If he had been admitted to the bar at that time, he had not become known as a lawyer out of his own immediate circuit.

He was going to Vandalia as a member of the Legislature.

He was one of the 'Long Nine,' as it was called, from Sangamon County, who by their successful manoeuvring and united efforts succeeded in getting the seat of government moved from Vandalia to Springfield.

During my stay of a few weeks in Vandalia I frequently met Mr.Lincoln.He was a very pleasant companion; but as we walked along the road on the occasion referred to, talking about indifferent subjects, nothing impressed me with any idea of his future greatness." When Lincoln took his seat in the first session of the new Legislature at Vandalia, his mind was full of new projects.

His real public service was now about to begin, and having spent his time in the previous Legislature mainly as an observer and listener he was determined during this session to identify himself conspicuously with the "liberal" progressive legislation, dreaming of a fame far different from that he actually obtained as an anti-slavery leader.