t
friends I ever had, so I cannot refrain from a passing tribute to
his memory.

When I was elected to Congress the first time, in 1864, my friends
knew that I had spent a considerable sum of money for election
expenses. It being Lincoln's district, and Lincoln being a candidate
for re-election as President, the National Committee helped some;
but I was naturally compelled to spend a great deal myself. I
considered to whom I should apply for assistance, and thought of
Colonel Williams. I went to him, candidly explaining that I should
be unable to make the race without financial assistance; he told
me to draw on him for whatever funds I might want, and at the end
to let him know the total amount, and that he would take care of
it. I did so. He gave me what I asked for, and I gave him my
note, which I paid as soon as I could; but he never bothered me
about it. I always had a warm spot for him in my heart.

Nicholas H. Ridgely, the grandfather of the Hon. William Barret
Ridgely, who married one of my daughters, and who served as United
States Comptroller of the Currency for a number of years, was one
of the leading bankers of the State, and was reputed to be one of
the first millionaires of Illinois. He was a very careful banker,
and was probably too careful to be popular among the people generally;
but every one knew that there was no sounder institution in the
State than the Ridgely National Bank. His son, Charles Ridgely,
whom I always regarded as one of the most interesting men in
Springfield, has passed away just about the time that I am writing
these lines. Mr. Charles Ridgely was a man of great reading and
great cultivation, and a man whom any one would like to meet. His
death was a loss to Springfield of one of its most interesting and
enterprising characters.

S. H. Jones ("Sam" Jones, as he was known) was another well-known
character in Springfield, as well as throughout Illinois. He was
a warm friend and supporter of mine in the early days.

James C. Robinson was twice elected to Congress. He and Governor
Oglesby were opponents for State Senator from the district. A
little story in this connection occurs to me, which Oglesby used
to tell.

When running for the Senate, before the Civil War, Oglesby and
Robinson travelled together over the district. The settlements in
those days were very scattering, and as the rivals were good friends
personally they agreed to go together and hold joint disc