Baker and I used to do
something, but I think you attach more importance to our absence than is
just. There is another cause. In 1840, for instance, we had two senators
and five representatives in Sangamon; now we have part of one senator and
two representatives. With quite one third more people than we had then,
we have only half the sort of offices which are sought by men of the
speaking sort of talent. This, I think, is the chief cause. Now, as to
the young men. You must not wait to be brought forward by the older men.
For instance, do you suppose that I should ever have got into notice if I
had waited to be hunted up and pushed forward by older men? You young men
get together and form a "Rough and Ready Club," and have regular meetings
and speeches. Take in everybody you can get. Harrison Grimsley, L. A.
Enos, Lee Kimball, and C. W. Matheny will do to begin the thing; but as
you go along gather up all the shrewd, wild boys about town, whether just
of age, or a little under age, Chris. Logan, Reddick Ridgely, Lewis
Zwizler, and hundreds such. Let every one play the part he can play
best,--some speak, some sing, and all "holler." Your meetings will be of
evenings; the older men, and the women, will go to hear you; so that it
will not only contribute to the election of "Old Zach," but will be an
interesting pastime, and improving to the intellectual faculties of all
engaged.
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