had been one of the most exiting and hotly
contested ever fought in the State. The only hope the Democrats
had of success was in the division of their opponents and in
preventing their fusion. Their denunciations of abolitionists and
"Black Republicans," as they termed their antagonists, were without
bounds. But here and there some one would be called to account,
as in the case of the late John M. Palmer, since distinguished in
war and peace, and some years ago candidate of the Gold Democrats
for the Presidency.

Between him and Major Harris, then running for Congress in his
district, there had been considerable ill-feeling. The major had
written a letter to be read at a Democratic meeting at which Palmer
was present. It was very abusive of the Republicans, and Palmer
rising, remarked the fact that the author would not dare make such
charges to the face of any honest man. Harris, as related by the
historian Moses, hearing of this, announced that he would resent
it at the first opportunity. This Palmer soon gave him by attending
one of his meetings. The major in the course of his remarks indulged
in the most vituperative language against abolitionists, calling
them disturbers of the peace, incendiaries, and falsifiers; and at
length, turning to Palmer and pointing his finger at him, said, "I
mean you, sir!" Palmer rising to his feet, instantly replied,
"Well, sir, if you apply that language to me you are a dastardly
liar!" And drawing a pistol, he started toward the speaker's stand.
"Now, sir," he continued, "when you get through, I propose to reply
to you." The major had not anticipated this turn of affairs, but
prudently kept his temper and finished his speech. Then Palmer
arose and, laying his weapon before him, cocked, proceeded to give
the Democratic party such a castigation as none of those present
had ever heard before.

It was in the campaign of 1856 that I first began to make political
speeches. James H. Matheny, who was then our circuit clerk,
accompanied me to several meetings where we both delivered addresses.
He was an old Whig inclined toward Democracy, and I was a Whig
inclined toward Republicanism. The result was I made Republican
speeches, while Judge Matheny made Democratic speeches.

Our first meeting away from home was at Petersburg, Menard County.
Being a candidate for elector on the Fillmore ticket, I made my
first away-from-home speech, which I thought was a pretty good
Republic