ty whose life spans the controversial
epoch before the Civil War. It is due to the chance reader to state
that the writer was born in a New England home, and bred in an
anti-slavery atmosphere where the political creed of Douglas could not
thrive. If this book reveals a somewhat less sectional outlook than
this personal allusion suggests, the credit must be given to those
generous friends in the great Middle West, who have helped the writer
to interpret the spirit of that region which gave both Douglas and
Lincoln to the nation.

The material for this study has been brought together from many
sources. Through the kindness of Mrs. James W. Patton of Springfield,
Illinois, I have had access to a valuable collection of letters
written by Douglas to her father, Charles H. Lanphier, Esq., editor of
the Illinois _State Register_. Judge Robert M. Douglas of North
Carolina has permitted me to use an autobiographical sketch of his
father, as well as other papers in the possession of the family. Among
those who have lightened my labors, either by copies of letters penned
by Douglas or by personal recollections, I would mention with
particular gratitude the late Mrs. L.K. Lippincott ("Grace
Greenwood"); Mr. J.H. Roberts and Stephen A. Douglas, Esq. of Chicago;
Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller and the late Hon. Robert E. Hitt of
Washington. With his wonted generosity, Mr. James F. Rhodes has given
me the benefit of his wide acquaintance with the newspapers of the
period, which have been an invaluable aid in the interpretation of
Douglas's career. Finally, by personal acquaintance and conversation
with men who knew him, I have endeavored to catch the spirit of those
who made up the great mass of his constituents.

Brunswick, Maine,

November, 1907.

CONTENTS

BOOK I. THE CALL OF THE WEST

CHAPTER I
FROM THE GREEN MOUNTAINS TO THE PRAIRIES 3

CHAPTER II
THE RISE OF THE POLITICIAN 18

CHAPTER III
LAW AND POLITICS 51

CHAPTER IV
UNDER THE AEGIS OF ANDREW JACKSON 68

CHAPTER V
MANIFEST DESTINY 84

CHAPTER VI
WAR AND POLITICS 109

CHAPTER VII
THE MEXICAN CESSION 127

BOOK II. THE DOCTRINE OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

CHAPTER VIII
SENATOR AND CONSTITUENCY 145

CHAPTER IX