His "national debt" of
the old New Salem days was not yet fully paid off. "We are not keeping
house, but boarding at the Globe tavern," he writes. "Our room ... and
boarding only cost us four dollars a week."
His law partnership with Stuart had lasted four years, but was dissolved
by reason of Stuart's election to Congress, and a new one was formed
with Judge Stephen T. Logan, who had recently resigned from the circuit
bench, where he had learned the quality and promise of Lincoln's
talents. It was an opportune and important change. Stuart had devoted
himself mainly to politics, while with Logan law was the primary object.
Under Logan's guidance and encouragement, he took up both the study and
practical work of the profession in a more serious spirit. Lincoln's
interest in politics, however, was in no way diminished, and, in truth,
his limited practice at that date easily afforded him the time necessary
for both.
Since 1840 he had declined a reelection to the legislature, and his
ambition had doubtless contributed much to this decision. His late law
partner, Stuart, had been three times a candidate for Congress. He was
defeated in 1836, but successfully gained his election in 1838 and 1840,
his service of two terms extending from December 2, 1839, to March 3,
1843.
Pages:
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103