and no matter what our grievance—­even though Kansas shall come in as a slave State; and no matter what theirs—­even if we shall restore the Compromise—­WE WILL SAY TO THE SOUTHERN DISUNIONISTS, WE WON’T GO OUT OF THE UNION, AND YOU SHAN’T!!! [This was the climax; the audience rose to its feet en masse, applauded, stamped, waved handkerchiefs, threw hats in the air, and ran riot for several minutes.  The arch-enchanter who wrought this transformation looked, meanwhile, like the personification of political justice.]

But let us, meanwhile, appeal to the sense and patriotism of the people, and not to their prejudices; let us spread the floods of enthusiasm here aroused all over these vast prairies, so suggestive of freedom.  Let us commence by electing the gallant soldier Governor (Colonel) Bissell who stood for the honour of our State alike on the plains and amidst the chaparral of Mexico and on the floor of Congress, while he defied the Southern Hotspur; and that will have a greater moral effect than all the border ruffians can accomplish in all their raids on Kansas.  There is both a power and a magic in popular opinion.  To that let us now appeal; and while, in all probability, no resort to force will be needed, our moderation and forbearance will stand us in good stead when, if ever, WE MUST MAKE AN APPEAL TO BATTLE AND TO THE GOD OF HOSTS!! [Immense applause and a rush for the orator.]

This speech has been called Lincoln’s “Lost Speech,” because all the reporters present were so carried away by his eloquence that they one and all forgot to take any notes.  If it had not been for a young lawyer, a Mr. H.C.  Whitney, who kept his head sufficiently to take notes, we would have no record of it.  Mr. Whitney wrote out the speech for McClure’s Magazine in 1896.  It was submitted to several people who were present at the Bloomington Convention, and they said it was remarkably accurate considering that it was not taken down stenographically.

From his Speech on the Dred Scott Decision.  Springfield, Illinois.  June 26, 1857

...  And now as to the Dred Scott decision.  That decision declares two propositions,—­first, that a negro cannot sue in the United States courts; and secondly, that Congress cannot prohibit slavery in the Territories.  It was made by a divided court,—­dividing differently on the different points.  Judge Douglas does not discuss the merits of the decision, and in that respect I shall follow his example, believing I could no more improve on McLean and Curtis than he could on Taney.

He denounces all who question the correctness of that decision, as offering violent resistance to it.  But who resists it?  Who has, in spite of the decision, declared Dred Scott free, and resisted the authority of his master over him?

Judicial decisions have two uses:  first, to absolutely determine the case decided; and secondly, to indicate to the public how other similar cases will be decided when they arise.  For the latter use, they are called “precedents” and “authorities.”