strings: IAt the time of the publication of this simple " platform " Lincoln held the position of postmaster of New Salem, and was deputy surveyor of Sangamon County. He stood second among the four successful candidates in this election and had become very popular. Two toasts then going the round of political dinners were: " A. Lincoln: One of Nature's noblemen," and " Abraham Lincoln: He has fulfilled the expectations of his friends and disappointed the hopes of his enemies,"