Not so with Mr.Lincoln.He could not attend the deliberations as an editor; but he doubtless lent his suggestion and advice, for we find him among the distinguished guests and speakers at the banquet which followed the business session, and toasts to his candidacy as "the next United States Senator" show that his leadership had suffered no abatement.

The assembled editors purposely set the Bloomington Convention for a somewhat late day in the campaign, and before the time arrived the political situation in the State was already much more clearly defined.
[Sidenote] Davidson and Stuve, "History of Illinois," p.

616.
One factor which greatly baffled the calculations and forecast of politicians was the Know-Nothing or American party.

It was apparent to all that this order or affiliation had during the past two years spread into Illinois, as into other States.

But as its machinery and action were secret, and as no general election had occurred since 1854 to exhibit its numerical strength, its possible scope and influence could only be vaguely estimated.