Note 59 — Chapter XXI

"He had not then announced himself for freedom, only discussed the inexpediency of repealing the Missouri Compromise line. The Abolitionists that day [the day of Lincoln's State Fair speech] determined to make Lincoln take a stand. I determined he should not at that time, because the time had not yet come when Lincoln should show his hand. When Lovejoy announced the abolition gathering in the evening, I rushed to Lincoln, and said: 'Lincoln, go home, take Bob and the buggy, and leave the country, go quickly, go right off, and never mind the order of your going.' Lincoln took the hint, got his horse and buggy, and did leave quickly, not noting the order of his going. He stayed away till all conventions and fairs were over." Herndon, in Lamon, p. 354.