During the sessions of 1836-7 resolutions of an extreme pro-slavery character were carried through the Legislature by the Democratic party, aiming to prevent the Abolitionists from obtaining a foothold in the State.  Lincoln could not conscientiously support the resolutions, nor hold his peace concerning them.  He did not shrink from the issue, but at the hazard of losing his political popularity and the gratifying prospects that were opening before him he drew up a protest against the pro-slavery enactment and had it entered upon the Journal of the House.  The state of public opinion in Illinois at that time may be judged by the fact that of the hundred Representatives in the House only one had the courage to sign the protest with him.  Lincoln’s protest was as follows: 

     March 3, 1837.

     The following protest, presented to the House, was read and ordered
     to be spread on the journals, to wit: 

     Resolutions upon the subject of domestic slavery having passed both
     branches of the General Assembly at its present session, the
     undersigned hereby protest against the passage of the same.

     They believe that the institution of slavery is founded on both
     injustice and bad policy; but that the promulgation of abolition
     doctrines tends rather to increase than abate its evils.

     They believe that the Congress of the United States has no power,
     under the Constitution, to interfere with the institution of
     slavery in the different States.

They believe that the Congress of the United States has the power, under the Constitution, to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, but that the power ought not to be exercised, unless at the request of the people of the District.

     The difference between these opinions and those contained in the
     said resolutions, is their reason for entering this protest.

(Signed) DAN STONE, A. LINCOLN, Representatives from the County of Sangamon.

The great financial panic which swept over the country in 1837 rendered expedient an extra session of the Legislature, which was called together in July.  General Lee D. Ewing had been elected to this session from Fayette County for the express purpose of repealing the law removing the capital from Vandalia to Springfield.  “General Ewing was,” says Mr. Linder, “a man of considerable notoriety, popularity, and talents.  He had been a member of Congress from Illinois, and had filled various State offices in his time.  He was a man of elegant manners, great personal courage, and would grace either the salons of fashion or the Senate chamber at Washington.  The Legislature opened its special session (I was there as a spectator), and General Ewing sounded the tocsin of war.  He said that ’the arrogance of Springfield, its presumption in claiming the seat of government, was not to be