CHAPTER VI.

The volunteers from Sangamon return shortly before the State election.--Abe a candidate for the Legislature.--Mode of bringing forward candidates.--Parties and party names.--State and national politics.--Mr. Lincoln's position.--Old way of conducting elections.--Mr. Lincoln's first stump-speech.--"A general fight."--Mr. Lincoln's part in it.--His dress and appearance.--Speech at Island Grove.--His stories.--A third speech.--Agrees with the Whigs in the policy of internal improvements.--His own hobby.--Prepares an address to the people.--Mr. Lincoln defeated.--Received every vote but three cast in his own precinct....121