Lincoln, in his speech, reminisces. He calls attention to presence on platform of several men who were in same company with him in Black Hawk War, and reminds audience that 22 years ago he staked out town of Bath, then a wooded wilderness. Chicago Tribune, 21 August 1858.

"A large crowd assembled here to hear Lincoln today, and all pronounce it a good day's work." Illinois State Journal, 21 August 1858; Speech at Bath, Illinois, 16 August 1858, CW, 2:543-44.