Lincoln takes part in debate under Democratic auspices. S. W. Moulton opens with Democratic address and challenges Lincoln to answer his argument. Lincoln speaks for three hours—"all about 'freedom,' 'liberty' and niggers." Anthony Thornton follows, answering Lincoln "in an able manner." According to Democratic paper, it was "a great gathering." Register, 19 August 1856; Speech at Shelbyville, Illinois, 9 August 1856, CW, 2:359.