to win votes.  Douglas was summoned to address the goodly body of Democratic yeomen, who were keenly alive to the political, as well as to the bucolic, opportunities which the capital afforded at this interesting season.  Douglas spoke to a large gathering in the State House on October 3d.  Next day the Fusionists put forward Lincoln to answer him; and when Lincoln had spoken for nearly four hours, Douglas again took the stand and held his audience for an hour and a half longer.[514] Those were days when the staying powers of speakers were equalled only by the patience of their hearers.

Like those earlier encounters, whose details have passed into the haze of tradition, this lacks a trustworthy chronicler.  It would seem, however, as though the dash and daring of Douglas failed to bear down the cool, persistent opposition of his antagonist.  Douglas should have known that the hazards in his course were reared by his own hand.  Whatever other barriers blocked his way, Nebraska-ism was the most formidable; but this he would not concede.

A curious story has connected itself with this chance encounter of the rivals.  Alarmed at the effectiveness of Lincoln’s attack, so runs the legend, Douglas begged him not to enter the campaign, promising that he likewise would be silent thereafter.  Aside from the palpable improbability of this “Peoria truce,” it should be noted that Lincoln accepted an invitation to speak at Lacon next day, without so much as referring to this agreement, while Douglas continued his campaign with unremitting energy.[515] If Douglas exhibited fear of an adversary at this time, it is the only instance in his career.

The outcome of the elections gave the Democrats food for thought.  Five out of nine congressional districts had chosen anti-Nebraska or Fusion candidates; the other four returned Democrats to Congress by reduced pluralities.[516] To be sure, the Democrats had elected their candidate for the State Treasury; but this was poor consolation, if the legislature, as seemed probable, should pass from their control.  A successor to Senator Shields would be chosen by this body; and the choice of an anti-Nebraska man would be as gall and wormwood to the senior senator.  In the country at large, such an outcome would surely be interpreted as a vote of no confidence.  In the light of these events, Democrats were somewhat chastened in spirit, in spite of apparent demonstrations of joy.  Even Douglas felt called upon to vindicate his course at the banquet given in his honor in Chicago, November 9th.  He was forced to admit—­and for him it was an unwonted admission—­that “the heavens were partially overcast.”