"The Court was presided over by Samuel H. Treat, who afterwards became a United States District Judge and one of the most distinguished lawyers and jurists in the State.
"One of the lawyers was David Davis, first a noted lawyer, then
a circuit judge, then a judge of the Supreme Court of the United
States, then a United States Senator and acting President of the
Senate; a citizen of State and national fame whom the people of
Bloomington loved and delighted to honor.
"Another was John T. Stuart, a brilliant lawyer, several times a member of Congress, and one of the most lovable of men.
"Another one was David B. Campbell, then the prosecuting attorney and afterwards a prominent lawyer and citizen of Springfield.
"Another was Edward D. Baker, who was afterwards a United State Senator from Oregon; a famous orator who immortalized himself by his marvellous oration over Senator Broderick.
"Another was James A. McDougall, a brilliant Irishman, afterwards a
United States Senator from the State of California.
"And Abraham Lincoln, who has passed beyond the domain of human praise into the pantheon of universal history.
"I might add that one of those boys afterwards became the Vice-President of the United States; and the other is your speaker.
"Speaking to any audience in America, I might say in the world, I doubt if such an incident could be truthfully related of any other gathering."