THE KANSAS WAR
Trumbull takes his seat in the Senate—A protest is presented declaring him not eligible—It is overruled after debate—Disturbances in Kansas consequent upon the passage of the Nebraska Bill—Trumbull makes a speech criticizing Douglas's report thereon—Debate between the two Senators attracts wide attention—Speeches of Seward, Sumner, Collamer, and others—Trumbull's first appearance in debate is warmly welcomed by the opponents of the Nebraska Bill48
THE LECOMPTON FIGHT
The national contest of 1856 results in the election of James Buchanan as President—The Republicans of Illinois elect their state ticket—The Kansas war continues—Buchanan appoints Robert J. Walker governor of the territory—The Pro-Slavery party hold a convention at the town of Lecompton to form a state constitution—The Free State men decide not to participate, but to vote against the constitution when submitted to the people—The convention decides not to submit the constitution to popular vote—President Buchanan agrees to this plan—Governor Walker thereupon resigns his office and Senator Douglas opposes the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton Constitution—Both Trumbull and Douglas speak against the Lecompton measure and Congress rejects it—Douglas contemplates joining the Republicans69
THE CAMPAIGN OF 1858 AND THE JOHN BROWN RAID
Popularity of Douglas among the Eastern Republicans growing out of the Lecompton fight—Not shared by those of Illinois—The latter choose Lincoln as their candidate for Senator—Some letters from Lincoln to Trumbull in 1858—The campaign of 1858 results in the reëlection of Douglas, but the popular vote shows a plurality for Lincoln—Douglas's doctrine of "Unfriendly Legislation" in the territories in regard to slavery turns the South against him—The John Brown raid at Harper's Ferry—Trumbull's speech and debate thereon in the Senate 86
THE ELECTION OF LINCOLN—SECESSION