His position in the State of Illinois was central and commanding.

He was now to become the recognized leader of the anti-slavery party in the Northwest, and in all the Valley of the Mississippi.

Lincoln was a practical statesman, never attempting the impossible, but seeking to do the best thing practicable under existing circumstances.

He knew that prohibition in the territories would result in no more slave states and no slave territory.

And now, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise shattered all parties into fragments, he came forward to build up the Free Soil party and threw into the conflict all his strength and vigor.