dents, and expressed some surprise at my fluent use of
English after so short a residence in the United States.
Next he wanted to know whether it was true that most of
the educated people in Germany were “infidels.” I
answered that they were not openly professed infidels, but
such a conclusion might be drawn from the fact that most
of them were not church-goers. “I do not wonder at that,”
he rejoined; “my own inclination is that way.” I
ventured to give expression to my own disbelief in the doctrine
of the Christian church relative to the existence of God,
the divinity of Christ, and immortality. This led him to
put other questions to me to draw me out. He did not commit
himself, but I received the impression that he was of
my own way of thinking. It was no surprise to me, therefore,
to find in the writings of his biographers Ward Hill
Lamon and W. H. Herndon that I had correctly
understood him. Our talk continued till half-past ten, when the
belated train arrived. I cherish this accidental rencontre
as one of my most precious recollections, since my
companion of that night has become one of the greatest figures
in history.
I went from Jonesboro' to Chicago, and remained there till after the election. I considered the outcome so uncertain that I did not venture any predictions in my correspondence. Douglas himself, I knew, was much in doubt; Lincoln and his friends were very confident, and therefore bitterly disappointed by the result.
