It must be frankly admitted that his success at this election was
a most important event in his life. Another failure might have
discouraged even his hopeful spirit, and sent him to the
blacksmith-shop to make wagon-tires and shoe horses for the
balance of his days. With this flattering vote to his credit,
however, he could be very sure that he had made a wise choice
between the forge and the lawyer's desk. At first he did not come
into special notice in the legislature. He wore, according to the
custom of the time, a decent suit of blue jeans, and was known
simply as a rather quiet young man, good-natured and sensible.
Soon people began to realize that he was a man to be reckoned
with in the politics of the county and State. He was reelected in
1836, 1838, and 1840, and thus for eight years had a full share
in shaping the public laws of Illinois. The Illinois legislature
may indeed be called the school wherein he learned that
extraordinary skill and wisdom in statesmanship which he
exhibited in later years. In 1838 and 1840 all the Whig members
of the Illinois House of Representatives gave him their vote for
Speaker, but, the Democrats being in a majority, could not elect
him.
His campaign expenses were small enough to suit the most
exacting. It is recorded that at one time some of the leading
Whigs made up a purse of two hundred dollars to pay his personal
expenses.
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