Read by Sean Pratt

A Mid-Life Crisis and a Re-Entry to Politics (1849-1855) This point in Lincoln's life is marked by a sudden return to the practice of law. Highly moral and judicious, he often took little or no money for cases, and would not represent a client if he didn't believe in his case. Lincoln tried to settle many cases out of court. He developed a persona of being affable and open, especially to juries, giving him a noted advantage. He also served on the circuit courts, where lawyers had to prepare cases quickly and where lodging was often quite difficult to find. This period is marked by the passing of both Lincoln's son Eddie and his father, and it notes Lincoln's acceptance of Christianity. The encroachment of slavery to other states caused Lincoln to put a hold on his law career and take up the cause of abolition. He was derogatorily attacked by opposing politicians who are against his ideals. Lincoln was approached by the anti-foreign, anti-Catholic Know Nothing party asking for his representation in the legislature, which he refused. In many speeches, Lincoln begins to attack the morality of Southern slave-holders and the hypocrisy of slavery existing in the U.S. He is also narrowly defeated in his bid for senate

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