CHAPTER VI.
Lincoln in National Politics--His Congressional Aspirations--Law-Partnership of Lincoln and Herndon--The Presidential Campaign of 1844--Visit to Henry Clay--Lincoln Elected to Congress--Congressional Reputation--Acquaintance with Distinguished Men--First Speech in Congress--"Getting the Hang" of the House--Lincoln's Course on the Mexican War--Notable Speech in Congress--Ridicule of General Cass--Bill for the Abolition of Slavery--Delegate to the Whig National Convention of 1848--Stumping the Country for Taylor--Advice to Young Politicians--"Old Abe"-- A Political Disappointment--Lincoln's Appearance as an Office Seeker in Washington--"A Divinity that Shapes our Ends." In the spring of 1843 Lincoln was among the nominees proposed to represent the Sangamon district in Congress; but Col.

Edward D.Baker carried the delegation, and was elected.

In writing to his friend Speed, Lincoln treated the circumstance with his usual humor.

"We had," he says, "a meeting of the Whigs of the county here last Monday to appoint delegates to a district convention.

Baker beat me, and got the delegation instructed to go for him.