - debate. David Herbert Donald sug - from Missouri. They also claimed Lin - cussion of all the previous debates. The continued on page 8 coln had dodged questions and Dou - Cincinnati Gazette reported on Octo - glas had clearly won. The Alton Daily ber 20 that the debates had been “a less For the People (ISSN 1527–2710 ) is Courier ’s October 16 headline, howev - advantageous arrangement to Douglas 12 published four times a year and is a er, read: “6,000 People Present. Lin - than to his competitor.” Across the benefit of membership of the coln Triumphant. Republicanism in the country Lincoln was now a well- 10 Abraham Lincoln Association Ascendant. Douglas Vanquished.” known figure and was especially popu - 1 Old State Capitol Plaza They went on to discuss the speeches, lar among Republicans. The St. Louis Springfield, Illinois which praised Lincoln’s speech, mainly Morning Herald and the Missouri 62701 claiming he dispelled all charges that Democrat, two pro-Douglas newspa - Douglas had brought against the pers reported on the debate, claiming Editorial and design services by Republican Party. The newspaper Lincoln was defeated. If there was any - William B. Tubbs leaned more toward Republicans, thing Southern newspapers did when ([email protected] ) though, because they had never been reporting on Lincoln, it is that they 6 For the People

Lincoln: The Lawyer

29 9 continued from page 2 Davis and Samuel Treat. All of these Abraham Lincoln Online, “Lin - unlike in temper and habits, which people were associates of Lincoln. The coln Starts at New Salem,” http:// many say was the secret to the success of Metamora Courthouse is still around, showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lin - their long friendship. Herndon com - and the first floor is now a museum that coln/tours/lawsalem.htm. 10 mented that he knew Lincoln better contains exhibits, such as the table that Ibid. 11 than Lincoln knew himself. Lincoln had part of it cut away so Lincoln’s long John T. Richards, Abraham Lin - 30 never forgot to divide his fees with legs could fit better. He also common - coln, the Lawyer-Statesman (Boston: Herndon, always paying Herndon ly visited the Beardstown Courthouse. Houghton Mifflin, 1916 ), 6. 24 12 equally. Even after Lincoln became An upstairs room in the Beardstown Abramahm Lincoln Online, “Lin - president, before he left for the White Courthouse is the only courtroom still coln’s Law Office,” http://showcase. House, he said to Herndon: “If I live, in use where Lincoln once practiced netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/ 31 I’m coming back sometime, and then law. tours/lawoffice.htm. 13 we’ll go on practicing law as if nothing Lincoln’s law career was long and Abraham Lincoln Online, “Logan 25 had ever happened.” successful, lasting twenty-five years. Remembers Lincoln,” http:// show - Lincoln practiced law in many dif - Even Leonard Swett, a great advocate case.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/tou ferent buildings and courthouses across and a trial lawyer better than almost rs/lawoffice2.htm. 14 Illinois. He first rented space in the every other during his time, acknowl - Joseph Sobran, “Lawyer and Pres - Tinsley Building, directly over the Unit - edged this. Swett said that if Lincoln ident,” http://www.sobran.com/col- ed States Circuit Courtroom. In fact, ever had a superior of a jury, then he umns/2003/030605.shtml. 32 15 they could even listen to proceedings never knew Lincoln. He also had a Abraham Lincoln Online, through a trapdoor on their floor. Lin - successful political career, becoming the “Supreme Court,” http://showcase. coln often did his research in the state - Sixteenth President of the United netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/tours/ 33 house across the street, which is now States. supreme.htm. 16 known as the Old State Capitol. The Sadly, on April 14, 1865, he was Pratt, 29. 17 library was right next door to his office, shot by , and died Ibid. 18 and on December 16, 1849, he was the shortly afterward. Coincidentally, April Ibid. 19 first person to check out a book from it, 14 was Good Friday. Few men knew Ibid. 26 20 signing under his partner’s name. Lincoln well other than his partners and Richards, 21. 21 Lincoln practiced law on the Old family. Yet he is still remembered and Ibid. 22 Eighth Circuit for many years. He com - respected for his hard work and deter - Ibid. 23 monly visited small-town courthouses. mination. Abraham Lincoln truly lived Ibid. 24 Lincoln was the only lawyer to have his life by one of his own famous Ibid. 25 traveled around the entire Circuit, and quotes: “Whatever is worth doing is Ibid. 34 26 regularly attended the Circuit Courts. worth doing well.” Abraham Lincoln Online, “Feder - This lasted until 1858, when he became al Jury Room,” http://showcase. 27 1 more involved politics. The opening of Harry E. Pratt, The Personal netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/tours/ a Circuit Court in any county brought Finances of Abraham Lincoln (Spring- lawjury.htm. 27 people together, gathered at the local field, Ill.: Abraham Lincoln Association, Ibid. 28 tavern and sang songs. Sadly, the only 1943 ), vii. Abraham Lincoln Online, “Mt. 2 two original courthouses left from the Ibid. Pulaski Courthouse,” http://showcase. 3 Old Eighth Circuit Court are the Meta - Ibid. netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/ 4 mora Courthouse and the Mt. Pulaski Abraham Lincoln Online, “Lin - tours/lawpulaski.htm. 28 29 Courthouse. coln Starts at New Salem,” http:// Ibid. 30 The original Postville Courthouse, showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lin - Ibid. 31 built in 1840, was one of the destina - coln/tours/lawsalem.htm. Ibid. 5 32 tions of the Old Eighth Courthouse. Pratt, 7. Richards, 21. 6 33 Lincoln visited it about twice each year. Louis Obod Renne and William Ibid. 34 He also often visited the Metamora Henry Herndon, Lincoln and the Land of Ibid., 5. Courthouse, which was completed in the Sangamon (Boston: Chapman & 1845. It was made from bricks burned Grimes, 1945 ), 20. * Rachel Doherty attends St. Peter 7 at local kilns and hardwood from trees Henry C. Whitney, Life on the Cir - Cathedral School in Rockford, Illinois, nearby the village. Lawyers such as cuit with Lincoln (Boston: Estes and and is the 2005 Abraham Lincoln Edward Baker, Logan, and Stuart had Lauriat, 1892 ), 33. Associaiton Junior Essay Award win - 8 cases here, heard by judges like David Ibid. ner. For the People 7

Abraham Lincoln Association Student Award

continued from page 3 tion from year to year. A board of five University; 2002, Brian Dirck, “Mystic Richard Mills, United States District scholars representing each entity serves Chords: Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Judge for the Central District of Illi - as the jury. Recipients of the prize have Davis, American Imagined Communi - nois; 1991, John P. Frank, Distin - been: 2005, Jennifer Weber, “The Civil ty, 1808–1860,” University of Kansas; guished Legal Scholar and Lincoln War and Northern Society,” Princeton 2001, Stewart Winger, “Lincoln’s Reli - Biographer; 1990, The Honorable University; 2004, Matthew Parks, gious Rhetoric: American Romanti - Harlington Wood Jr., Circuit Judge “Self-Evident No More: American cism and the Antislavery Impulse,” United States Court of Appeals for the Political Thought, 1820–1850,” University of Chicago; 2000, Deren Seventh Circuit; 1989, The Honorable Boston University; 2003, Graham Kellogg, “The Lincoln Administration John B. Hannum, Senior United States Peck, “The Social and Cultural Origins and the Southwestern Territories,” District Judge for the Eastern District of Sectional Politics: Illinois from University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham - of Pennsylvania; 1987, The Honorable Statehood to Civil War,” Northwestern paign. James R. Thompson, Former Gover - nor of Illinois; 1986, The Honorable Robert C. Underwood, Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illi - ALA Hires New nois; 1985, The Honorable Abraham Lincoln Marovitz, Senior United Executive Assistant States District Judge, Chicago. he ALA Board of Directors has sity in Chicago. Mary has been quite Hay-Nicolay Dissertation Prize hired an executive assistant, active as a member of the David Davis Mary Shepherd, effective imme - Mansion Foundation Board of Direc - The purpose of the Hay-Nicolay dTiately. The Board of Directors antici - tors. She will bring her organizational Dissertation Prize is to recognize and pates a significant increase in ALA skills and love of history to the ALA, encourage young scholars to conduct activity in celebration of the centennial where they have been utilized already. research on Abraham Lincoln and his of the ALA in 2008 and the bicentenni - If you have any questions, want times. An annual prize of $5,000 is al of Lincoln’s birth in 2009. Mary will information about upcoming events, underwritten by the Lincoln Institute assist the Board and the officers of the want to tell us about perspective mem - and the Lehrman Institute. The Abra - ALA with planning and implementing bers, or communicate with the Board ham Lincoln Association and the Abra - the goals and mission of the ALA. Mary of Directors, please contact Mary at ham Lincoln Institute, Inc., select the is a graduate of the University of Illi - [email protected], recipients. Selection of the award win - nois with a degree in finance, and 309.663.9162, or toll free at ner alternates between each organiza - received an MBA from Loyola Univer - 866.865.8500.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Please enroll me as a member of the Mail this application (or a photocopy ) Abraham Lincoln Association in the and a check to: category indicated: The Abraham Lincoln Association Railsplitter $35 1 Old State Capitol Plaza ($25 Student ) Springfield, Illinois Postmaster $75 62701 Lawyer $200 Congressman $500 Name President $1,000 Street Web site: www.alincolnassoc.com City Members residing outside the U.S. add State $3.00. Zip 8 For the People

The Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas Joint Debates and the Communication of the Newspaper

3 continued from page 5 Republican Party hope for the future. Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, gests that it was Lincoln’s loss that He became their choice for the presi - Aug. 21, 1858, p. 1. 4 fueled him to go for the presidency, as dency in 1860 and would go on to Ibid., Aug. 23, 1858, p. 1. 5 well. Lincoln had lost, yet he was only become the president of the United Philadelphia Press, Aug. 26, 1858, driven to succeed. He was surely disap - States. The reporters published Lin - p. 1. 6 pointed in the outcome but not neces - coln’s name all over the newspapers, Baltimore Sun, Aug. 27, 1858, p. sarily surprised. Lincoln did, after all, and he became famous within a few 1. 7 want to win after his hard work in the months. Not only was the Republican Chicago Press and Tribune, Aug. campaign. His loss and the recognition Party united behind Lincoln, but the 27, 1858, p. 1. 8 of his ability as a political leader was Democrats were split after Douglas’s “Reader’s Companion to Ameri - what fueled his aspirations to be presi - Freeport Doctrine. After asking a can History—FREEPORT DOC - 13 dent. However, the newspaper was a strategic question in one of the TRINE,” http://college.hmco.com/ large contributor in helping Lincoln to debates, Douglas had split the Democ - history/readerscomp/rcah/html/ah_03 achieve the national popularity he rats over the North and South. In his 3700_freeportdoct.htm. 9 needed to make the jump from defeat - quest to become senator, Lincoln (New York ) Evening Post, Sept. 7, ed potential senator to presidential secured the Republicans the next presi - 1858, p. 2. 10 nominee. dential term by dividing the Democrats Alton Daily Courier, Oct. 16, The real power of the debates is and uniting the Republicans. Overall, 1858, p. 1. 11 witnessed within the communication. the communication of the newspaper Evening Post, Oct. 17, 1858, p. The main engine of communication is of the famous debates between Abra - 1. 12 the newspaper, which was the only ham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, Cincinnati Gazette, Oct. 20, thing people could use to find out what was what in turn made Lincoln the 1858, p. 1. 13 was happening in the world. The next president of the United States, Donald, Lincoln (New York: debates were published all over the and made him one of the most famous Simon & Schuster, 1995 ), 228. country, and because they were, the presidents of all time. name Lincoln became common. He * Philip Silberman attends Walter Pay - 1 had gone from being an unknown Chicago Times, July 30, 1858, p. 1. ton College Prep High School in 2 lawyer to a very popular Republican. It Blaine Brooks Gernon, Lincoln in Chicago and is the 2005 Abraham Lin - did not matter that he lost the election the Political Circus (Chicago: Black Cat coln Association Senior Essay Award to Douglas, because he had given the Press, 1936 ), 107. winner.

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F O RW A R D I N G A N D RE TU R N P O STA GE GU A RA N TE E D A D DR E S S S E R V I CE R E Q U E S TE D