intense anxiety. Mr. Ashmun was a personal friend of both Lincoln and Douglas, and he had a serious conference with the latter. "It was a long struggle," lasting well into the night. Douglas finally pledged his support to Lincoln's administration, and the next morning the papers heralded it through the land.
      "During the war the Springfield Armory was one of the busiest places in the country. The establishment of the Springfield Armory was by act of Congress passed in April, 1794; and in 1795 the work commenced with about forty hands. In 1789 Washington viewed the site and accepted it. We know that there had been an arsenal maintained here before, as was mentioned in connection with Shays's Rebellion; but this is its commencement under United States government control. The works consist of two establishments, the Armory and Arsenal on the hill, and the Water Shops distant about two miles, at the water power on Mill River. The Armory and Arsenal are located in the heart of the city, on what is known as Federal Square. The main Arsenal building is situated on a bluff overlooking the city from its highest point, one hundred and sixty feet above the river. This is a partial copy of the East India House in London. From its great square tower there is a fine view of the country for miles around,— a view which was greatly admired by Dickens. A few years ago, a native of Spring-