Editing Abe Lincoln in Illinois (film) (section)

==Plot==
Abraham Lincoln leaves home for the first time, having been hired along with two of his friends by [[Denton Offutt]] to take a load of pigs by water to New Orleans. When the boat becomes stuck at a dam at the settlement of New Salem, Abe sees and loses his heart to Ann Rutledge, the daughter of the local tavern keeper. When Denton later offers him a job at his store in New Salem, Abe readily accepts.

Abe discovers that Ann already has a beau. However, he makes himself the most popular man in town with his ready, good-natured humor. He takes lessons from schoolteacher [[Mentor Graham]]. When Abe's rival for Ann's affections leaves to improve himself, Ann waits for the man for two years before receiving a letter stating that the man does not know when he will return. Abe seizes the opportunity to express his love for Ann, but she is unsure of her feelings for him and asks for some time. She soon dies from "[[brain fever]]", telling Abe on her deathbed that she could have loved him.

Abe is asked to run for the [[Illinois General Assembly]]. He reluctantly accepts and wins, but after his first term in [[Springfield, Illinois|Springfield]], he decides to study the law. When [[Mary Todd Lincoln|Mary Todd]] visits her sister Elizabeth Edwards and her wealthy, influential husband [[Ninian Edwards|Ninian]], a party is held in her honor. All of the eligible bachelors come, including [[Stephen Douglas]], Abe's fiercest political rival. However, it is the homely, unpolished Abe who catches Mary's fancy, much to her sister's chagrin. The ambitious Mary senses greatness in him, and she is determined to drive him to his rightful destiny despite his lack of ambition. Abe proposes marriage but changes his mind at the last minute, discomfited by her drive, and he leaves town. After reflection, he proposes again, and Mary accepts. Years pass, and they have several children.

Lincoln runs for a seat in the [[United States Senate|U.S, Senate]] and engages in a [[Lincoln–Douglas debates|series of debates with Stephen Douglas]], the opposing candidate, during which the main issue is [[slavery]]. In a stirring speech, Abe contends that "[[Lincoln's House Divided Speech|a house divided against itself cannot stand]]."

With a [[1860 United States presidential election|presidential election looming]], Abe's party is so split that the favorites are unacceptable to all. The party leaders compromise on [[Dark horse|dark-horse]] candidate Lincoln. He is opposed by three other candidates, including Douglas. Abe wins the election, bids his friends goodbye and boards the train for Washington, D.C.