Many ladies attended the famous debates between Lincoln and Douglas, and
they were the most unprejudiced listeners. “I can recall only one fact
of the debates,” says Mrs. William Crotty, of Seneca, Illinois, “that
I felt so sorry for Lincoln while Douglas was speaking, and then to my
surprise I felt so sorry for Douglas when Lincoln replied.”
The disinterested to whom it was an intellectual game, felt the power
and charm of both men.