It could have simply been of interest to Lincoln, but I wonder if it had something to do with the German influences in Illinois politics during that time. Eventually, Lincoln would quietly purchase the Illinois Staats-Anzeiger although that wasn't until the late 1850s.
Best
Rob
Abraham Lincoln is the only man, dead or alive, with whom I could have spent five years without one hour of boredom.
--Ida M. Tarbell
I want the respect of intelligent men, but I will choose for myself the intelligent.