Lincoln followed the government to Springfield. When the Sangamon River proved too shallow for steamboat navigation, New Salem began to wither and die. Springfield offered a more promising home to an aspiring lawyer and politician. Lincoln took up the practice of law with John Todd Stuart, a young but experienced attorney he had met during his service in the Black Hawk War.

 

Like most other lawyers, Lincoln traveled on a huge circuit that brought the court to each of the counties of central Illinois. In each county seat the judge and lawyers convened a session that lasted up to a week. While the travel proved exhausting, the circuit provided attorneys with a ready-made opportunity for advancing their political careers. Lincoln proved no exception, and became a recognized leader of the Whig Party in Illinois.

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