His friends at home had apparently hoped to nominate him for Vice-President on the ticket with Mr.
Seward.

But as the proofs of hostility to Seward multiplied, speculation was busy as to the man who could be taken in his stead.
At the moment when doubts of Seward's success were most prevalent, and when excitement in regard to the nomination was deepest, the Republicans of Illinois met in State convention.

It was but a few days in advance of the assembling of the National convention.

By a spontaneous movement they nominated Mr.Lincoln for President.
It was a surprise to the convention that did it.

The man who created the great outburst for Mr.Lincoln in that Illinois assemblage, who interpreted the feelings of delegates to themselves, was Richard J.Oglesby, a speaker of force and eloquence, afterward honorably prominent and popular in military and civil life.