Remaining Steadfast to the Right, 1859
Remaining Steadfast to the Right, 1859
This chapter examines Abraham Lincoln and Owen Lovejoy's antislavery campaign in 1859. Although he lost in the state legislature in the 1858 elections, Lincoln won the support of legislators representing the majority of voters. This, coupled with Lovejoy's victory, put both men in a position to enhance the Republicans' chances of winning in Illinois in 1860. Lincoln also intensified his political efforts in 1859 by continuing to expose Stephen A. Douglas's distortions of both popular sovereignty and the Declaration of Independence. In a speech in Chicago, he implored the Republicans of Illinois “to keep the faith, to remain steadfast to the right, to stand by your banner...” This chapter first assesses the impact of the 1858 elections on Kansas and the fire-eaters before considering Joseph Lovejoy's betrayal of his brother Owen and the incident involving white abolitionist John Brown. It also discusses the first session of the Thirty-Sixth Congress, where a fierce battle for Speaker of the House erupted, and Lincoln and Lovejoy's preparations for the 1860 elections.
Keywords: antislavery, Abraham Lincoln, Owen Lovejoy, elections, Stephen A. Douglas, fire-eaters, Joseph Lovejoy, John Brown, Thirty-Sixth Congress, Illinois
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