This British immigrant established the first cotton mill in the USA in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 1793. He later opened another mills. Slater had gained much experience in the cotton industry in Britain.
Lincoln was supporting Wilmot Proviso, which was a failed attempt to ban slavery.
When Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas met in a series of seven debates as they ran for Illinois Senate seat, they heatedly debated a critical issue that day, slavery.
Debates raised Lincoln's profile, helping to encourage him to run for president two years later.
However, Douglas will actually win the 1858 Senate election.
