Lot M.Morrill, had been Governor of Maine in 1858, and had also been United States Senator.

I cherished a warm feeling for him, for he was the man who had so opportunely helped me to capture the runaway calf, Little Dagon.
Politically, we young folks were much divided in our sympathies that fall.

My cousins Addison and Theodora were ardent supporters of Uncle Hannibal, whereas I, thinking of that calf, could not help feeling loyal to Senator Morrill.

Hot debates we had! Halstead alone was indifferent.
At last Ellen declared herself on my side and thus made a tie at table.
I never knew whom the old Squire favored; he never told us and was always reluctant to speak of the matter.
It was a very close contest, and in the legislature was finally decided by a plurality of one in favor of Mr.Hamlin.

Seventy-five votes were cast for him, seventy-four for Mr.Morrill, and there was one blank vote, over which a dispute later arose.
Earlier in the season, when the legislators who were to decide the matter at Augusta were being elected, both candidates made personal efforts to win popular support.