CHAPTER XI.

Capital removed to Springfield.--Mr. Lincoln settles there to practise law.--First case.--Members of the bar.--Mr. Lincoln's partnership with John T. Stuart.--Population and condition of Springfield.--Lawyers and politicians.--Mr. Lincoln's intense ambition.--Lecture before the Springfield Lyceum.--His style.--Political discussions run high.--Joshua F. Speed his most intimate friend.--Scene in Speed's store.--Debate.--Douglas, Calhoun, Lamborn, and Thomas, against Lincoln, Logan, Baker, and Browning.--Presidential elector in 1840.--Stumping for Harrison.--Scene between Lincoln and Douglas in the Court-House.--A failure.--Redeems himself.--Meets Miss Mary Todd.--She takes Mr. Lincoln captive.--She refuses Douglas.--Engaged.--Miss Matilda Edwards.--Mr. Lincoln undergoes a change of heart.--Mr. Lincoln reveals to Mary the state of his mind.--She releases him.--A reconciliation.--Every thing prepared for the wedding.--Mr. Lincoln fails to appear.--Insane.--Speed takes him to Kentucky.--Lines on "Suicide."--His gloom.--Return to Springfield.--Secret meetings with Miss Todd.--Sudden marriage.--Correspondence with Mr. Speed on delicate subjects.--Relics of a great man and a great agony.--Miss Todd attacks James Shields in certain witty and sarcastic letters.--Mr. Lincoln's name "given up" as the author.--Challenged by Shields.--A meeting and an explanation.--Correspondence.--Candidate for Congressional nomination.--Letters to Speed and Morris.--Defeat.. 223