Page:Abraham Lincoln -- his life.djvu/29

 In 1846 Lincoln was elected to Congress by the Whigs — the only candidate elected by that party in Illinois. He was appointed member of the Committee of Post Offices and Post Roads.

On January 12, 1848, he made a powerful appeal against the declaration of war with Mexico. He introduced a bill into the house to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. This met such violent opposition that it was never brought to vote. On March 4, 1849, his term as Congressman expired. Nine years later, on June 16, 1858, Lincoln was nominated as the Republican candidate for Senator of Illinois. Opposing him as candidate for the Democratic party was Stephen A. Douglas.