GRAND RALLY at PEORIA.
SPEECHES OF LINCOLN AND KELLOGG.
3,000 Republicans to hear them.
Republicans from 12 Counties.
BONFIRES BURNING.

(Correspondence of the Press and Tribune).

Having, among other delegates to-day come up to this, one of the most handsome and pleasant cities in all the western country, I will, for fear others do not, give you some account of the great gathering to hear two of the Prairie State’s honest men and statesmen, speak to the people.2 After a great deal of cannon firing, posting and circulating of huge posters, music and mustering, Douglas got about 2,500 people to hear him speak here yesterday, including hundreds of Republicans of the city, (drawn by curiosity to the ground), and a number of Republicans from adjoining counties, who came in yesterday afternoon to be on hand at the Convention to-day. Myself and many others were of the latter number. But, without any of the clap-traps to draw a crowd, at least 2,500 men gathered this afternoon,3 in close column, to hear honest Abe Lincoln scatter to the winds all of the sophisms in Douglas’ vaunted advocacy of popular sovereignty—to hear him vindicate true Republican principles, and to put to shame by his candid, fair and gentlemanly argument, the coarse, personal assaults of Douglas. That Senator’s unmanly and gross charge of “liar” and “coward,” were made only to recoil upon the head of their author.4 Among the hearers were about one hundred delegates and double this number of other Republicans who came up to the Congressional Convention from the ten counties composing the 4th district;5 and besides, gentlemen from Chicago and from counties out of the district were present. Numbers of Germans, few of whom were in attendance yesterday, were eager listeners to Lincoln’s speech. Old line Whigs and Fillmore men were also present, and by their hearty cheers, testified to their appreciation of the arguments. The mottoes on the principal banners around the stand seemed to express the feelings of the multitudes: “Abraham Lincoln, the choice of Illinois,” and “William Kellogg, the honest Representative.” A drizzling rain, which continued throughout the afternoon doubtless prevented the attendance of many ladies, and even men, who would have thus swelled the crowd. But notwithstanding the rain, the speaking continued all the afternoon. Being unaccustomed to reporting speeches, I am unable to give you such an outline of it as would do justice to its eloquence, its logic, its impartiality, and its truthfulness.6 It is said by those who have heard other efforts of Mr. Lincoln during the campaign, to have been more impressive, and delivered with more vehemence than any preceding it. Of its effects upon the minds of all, I can have no doubt; even many Douglasites who heard it, were pleased, and they recognized in the speaker a true man and a patriotic statesman.7