unwavering line, each of them will
cast his vote in favor of any one of our number who can command
the highest vote, or who can be elected speaker of this House."

A ballot was immediately taken, but, much to my chagrin, the
gentlemen named did not change their votes, and Mr. Pennington
still lacked three votes of an election. I again appealed to Davis
and Briggs, and finally, on the 1st of February, Mr. Pennington
received their votes. The result was announced; Pennington, 117
votes; McClernand, 85; Gilmer, 16; 15 scattering; giving Pennington
a majority of one, and thus, after a long and violent contest, a
Republican was elected speaker of the House of Representatives.

I was entirely satisfied with the result. I had received every
Republican vote and the votes of a large number of anti-Nebraska
Democrats and Americans. No cloud rested upon me, no allegation
of misconduct or unfitness was made against me. I would have been
easily and quickly elevated but for the abnormal excitement created
by Brown's invasion and the bitterness of political antagonism
existing at that time. Many Members who felt it their duty to oppose
my election, subsequently expressed their regret that I was not
elected. I had voted for Mr. Pennington during the contest, had
a high respect for him as a gentleman of character and influence,
long a chancellor of his state, and a good Republican.

When the canvass was over, I felt a sense of relief. During its
continuance, I had remained, with rare exceptions, silent, though
strongly tempted, by political criticism, to engage in the debate.
I had, during the struggle, full opportunity to estimate the capacity
and qualifications of different Members for committee positions,
and had the committees substantially framed, when Pennington was
elected. I handed the list to him, for which he thanked me kindly,
saying that he had but little knowledge of the personal qualifications
of the Members. With some modifications, made necessary by my
defeat and his election as speaker, he adopted the list as his own.
He designated me as chairman of the committee of ways and means,
of which I had not previously been a member.

The organization of the House was not completed until the 9th day
of February, 1860. The officers designated by the Republicans were
generally elected. Congress seemed to appreciate the necessity of
prompt and vigorous action on the business of the session. Still,
whatever questi