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diff --git a/38483-h/38483-h.htm b/38483-h/38483-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..182a987 --- /dev/null +++ b/38483-h/38483-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10297 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Abraham Lincoln, by William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Abraham Lincoln, Volume 1 (of 2), by +William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Abraham Lincoln, Volume 1 (of 2) + The True Story Of A Great Life + +Author: William H. Herndon + Jesse W. Weik + +Commentator: Horace White + +Release Date: January 3, 2012 [EBook #38483] +Last Updated: November 10, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VOLUME 1 (OF 2) *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + ABRAHAM LINCOLN + </h1> + <h2> + THE TRUE STORY OF A GREAT LIFE + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By William H. Herndon And Jesse W. Weik + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + With An Introduction By Horace White + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + In Two Volumes, Vol. I + </h3> + <h4> + 1888 <br /> + </h4> + <blockquote> + <p> + TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA + </p> + <p> + WHO HAVE GROWN UP SINCE HIS TRAGIC DEATH, AND WHO HAVE YET TO LEARN THE + STORY OF HIS LIFE, THIS RECORD OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS FAITHFULLY + INSCRIBED + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" alt="Frontispiece " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + ORIGINAL PREFACE TO HERNDON'S LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + A quarter of a century has well-nigh rolled by since the tragic death of + Abraham Lincoln. The prejudice and bitterness with which he was assailed + have disappeared from the minds of men, and the world is now beginning to + view him as a great historical character. Those who knew and walked with + him are gradually passing away, and ere long the last man who ever heard + his voice or grasped his hand will have gone from earth. With a view to + throwing a light on some attributes of Lincoln's character heretofore + obscure, and thus contributing to the great fund of history which goes + down to posterity, these volumes are given to the world. + </p> + <p> + If Mr. Lincoln is destined to fill that exalted station in history or + attain that high rank in the estimation of the coming generations which + has been predicted of him, it is alike just to his memory and the proper + legacy of mankind that the whole truth concerning him should be known. If + the story of his life is truthfully and courageously told-nothing colored + or suppressed; nothing false either written or suggested-the reader will + see and feel the presence of the living man. He will, in fact, live with + him and be moved to think and act with him. If, on the other hand, the + story is colored or the facts in any degree suppressed, the reader will be + not only misled, but imposed upon as well. At last the truth will come, + and no man need hope to evade it. + </p> + <p> + "There is but one true history in the world," said one of Lincoln's + closest friends to whom I confided the project of writing a history of his + life several years ago, "and that is the Bible. It is often said of the + old characters portrayed there that they were bad men. They are contrasted + with other characters in history, and much to the detriment of the old + worthies. The reason is, that the Biblical historian told the whole + truth-the inner life. The heart and secret acts are brought to light and + faithfully photographed. In other histories virtues are perpetuated and + vices concealed. If the life of King David had been written by an ordinary + historian the affair of Uriah would at most have been a quashed indictment + with a denial of all the substantial facts. You should not forget there is + a skeleton in every house. The finest character dug out thoroughly, + photographed honestly, and judged by that standard of morality or + excellence which we exact for other men is never perfect. Some men are + cold, some lewd, some dishonest, some cruel, and many a combination of + all. The trail of the serpent is over them all! Excellence consists, not + in the absence of these attributes, but in the degree in which they are + redeemed by the virtues and graces of life. Lincoln's character will, I am + certain, bear close scrutiny. I am not afraid of you in this direction. + Don't let anything deter you from digging to the bottom; yet don't forget + that if Lincoln had some faults, Washington had more—few men have + less. In drawing the portrait tell the world what the skeleton was with + Lincoln. What gave him that peculiar melancholy? What cancer had he + inside?" + </p> + <p> + Some persons will doubtless object to the narration of certain facts which + appear here for the first time, and which they contend should have been + consigned to the tomb. Their pretense is that no good can come from such + ghastly exposures. To such over-sensitive souls, if any such exist, my + answer is that these facts are indispensable to a full knowledge of Mr. + Lincoln in all the walks of life. In order properly to comprehend him and + the stirring, bloody times in which he lived, and in which he played such + an important part, we must have all the facts—we must be prepared to + take him as he was. + </p> + <p> + In determining Lincoln's title to greatness we must not only keep in mind + the times in which he lived, but we must, to a certain extent, measure him + with other men. Many of our great men and our statesmen, it is true, have + been self-made, rising gradually through struggles to the topmost round of + the ladder; but Lincoln rose from a lower depth than any of them. His + origin was in that unknown and sunless bog in which history never made a + foot-print. I should be remiss in my duty if I did not throw the light on + this part of the picture, so that the world may realize what marvellous + contrast one phase of his life presents to another. + </p> + <p> + The purpose of these volumes is to narrate facts, avoiding as much as + possible any expression of opinion, and leaving the reader to form his own + conclusions. Use has been made of the views and recollections of other + persons, but only those known to be truthful and trustworthy. A thread of + the narrative of Lincoln's life runs through the work, but an especial + feature is an analysis of the man and a portrayal of his attributes and + characteristics. The attempt to delineate his qualities, his nature and + its manifestations, may occasion frequent repetitions of fact, but if + truthfully done this can only augment the store of matter from which + posterity is to learn what manner of man he was. + </p> + <p> + The object of this work is to deal with Mr. Lincoln individually and + domestically; as lawyer, as citizen, as statesman. Especial attention is + given to the history of his youth and early manhood; and while dwelling on + this portion of his life the liberty is taken to insert many things which + would be omitted or suppressed in other places, where the cast-iron rules + that govern magazine-writing are allowed to prevail. Thus much is stated + in advance, so that no one need be disappointed in the scope and extent of + the work. The endeavor is to keep Lincoln in sight all the time; to cling + close to his side all the way through—leaving to others the more + comprehensive task of writing a history of his times. I have no theory of + his life to establish or destroy. Mr. Lincoln was my warm, devoted friend. + </p> + <p> + I always loved him, and I revere his name to this day. My purpose to tell + the truth about him need occasion no apprehension; for I know that "God's + naked truth," as Carlyle puts it, can never injure the fame of Abraham + Lincoln. It will stand that or any other test, and at last untarnished + will reach the loftiest niche in American history. + </p> + <p> + My long personal association with Mr. Lincoln gave me special facilities + in the direction of obtaining materials for these volumes. Such were our + relations during all that portion of his life when he was rising to + distinction, that I had only to exercise a moderate vigilance in order to + gather and preserve the real data of his personal career. Being strongly + drawn to the man, and believing in his destiny, I was not unobservant or + careless in this respect. It thus happened that I became the personal + depositary of the larger part of the most valuable <i>Lincolniana</i> in + existence. Out of this store the major portion of the materials of the + following volumes has been drawn. I take this, my first general + opportunity, to return thanks to the scores of friends in Kentucky, + Indiana, Illinois, and elsewhere for the information they have so + generously furnished and the favors they have so kindly extended me. Their + names are too numerous for separate mention, but the recompense of each + one will be the consciousness of having contributed a share towards a true + history of the "first American." + </p> + <p> + Over twenty years ago I began this book; but an active life at the bar has + caused me to postpone the work of composition, until, now, being somewhat + advanced in years, I find myself unable to carry out the undertaking. + Within the past three years I have been assisted in the preparation of the + book by Mr. Jesse W. Weik, of Greencastle, Ind., whose industry, patience, + and literary zeal have not only lessened my labors, but have secured for + him the approbation of Lincoln's friends and admirers. Mr. Weik has by his + personal investigation greatly enlarged our common treasure of facts and + information. He has for several years been indefatigable in exploring the + course of Lincoln's life. In no particular has he been satisfied with + anything taken at second hand. He has visited—as I also did in 1865—Lincoln's + birthplace in Kentucky, his early homes in Indiana and Illinois, and + together, so to speak, he and I have followed our hero continuously and + attentively till he left Springfield in 1861 to be inaugurated President. + We have retained the original MSS. in all cases, and they have never been + out of our hands. In relating facts therefore, we refer to them in most + cases, rather than to the statements of other biographers. + </p> + <p> + This brief preliminary statement is made so that posterity, in so far as + posterity may be interested in the subject, may know that the vital matter + of this narrative has been deduced directly from the consciousness, + reminiscences, and collected data of + </p> + <p> + William H. Herndon. + </p> + <p> + Springfield, Ill., + </p> + <p> + November 1, 1888. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Herndon </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Sarah Bush Lincoln </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Lines Written by Lincoln </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> House of Thomas Lincoln </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Mary Owens </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> Springfield Court House </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> First Presbyterian in Springfield </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> Joshua Speed and Wife </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> Edwards Residence Where Lincoln Married </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> James Shields </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> Court House, Springfield 1850-1860 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> Lincoln and Herndon Law Office </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> Portraits </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> The Globe Tavern </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + I was called upon during the lifetime of Mr. Herndon to write for the + second edition of this work a chapter on the Lincoln-Douglas campaign of + 1858. After this had been done and the book had been revised for the + press, I was requested by the publishers to add something in the nature of + a character sketch of Mr. Lincoln as I knew him before his fame had spread + much beyond the confines of Illinois, and to tell what were those + qualities that made him so attractive then. Of course, they were the same + qualities which made him attractive afterward on a wider scale. The + popular judgment of him is, in the main, correct and unshakable. I say in + the main, because there is in this judgment a tendency to apotheosis + which, while pardonable, is not historical, and will not last. + </p> + <p> + At the time when he was preparing himself unconsciously to be the nation's + leader in a great crisis the only means of gaining public attention was by + public speech. The press did not exist for him, or for the people among + whom he lived. The ambitious young men of the day must make their mark by + oratory, or not at all. There was no division of labor between the speaker + and the editor. If a man was to gain any popularity he must gain it by + talking into the faces of the people. He must have a ready tongue, and + must be prepared to meet all comers and to accept all challenges. + Stump-speaking, wrestling, story-telling, and horse-racing were the only + amusements of the people. In the first three of these Mr. Lincoln + excelled. He grew up in this atmosphere, as did all his rivals. It was a + school to develop all the debating powers that the community possessed, + and to bring them to a high degree of perfection. Polish was not necessary + to success, but plainness of diction was. The successful speaker was he + who could make himself best understood by the common people, and in turn + could best understand them. + </p> + <p> + Among the earliest accounts that we get of Mr. Lincoln we find him talking + to other boys from some kind of a platform. He had a natural gift, and he + exercised it as opportunity came to him. When he arrived at man's estate + these opportunities came as often as could be desired. Other young men + gifted in the same way were growing up around him. Douglas, Baker, + Trumbull, Hardin, Browning, Yates, Archibald Williams, Josiah Lamborn, and + Lisle Smith were among them. All these had the same kind of training for + public preferment that Lincoln had; some of them had more book learning, + but not much more. We have his own word for it that he was as ambitious of + such preferment as Douglas was; and this was putting it in the superlative + degree. + </p> + <p> + The popular conception of Mr. Lincoln as one not seeking public honors, + but not avoiding public duties, is a <i>post bellum</i> growth, very wide + of the mark. He was entirely human in this regard, but his desire for + political preferment was hedged about by a sense of obligation to the + truth which nothing could shake. This fidelity to truth was ingrained and + unchangeable. In all the speeches I ever heard him make—and they + were many—he never even insinuated an untruth, nor did he ever fail + when stating his opponent's positions to state them fully and fairly. He + often stated his opponent's position better than his opponent did or + could. To say what was false, or even to leave his hearers under a wrong + impression, was impossible to him. Within this high inclosure he was as + ambitious of earthly honors as any man of his time. Furthermore, he was an + adept at log-rolling or any political game that did not involve falsity. I + was Secretary of the Republican State Committee of Illinois during some + years when he was in active campaign work. He was often present at + meetings of the committee, although not a member, and took part in the + committee work. His judgment was very much deferred to in such matters. He + was one of the shrewdest politicians of the State. Nobody had had more + experience in that way, nobody knew better than he what was passing in the + minds of the people. Nobody knew better how to turn things to advantage + politically, and nobody was readier to take such advantage, provided it + did not involve dishonorable means. He could not cheat people out of their + votes any more than out of their money. The Abraham Lincoln that some + people have pictured to themselves, sitting in his dingy law office, + working over his cases till the voice of duty roused him, never existed. + If this had been his type he never would have been called at all. It was + precisely because he was up and stirring, and in hot, incessant + competition with his fellows for earthly honors, that the public eye + became fixed upon him and the public ear attuned to his words. Fortunate + was it for all of us that he was no shrinking patriot, that he was moved + as other men are moved, so that his fellows might take heed of him and + know him as one of themselves, and as fit to be their leader in a crisis. + </p> + <p> + Let me repeat and emphasize what I have here said. Mr. Lincoln never gave + his assent, so far as my knowledge goes, to any plan or project for + getting votes that would not have borne the full light of day. At the same + time, he had no objection to the getting of votes by the pledge of + offices, nor was he too particular what kind of men got the offices. His + preference was always for good men; but he could not resist pressure where + persons were concerned, even though his conscience told him that he was + doing wrong. + </p> + <p> + We have seen what kind of debating school Mr. Lincoln grew up in. It was + the best possible school for him, and it was an advantage to him that he + had able men for his competitors. Among them was Stephen A. Douglas, the + most versatile, indomitable, and unscrupulous of all of them. He was + Lincoln's rival, as is shown in these pages, for almost everything, from + the hand of Mary Todd to the presidency of the United States. He had the + strength and presence of a lion, with all the cunning of a fox. He + possessed every quality which wins popular favor and high station except + veracity, and I know of nothing in the pages of history more cheering to + pious souls than the eventual triumph of Honest Abe over the Little Giant. + </p> + <p> + It was by restless competition and rough-and-tumble with Douglas and + others that Mr. Lincoln acquired that rare power of expression, by mouth + and pen, which drew to himself the attention of the State and afterward of + the nation and the world. He rarely used ornament in his speeches. + Although gifted with the power of humor to an extraordinary degree, he + seldom employed it in his later years except in private circles. Thus it + came about that this growing master of logic, this profound and earnest + debater of the most serious questions of the day, was the most popular of + tavern loungers, and could draw more people together and hold them longer + by mere drollery and <i>cameraderie</i> than any other man I ever knew. + Mr. Lincoln's nature was one of almost child-like sweetness. He did not + "put you at your ease" when you came into his presence. You felt at your + ease without being put there. He never assumed superiority over anybody in + the ordinary intercourse of life. + </p> + <p> + A good test of this trait in his character was furnished in my own + experience. When I was first thrown into his society I was just out of + college, and was as callow and as self-confident as boys usually are at + that time of life. Mr. Lincoln was at the maturity of his powers. I was + often with him when he had no other companion. In our intercourse he + always paid marked deference to my opinions, and if we differed he would + argue the point with me as earnestly as though I had been the opposing + counsel in a lawsuit. And this he would do with anybody, young or old, + ignorant or learned. I never heard him express contempt for any man's + honest errors, although he would sometimes make a droll remark or tell a + funny story about them. Deference to other people's opinions was habitual + to him. There was no calculation, no politics in it. It was part and + parcel of his sense of equal rights. His democracy was of the unconscious + kind—he did not know anything different from it. Coupled with this + was a habit of unselfishness and kindly temper most engaging to all who + knew him or had any dealings with him. At the same time he knew when he + was imposed upon, and it was unsafe for anybody to presume upon his good + nature or to take him for a flat. + </p> + <p> + But more than intellectual gifts, more than good-fellowship, did the sense + of justice give him his hold on others. That was a magnetic field whose + influences could not be escaped. He carried it as unconsciously as he + carried his hair. The Athenians would never have ostracized him—indeed, + they would never have called him the Just. They would have taken him as + they took the bees on Hymettus—as one naturally searching after + sweet things. + </p> + <p> + To say that Mr. Lincoln was a man who had the courage of his convictions + would be rather an under-statement. This was part and parcel of his sense + of justice. He wore it as he wore his clothes, except that it fitted him + much better than his garments usually did. At the time I first knew him it + was irksome to very many of his friends to be told that there ought to be + an efficient fugitive slave law. But it was his conviction as a lawyer + that there ought to be one, and he never failed to say so when + interrogated, or when occasion required that that subject should be + touched upon. And it is a fact that abolitionists like Lovejoy and Codding + would take this from Lincoln without murmuring, when they would not take + it from anybody else. He never would echo the popular cry, "No more slave + States!" Whenever this subject was discussed he would say that if a + Territory having the requisite population and belonging to us should apply + for admission to the Union without fraud or constraint, yet with slavery, + he could not see any other disposition to be made of her than to admit + her. And when he had said this, even to an audience of radical antislavery + men, there would be no protestations. Those who were not convinced would + observe a respectful silence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln's facial expression when in repose and when animated presented + most remarkable contrasts. I have before me a photograph of him taken at + Pittsfield, Illinois, during the campaign of 1858. It looks as I have seen + him a hundred times, his lantern jaws and large mouth and solid nose + firmly set, his sunken eyes looking at nothing yet not unexpressive, his + wrinkled and retreating forehead cut off by a mass of tousled hair, with a + shade of melancholy drawn like a veil over his whole face. Nothing more + unlike this can be imagined than the same Lincoln when taking part in a + conversation, or addressing an audience, or telling a story. The dull, + listless features dropped like a mask. The melancholy shadow disappeared + in a twinkling. The eye began to sparkle, the mouth to smile, the whole + countenance was wreathed with animation, so that a stranger would have + said: "Why, this man, so angular and somber a moment ago, is really + handsome." + </p> + <p> + What more can be said of the qualities that first made Mr. Lincoln + attractive to his contemporaries? These were debating power, honesty of + purpose, a child-like temper, purity of life, and courage of conviction. + All these traits will be seen in the following pages, rising, unfolding, + expanding in a regular, orderly, human way as the young Lincoln grew to + mature years. + </p> + <p> + What Mr. Lincoln was after he became President can be best understood by + knowing what he was before. The world owes more to William H. Herndon for + this particular knowledge than to all other persons taken together. It is + no exaggeration to say that his death, which took place at his farm near + Springfield, Illinois, March 18, 1891, removed from earth the person who, + of all others, had most thoroughly searched the sources of Mr. Lincoln's + biography and had most attentively, intelligently, and also lovingly + studied his character. He was generous in imparting his information to + others. Almost every life of Lincoln published since the tragedy at Ford's + Theatre has been enriched by his labors. He was nine years the junior of + Mr. Lincoln. Their partnership began in 1843, and it continued until it + was dissolved by the death of the senior member. Between them there was + never an unkind word or thought. When Mr. Lincoln became President, Mr. + Herndon could have had his fortunes materially advanced under the new + Administration by saying a word. He was a poor man then and always, but he + chose to remain in his more humble station and to earn his bread by his + daily labor. + </p> + <p> + Some six years ago Mr. Herndon conceived the project of writing a series + of magazine articles intended to portray the youth and early manhood of + Lincoln. Being somewhat infirm, he called Mr. Weik to his assistance, as + he has explained in his preface. The magazine articles expanded insensibly + to the present volumes. Lincolniana is increasing and is destined to + increase. It has been enriched within recent years by the indispensable + but too massive work of Nicolay and Hay, by the masterly essay of Schurz, + and by the posthumous lecture of Greeley, which latter, being in reality + if not in terms a hearty, ungrudging confession that he had underestimated + Lincoln in his lifetime, is doubly welcome. As a portraiture of the man + Lincoln—and this is what we look for above all things in a biography—I + venture to think that Mr. Herndon's work will never be surpassed. + </p> + <p> + Horace White. + </p> + <p> + New York, February, 1892. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/039.jpg" alt="Herndon 039 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE LIFE OF LINCOLN. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + BEYOND the fact that he was born on the 12th day of February, 1809, in + Hardin county, Kentucky, Mr. Lincoln usually had but little to say of + himself, the lives of his parents, or the history of the family before + their removal to Indiana. If he mentioned the subject at all, it was with + great reluctance and significant reserve. There was something about his + origin he never cared to dwell upon. His nomination for the Presidency in + 1860, however, made the publication of his life a necessity, and attracted + to Springfield an army of campaign biographers and newspaper men. They met + him in his office, stopped him in his walks, and followed him to his + house. Artists came to paint his picture, and sculptors to make his bust. + His autographs were in demand, and people came long distances to shake him + by the hand. This sudden elevation to national prominence found Mr. + Lincoln unprepared in a great measure for the unaccustomed demonstrations + that awaited him. While he was easy of approach and equally courteous to + all, yet, as he said to me one evening after a long day of hand-shaking, + he could not understand why people should make so much over him. + </p> + <p> + Among the earliest newspaper men to arrive in Springfield after the + Chicago convention was the late J. L. Scripps of the Chicago <i>Tribune</i>, + who proposed to prepare a history of his life. Mr. Lincoln deprecated the + idea of writing even a campaign biography. "Why, Scripps," said he, "it is + a great piece of folly to attempt to make anything out of me or my early + life. It can all be condensed into a single sentence, and that sentence + you will find in Gray's Elegy, + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + 'The short and simple annals of the poor.' + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + That's my life, and that's all you or anyone else can make out of it." + </p> + <p> + He did, however, communicate some facts and meagre incidents of his early + days, and, with the matter thus obtained, Mr. Scripps prepared his book. + Soon after the death of Lincoln I received a letter from Scripps, in + which, among other things, he recalled the meeting with Lincoln, and the + view he took of the biography matter. + </p> + <p> + "Lincoln seemed to be painfully impressed," he wrote, "with the extreme + poverty of his early surroundings, and the utter absence of all romantic + and heroic elements. He communicated some facts to me concerning his + ancestry, which he did not wish to have published then, and which I have + never spoken of or alluded to before." + </p> + <p> + What the facts referred to by Mr. Scripps were we do not know; for he died + several years ago without, so far as is known revealing them to anyone. + </p> + <p> + On the subject of his ancestry and origin I only remember one time when + Mr. Lincoln ever referred to it. It was about 1850, when he and I were + driving in his one-horse buggy to the court in Menard county, Illinois. + The suit we were going to try was one in which we were likely, either + directly or collaterally, to touch upon the subject of hereditary traits. + During the ride he spoke, for the first time in my hearing, of his mother, + dwelling on her characteristics, and mentioning or enumerating what + qualities he inherited from her. He said, among other things, that she was + the daughter of Lucy Hanks and a well-bred but obscure Virginia farmer or + planter; and he argued that from this last source came his power of + analysis, his logic, his mental activity, his ambition, and all the + qualities that distinguished him from the other members and descendants of + the Hanks family. + </p> + <p> + In only two instances did Mr. Lincoln over his own hand leave any record + of his history or family descent. One of these was the modest bit of + autobiography furnished to Jesse W. Fell, in 1859, in which, after stating + that his parents were born in Virginia of "undistinguished or second + families," he makes the brief mention of his mother, saying that she came + "of a family of the name of Hanks."* The other record was the register of + marriages, births, and deaths which he made in his father's Bible. The + latter now lies before me. That portion of the page which probably + contained the record of the marriage of his parents, Thomas Lincoln and + Nancy Hanks, has been lost; but fortunately the records of Washington + county, Kentucky, and the certificate of the minister who performed the + marriage ceremony—the Rev. Jesse Head—fix the fact and date of + the latter on the 12th day of June, 1806. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * If anyone will take the pains to read the Fell autobiography they will + be struck with Lincoln's meagre reference to his mother. He even fails + to give her maiden or Christian name, and devotes but three lines to her + family. A history of the Lincolns occupies almost an entire page. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On the 10th day of February in the following year a daughter Sarah* was + born, and two years later, on the 12th of February, the subject of these + memoirs came into the world. After him came the last child, a boy—named + Thomas after his father—who lived but a few days. No mention of his + existence is found in the Bible record. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Most biographers of Lincoln, in speaking of Mr. Lincoln's sister, call + her Nancy, some—notably Nicolay and Hay— insisting that she + was known by that name among her family and friends. In this they are in + error. I have interviewed the different members of the Hanks and Lincoln + families who survived the President, and her name was invariably given + as Sarah. The mistake, I think, arises from the fact that, in the Bible + record referred to, all that portion relating to the birth of "Sarah, + daughter of Thomas and Nancy Lincoln," down to the word Nancy has been + torn away, and the latter name has therefore been taken erroneously for + that of the daughter. Reading the entry of Abraham's birth below + satisfies one that it must refer to the mother. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Abraham Lincoln, the grandfather of the President, emigrated to Jefferson + county, Kentucky, from Virginia, about 1780, and from that time forward + the former State became an important one in the history of the family, for + in it was destined to be born its most illustrious member. About five + years before this, a handful of Virginians had started across the + mountains for Kentucky, and in the company, besides their historian, + William Calk,—whose diary recently came to light,—was one + Abraham Hanks. They were evidently a crowd of jolly young men bent on + adventure and fun, but their sport was attended with frequent disasters. + Their journey began at "Mr. Priges' tavern on the Rapidan." When only a + few days out "Hanks' Dog's leg got broke." Later in the course of the + journey, Hanks and another companion became separated from the rest of the + party and were lost in the mountains for two days; in crossing a stream + "Abraham's saddle turned over and his load all fell in Indian creek"; + finally they meet their brethren from whom they have been separated and + then pursue their way without further interruption. Returning emigrants + whom they meet, according to the journal of Calk, tell such "news of the + indians" that certain members of the company are "afrade to go aney + further." The following day more or less demoralization takes place among + the members of this pioneer party when the announcement is made, as their + chronicler so faithfully records it, that "Philip Drake Bakes bread + without washing his hands." This was an unpardonable sin, and at it they + revolted. A day later the record shows that "Abram turns Back." Beyond + this we shall never know what became of Abraham Hanks, for no further + mention of him is made in this or any other history. He may have returned + to Virginia and become, for aught we know, one of the President's + ancestors on the maternal side of the house; but if so his illustrious + descendant was never able to establish the fact or trace his lineage + satisfactorily beyond the first generation which preceded him. He never + mentioned who his maternal grandfather was, if indeed he knew. + </p> + <p> + His paternal grandfather, Abraham Lincoln,* the pioneer from Virginia, met + his death within two years after his settlement in Kentucky at the hands + of the Indians; "not in battle," as his distinguished grandson tells us, + "but by stealth, when he was laboring to open a farm in the forest." The + story of his death in sight of his youngest son Thomas, then only six + years old, is by no means a new one to the world. In fact I have often + heard the President describe the tragedy as he had inherited the story + from his father. The dead pioneer had three sons, Mordecai, Josiah, and + Thomas, in the order named. When the father fell, Mordecai, having hastily + sent Josiah to the neighboring fort after assistance, ran into the cabin, + and pointing his rifle through a crack between the logs, prepared for + defense. Presently an Indian came stealing up to the dead father's body. + Beside the latter sat the little boy Thomas. Mordecai took deliberate aim + at a silver crescent which hung suspended from the Indian's breast, and + brought him to the ground. Josiah returned from the fort with the desired + relief, and the savages were easily dispersed, leaving behind one dead and + one wounded. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "They [the Lincolns] were also called Linkhorns. The old settlers had + a way of pronouncing names not as they were spelled, but rather, it + seemed, as they pleased. Thus they called Medcalf 'Medcap,' and Kaster + they pronounced 'Custard.'"—MS. letter, Charles Friend, March + 19,1866. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The tragic death of his father filled Mordecai with an intense hatred of + the Indians—a feeling from which he never recovered. It was ever + with him like an avenging spirit. From Jefferson county he removed to + Grayson, where he spent the remainder of his days. A correspondent* from + there wrote me in 1865: "Old Mordecai was easily stirred up by the sight + of an Indian. One time, hearing of a few Indians passing through the + county, he mounted his horse, and taking his rifle on his shoulder, + followed on after them and was gone two days. When he returned he said he + left one lying in a sink hole. The Indians, he said, had killed his + father, and he was determined before he died to have satisfaction." The + youngest boy, Thomas, retained a vivid recollection of his father's death, + which, together with other reminiscences of his boyhood, he was fond of + relating later in life to his children to relieve the tedium of long + winter evenings. Mordecai and Josiah,** both remaining in Kentucky, became + the heads of good-sized families, and although never known or heard of + outside the limits of the neighborhoods in which they lived, were + intelligent, well-to-do men. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * W. T. Claggett, unpublished MS. ** "I knew Mordecai and Josiah Lincoln + intimately. They were excellent men, plain, moderately educated, candid + in their manners and intercourse, and looked upon as honorable as any + men I have ever heard of. Mordecai was the oldest son, and his father + having been killed by the Indians before the law of primogeniture was + repealed, he inherited a very competent estate. The others were poor. + Mordecai was celebrated for his bravery, and had been in the early + campaigns of the West"-Henry Pirtle, letter, June 17,1865, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In Thomas, roving and shiftless, to whom was "reserved the honor of an + illustrious paternity," are we alone interested. He was, we are told, five + feet ten inches high, weighed one hundred and ninety-five pounds, had a + well-rounded face, dark hazel eyes, coarse black hair, and was slightly + stoop-shouldered. His build was so compact that Dennis Hanks used to say + he could not find the point of separation between his ribs. He was + proverbially slow of movement, mentally and physically; was careless, + inert, and dull; was sinewy, and gifted with great strength; was + inoffensively quiet and peaceable, but when roused to resistance a + dangerous antagonist. He had a liking for jokes and stories, which was one + of the few traits he transmitted to his illustrious son; was fond of the + chase, and had no marked aversion for the bottle, though in the latter + case he indulged no more freely than the average Kentuckian of his day. At + the time of his marriage to Nancy Hanks he could neither read nor write; + but his wife, who was gifted with more education, and was otherwise his + mental superior, taught him, it is said, to write his name and to read—at + least, he was able in later years to spell his way slowly through the + Bible. In his religious belief he first affiliated with the Free-Will + Baptists. After his removal to Indiana he changed his adherence to the + Presbyterians—or Predestinarians, as they were then called—and + later united with the Christian—vulgarly called Campbellite Church, + in which latter faith he is supposed to have died. He was a carpenter by + trade, and essayed farming too; but in this, as in almost every other + undertaking, he was singularly unsuccessful. He was placed in possession + of several tracts of land at different times in his life, but was never + able to pay for a single one of them. The farm on which he died was one + his son purchased, providing a life estate therein for him and his wife. + He never fell in with the routine of labor; was what some people would + call unfortunate or unlucky in all his business ventures—if in + reality he ever made one—and died near the village of Farmington in + Coles county, Illinois, on the 17th day of January, 1851. His son, on + account of sickness in his own family, was unable to be present at his + father's bedside, or witness his death. To those who notified him of his + probable demise he wrote: "I sincerely hope that father may yet recover + his health; but at all events tell him to remember to call upon and + confide in our great and good and merciful Maker, who will not turn away + from him in any extremity. He notes the fall of a sparrow, and numbers the + hairs of our heads; and He will not forget the dying man who puts his + trust in him. Say to him that if we could meet now it is doubtful whether + it would not be more painful than pleasant; but that if it be his lot to + go now he will soon have a joyous meeting with the many loved ones gone + before, and where the rest of us, through the help of God, hope ere long + to join them." * + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * MS. letter to John Johnston, Jan. 12, 1851. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Nancy Hanks, the mother of the President, at a very early age was taken + from her mother Lucy—afterwards married to Henry Sparrow—and + sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Thomas and Betsy Sparrow. Under this + same roof the irrepressible and cheerful waif, Dennis Hanks*—whose + name will be frequently seen in these pages—also found a shelter. At + the time of her marriage to Thomas Lincoln, Nancy was in her twenty-third + year. She was above the ordinary height in stature, weighed about 130 + pounds, was slenderly built, and had much the appearance of one inclined + to consumption. Her skin was dark; hair dark brown; eyes gray and small; + forehead prominent; face sharp and angular, with a marked expression of + melancholy which fixed itself in the memory of everyone who ever saw or + knew her. Though her life was seemingly beclouded by a spirit of sadness, + she was in disposition amiable and generally cheerful. Mr. Lincoln himself + said to me in 1851, on receiving the news of his father's death, that + whatever might be said of his parents, and however unpromising the early + surroundings of his mother may have been, she was highly intellectual by + nature, had a strong memory, acute judgment, and was cool and heroic. From + a mental standpoint she no doubt rose above her surroundings, and had she + lived, the stimulus of her nature would have accelerated her son's + success, and she would have been a much more ambitious prompter than his + father ever was. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Dennis Hanks, still living at the age of ninety years in Illinois, was + the son of another Nancy Hanks—the aunt of the President's mother. + He furnished Mr. Weik and me with much interesting information, + especially facts and incidents relating to early life in Indiana. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + As a family the Hankses were peculiar to the civilization of early + Kentucky. Illiterate and superstitious, they corresponded to that nomadic + class still to be met with throughout the South, and known as "poor + whites." They are happily and vividly depicted in the description of a + camp-meeting held at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, in 1806, which was furnished + me in August, 1865, by an eye-witness.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * J. B. Helm, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "The Hanks girls," narrates the latter, "were great at camp-meetings. I + remember one in 1806. I will give you a scene, and if you will then read + the books written on the subject you may find some apology for the + superstition that was said to be in Abe Lincoln's character. It was at a + camp-meeting, as before said, when a general shout was about to commence. + Preparations were being made; a young lady invited me to stand on a bench + by her side where we could see all over the altar. To the right a strong, + athletic young man, about twenty-five years old, was being put in trim for + the occasion, which was done by divesting him of all apparel except shirt + and pants. On the left a young lady was being put in trim in much the same + manner, so that her clothes would not be in the way, and so that, when her + combs flew out, her hair would go into graceful braids. She, too, was + young—not more than twenty perhaps. The performance commenced about + the same time by the young man on the right and the young lady on the + left. Slowly and gracefully they worked their way towards the centre, + singing, shouting, hugging and kissing, generally their own sex, until at + last nearer and nearer they came. The centre of the altar was reached, and + the two closed, with their arms around each other, the man singing and + shouting at the top of his voice, + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "'I have my Jesus in my arms Sweet as honey, strong as bacon ham.' + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "Just at this moment the young lady holding to my arm whispered, 'They are + to be married next week; her name is Hanks.' There were very few who did + not believe this true religion, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the man + who could not believe it, did well to keep it to himself. The Hankses were + the finest singers and shouters in our country." + </p> + <p> + Here my informant stops, and on account of his death several years ago I + failed to learn whether the young lady shouter who figured in the + foregoing scene was the President's mother or not. The fact that Nancy + Hanks did marry that year gives color to the belief that it was she. As to + the probability of the young man being Thomas Lincoln it is difficult to + say; such a performance as the one described must have required a little + more emotion and enthusiasm than the tardy and inert carpenter was in the + habit of manifesting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Sarah, the sister of Abraham Lincoln, though in some respects like her + brother, lacked his stature. She was thick-set, had dark-brown hair, + deep-gray eyes, and an even disposition. In contact with others she was + kind and considerate. Her nature was one of amiability, and God had + endowed her with that invincible combination—modesty and good sense. + Strange to say, Mr. Lincoln never said much about his sister in after + years, and we are really indebted to the Hankses—Dennis and John—for + the little we have learned about this rather unfortunate young woman. She + was married to Aaron Grigsby, in Spencer county, Indiana, in the month of + August, 1826, and died January 20, 1828. Her brother accompanied her to + school while they lived in Kentucky, but as he was only seven, and as she + had not yet finished her ninth year when their father removed with them to + Indiana, it is to be presumed that neither made much progress in the + matter of school education. Still it is authoritatively stated that they + attended two schools during this short period. One of these was kept by + Zachariah Riney, the other by Caleb Hazel. It is difficult at this late + day to learn much of the boy Abraham's life during those seven years of + residence in Kentucky. One man, * who was a clerk in the principal store + in the village where the Lincolns purchased their family supplies, + remembers him as a "small boy who came sometimes to the store with his + mother. He would take his seat on a keg of nails, and I would give him a + lump of sugar. He would sit there and eat it like any other boy; but these + little acts of kindness," observes my informant, in an enthusiastic + statement made in 1865, "so impressed his mind that I made a steadfast + friend in a man whose power and influence have since been felt throughout + the world." A school-mate** of Lincoln's at Hazel's school, speaking of + the master, says: "He perhaps could teach spelling and reading and + indifferent writing, and possibly could cipher to the rule of three; but + he had no other qualification of a teacher, unless we accept large size + and bodily strength. Abe was a mere spindle of a boy, had his due + proportion of harmless mischief, but as we lived in a country abounding in + hazel switches, in the virtue of which the master had great faith, Abe of + course received his due allowance." + </p> + <p> + This part of the boy's history is painfully vague and dim, and even after + arriving at man's estate Mr. Lincoln was significantly reserved when + reference was made to it. It is barely mentioned in the autobiography + furnished to Fell in 1859. John Duncan,*** afterwards a preacher of some + prominence in Kentucky, relates how he and Abe on one occasion ran a + ground-hog into a crevice between two rocks, and after working vainly + almost two hours to get him out, "Abe ran off about a quarter of a mile to + a blacksmith shop, and returned with an iron hook fastened to the end of a + pole," and with this rude contrivance they virtually "hooked" the animal + out of his retreat. Austin Gollaher of Hodgensville, claims to have saved + Lincoln from drowning one day as they were trying to "coon it" across Knob + creek on a log. The boys were in pursuit of birds, when young Lincoln fell + into the water, and his vigilant companion, who still survives to narrate + the thrilling story, fished him out with a sycamore branch. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * John B. Helm, June 20,1865. ** Samuel Haycraft, December 6,1866. *** + Letter, February 21, 1867. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Meanwhile Thomas Lincoln was becoming daily more dissatisfied with his + situation and surroundings. He had purchased, since his marriage, on the + easy terms then prevalent, two farms or tracts of land in succession; no + terms were easy enough for him, and the land, when the time for the + payment of the purchase-money rolled around, reverted to its former owner. + Kentucky, at that day, afforded few if any privileges, and possessed fewer + advantages to allure the poor man; and no doubt so it seemed to Thomas + Lincoln. The land he occupied was sterile and broken. A mere barren glade, + and destitute of timber, it required a persistent effort to coax a living + out of it; and to one of his easy-going disposition, life there was a + never-ending struggle. Stories of vast stretches of rich and unoccupied + lands in Indiana reaching his ears, and despairing of the prospect of any + betterment in his condition so long as he remained in Kentucky, he + resolved, at last, to leave the State and seek a more inviting lodgment + beyond the Ohio. The assertion made by some of Mr. Lincoln's biographers, + and so often repeated by sentimental writers, that his father left + Kentucky to avoid the sight of or contact with slavery, lacks + confirmation. In all Hardin county—at that time a large area of + territory—there were not over fifty slaves; and it is doubtful if he + saw enough of slavery to fill him with the righteous opposition to the + institution with which he has so frequently been credited. Moreover, he + never in later years manifested any especial aversion to it. + </p> + <p> + Having determined on emigrating to Indiana, he began preparations for + removal in the fall of 1816 by building for his use a flat-boat. Loading + it with his tools and other personal effects, including in the invoice, as + we are told, four hundred gallons of whiskey, he launched his "crazy + craft" on a tributary of Salt creek known as the Rolling Fork. Along with + the current he floated down to the Ohio river, but his rudely-made vessel, + either from the want of experience in its navigator, or because of its ill + adaptation to withstand the force and caprices of the currents in the + great river, capsized one day, and boat and cargo went to the bottom. The + luckless boatman set to work however, and by dint of great patience and + labor succeeded in recovering the tools and the bulk of the whiskey. + Righting his boat, he continued down the river, landing at a point called + Thompson's Ferry, in Perry county, on the Indiana side. Here he disposed + of his vessel, and placing his goods in the care of a settler named Posey, + he struck out through the interior in search of a location for his new + home. Sixteen miles back from the river he found one that pleased his + fancy, and he marked it off for himself. His next move in the order of + business was a journey to Vincennes to purchase the tract at the Land + Office—under the "two-dollar-an-acre law," as Dennis Hanks puts it—and + a return to the land to identify it by blazing the trees and piling up + brush on the corners to establish the proper boundary lines. Having + secured a place for his home he trudged back to Kentucky—walking all + the way—for his family. Two horses brought them and all their + household effects to the Indiana shore. Posey kindly gave or hired them + the use of a wagon, into which they packed not only their furniture and + carpenter tools, but the liquor, which it is presumed had lain undisturbed + in the former's cellar. Slowly and carefully picking their way through the + dense woods, they at last reached their destination on the banks of Little + Pigeon creek. There were some detentions on the way, but no serious + mishaps. + </p> + <p> + The head of the household now set resolutely to work to build a shelter + for his family. + </p> + <p> + The structure, when completed, was fourteen feet square, and was built of + small unhewn logs. In the language of the day, it was called a "half-faced + camp," being enclosed on all sides but one. It had neither floor, door, + nor windows. In this forbidding hovel these doughty emigrants braved the + exposure of the varying seasons for an entire year. At the end of that + time Thomas and Betsy Sparrow followed, bringing with them Dennis Hanks; + and to them Thomas Lincoln surrendered the "half-faced camp," while he + moved into a more pretentious structure—a cabin enclosed on all + sides. The country was thickly covered with forests of walnut, beech, oak, + elm, maple, and an undergrowth of dog-wood, sumac, and wild grape-vine. In + places where the growth was not so thick grass came up abundantly, and + hogs found plenty of food in the unlimited quantity of mast the woods + afforded. The country abounded in bear, deer, turkey, and other wild game, + which not only satisfied the pioneer's love for sport, but furnished his + table with its supply of meat. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Lincoln, with the aid of the Hankses and Sparrows, was for a time + an attentive farmer. The implements of agriculture then in use were as + rude as they were rare, and yet there is nothing to show that in spite of + the slow methods then in vogue he did not make commendable speed. "We + raised corn mostly"—relates Dennis—"and some wheat—enough + for a cake Sunday morning. Hog and venison hams were a legal tender, and + coon skins also. We raised sheep and cattle, but they did not bring much. + Cows and calves were only worth six to eight dollars; corn ten cents, and + wheat twenty-five cents, a bushel." So with all his application and + frugality the head of this ill-assorted household made but little headway + in the accumulation of the world's goods. We are told that he was indeed a + poor man, and that during his entire stay in Indiana his land barely + yielded him sufficient return to keep his larder supplied with the + commonest necessaries of life. His skill as a hunter—though never + brought into play unless at the angered demand of a stomach hungry for + meat—in no slight degree made up for the lack of good management in + the cultivation of his land. His son Abraham* never evinced the same + fondness for hunting, although his cousin Dennis with much pride tells us + how he could kill a wild turkey on the wing. "At that time," relates one + of the latter's playmates** descanting on the abundance of wild game, + "there were a great many deer-licks; and Abe and myself would go to these + licks sometimes and watch of nights to kill deer, though Abe was not so + fond of a gun or the sport as I was."*** + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "Abe was a good boy—an affectionate one—a boy who loved + his parents well and was obedient to their every wish. Although anything + but an impudent or rude boy he was sometimes uncomfortably inquisitive. + When strangers would ride along or pass by his father's fence he always—either + through boyish pride or to tease his father—would be sure to ask + the first question. His father would sometimes knock him over. When thus + punished he never bellowed, but dropped a kind of silent, unwelcome tear + as evidence of his sensitiveness or other feelings."—Dennis Hanks, + MS., June 13,1865. ** David Turnham, MS. letter, June 10, 1866. *** Mr. + Lincoln used to relate the following "coon" story: His father had at + home a little yellow house-dog, which invariably gave the alarm if the + boys undertook to slip away unobserved after night had set in—as + they oftentimes did— to go coon hunting. One evening Abe and his + step-brother, John Johnston, with the usual complement of boys required + in a successful coon hunt, took the insignificant little cur with them. + They located the coveted coon, killed him, and then in a sportive vein + sewed the hide on the diminutive yellow dog. The latter struggled + vigorously during the operation of sewing on, and being released from + the hands of his captors made a bee-line for home. Other large and more + important canines, on the way, scenting coon, tracked the little animal + home, and possibly mistaking him for real coon, speedily demolished him. + The next morning old Thomas Lincoln discovered lying in his yard the + lifeless remains of yellow "Joe," with strong proof of coon-skin + accompaniment. "Father was much incensed at his death," observed Mr. + Lincoln, in relating the story, "but as John and I, scantily protected + from the morning wind, stood shivering in the doorway, we felt assured + little yellow Joe would never be able again to sound the call for + another coon hunt." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The cabin to which the Lincoln family removed after leaving the little + half-faced camp to the Sparrows was in some respects a pretentious + structure. It was of hewed logs, and was eighteen feet square. It was high + enough to admit of a loft, where Abe slept, and to which he ascended each + night by means of pegs driven in the wall. The rude furniture was in + keeping with the surroundings. Three-legged stools answered for chairs. + The bedstead, made of poles fastened in the cracks of the logs on one + side, and supported by a crotched stick driven in the ground floor on the + other, was covered with skins, leaves, and old clothes. A table of the + same finish as the stools, a few pewter dishes, a Dutch oven, and a + skillet completed the household outfit. In this uninviting frontier + structure the future President was destined to pass the greater part of + his boyhood. Withal his spirits were light, and it cannot be denied that + he must have enjoyed unrestrained pleasure in his surroundings. It is + related that one day the only thing that graced the dinner-table was a + dish of roasted potatoes. The elder Lincoln, true to the custom of the + day, returned thanks for the blessing. The boy, realizing the scant + proportions of the meal, looked up into his father's face and irreverently + observed, "Dad, I call these"—meaning the potatoes—"mighty + poor blessings." Among other children of a similar age he seemed + unconsciously to take the lead, and it is no stretch of the truth to say + that they, in turn, looked up to him. He may have been a little precocious—children + sometimes are—but in view of the summary treatment received at the + hands of his father it cannot truthfully be said he was a "spoiled child." + One morning when his mother was at work he ran into the cabin from the + outside to enquire, with a quizzical grin, "Who was the father of + Zebedee's children?" As many another mother before and since has done, she + brushed the mischievous young inquirer aside to attend to some more + important detail of household concern.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Harriet Chapman, MS. letter. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The dull routine of chores and household errands in the boy's every-day + life was brightened now and then by a visit to the mill. I often in later + years heard Mr. Lincoln say that going to mill gave him the greatest + pleasure of his boyhood days. + </p> + <p> + "We had to go seven miles to mill," relates David Turnham, the friend of + his youth, "and then it was a hand-mill that would only grind from fifteen + to twenty bushels of corn in a day. There was but little wheat grown at + that time, and when we did have wheat we had to grind it in the mill + described and use it without bolting, as there were no bolts in the + country. Abe and I had to do the milling, frequently going twice to get + one grist." + </p> + <p> + In his eleventh year he began that marvellous and rapid growth in stature + for which he was so widely noted in the Pigeon creek settlement. "As he + shot up," says Turnham, "he seemed to change in appearance and action. + Although quick-witted and ready with an answer, he began to exhibit deep + thoughtfulness, and was so often lost in studied reflection we could not + help noticing the strange turn in his actions. He disclosed rare timidity + and sensitiveness, especially in the presence of men and women, and + although cheerful enough in the presence of the boys, he did not appear to + seek our company as earnestly as before."* It was only the development we + find in the history of every boy. Nature was a little abrupt in the case + of Abraham Lincoln; she tossed him from the nimbleness of boyhood to the + gravity of manhood in a single night. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * D. Turnham, MS. letter. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In the fall of 1818, the scantily settled region in the vicinity of Pigeon + creek—where the Lincolns were then living—suffered a + visitation of that dread disease common in the West in early days, and + known in the vernacular of the frontier as "the milk-sick." It hovered + like a spectre over the Pigeon creek settlement for over ten years, and + its fatal visitation and inroads among the Lincolns, Hankses, and Sparrows + finally drove that contingent into Illinois. To this day the medical + profession has never agreed upon any definite cause for the malady, nor + have they in all their scientific wrangling determined exactly what the + disease itself is. A physician, who has in his practice met a number of + cases, describes the symptoms to be "a whitish coat on the tongue, burning + sensation of the stomach, severe vomiting, obstinate constipation of the + bowels, coolness of the extremities, great restlessness and jactitation, + pulse rather small, somewhat more frequent than natural, and slightly + chorded. In the course of the disease the coat on the tongue becomes + brownish and dark, the countenance dejected, and the prostration of the + patient is great. A fatal termination may take place in sixty hours, or + life may be prolonged for a period of fourteen days. These are the + symptoms of the disease in an acute form. Sometimes it runs into the + chronic form, or it may assume that form from the commencement, and after + months or years the patient may finally die or recover only a partial + degree of health." + </p> + <p> + When the disease broke out in the Pigeon creek region it not only took off + the people, but it made sad havoc among the cattle. One man testifies that + he "lost four milch cows and eleven calves in one week." This, in addition + to the risk of losing his own life, was enough, he declared, to ruin him, + and prompted him to leave for "points further west." + </p> + <p> + Early in October of the year 1818, Thomas and Betsy Sparrow fell ill of + the disease and died within a few days of each other. Thomas Lincoln + performed the services of undertaker. With his whipsaw he cut out the + lumber, and with commendable promptness he nailed together the rude + coffins to enclose the forms of the dead. The bodies were borne to a + scantily cleared knoll in the midst of the forest, and there, without + ceremony, quietly let down into the grave. Meanwhile Abe's mother had also + fallen a victim to the insidious disease. Her sufferings, however, were + destined to be of brief duration. Within a week she too rested from her + labors. "She struggled on, day by day," says one of the household, "a good + Christian woman, and died on the seventh day after she was taken sick. Abe + and his sister Sarah waited on their mother, and did the little jobs and + errands required of them. There was no physician nearer than thirty-five + miles. The mother knew she was going to die, and called the children to + her bedside. She was very weak, and the children leaned over while she + gave her last message. Placing her feeble hand on little Abe's head she + told him to be kind and good to his father and sister; to both she said, + 'Be good to one another,' expressing a hope that they might live, as they + had been taught by her, to love their kindred and worship God." Amid the + miserable surroundings of a home in the wilderness Nancy Hanks passed + across the dark river. Though of lowly birth, the victim of poverty and + hard usage, she takes a place in history as the mother of a son who + liberated a race of men. At her side stands another Mother whose son + performed a similar service for all mankind eighteen hundred years before. + </p> + <p> + After the death of their mother little Abe and his sister Sarah began a + dreary life—indeed, one more cheerless and less inviting seldom + falls to the lot of any child. In a log-cabin without a floor, scantily + protected from the severities of the weather, deprived of the comfort of a + mother's love, they passed through a winter the most dismal either one + ever experienced. Within a few months, and before the close of the winter, + David Elkin, an itinerant preacher whom Mrs. Lincoln had known in + Kentucky, happened into the settlement, and in response to the invitation + from the family and friends, delivered a funeral sermon over her grave. No + one is able now to 'remember the language of Parson Elkin's discourse, but + it is recalled that he commemorated the virtues and good phases of + character, and passed in silence the few shortcomings and frailties of the + poor woman sleeping under the winter's snow. She had done her work in this + world. Stoop-shouldered, thin-breasted, sad,—at times miserable,—groping + through the perplexities of life, without prospect of any betterment in + her condition, she passed from earth, little dreaming of the grand future + that lay in store for the ragged, hapless little boy who stood at her + bedside in the last days of her life. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Lincoln's widowerhood was brief. He had scarcely mourned the death + of his first wife a year until he reappeared in Kentucky at Elizabethtown + in search of another. His admiration had centred for a second time on + Sally Bush, the widow of Daniel Johnston, the jailer of Hardin county, who + had died several years before of a disease known as the "cold plague." The + tradition still kept alive in the Kentucky neighborhood is that Lincoln + had been a suitor for the hand of the lady before his marriage to Nancy + Hanks, but that she had rejected him for the hand of the more fortunate + Johnston. However that may have been, it is certain that he began his + campaign in earnest this time, and after a brief siege won her heart. "He + made a very short courtship," wrote Samuel Haycraft* to me in a letter, + December 7, 1866. "He came to see her on the first day of December, 1819, + and in a straightforward manner told her that they had known each other + from childhood. '<i>Miss</i> Johnston,' said he, 'I have no wife and you + no husband. I came a-purpose to marry you. I knowed you from a gal and you + knowed me from a boy. I've no time to lose; and if you're willin' let it + be done straight off.' She replied that she could not marry him right off, + as she had some little debts which she wanted to pay first. He replied, + 'Give me a list of them.' He got the list and paid them that evening. Next + morning I issued the license, and they were married within sixty yards of + my house." Lincoln's brother-in-law, Ralph Krume, and his four horses and + spacious wagon were again brought into requisition. With commendable + generosity he transported the newly married pair and their household + effects to their home in Indiana. The new Mrs. Lincoln was accompanied by + her three children, John, Sarah, and Matilda. Her social status is fixed + by the comparison of a neighbor, who observed that "life among the + Hankses, the Lincolns, and the Enlows was a long ways below life among the + Bushes." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Clerk of the Court. MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In the eyes of her spouse she could not be regarded as a poor widow. She + was the owner of a goodly stock of furniture and household goods; bringing + with her among other things a walnut bureau valued at fifty dollars. What + effect the new family, their collection of furniture, cooking utensils, + and comfortable bedding must have had on the astonished and motherless + pair who from the door of Thomas Lincoln's forlorn cabin watched the + well-filled wagon as it came creaking through the woods can better be + imagined than described. Surely Sarah and Abe, as the stores of supplies + were rolled in through the doorless doorways, must have believed that a + golden future awaited them. The presence and smile of a motherly face in + the cheerless cabin radiated sunshine into every neglected corner. If the + Lincoln mansion did not in every respect correspond to the representations + made by its owner to the new Mrs. Lincoln before marriage, the latter gave + no expression of disappointment or even surprise. With true womanly + courage and zeal she set resolutely to work to make right that which + seemed wrong. Her husband was made to put a floor in the cabin, as well as + to supply doors and windows. The cracks between the logs were plastered + up. A clothes-press filled the space between the chimney jamb and the + wall, and the mat of corn husks and leaves on which the children had slept + in the corner gave way to the comfortable luxuriance of a feather bed. She + washed the two orphans, and fitted them out in clothes taken from the + stores of her own. The work of renovation in and around the cabin + continued until even Thomas Lincoln himself, under the general stimulus of + the new wife's presence, caught the inspiration, and developed signs of + intense activity. The advent of Sarah Bush was certainly a red-letter day + for the Lincolns. She was not only industrious and thrifty, but gentle and + affectionate; and her newly adopted children for the first time, perhaps, + realized the benign influence of a mother's love. Of young Abe she was + especially fond, and we have her testimony that her kindness and care for + him were warmly and bountifully returned. Her granddaughter furnished me* + in after years with this description of her: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Harriet Chapman. MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "My grandmother is a very tall woman, straight as an Indian, of fair + complexion, and was, when I first remember her, very handsome, sprightly, + talkative, and proud. She wore her hair curled till gray; is kind-hearted + and very charitable, and also very industrious." In September, 1865, I + visited the old lady* and spent an entire day with her. She was then + living on the farm her stepson had purchased and given her, eight miles + south of the town of Charleston, in Illinois. She died on the 10th of + April, 1869. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * During my interview with this old lady I was much and deeply impressed + with the sincerity of her affection for her illustrious stepson. She + declined to say much in answer to my questions about Nancy Hanks, her + predecessor in the Lincoln household, but spoke feelingly of the + latter's daughter and son. Describing Mr. Lincoln's last visit to her in + February, 1861, she broke into tears and wupt bitterly. "I did not want + Abe to run for President," she sobbed, "and did not want to see him + elected. I was afraid that something would happen to him, and when he + came down to see me, after he was elected President, I still felt, and + my heart told me, that something would befall him, and that I should + never see him again. Abe and his father are in heaven now, I am sure, + and I expect soon to go there and meet them." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/070.jpg" alt="Sarah Bush Lincoln 070 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + The two sets of children in the Lincoln household—to their credit be + it said—lived together in perfect accord. Abe was in his tenth year, + and his stepmother, awake to the importance of an education, made a way + for him to attend school. To her he seemed full of promise; and although + not so quick of comprehension as other boys, yet she believed in + encouraging his every effort. He had had a few weeks of schooling under + Riney and Hazel in Kentucky, but it is hardly probable that he could read; + he certainly could not write. As illustrating his moral make-up, I diverge + from the chronological order of the narrative long enough to relate an + incident which occurred some years later. In the Lincoln family, Matilda + Johnston, or Tilda, as her mother called her, was the youngest child. + After Abe had reached the estate of manhood, she was still in her 'teens. + It was Abe's habit each morning one fall, to leave the house early, his + axe on his shoulder, to clear a piece of forest which lay some distance + from home. He frequently carried his dinner with him, and remained all + day. Several times the young and frolicsome 'Tilda sought to accompany + him, but was each time restrained by her mother, who firmly forbade a + repetition of the attempt. One morning the girl escaped maternal + vigilance, and slyly followed after the young woodman, who had gone some + distance from the house, and was already hidden from view behind the dense + growth of trees and underbrush. Following a deer-path, he went singing + along, little dreaming of the girl in close pursuit. The latter gained on + him, and when within a few feet, darted forward and with a cat-like leap + landed squarely on his back. With one hand on each shoulder, she planted + her knee in the middle of his back, and dexterously brought the powerful + frame of the rail-splitter to the ground. It was a trick familiar to every + schoolboy. Abe, taken by surprise, was unable at first to turn around or + learn who his assailant was. In the fall to the ground, the sharp edge of + the axe imbedded itself in the young lady's ankle, inflicting a wound from + which there came a generous effusion of blood. With sundry pieces of cloth + torn from Abe's shirt and the young lady's dress, the flow of blood was + stanched, and the wound rudely bound up. The girl's cries having lessened + somewhat, her tall companion, looking at her in blank astonishment, + knowing what an in-fraction the whole thing was of her mother's + oft-repeated instructions, asked; "'Tilda, what are you going to tell + mother about getting hurt?" "Tell her I did it with the axe," she sobbed. + "That will be the truth, won't it?" To which last inquiry Abe manfully + responded, + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's the truth, but it's not all the truth. Tell the whole + truth,'Tilda, and trust your good mother for the rest." + </p> + <p> + This incident was, many years afterward, related to me by'Tilda, who was + then the mother of a devoted and interesting family herself. + </p> + <p> + Hazel Dorsey was Abe's first teacher in Indiana. He held forth a mile and + a half from the Lincoln farm. The school-house was built of round logs, + and was just high enough for a man to stand erect under the loft. The + floor was of split logs, or what were called puncheons. The chimney was + made of poles and clay; and the windows were made by cutting out parts of + two logs, placing pieces of split boards a proper distance apart, and over + the aperture thus formed pasting pieces of greased paper to admit light. + At school Abe evinced ability enough to gain him a prominent place in the + respect of the teacher and the affections of his fellow-scholars.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "He always appeared to be very quiet during playtime; never was rude; + seemed to have a liking for solitude; was the one chosen in almost every + case to adjust difficulties between boys of his age and size, and when + appealed to, his decision was an end of the trouble. He was also rather + noted for keeping his clothes clean longer than any of the others, and + although considered a boy of courage, had few, if any, difficulties."—E. + R. Burba, letter, March 31, 1866. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Elements of leadership in him seem to have manifested themselves already. + Nathaniel Grigsby—whose brother, Aaron, afterwards married Abe's + sister, Sarah—attended the same school. He certifies to Abe's + proficiency and worth in glowing terms. + </p> + <p> + "He was always at school early," writes Grigsby, "and attended to his + studies. He was always at the head of his class, and passed us rapidly in + his studies. He lost no time at home, and when he was not at work was at + his books. He kept up his studies on Sunday, and carried his books with + him to work, so that he might read when he rested from labor." Now and + then, the family exchequer running low, it would be found necessary for + the young rail-splitter to stop school, and either work with his father on + the farm, or render like service for the neighbors. These periods of work + occurred so often and continued so long, that all his school days added + together would not make a year in the aggregate. When he attended school, + his sister Sarah usually accompanied him. "Sally was a quick-minded young + woman," is the testimony of a school-mate. "She was more industrious than + Abe, in my opinion. I can hear her good-humored laugh now. Like her + brother, she could greet you kindly and put you at ease. She was really an + intelligent woman." * + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Nat Grigsby, Sept. 12,1865, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Abe's love for books, and his determined effort to obtain an education in + spite of so many obstacles, induced the belief in his father's mind, that + book-learning was absorbing a greater proportion of his energy and + industry than the demands of the farm. The old gentleman had but little + faith in the value of books or papers,* and hence the frequent drafts he + made on the son to aid in the drudgery of daily toil. He undertook to + teach him his own trade**—he was a carpenter and joiner—but + Abe manifested such a striking want of interest that the effort to make a + carpenter of him was soon abandoned. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "I induced my husband to permit Abe to read and study at home as well + as at school. At first he was not easily reconciled to it, but finally + he too seemed willing to encourage him to a certain extent. Abe was a + dutiful son to me always, and we took particular care when he was + reading not to disturb him—would let him read on and on till he + quit of his own accord."—Mrs. Thomas Lincoln, Sept. 8, 1865. ** A + little walnut cabinet, two feet high, and containing two rows of neat + drawers, now in the possession of Captain J. W. Wartmann, clerk of the + United States Court in Evansville, Ind., is carefully preserved as a + specimen of the joint work of Lincoln and his father at this time. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + At Dorsey's school Abe was ten years old; at the next one, Andrew + Crawford's, he was about fourteen; and at Swaney's he was in his + seventeenth year. The last school required a walk of over four miles, and + on account of the distance his attendance was not only irregular but + brief. Schoolmaster Crawford introduced a new feature in his school, and + we can imagine its effect on his pupils, whose training had been limited + to the social requirements of the backwoods settlement. It was instruction + in manners. One scholar was required to go outside, and re-enter the room + as a lady or gentleman would enter a drawing-room or parlor. Another + scholar would receive the first party at the door, and escort him or her + about the room, making polite introductions to each person in the room. + How the gaunt and clumsy Abe went through this performance we shall + probably never know. If his awkward movements gave rise to any amusement, + his school-mates never revealed it. + </p> + <p> + The books used at school were Webster's Spelling Book and the American + Speller. All the scholars learned to cipher, and afterwards used Pike's + Arithmetic. Mr. Lincoln told me in later years that Murray's English + Reader was the best school-book ever put into the hands of an American + youth. I conclude, therefore, he must have used that also. At Crawford's + school Abe was credited with the authorship of several literary efforts—short + dissertations in which he strove to correct some time-honored and wanton + sport of the schoolboy. While in Indiana I met several persons who + recalled a commendable and somewhat pretentious protest he wrote against + cruelty to animals. The wholesome effects of a temperate life and the + horrors of war were also subjects which claimed the services of his pen + then, as they in later years demanded the devoted attention of his mind + and heart. + </p> + <p> + He was now over six feet high and was growing at a tremendous rate, for he + added two inches more before the close of his seventeenth year, thus + reaching the limit of his stature. He weighed in the region of a hundred + and sixty pounds; was wiry, vigorous, and strong. His feet and hands were + large, arms and legs long and in striking contrast with his slender trunk + and small head. "His skin was shrivelled and yellow," declares one of the + girls* who attended Crawford's school. "His shoes, when he had any, were + low. He wore buckskin breeches, linsey-woolsey shirt, and a cap made of + the skin of a squirrel or coon. His breeches were baggy and lacked by + several inches meeting the tops of his shoes, thereby exposing his + shinbone, sharp, blue, and narrow." In one branch of school learning he + was a great success; that was spelling. We are indebted to Kate Roby, a + pretty miss of fifteen, for an incident which illustrates alike his + proficiency in orthography and his natural inclination to help another out + of the mire. The word "defied" had been given out by Schoolmaster + Crawford, but had been misspelled several times when it came Miss Roby's + turn. "Abe stood on the opposite side of the room" (related Miss Roby** to + me in 1865) "and was watching me. I began d-e-f—and then I stopped, + hesitating whether to proceed with an 'i' or a 'y.' Looking up I beheld + Abe, a grin covering his face, and pointing with his index finger to his + eye. I took the hint, spelled the word with an 'i,' and it went through + all right." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Kate Gentry. ** Miss Roby afterward married Allen Gentry. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + There was more or less of an attachment between Miss Roby and Abe, + although the lady took pains to assure me that they were never in love. + She described with self-evident pleasure, however, the delightful + experience of an evening's stroll down to the river with him, where they + were wont to sit on the bank and watch the moon as it slowly rose over the + neighboring hills. Dangling their youthful feet in the water, they gazed + on the pale orb of night, as many a fond pair before them had done and + will continue to do until the end of the world. One evening, when thus + engaged, their conversation and thoughts turned on the movement of the + planets. "I did not suppose that Abe, who had seen so little of the world, + would know anything about it, but he proved to my satisfaction that the + moon did not go down at all; that it only seemed to; that the earth, + revolving from west to east, carried us under, as it were. 'We do the + sinking,' he explained; 'while to us the moon is comparatively still. The + moon's sinking is only an illusion.' I at once dubbed him a fool, but + later developments convinced me that I was the fool, not he. He was well + acquainted with the general laws of astronomy and the movements of the + heavenly bodies, but where he could have learned so much, or how to put it + so plainly, I never could understand." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/081.jpg" alt="Lines Written by Lincoln 081 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Absalom Roby is authority for the statement that even at that early day + Abe was a patient reader of a Louisville newspaper, which some one at + Gentryville kindly furnished him. Among the books he read were the Bible, + "Æsop's Fables," "Robinson Crusoe," Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," a + "History of the United States," and Weems' "Life of Washington." A little + circumstance attended the reading of the last-named book, which only + within recent years found its way into public print. The book was borrowed + from a close-fisted neighbor, Josiah Crawford, and one night, while lying + on a little shelf near a crack between two logs in the Lincoln cabin + during a storm, the covers were damaged by rain. Crawford—not the + schoolmaster, but old "Blue Nose," as Abe and others called him—assessed + the damage to his book at seventy-five cents, and the unfortunate borrower + was required to pull fodder for three days at twenty-five cents a day in + settlement of the account. While at school it is doubtful if he was able + to own an arithmetic. His stepmother was unable to remember his ever + having owned one. She gave me, however, a few leaves from a book made and + bound by Abe, in which he had entered, in a large, bold hand, the tables + of weights and measures, and the "sums" to be worked out in illustration + of each table. Where the arithmetic was obtained I could not learn. On one + of the pages which the old lady gave me, and just underneath the table + which tells how many pints there are in a bushel, the facetious young + student had scrawled these four lines of schoolboy doggerel: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Abraham Lincoln, His hand and pen, He will be good, But God knows + when." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On another page were found, in his own hand, a few lines which it is also + said he composed. Nothing indicates that they were borrowed, and I have + always, therefore, believed that they were original with him. Although a + little irregular in metre, the sentiment would, I think, do credit to an + older head. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + Time, what an empty vapor 'tis, And days how swift they are: Swift as an + Indian arrow, Fly on like a shooting star. The present moment just is + here, Then slides away in haste, That we can never say they're ours, But + only say they're past." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + His penmanship, after some practice, became so regular in form that it + excited the admiration of other and younger boys. One of the latter, + Joseph C. Richardson, said that "Abe Lincoln was the best penman in the + neighborhood." At Richardson's request he made some copies for practice. + During my visit to Indiana I met Richardson, who showed these two lines + which Abe had prepared for him: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Good boys who to their books apply Will all be great men by and by." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + To comprehend Mr. Lincoln fully we must know in substance not only the + facts of his origin, but also the manner of his development. It will + always be a matter of wonder to the American people, I have no doubt—as + it has been to me—that from such restricted and unpromising + opportunities in early life, Mr. Lincoln grew into the great man he was. + The foundation for his education was laid in Indiana and in the little + town of New Salem in Illinois, and in both places he gave evidence of a + nature and characteristics that distinguished him from every associate and + surrounding he had. He was not peculiar or eccentric, and yet a shrewd + observer would have seen that he was decidedly unique and original. + Although imbued with a marked dislike for manual labor, it cannot be + truthfully said of him that he was indolent. From a mental standpoint he + was one of the most energetic young men of his day. He dwelt altogether in + the land of thought. His deep meditation and abstraction easily induced + the belief among his horny-handed companions that he was lazy. In fact, a + neighbor, John Romine, makes that charge. "He worked for me," testifies + the latter, "but was always reading and thinking. I used to get mad at him + for it. I say he was awfully lazy. He would laugh and talk—crack his + jokes and tell stories all the time; didn't love work half as much as his + pay. He said to me one day that his father taught him to work, but he + never taught him to love it." Verily there was but one Abraham Lincoln! + </p> + <p> + His chief delight during the day, if unmolested, was to lie down under the + shade of some inviting tree to read and study. At night, lying on his + stomach in front of the open fireplace, with a piece of charcoal he would + cipher on a broad wooden shovel. When the latter was covered over on both + sides he would take his father's drawing knife or plane and shave it off + clean, ready for a fresh supply of inscriptions the next day. He often + moved about the cabin with a piece of chalk, writing and ciphering on + boards and the flat sides of hewn logs. When every bare wooden surface had + been filled with his letters and ciphers he would erase them and begin + anew. Thus it was always; and the boy whom dull old Thomas Lincoln and + rustic John Romine conceived to be lazy was in reality the most tireless + worker in all the region around Gentryvllle. His stepmother told me he + devoured everything in the book line within his reach. If in his reading + he came across anything that pleased his fancy, he entered it down in a + copy-book—a sort of repository, in which he was wont to store + everything worthy of preservation. "Frequently," related his stepmother, + "he had no paper to write his pieces down on. Then he would put them with + chalk on a board or plank, sometimes only making a few signs of what he + intended to write. When he got paper he would copy them, always bringing + them to me and reading them. He would ask my opinion of what he had read, + and often explained things to me in his plain and simple language." How he + contrived at the age of fourteen to absorb information is thus told by + John Hanks: "When Abe and I returned to the house from work he would go to + the cupboard, snatch a piece of corn bread, sit down, take a book, cock + his legs up as high as his head, and read. We grubbed, plowed, mowed, and + worked together barefooted in the field. Whenever Abe had a chance in the + field while at work, or at the house, he would stop and read." He kept the + Bible and "Æsop's Fables" always within reach, and read them over and over + again. These two volumes furnished him with the many figures of speech and + parables which he used with such happy effect in his later and public + utterances. + </p> + <p> + Amid such restricted and unromantic environments the boy developed into + the man. The intellectual fire burned slowly, but with a steady and + intense glow. Although denied the requisite training of the school-room, + he was none the less competent to cope with those who had undergone that + discipline. No one had a more retentive memory. If he read or heard a good + thing it never escaped him. His powers of concentration were intense, and + in the ability through analysis to strip bare a proposition he was + unexcelled. His thoughtful and investigating mind dug down after ideas, + and never stopped till bottom facts were reached. With such a mental + equipment the day was destined to come when the world would need the + services of his intellect and heart. That he was equal to the great task + when the demand came is but another striking proof of the grandeur of his + character. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + The first law book Lincoln ever read was "The Statutes of Indiana." He + obtained the volume from his friend David Tumham, who testifies that he + fairly devoured the book in his eager efforts to abstract the store of + knowledge that lay between the lids. No doubt, as Tumham insists, the + study of the statutes at this early day led Abe to think of the law as his + calling in maturer years. At any rate he now began to evince no little + zeal in the matter of public speaking—in compliance with the old + notion, no doubt, that a lawyer can never succeed unless he has the + elements of the orator or advocate in his construction—and even when + at work in the field he could not resist the temptation to mount the + nearest stump and practise on his fellow laborers. The latter would flock + around him, and active operations would cease whenever he began. A cluster + of tall and stately trees often made him a most dignified and apreciative + audience during the delivery of these maiden forensic efforts. He was old + enough to attend musters, log-rollings, and horse-races, and was rapidly + becoming a favored as well as favorite character. "The first time I ever + remember of seeing Abe Lincoln," is the testimony of one of his + neighbors,* "was when I was a small boy and had gone with my father to + attend some kind of an election. One of our neighbors, James Larkins, was + there. Larkins was a great hand to brag on anything he owned. This time it + was his horse. He stepped up before Abe, who was in the crowd, and + commenced talking to him, boasting all the while of his animal. + </p> + <p> + "'I have got the best horse in the country'" he shouted to his young + listener. "'I ran him three miles in exactly nine minutes, and he never + fetched a long breath.'" + </p> + <p> + "'I presume,' said Abe, rather dryly, 'he fetched a good many short ones + though.'" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * John W. Lamar, MS. letter, June 29, 1866. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + With all his peaceful propensities Abe was not averse to a contest of + strength, either for sport or in settlement—as in one memorable case—of + grievances. Personal encounters were of frequent occurrence in Gentryville + in those days, and the prestige of having thrashed an opponent gave the + victor marked social distinction. Green B. Taylor, with whom Abe worked + the greater part of one winter on a farm, furnished me with an account of + the noted fight between John Johnston, Abe's stepbrother, and William + Grigsby, in which stirring drama Abe himself played an important rôle + before the curtain was rung down. Taylor's father was the second for + Johnston, and William Whitten officiated in a similar capacity for + Grigsby. "They had a terrible fight," relates Taylor, "and it soon became + apparent that Grigsby was too much for Lincoln's man, Johnston. After they + had fought a long time without interference, it having been agreed not to + break the ring, Abe burst through, caught Grigsby, threw him off and some + feet away. There he stood, proud as Lucifer, and swinging a bottle of + liquor over his head swore he was 'the big buck of the lick.' 'If any one + doubts it,' he shouted, 'he has only to come on and whet his horns.'" A + general engagement followed this challenge, but at the end of hostilities + the field was cleared and the wounded retired amid the exultant shouts of + their victors. + </p> + <p> + Much of the latter end of Abe's boyhood would have been lost in the midst + of tradition but for the store of information and recollections I was + fortunate enough to secure from an interesting old lady whom I met in + Indiana in 1865. She was the wife of Josiah Crawford*—"Blue Nose," + as Abe had named him—and possessed rare accomplishments for a woman + reared in the backwoods of Indiana. She was not only impressed with Abe's + early efforts, but expressed great admiration for his sister Sarah, whom + she often had with her at her own hospitable home and whom she described + as a modest, industrious, and sensible sister of a humorous and equally + sensible brother. From Mrs. Crawford I obtained the few specimens of Abe's + early literary efforts and much of the matter that follows in this + chapter. The introduction here of the literary feature as affording us a + glimpse of Lincoln's boyhood days may to a certain extent grate harshly on + over-refined ears; but still no apology is necessary, for, as intimated at + the outset, I intend to keep close to Lincoln all the way through. Some + writers would probably omit these songs and backwoods recitals as savoring + too strongly of the Bacchanalian nature, but that would be a narrow view + to take of history. If we expect to know Lincoln thoroughly we must be + prepared to take him as he really was. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * In one of her conversations with me Mrs. Crawford told me of the + exhibitions with which at school they often entertained the few persons + who attended the closing day. Sometimes, in warm weather, the scholars + made a platform of clean boards covered overhead with green boughs. + Generally, however, these exhibitions took place in the school-room. The + exercises consisted of the varieties offered at this day at the average + seminary or school—declamations and dialogues or debates. The + declamations were obtained principally from a book called "The Kentucky + Preceptor," which volume Mrs. Crawford gave me as a souvenir of my + visit. Lincoln had often used it himself, she said. The questions for + discussion were characteristic of the day and age. The relative merits + of the "Bee and the Ant," the difference in strength between "Wind and + Water," taxed their knowledge of physical phenomena; and the + all-important question "Which has the most right to complain, the Indian + or the Negro?" called out their conceptions of a great moral or national + wrong. In the discussion of all these grave subjects Lincoln took a deep + interest. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In 1826 Abe's sister Sarah was married to Aaron Grigsby, and at the + wedding the Lincoln family sang a song composed in honor of the event by + Abe himself. It is a tiresome doggerel and full of painful rhymes. I + reproduce it here from the manuscript furnished me by Mrs. Crawford. The + author and composer called it "Adam and Eve's Wedding Song." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "When Adam was created He dwelt in Eden's shade, As Moses has recorded, + And soon a bride was made. Ten thousand times ten thousand Of creatures + swarmed around Before a bride was formed, And yet no mate was found. The + Lord then was not willing That man should be alone, But caused a sleep + upon him, And from him took a bone. Then Adam he rejoiced To see his + loving bride A part of his own body, The product of his side. The woman + was not taken From Adam's feet we see, So he must not abuse her, The + meaning seems to be. The woman was not taken From Adam's head, we know, + To show she must not rule him, 'Tis evidently so. The woman she was + taken From under Adam's arm, So she must be protected From injuries and + harm." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Poor Sarah, at whose wedding this song was sung, never lived to see the + glory nor share in the honor that afterwards fell to the lot of her tall + and angular brother. Within two years after her marriage she died in + childbirth. + </p> + <p> + Although devoid of any natural ability as a singer Abe nevertheless made + many efforts and had great appreciation of certain songs. In after years + he told me he doubted if he really knew what the harmony of sound was. The + songs in vogue then were principally of the sacred order. They were from + Watts' and Dupuy's hymn-books. David Tumham furnished me with a list, + marking as especial favorites the following: "Am I a Soldier of the + Cross"; "How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours"; "There is a Fountain Filled + with Blood," and, "Alas, and did my Saviour Bleed?" One song pleased Abe + not a little. "I used to sing it for old Thomas Lincoln," relates Turnham, + "at Abe's request. The old gentleman liked it and made me sing it often. I + can only remember one couplet: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "'There was a Romish lady She was brought up in Popery.'" + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Dennis Hanks insists that Abe used to try his hand and voice at "Poor old + Ned," but never with any degree of success. "Rich, racy verses" were sung + by the big boys in the country villages of that day with as keen a relish + as they are to-day. There is no reason and less evidence for the belief + that Abe did not partake of this forbidden fruit along with other boys of + the same age and condition in life. Among what Dennis called "field songs" + are a few lines from this one: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "The turbaned Turk that scorns the world And struts about with his + whiskers curled, For no other man but himself to see." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Of another ballad we have this couplet: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Hail Columbia, happy land, If you aint drunk then I'll be damned." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + We can imagine the merry Dennis, hilarious with the exhilaration of deep + potations at the village grocery, singing this "field song" as he and Abe + wended their way homeward. A stanza from a campaign song which Abe was in + the habit of rendering, according to Mrs. Crawford, attests his earliest + political predilections: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Let auld acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind, May Jackson + be our president, And Adams left behind." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + A mournful and distressing ballad, "John Anderson's Lamentation," as + rendered by Abe, was written out for me by Mrs. Crawford, but the first + lines, + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Oh, sinners, poor sinners, take warning by me, The fruits of + transgression behold now and see," + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + will suffice to indicate how mournful the rest of it was. + </p> + <p> + The centre of wit and wisdom in the village of Gentryville was at the + store. This place was in charge of one Jones, who soon after embarking in + business seemed to take quite a fancy to Abe. He took the only newspaper—sent + from Louisville—and at his place of business gathered Abe, Dennis + Hanks, Baldwin the blacksmith, and other kindred spirits to discuss such + topics as are the exclusive property of the store lounger. Abe's original + and ridiculous stories not only amused the crowd, but the display of his + unique faculties made him many friends. One who saw him at this time says: + </p> + <p> + "Lincoln would frequently make political speeches to the boys; he was + always calm, logical, and clear. His jokes and stories were so odd, + original, and witty all the people in town would gather around him. He + would keep them till midnight. Abe was a good talker, a good reasoner, and + a kind of newsboy." He attended all the trials before the "squire," as + that important functionary was called, and frequently wandered off to + Boonville, a town on the river, distant fifteen miles, and the county seat + of Warrick County, to hear and see how the courts were conducted there. On + one occasion, at the latter place, he remained during the trial of a + murderer and attentively absorbed the proceedings. A lawyer named + Breckenridge represented the defense, and his speech so pleased and + thrilled his young listener that the latter could not refrain from + approaching the eloquent advocate at the close of his address and + congratulating him on his signal success. How Breckenridge accepted the + felicitations of the awkward, hapless youth we shall probably never know. + The story is told that during Lincoln's term as President, he was favored + one day at the White House with a visit by this same Breckenridge, then a + resident of Texas, who had called to pay his respects. In a conversation + about early days in Indiana, the President, recalling Breckenridge's + argument in the murder trial, remarked, "If I could, as I then thought, + have made as good a speech as that, my soul would have been satisfied; for + it was up to that time the best speech I had ever heard." + </p> + <p> + No feature of his backwoods life pleased Abe so well as going to mill. It + released him from a day's work in the woods, besides affording him a much + desired opportunity to watch the movement of the mill's primitive and + cumbersome machinery. It was on many of these trips that David Tumham + accompanied him. In later years Mr. Lincoln related the following + reminiscence of his experience as a miller in Indiana; One day, taking a + bag of corn, he mounted the old flea-bitten gray mare and rode leisurely + to Gordon's mill. Arriving somewhat late, his turn did not come till + almost sundown. In obedience to the custom requiring each man to furnish + his own power he hitched the old mare to the arm, and as the animal moved + round, the machinery responded with equal speed. Abe was mounted on the + arm, and at frequent intervals made use of his whip to urge the animal on + to better speed. With a careless "Get up, you old hussy," he applied the + lash at each revolution of the arm. In the midst of the exclamation, or + just as half of it had escaped through his teeth, the old jade, resenting + the continued use of the goad, elevated her shoeless hoof and striking the + young engineer in the forehead, sent him sprawling to the earth. Miller + Gordon hurried in, picked up the bleeding, senseless boy, whom he took for + dead, and at once sent for his father. Old Thomas Lincoln came—came + as soon as embodied listlessness could moveloaded the lifeless boy in a + wagon and drove home. Abe lay unconscious all night, but towards break of + day the attendants noticed signs of returning consciousness. The blood + beginning to flow normally, his tongue struggled to loosen itself, his + frame jerked for an instant, and he awoke, blurting out the words "you old + hussy," or the latter half of the sentence interrupted by the mare's heel + at the mill. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln considered this one of the remarkable incidents of his life. + He often referred to it, and we had many discussions in our law office + over the psychological phenomena involved in the operation. Without + expressing my own views I may say that his idea was that the latter half + of the expression, "Get up, you old hussy," was cut off by a suspension of + the normal flow of his mental energy, and that as soon as life's forces + returned he unconsciously ended the sentence; or, as he in a plainer + figure put it: "Just before I struck the old mare my will through the mind + had set the muscles of my tongue to utter the expression, and when her + heels came in contact with my head the whole thing stopped half-cocked, as + it were, and was only fired off when mental energy or force returned." + </p> + <p> + By the time he had reached his seventeenth year he had attained the + physical proportions of a full-grown man. He was employed to assist James + Taylor in the management of a ferry-boat across the Ohio river near the + mouth of Anderson's creek, but was not allowed a man's wages for the work. + He received thirty-seven cents a day for what he afterwards told me was + the roughest work a young man could be made to do. In the midst of + whatever work he was engaged on he still found time to utilize his pen. He + prepared a composition on the American Government, calling attention to + the necessity of preserving the Constitution and perpetuating the Union, + which with characteristic modesty he turned over to his friend and patron, + William Woods, for safe-keeping and perusal. Through the instrumentality + of Woods it attracted the attention of many persons, among them one + Pitcher,* a lawyer at Rockport, who with faintly concealed enthusiasm + declared "the world couldn't beat it." An article on Temperance was shown + under similar circumstance to Aaron Farmer, a Baptist preacher of local + renown, and by him furnished to an Ohio newspaper for publication. The + thing, however, which gave him such prominence—a prominence too + which could have been attained in no other way—was his remarkable + physical strength, for he was becoming not only one of the longest, but + one of the strongest men around Gentryville. He enjoyed the brief + distinction his exhibitions of strength gave him more than the admiration + of his friends for his literary or forensic efforts. Some of the feats + attributed to him almost surpass belief. One witness declares he was equal + to three men, having on a certain occasion carried a load of six hundred + pounds At another time he walked away with a pair of logs which three + robust men were skeptical of their ability to carry. "He could strike with + a maul a heavier blow—could sink an axe deeper into wood than any + man I ever saw," is the testimony of another witness. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * This gentleman, Judge John Pitcher, ninety-three years old, is still + living in Mount Vernon, Indiana. He says that young Lincoln often called + at his office and borrowed books to read at home during leisure hours. + On one occasion he expressed a desire to study law with Pitcher, but + explained that his parents were so poor that he could not be spared from + the farm on which they lived. "He related to me in my office one day," + says Pitcher, "an account of his payment to Crawford of the damage done + to the latter's book—Weems' 'Life of Washington.' Lincoln said, + "You see, I am tall and long-armed, and I went to work in earnest. At + the end of the two days there was not a corn-blade left on a stalk in + the field. I wanted to pay full damage for all the wetting the book got, + and I made a clean sweep." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + After he had passed his nineteenth year and was nearing his majority he + began to chafe and grow restless under the restraints of home rule. Seeing + no prospect of betterment in his condition, so long as his fortune was + interwoven with that of his father, he at last endeavored to strike out + into the broad world for himself. Having great faith in the judgment and + influence of his fast friend Wood, he solicited from him a recommendation + to the officers of some one of the boats plying up and down the river, + hoping thereby to obtain employment more congenial than the dull, + fatiguing work of the farm. To this project the judicious Wood was much + opposed, and therefore suggested to the would-be boatman the moral duty + that rested on him to remain with his father till the law released him + from that obligation. With deep regret he retraced his steps to the + paternal mansion, seriously determined not to evade the claim from which + in a few weary months he would be finally released. Meanwhile occurred his + first opportunity to see the world. In March, 1828, James Gentry, for whom + he had been at work, had fitted out a boat with a stock of grain and meat + for a trading expedition to New Orleans, and placed his son Allen in + charge of the cargo for the voyage. Abe's desire to make a river trip was + at last satisfied, and he accompanied the proprietor's son, serving as + "bow hand." His pay was eight dollars a month and board. In due course of + time the navigators returned from their expedition with the evidence of + profitable results to gladden the heart of the owner. The only occurrence + of interest they could relate of the voyage was the encounter with a party + of marauding negroes at the plantation of Madame Duchesne, a few miles + below Baton Rouge. Abe and Gentry, having tied up for the night, were fast + asleep on their boat when aroused by the arrival of a crowd of negroes + bent on plunder. They set to work with clubs, and not only drove off the + intruders, but pursued them inland, then hastily returning to their + quarters they cut loose their craft and floated down-stream till daylight. + </p> + <p> + Before passing on further it may not be amiss to glance for a moment at + the social side of life as it existed in Gentryville in Abe's day. "We + thought nothing," said an old lady whom I interviewed when in Indiana, "of + going eight or ten miles to church. The ladies did not stop for the want + of a shawl, cloak, or riding-dress in winter time, but would put on their + husbands' old overcoats and wrap up their little ones and take one or two + of them on their beasts. Their husbands would walk, and thus they would go + to church, frequently remaining till the second day before they returned + home." + </p> + <p> + The old men starting from the fields and out of the woods would carry + their guns on their shoulders and go also. They dressed in deer-skin + pants, moccasins, and coarse hunting shirts—the latter usually + fastened with a rope or leather strap. Arriving at the house where + services were to be held they would recite to each other thrilling stories + of their hunting exploits, and smoke their pipes with the old ladies. They + were treated, and treated each other, with the utmost kindness. A bottle + of liquor, a pitcher of water, sugar, and glasses were set out for them; + also a basket of apples or turnips, with, now and then, a pie or cakes. + Thus they regaled themselves till the preacher found himself in a + condition to begin. The latter, having also partaken freely of the + refreshments provided, would "take his stand, draw his coat, open his + shirt collar, read his text, and preach and pound till the sweat, produced + alike by his exertions and the exhilarating effects of the toddy, rolled + from his face in great drops. Shaking hands and singing ended the + service." + </p> + <p> + The houses were scattered far apart, but the people travelled great + distances to participate in the frolic and coarse fun of a log-rolling and + sometimes a wedding. Unless in mid-winter the young ladies carried their + shoes in their hands, and only put them on when the scene of the + festivities was reached. The ladies of maturer years drank whiskey toddy, + while the men took the whiskey straight. They all danced merrily, many of + them barefooted, to the tune of a cracked fiddle the night through. We can + imagine the gleeful and more hilarious swaggering home at daybreak to the + tune of Dennis Hanks' festive lines: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Hail Columbia, happy land, If you ain't drunk then I'll be damned." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Although gay, prosperous, and light-hearted, these people were brimming + over with superstition. It was at once their food and drink. They believed + in the baneful influence of witches, pinned their faith to the curative + power of wizards in dealing with sick animals, and shot the image of a + witch with a silver ball to break the spell she was supposed to have over + human beings. They followed with religious minuteness the directions of + the water-wizard, with his magic divining rod, and the faith doctor who + wrought miraculous cures by strange sounds and signals to some mysterious + agency. The flight of a bird in at the window, the breath of a horse on a + child's head, the crossing by a dog of a hunter's path, all betokened evil + luck in store for some one. The moon exercised greater influence on the + actions of the people and the growth of vegetation than the sun and all + the planetary system combined. Fence rails could only be cut in the light + of the moon, and potatoes planted in the dark of the moon. Trees and + plants which bore their fruit above ground could be planted when the moon + shone full. Soap could only be made in the light of the moon, and it must + only be stirred in one way and by one person. They had the horror of + Friday which with many exists to this day. Nothing was to be begun on that + unlucky day, for if the rule were violated an endless train of disasters + was sure to follow. + </p> + <p> + Surrounded by people who believed in these things, Lincoln grew to + manhood. With them he walked, talked, and labored, and from them he also + absorbed whatever of superstition showed itself in him thereafter. His + early Baptist training made him a fatalist up to the day of his death, + and, listening in boyish wonder to the legends of some toothless old dame + led him to believe in the significance of dreams and visions. His + surroundings helped to create that unique character which in the eyes of a + great portion of the American people was only less curious and amusing + than it was august and noble. + </p> + <p> + The winter of 1829 was marked by another visitation of that dreaded + disease, "the milk-sick." It was making the usual ravages among the + cattle. Human victims were falling before it every day, and it caused the + usual stampede in southern Indiana. Dennis Hanks, discouraged by the + prospect and grieving over the loss of his stock, proposed a move further + westward. Returning emigrants had brought encouraging news of the newly + developed state of Illinois. Vast stretches of rich alluvial lands were to + be had there on the easiest of terms. + </p> + <p> + Besides this, Indiana no longer afforded any inducements to the poor man. + The proposition of Dennis met with the general assent of the Lincoln + family, and especially suited the roving and migratory spirit of Thomas + Lincoln. He had been induced to leave Kentucky for the hills of Indiana by + the same rosy and alluring reports. He had moved four times since his + marriage and in point of worldly goods was no better off than when he + started in life. His land groaned under the weight of a long neglected + incumbrance and, like many of his neighbors, he was ready for another + change. Having disposed of his land to James Gentry, and his grain and + stock to young David Turnham, he loaded his household effects into a wagon + drawn by two yoke of oxen, and in March, 1830, started for Illinois. The + two daughters of Mrs. Lincoln had meanwhile married Dennis Hanks and Levi + Hall, and with these additions the party numbered thirteen in all. Abe had + just passed his twenty-first birthday. + </p> + <p> + The journey was a long and tedious one; the streams were swollen and the + roads were muddy almost to the point of impassability. The rude, heavy + wagon, with its primitive wheels, creaked and groaned as it crawled + through the woods and now and then stalled in the mud. Many were the + delays, but none ever disturbed the equanimity of its passengers. They + were cheerful in the face of all adversity, hopeful, and some of them + determined; but none of them more so than the tall, ungainly youth in + buckskin breeches and coon-skin cap who wielded the gad and urged the + patient oxen forward. As these humble emigrants entered the new State + little did the curious people in the towns through which they passed dream + that the obscure and penniless driver who yelled his commands to the oxen + would yet become Chief Magistrate of the greatest nation of modern times.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Mr. Lincoln once described this journey to me. He said the ground had + not yet yielded up the frosts of winter; that daring the day the roads + would thaw out on the surface and at night freeze over again, thus + making travelling, especially with oxen, painfully slow and tiresome. + There were, of course, no bridges, and the party were consequently + driven to ford the streams, unless by a circuitous route they could + avoid them. In the early part of the day the latter were also frozen + slightly, and the oxen would break through a square yard of thin ice at + every step. Among other things which the party brought with them was a + pet dog, which trotted along after the wagon. One day the little fellow + fell behind and failed to catch up till after they had crossed the + stream. Missing him they looked back, and there, on the opposite bank, + he stood, whining and jumping about in great distress. The water was + running over the broken edges of the ice, and the poor animal was afraid + to cross. It would not pay to turn the oxen and wagon back and ford the + stream again in order to recover a dog, and so the majority, in their + anxiety to move forward, decided to go on without him. "But I could not + endure the idea of abandoning even a dog," related Lincoln. "Pulling off + shoes and socks I waded across the stream and triumphantly returned with + the shivering animal under my arm. His frantic leaps of joy and other + evidences of a dog's gratitude amply repaid me for all the exposure I + had undergone." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/107.jpg" alt="House of Thomas Lincoln 107 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + After a fortnight of rough and fatiguing travel the colony of Indiana + emigrants reached a point in Illinois five miles north-west of the town of + Decatur in Macon county. John Hanks, son of that Joseph Hanks in whose + shop at Elizabethtown Thomas Lincoln had learned what he knew of the + carpenter's art, met and sheltered them until they were safely housed on a + piece of land which he had selected for them five miles further westward. + He had preceded them over a year, and had in the meantime hewed out a few + timbers to be used in the construction of their cabin. The place he had + selected was on a bluff overlooking the Sangamon river,—for these + early settlers must always be in sight of a running stream,—well + supplied with timber. It was a charming and picturesque site, and all + hands set resolutely to work to prepare the new abode. One felled the + trees; one hewed the timbers for the cabin; while another cleared the + ground of its accumulated growth of underbrush. All was bustle and + activity. Even old Thomas Lincoln, infused with the spirit of the hour, + was spurred to unwonted exertion. What part of the work fell to his lot + our only chronicler, John Hanks, fails to note; but it is conjectured from + the old gentleman's experience in the art of building that his services + corresponded to those of the more modern supervising architect. With the + aid of the oxen and a plow John and Abe broke up fifteen acres of sod, and + "Abe and myself," observes Hanks in a matter-of-fact way, "split rails + enough to fence the place in." As they swung their axes, or with wedge and + maul split out the rails, how strange to them the thought would have + seemed that those self-same rails were destined to make one of them + immortal. If such a vision flashed before the mind of either he made no + sign of it, but each kept steadily on in his simple, unromantic task. + </p> + <p> + Abe had now attained his majority and began to throw from his shoulders + the vexations of parental restraint. He had done his duty to his father, + and felt able to begin life on his own account. As he steps out into the + broad and inviting world we take him up for consideration as a man. At the + same time we dispense with further notice of his father, Thomas Lincoln. + In the son are we alone interested. The remaining years of his life marked + no change in the old gentleman's nature. He still listened to the glowing + descriptions of prosperity in the adjoining counties, and before his death + moved three times in search of better times and a healthy location. In + 1851 we find him living on forty acres of land on Goose Nest prairie, in + Coles county, Illinois. The land bore the usual incumbrance—a + mortgage for two hundred dollars, which his son afterwards paid. On the + 17th of January, after suffering for many weeks from a disorder of the + kidneys, he passed away at the ripe old age—as his son tells us—of + "seventy-three years and eleven days." For a long time after beginning + life on his own account Abe remained in sight of the parental abode. He + worked at odd jobs in the neighborhood, or wherever the demand for his + services called him. As late as 1831 he was still in the same parts, and + John Hanks is authority for the statement that he "made three thousand + rails for Major Warnick" walking daily three miles to his work. During the + intervals of leisure he read the few books obtainable, and continued the + practice of extemporaneous speaking to the usual audience of + undemonstrative stumps and voiceless trees. His first attempt at public + speaking after landing in Illinois is thus described to me by John Hanks, + whose language I incorporate: "After Abe got to Decatur, or rather to + Macon county, a man by the name of Posey came into our neighborhood and + made a speech. It was a bad one, and I said Abe could beat it. I turned + down a box and Abe made his speech. The other man was a candidate—Abe + wasn't. Abe beat him to death, his subject being the navigation of the + Sangamon river. The man, after Abe's speech was through, took him aside + and asked him where he had learned so much and how he could do so well. + Abe replied, stating his manner and method of reading, and what he had + read. The man encouraged him to persevere." + </p> + <p> + For the first time we are now favored with the appearance on the scene of + a very important personage—one destined to exert no little influence + in shaping Lincoln's fortunes. It is Denton Offut, a brisk and venturesome + business man, whose operations extended up and down the Sangamon river for + many miles. Having heard glowing reports of John Hanks' successful + experience as a boatman in Kentucky he had come down the river to engage + the latter's services to take a boatload of stock and provisions to New + Orleans. "He wanted me to go badly," observes Hanks, "but I waited awhile + before answering. I hunted up Abe, and I introduced him and John Johnston, + his step-brother, to Offut. After some talk we at last made an engagement + with Offut at fifty cents a day and sixty dollars to make the trip to New + Orleans. Abe and I came down the Sangamon river in a canoe in March, 1831; + landed at what is now called Jamestown, five miles east of Springfield, + then known as Judy's Ferry." Here Johnston joined them, and, leaving their + canoe in charge of one Uriah Mann, they walked to Springfield, where after + some inquiry they found the genial and enterprising Offut regaling himself + with the good cheer dispensed at "The Buckhorn" inn. This hostelry, kept + by Andrew Elliot, was the leading place of its kind in the then + unpretentious village of Springfield. The figure of a buck's head painted + on a sign swinging in front of the house gave rise to its name. Offut had + agreed with Hanks to have a boat ready for him and his two companions at + the mouth of Spring creek on their arrival, but too many deep potations + with the new-comers who daily thronged about the "Buckhorn" had interfered + with the execution of his plans, and the boat still remained in the womb + of the future. Offut met the three expectant navigators on their arrival, + and deep were his regrets over his failure to provide the boat. The + interview resulted in the trio engaging to make the boat themselves. From + what was known as "Congress land" they obtained an abundance of timber, + and by the aid of the machinery at Kirkpatrick's mill they soon had the + requisite material for their vessel. While the work of construction was + going on a shanty was built in which they were lodged. Lincoln was elected + cook, a distinction he never underestimated for a moment. Within four + weeks the boat was ready to launch. Offut was sent for, and was present + when she slid into the water. It was the occasion of much political chat + and buncombe, in which the Whig party and Jackson alike were, strangely + enough, lauded to the skies. It is difficult to account for the unanimous + approval of such strikingly antagonistic ideas, unless it be admitted that + Offut must have brought with him some substantial reminder of the + hospitality on draught at the "Buckhorn" inn. Many disputes arose, we are + told, in which Lincoln took part and found a good field for practice and + debate. + </p> + <p> + A travelling juggler halted long enough in Sangamontown, where the boat + was launched, to give an exhibition of his art and dexterity in the loft + of Jacob Carman's house. In Lincoln's low-crowned, broad-brimmed hat the + magician cooked eggs. As explanatory of the delay in passing up his hat + Lincoln drolly observed, "It was out of respect for the eggs, not care for + my hat." + </p> + <p> + Having loaded the vessel with pork in barrels, corn, and hogs, these + sturdy boatmen swung out into the stream. On April 19 they reached the + town of New Salem, a place destined to be an important spot in the career + of Lincoln. There they met with their first serious delay. The boat + stranded on Rutledge's mill-dam and hung helplessly over it a day and a + night. "We unloaded the boat," narrated one of the crew to explain how + they obtained relief from their embarrassing situation; "that is, we + transferred the goods from our boat to a borrowed one. We then rolled the + barrels forward; Lincoln bored a hole in the end [projecting] over the + dam; the water which had leaked in ran out and we slid over." Offut was + profoundly impressed with this exhibition of Lincoln's ingenuity. In his + enthusiasm he declared to the crowd who covered the hill and who had been + watching Lincoln's operation that he would build a steamboat to plow up + and down the Sangamon, and that Lincoln should be her Captain. She would + have rollers for shoals and dams, runners for ice, and with Lincoln in + charge, "By thunder, she'd have to go!" + </p> + <p> + After release from their embarrassing, not to say perilous, position the + boat and her crew floated away from New Salem and passed on to a point + known as Blue Banks, where as the historian of the voyage says: "We had to + load some hogs bought of Squire Godbey. We tried to drive them aboard, but + could not. They would run back past us. Lincoln then suggested that we sew + their eyes shut. Thinking to try it, we caught them, Abe holding their + heads and I their tails while Offut sewed up their eyes. Still they + wouldn't drive. At last, becoming tired, we carried them to the boat. Abe + received them and cut open their eyes, Johnston and I handing them to + him." After thus disposing of the hog problem they again swung loose and + floated down-stream. From the Sangamon they passed to the Illinois. At + Beardstown their unique craft, with its "sails made of planks and cloth," + excited the amusement and laughter of those who saw them from the shore. + Once on the bosom of the broad Mississippi they glided past Alton, St. + Louis, and Cairo in rapid succession, tied up for a day at Memphis, and + made brief stops at Vicksburg and Natchez. Early in May they reached New + Orleans, where they lingered a month, disposing of their cargo and viewing + the sights which the Crescent City afforded. + </p> + <p> + In New Orleans, for the first time Lincoln beheld the true horrors of + human slavery. He saw "negroes in chains—whipped and scourged." + Against this inhumanity his sense of right and justice rebelled, and his + mind and conscience were awakened to a realization of what he had often + heard and read. No doubt, as one of his companions has said, "Slavery ran + the iron into him then and there." One morning in their rambles over the + city the trio passed a slave auction. A vigorous and comely mulatto girl + was being sold. She underwent a thorough examination at the hands of the + bidders; they pinched her flesh and made her trot up and down the room + like a horse, to show how she moved, and in order, as the auctioneer said, + that "bidders might satisfy themselves" whether the article they were + offering to buy was sound or not. The whole thing was so revolting that + Lincoln moved away from the scene with a deep feeling of "unconquerable + hate." Bidding his companions follow him he said, "By God, boys, let's get + away from this. If ever I get a chance to hit that thing [meaning + slavery], I'll hit it hard." This incident was furnished me in 1865, by + John Hanks. I have also heard Mr. Lincoln refer to it himself. + </p> + <p> + In June the entire party, including Offut, boarded a steamboat going up + the river. At St. Louis they disembarked, Offut remaining behind while + Lincoln, Hanks, and Johnston started across Illinois on foot. At + Edwardsville they separated, Hanks going to Springfield, while Lincoln and + his stepbrother followed the road to Coles county, to which point old + Thomas Lincoln had meanwhile removed. Here Abe did not tarry long, + probably not over a month, but long enough to dispose most effectually of + one Daniel Needham, a famous wrestler who had challenged the returned + boatman to a test of strength. The contest took place at a locality known + as "Wabash Point." Abe threw his antagonist twice with comparative ease, + and thereby demonstrated such marked strength and agility as to render him + forever popular with the boys of that neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + In August the waters of the Sangamon river washed Lincoln in to New Salem. + This once sprightly and thriving village is no longer in existence. Not a + building, scarcely a stone, is left to mark the place where it once stood. + To reach it now the traveller must ascend a bluff a hundred feet above the + general level of the surrounding country. The brow of the ridge, two + hundred and fifty feet broad where it overlooks the river, widens + gradually as it extends westwardly to the forest and ultimately to broad + pastures. Skirting the base of the bluff is the Sangamon river, which, + coming around a sudden bend from the south-east, strikes the rocky hill + and is turned abruptly north. Here is an old mill, driven by water-power, + and reaching across the river is the mill-dam on which Offut's vessel hung + stranded in April, 1831. As the river rolled her turbid waters over the + dam, plunging them into the whirl and eddy beneath, the roar of waters, + like low, continuous, distant thunder, could be distinctly heard through + the village day and night. + </p> + <p> + The country in almost every direction is diversified by alternate + stretches of hills and level lands, with streams between each struggling + to reach the river. The hills are bearded with timber—oak, hickory, + walnut, ash, and elm. Below them are stretches of rich alluvial bottom + land, and the eye ranges over a vast expanse of foliage, the monotony of + which is relieved by the alternating swells and depressions of the + landscape. Between peak and peak, through its bed of limestone, sand, and + clay, sometimes kissing the feet of one bluff and then hugging the other, + rolls the Sangamon river. The village of New Salem, which once stood on + the ridge, was laid out in 1828; it became a trading place, and in 1836 + contained twenty houses and a hundred inhabitants. In the days of land + offices and stage-coaches it was a sprightly village with a busy market. + Its people were progressive and industrious. Propitious winds filled the + sails of its commerce, prosperity smiled graciously on its every + enterprise, and the outside world encouraged its social pretensions. It + had its day of glory, but, singularly enough, cotemporaneous with the + departure of Lincoln from its midst it went into a rapid decline. A few + crumbling stones here and there are all that attest its former existence. + "How it vanished," observes one writer, "like a mist in the morning, to + what distant places its inhabitants dispersed, and what became of the + abodes they left behind, shall be questions for the local historian." + </p> + <p> + Lincoln's return to New Salem in August, 1831, was, within a few days, + contemporaneous with the reappearance of Offut, who made the gratifying + announcement that he had purchased a stock of goods which were to follow + him from Beardstown. He had again retained the services of Lincoln to + assist him when his merchandise should come to hand. The tall stranger—destined + to be a stranger in New Salem no longer—pending the arrival of his + employer's goods, lounged about the village with nothing to do. Leisure + never sat heavily on him. To him there was nothing uncongenial in it, and + he might very properly have been dubbed at the time a "loafer." He assured + those with whom he came in contact that he was a piece of floating + driftwood; that after the winter of deep snow, he had come down the river + with the freshet; borne along by the swelling waters, and aimlessly + floating about, he had accidentally lodged at New Salem. Looking back over + his history we are forced to conclude that Providence or chance, or + whatever power is responsible for it, could not have assigned him to a + more favorable refuge. + </p> + <p> + His introduction to the citizens of New Salem, as Mentor Graham* the + school-teacher tells us, was in the capacity of clerk of an election + board. Graham furnishes ample testimony of the facility, fairness, and + honesty which characterized the new clerk's work, and both teacher and + clerk were soon bound together by the warmest of ties. During the day, + when votes were coming in slowly, Lincoln began to entertain the crowd at + the polls with a few attempts at story-telling. My cousin, J. R. Herndon, + was present and enjoyed this feature of the election with the keenest + relish. He never forgot some of Lincoln's yarns, and was fond of repeating + them in after years. The recital of a few stories by Lincoln easily + established him in the good graces of all New Salem. Perhaps he did not + know it at the time, but he had used the weapon nearest at hand and had + won. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Nicolay and Hay in the Century make the mistake of spelling this man's + name "Menton" Graham. In all the letters and papers from him he signs + himself "Mentor" in every case.—J. W. W. ** "In the afternoon, as + things were dragging a little, Lincoln the new man, began to spin out a + stock of Indiana yarns. One that amused me more than any other he called + the lizard story. 'The meeting-house,'" he said, "was in the woods and + quite a distance from any other house. It was only used once a month. + The preacher—an old line Baptist—was dressed in coarse linen + pantaloons, and shirt of the same material. The pants, manufactured + after the old fashion, with, baggy legs and a flap in front, were made + to attach to his frame without the aid of suspenders. A single button + held his shirt in position, and that was at the collar. He rose up in + the pulpit and with a loud voice announced his text thus: 'I am the + Christ, whom I shall represent to-day.' About this time a little blue + lizard ran up underneath his roomy pantaloons. The old preacher, not + wishing to interrupt the steady flow of his sermon, slapped away on his + legs, expecting to arrest the intruder; but his efforts were unavailing, + and the little fellow kept on ascending higher and higher. Continuing + the sermon, the preacher slyly loosened the central button which graced + the waist-band of his pantaloons and with a kick off came that + easy-fitting garment. But meanwhile Mr. Lizard had passed the equatorial + line of waist-band and was calmly exploring that part of the preacher's + anatomy which lay underneath the back of his shirt. Things were now + growing interesting, but the sermon was still grinding on. The next + movement on the preacher's part was for the collar button, and with one + sweep of his arm off came the tow linen shirt. The congregation sat for + an instant as if dazed; at length one old lady in the rear of the room + rose up and glancing at the excited object in the pulpit, shouted at the + top of her voice: 'If you represent Christ then I'm done with the + Bible.'"—J. R. Herndon, MS., July 2, 1865. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + A few days after the election Lincoln found employment with one Dr. + Nelson, who after the style of dignitaries of later days started with his + family and effects in his "private" conveyance—which in this + instance was a flat-boat—for Texas. Lincoln was hired to pilot the + vessel through to the Illinois river. Arriving at Beardstown the pilot was + discharged, and returned on foot across the sand and hills to New Salem. + In the meantime Offut's long expected goods had arrived, and Lincoln was + placed in charge. Offut relied in no slight degree on the business + capacity of his clerk. In his effusive way he praised him beyond reason. + He boasted of his skill as a business man and his wonderful intellectual + acquirements. As for physical strength and fearlessness of danger, he + challenged New Salem and the entire world to produce his equal. In keeping + with his widely known spirit of enterprise Offut rented the Rutledge and + Cameron mill, which stood at the foot of the hill, and thus added another + iron to keep company with the half-dozen already in the fire. As a further + test of his business ability Lincoln was placed in charge of this also. + William G. Greene was hired to assist him, and between the two a life-long + friendship sprang up. They slept in the store, and so strong was the + intimacy between them that "when one turned over the other had to do + likewise." At the head of these varied enterprises was Offut, the most + progressive man by all odds in the village. He was certainly an odd + character, if we accept the judgment of his cotemporaries. By some he is + given the character of a clear-headed, brisk man of affairs. By others he + is variously described as "wild, noisy, and reckless," or "windy, + rattle-brained, unsteady, and improvident." Despite the unenviable traits + ascribed to him he was good at heart and a generous friend of Lincoln. His + boast that the latter could outrun, whip, or throw down any man in + Sangamon county was soon tested, as we shall presently see, for, as + another has truthfully expressed it, "honors such as Offut accorded to Abe + were to be won before they were worn at New Salem." In the neighborhood of + the village, or rather a few miles to the south-west, lay a strip of + timber called Clary's Grove. The boys who lived there were a terror to the + entire region—seemingly a necessary product of frontier + civilization. They were friendly and good-natured; they could trench a + pond, dig a bog, build a house; they could pray and fight, make a village + or create a state. They would do almost anything for sport or fun, love or + necessity. Though rude and rough, though life's forces ran over the edge + of the bowl, foaming and sparkling in pure deviltry for deviltry's sake, + yet place before them a poor man who needed their aid, a lame or sick man, + a defenceless woman, a widow, or an orphaned child, they melted into + sympathy and charity at once. They gave all they had, and willingly toiled + or played cards for more. Though there never was under the sun a more + generous parcel of rowdies, a stranger's introduction was likely to be the + most unpleasant part of his acquaintance with them. They conceded + leadership to one Jack Armstrong, a hardy, strong, and well-developed + specimen of physical manhood, and under him they were in the habit of + "cleaning out" New Salem whenever his order went forth to do so. Offut and + "Bill" Clary—the latter skeptical of Lincoln's strength and agility—ended + a heated discussion in the store one day over the new clerk's ability to + meet the tactics of Clary's Grove, by a bet of ten dollars that Jack + Armstrong was, in the language of the day, "a better man than Lincoln." + The new clerk strongly opposed this sort of an introduction, but after + much entreaty from Offut, at last consented to make his bow to the social + lions of the town in this unusual way. He was now six feet four inches + high, and weighed, as his friend and confidant, William Greene, tells us + with impressive precision, "two hundred and fourteen pounds." The contest + was to be a friendly one and fairly conducted. All New Salem adjourned to + the scene of the wrestle. Money, whiskey, knives, and all manner of + property were staked on the result. It is unnecessary to go into the + details of the encounter. Everyone knows how it ended; how at last the + tall and angular rail-splitter, enraged at the suspicion of foul tactics, + and profiting by his height and the length of his arms, fairly lifted the + great bully by the throat and shook him like a rag; how by this act he + established himself solidly in the esteem of all New Salem, and secured + the respectful admiration and friendship of the very man whom he had so + thoroughly vanquished.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Mr. Lincoln's remarkable strength resulted not so much from muscular + power as from the toughness of his sinews. He could not only lift from + the ground enormous weight, but could throw a cannon-ball or a maul + farther than anyone else in New Salem. I heard him explain once how he + was enabled thus to excel others. He did not attribute it to a greater + proportion of physical strength, but contended that because of the + unusual length of his arms the ball or projectile had a greater swing + and therefore acquired more force and momentum than in the hands of an + average man. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + From this time forward Jack Armstrong, his wife Hannah, and all the other + Armstrongs became his warm and trusted friends. None stood readier than + they to rally to his support, none more willing to lend a helping hand. + Lincoln appreciated their friendship and support, and in after years + proved his gratitude by saving one member of the family from the gallows. + </p> + <p> + The business done over Offut's counter gave his clerk frequent intervals + of rest, so that, if so inclined, an abundance of time for study was + always at his disposal. Lincoln had long before realized the deficiencies + of his education, and resolved, now that the conditions were favorable, to + atone for early neglect by a course of study. Nothing was more apparent to + him than his limited knowledge of language, and the proper way of + expressing his ideas. Moreover, it may be said that he appreciated his + inefficiency in a rhetorical sense, and therefore determined to overcome + all these obstacles by mastering the intricacies of grammatical + construction. Acting on the advice of Mentor Graham he hunted up one + Vaner, who was the reputed owner of Kirkham's Grammar, and after a walk of + several miles returned to the store with the coveted volume under his arm. + With zealous perseverance he at once applied himself to the book. + Sometimes he would stretch out at full length on the counter, his head + propped up on a stack of calico prints, studying it; or he would steal + away to the shade of some inviting tree, and there spend hours ar a time + in a determined effort to fix in his mind the arbitrary rule that "adverbs + qualify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs." From the vapidity of + grammar it was now and then a great relaxation to turn to the more + agreeable subject of mathematics; and he might often have been seen lying + face downwards, stretched out over six feet of grass, figuring out on + scraps of paper some problem given for solution by a quizzical store + lounger, or endeavoring to prove that, "multiplying the denominator of a + fraction divides it, while dividing the denominator multiplies it." Rather + a poor prospect one is forced to admit for a successful man of business. + </p> + <p> + At this point in my narrative I am pained to drop from further notice our + buoyant and effusive friend Offut. His business ventures failing to yield + the extensive returns he predicted, and too many of his obligations + maturing at the same time, he was forced to pay the penalty of commercial + delinquency and went to the wall. He soon disappeared from the village, + and the inhabitants thereof never knew whither he went. In the significant + language of Lincoln he "petered out." As late as 1873 I received a letter + from Dr. James Hall, a physician living at St. Dennis, near Baltimore, + Maryland, who, referring to the disappearance of Offut, relates the + following reminiscence: "Of what consequence to know or learn more of + Offut I cannot imagine; but be assured he turned up after leaving New + Salem. On meeting the name it seemed familiar, but I could not locate him. + Finally I fished up from memory that some twenty-five years ago one + "Denton Offut" appeared in Baltimore, hailing from Kentucky, advertising + himself in the city papers as a veterinary surgeon and horse tamer, + professing to have a secret to whisper in the horse's ear, or a secret + manner of whispering in his ear, which he could communicate to others, and + by which the most refractory and vicious horse could be quieted and + controlled. For this secret he charged five dollars, binding the recipient + by oath not to divulge it. I know several persons, young fancy horsemen, + who paid for the trick. Offut advertised himself not only through the + press, but by his strange attire. He appeared in the streets on horseback + and on foot, in plain citizens' dress of black, but with a broad sash + across his right shoulder, of various colored ribbons, crossed on his left + hip under a large rosette of the same material, the whole rendering his + appearance most ludicrously conspicuous. Having occasion to purchase a + horse I encountered him at several of our stables and was strongly urged + to avail myself of his secret. So much for Offut; but were he living in + '61, I doubt not Mr. Lincoln would have heard of him." + </p> + <p> + The early spring of 1832 brought to Springfield and New Salem a most + joyful announcement. It was the news of the coming of a steamboat down the + Sangamon river—proof incontestable that the stream was navigable. + The enterprise was undertaken and carried through by Captain Vincent + Bogue, of Springfield, who had gone to Cincinnati to procure a vessel and + thus settle the much-mooted question of the river's navigability. When, + therefore, he notified the people of his town that the steamboat <i>Talisman</i> + would put out from Cincinnati for Springfield, we can well imagine what + great excitement and unbounded enthusiasm followed the announcement. + Springfield, New Salem, and all the other towns along the now interesting + Sangamon* were to be connected by water with the outside world. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + *The final syllable of this name was then pronounced to rhyme with + "raw." In later days the letter "n" was added— probably for + euphony's sake. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Public meetings, with the accompaniment of long subscription lists, were + held; the merchants of Springfield advertised the arrival of goods "direct + from the East per steamer <i>Talisman</i>;" the mails were promised as + often as once a week from the same direction; all the land adjoining each + enterprising and aspiring village along the river was subdivided into town + lots—in fact, the whole region began to feel the stimulating effects + of what, in later days, would have been called a "boom." I remember the + occasion well, for two reasons. It was my first sight of a steamboat, and + also the first time I ever saw Mr. Lincoln—although I never became + acquainted with him till his second race for the Legislature in 1834. In + response to the suggestion of Captain Bogue, made from Cincinnati, a + number of citizens—among the number Lincoln—had gone down the + river to Beardstown to meet the vessel as she emerged from the Illinois. + These were armed with axes having long handles, to cut away, as Bogue had + recommended, "branches of trees hanging over from the banks." After having + passed New Salem, I and other boys on horseback followed the boat, riding + along the river's bank as far as Bogue's mill, where she tied up. There we + went aboard, and lost in boyish wonder, feasted our eyes on the splendor + of her interior decorations. The <i>Sangamon Journal</i> of that period + contains numerous poetical efforts celebrating the <i>Talisman's</i> + arrival. A few lines under date of April 5, 1832, unsigned, but supposed + to have been the product of a local poet—one Oliphant*—were + sung to the tune of "Clar de Kitchen." I cannot refrain from inflicting a + stanza or two of this ode on the reader: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * E. P. Oliphant, a lawyer. "O, Captain Bogue he gave the load, And + Captain Bogue he showed the road; And we came up with a right good will, + And tied our boat up to his mill. Now we are up the Sangamo, And here + we'll have a grand hurra, So fill your glasses to the brim, Of whiskey, + brandy, wine, and gin. Illinois suckers, young and raw, Were strung + along the Sangamo, To see a boat come up by steam They surely thought it + was a dream." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On its arrival at Springfield, or as near Springfield as the river ran, + the crew of the boat were given a reception and dance in the court-house. + The cream of the town's society attended to pay their respects to the + newly arrived guests. The captain in charge of the boat—not Captain + Bogue, but a vainly dressed fellow from the East—was accompanied by + a woman, more gaudily attired than himself, whom he introduced as his + wife. Of course the most considerate attention was shown them both, until + later in the evening, when it became apparent that the gallant officer and + his fair partner had imbibed too freely—for in those days we had + plenty of good cheer—and were becoming unpleasantly demonstrative in + their actions. This breach of good manners openly offended the high-toned + nature of Springfield's fair ladies; but not more than the lamentable + fact, which they learned on the following day, that the captain's partner + was not his wife after all, but a woman of doubtful reputation whom he had + brought with him from some place further east. But to return to the <i>Talisman</i>. + That now interesting vessel lay for a week longer at Bogue's mill, when + the receding waters admonished her officers that unless they purposed + spending the remainder of the year there they must head her down-stream. + In this emergency recourse was had to my cousin Rowan Herndon, who had had + no little experience as a boatman, and who recommended the employment of + Lincoln as a skilful assistant. These two inland navigators undertook + therefore the contract of piloting the vessel—which had now become + elephantine in proportions—through the uncertain channel of the + Sangamon to the Illinois river. The average speed was four miles a day. At + New Salem safe passage over the mill-dam was deemed impossible unless the + same could be lowered or a portion removed.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The affair at New Salem is thus described by Oliphant in the poem + before referred to: + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + To this, Cameron and Rutledge, owners of the mill, entered their most + strenuous protest. The boat's officers responded that under the Federal + Constitution and laws no one had the right to dam up or in any way + obstruct a navigable stream, and they argued that, as they had just + demonstrated that the Sangamon was navigable (?), they proposed to remove + enough of the obstruction to let the boat through. Rowan Herndon, + describing it to me in 1865, said: "When we struck the dam she hung. We + then backed off and threw the anchor over. We tore away part of the dam + and raising steam ran her over on the first trial." The entire proceeding + stirred up no little feeling, in which mill owners, boat officers, and + passengers took part. The effect the return trip of the <i>Talisman</i> + had on those who believed in the successful navigation of the Sangamon is + shrewdly indicated by the pilot, who with laconic complacency adds: "As + soon as she was over, the company that chartered her was done with her." + Lincoln and Herndon, in charge of the vessel, piloted her through to + Beardstown. There they were paid forty dollars each, according to + contract, and bidding adieu to the <i>Talisman's</i> officers and crew, + set out on foot for New Salem again. A few months later the Talisman + caught fire at the wharf in St. Louis and went up in flames. The + experiment of establishing a steamboat line to Springfield proved an + unfortunate venture for its projector, Captain Bogue. Finding himself + unable to meet his rapidly maturing obligations, incurred in aid of the + enterprise, it is presumed that he left the country, for the Journal of + that period is filled with notices of attachment proceedings brought by + vigilant creditors who had levied on his goods. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "And when we came to Salem dam, Up we went against it jam: We tried to + cross with all our might, But found we couldn't and staid all night." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + The departure of the <i>Talisman</i> for deeper waters, the downfall of + Denton Offut's varied enterprises and his disappearance from New Salem, + followed in rapid succession, and before the spring of 1832 had merged + into summer Lincoln found himself a piece of "floating driftwood" again. + Where he might have lodged had not the Black Hawk war intervened can only + be a matter of conjecture. A glance at this novel period in his life may + not be out of keeping with the purpose of this book. The great Indian + chief, Black Hawk, who on the 30th of June, 1831, had entered into an + agreement, having all the solemnity of a treaty, with Governor Reynolds + and General Gaines that none of his tribe should ever cross the + Mississippi "to their usual place of residence, nor any part of their old + hunting grounds east of the Mississippi, without permission of the + President of the United States or the governor of the State of Illinois," + had openly broken the compact. On the 6th of April, 1832, he recrossed the + Mississippi and marched up Rock River Valley, accompanied by about five + hundred warriors on horseback; while his women and children went up the + river in canoes. The great chief was now sixty-seven years old, and + believed that his plots were all ripe and his allies fast and true. + Although warned by General Atkinson, then in command of Fort Armstrong, + against this aggression, and ordered to return, he proudly refused, + claiming that he had "come to plant corn." On being informed of the + movement of Black Hawk Governor Reynolds called for a thousand mounted + volunteers to co-operate with the United States forces under command of + General Atkinson, and drive the wily Indian back across the Mississippi. + The response to the governor's call was prompt and energetic. In the + company from Sangamon county Lincoln enlisted, and now for the first time + entered on the vicissitudinous and dangerous life of a soldier. That he in + fact regarded the campaign after the Indians as a sort of holiday affair + and chicken-stealing expedition is clearly shown in a speech he afterwards + made in Congress in exposure of the military pretensions of General Cass. + However, in grim, soldierly severity he marched with the Sangamon county + contingent to Rushville,* in Schuyler county, where, much to his surprise, + he was elected captain of the company over William Kirkpatrick. A recital + of the campaign that followed, in the effort to drive the treacherous + Indians back, or a description of the few engagements—none of which + reached the dignity of a battle—which took place, have in no wise + been overlooked by the historians of Illinois and of the Black Hawk war. + With the exception of those things which relate to Lincoln alone I presume + it would be needless to attempt to add anything to what has so thoroughly + and truthfully been told. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * While at the rendezvous at Rushville and on the march to the front + Lincoln of course drilled his men, and gave them such meager instruction + in military tactics as he could impart. Some of the most grotesque + things he ever related were descriptions of these drills. In marching + one morning at the head of the company, who were following in lines of + twenty abreast, it became necessary to pass through a gate much narrower + than the lines. The captain could not remember the proper command to + turn the company endwise, and the situation was becoming decidedly + embarrassing, when one of those thoughts born of the depths of despair + came to his rescue. Facing the lines, he shouted: "Halt! This company + will break ranks for two minutes and form again on the other side of the + gate." The manouvre was successfully executed. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On being elected captain, Lincoln replied in a brief response of modest + and thankful acceptance. It was the first official trust ever turned over + to his keeping, and he prized it and the distinction it gave him more than + any which in after years fell to his lot. His company savored strongly of + the Clary's Grove order, and though daring enough in the presence of + danger, were difficult to bring down to the inflexibilities of military + discipline. Each one seemed perfectly able and willing to care for + himself, and while the captain's authority was respectfully observed, yet, + as some have said, they were none the less a crowd of "generous ruffians." + I heard Mr. Lincoln say once on the subject of his career as captain in + this company and the discipline he exercised over his men, that to the + first order given one of them he received the response, "Go to the devil, + sir!" Notwithstanding the interchange of many such unsoldierlike + civilities between the officer and his men, a strong bond of affection + united them together, and if a contest had arisen over the conflict of + orders between the United States authorities and those emanating from + Captain Lincoln or some other Illinois officer—as at one time was + threatened—we need not be told to which side the Sangamon county + company to a man would have gone. A general order forbidding the discharge + of firearms within fifty yards of the camp was disobeyed by Captain + Lincoln himself. For this violation of rule he was placed under arrest and + deprived of his sword for a day. But this and other punishments in no way + humiliated him in the esteem of his men; if anything, they only clung the + closer, and when Clary's Grove friendship asserted itself, it meant that + firm and generous attachment found alone on the frontier—that bond, + closer than the affinity of blood, which becomes stronger as danger + approaches death. + </p> + <p> + A soldier of the Sangamon county company broke into the officers' quarters + one night, and with the aid of a tomahawk and four buckets, obtained by + stealth a good supply of wines and liquors, which he generously + distributed to his appreciative comrades. The next morning at daybreak, + when the army began to move, the Sangamon county company, much to their + captain's astonishment, were unfit for the march. Their nocturnal + expedition had been too much for them, and one by one they fell by the + wayside, until but a mere handful remained to keep step with their gallant + and astounded captain. Those who fell behind gradually overcame the + effects of their carousal, but were hard pressed to overtake the command, + and it was far into the night when the last one straggled into camp. The + investigation which followed resulted only in the captain suffering the + punishment for the more guilty men. For this infraction of military law he + was put under arrest and made to carry a wooden sword for two days, "and + this too," as one of his company has since assured me, "although he was + entirely blameless in the matter." + </p> + <p> + Among the few incidents of Lincoln's career in the Black Hawk war that + have found a place in history was his manly interference to protect an old + Indian who strayed, hungry and helpless, into camp one day, and whom the + soldiers were conspiring to kill on the ground that he was a spy. A letter + from General Cass, recommending him for his past kind and faithful + services to the whites, which the trembling old savage drew from beneath + the folds of his blanket failed in any degree to appease the wrath of the + men who confronted him. They had come out to fight the treacherous + Indians, and here was one who had the temerity even to steal into their + camp. "Make an example of him," they exclaimed. "The letter is a forgery + and he is a spy." They might have put their threats into execution had not + the tall form of their captain, his face "swarthy with resolution and + rage," interposed itself between them and their defenseless victim. + Lincoln's determined look and demand that "it must not be done" were + enough. They sullenly desisted, and the Indian, unmolested, continued on + his way. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln's famous wrestling match with the redoubtable Thompson, a soldier + from Union county, who managed to throw him twice in succession, caused no + diminution in the admiration and pride his men felt in their captain's + muscle and prowess. They declared that unfair advantage had been taken of + their champion, that Thompson had been guilty of foul tactics, and that, + in the language of the sporting arena, it was a "dog-fall." Lincoln's + magnanimous action, however, in according his opponent credit for fair + dealing in the face of the wide-spread and adverse criticism that + prevailed, only strengthened him in the esteem of all.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * William L. Wilson, a survivor of the war, in a letter under date of + February 3, 1882, after detailing reminiscences of Stillman's defeat, + says: "I have during that time had much fun with the afterwards + President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. I remember one time of + wrestling with him, two best in three, and ditched him. He was not + satisfied, and we tried it in a foot-race for a five-dollar bill. I won + the money, and 'tis spent long ago. And many more reminiscences could I + give, but am of the Quaker persuasion, and not much given to writing." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + At times the soldiers were hard pressed for food, but by a combination of + ingenuity and labor in proportions known only to a volunteer soldier, they + managed to avoid the unpleasant results of long-continued and unsatisfied + hunger. "At an old Winnebago town called Turtle Village," narrates a + member of the company, "after stretching our rations over nearly four + days, one of our mess, an old acquaintance of Lincoln, G. B. Fanchier, + shot a dove, and having a gill of flour left we made a gallon and a half + of delicious soup in an old tin bucket that had been lost by Indians. This + soup we divided among several messes that were hungrier than we were and + our own mess, by pouring in each man's cup a portion of the esculent. Once + more, at another time, in the extreme northern part of Illinois, we had + been very hungry for two days, but suddenly came upon a new cabin at the + edge of the prairie that the pioneer sovereign squatter family had vacated + and 'skedaddled' from for fear of losing their scalps. There were plenty + of chickens about the cabin, much hungrier than we ourselves were, if + poverty is to test the matter, and the boys heard a voice saying 'Slay and + eat.' They at once went to running, clubbing, and shooting them as long as + they could be found. Whilst the killing was going on I climbed to the + ridge-pole of the smoke-house to see distinctly what I saw obscurely from + the ground, and behold! the cleanest, sweetest jole I ever saw—alone, + half hid by boards and ridge-pole, stuck up no doubt for future use. By + this time many of the chickens were on the fire, broiling, for want of + grease or gravy to fry them in. Some practical fellow proposed to throw in + with the fowls enough bacon to convert broiling into frying; the + proposition was adopted, and they were soon fried. We began to eat the + tough, dry chickens with alternating mouthfuls of the jole, when Lincoln + came to the repast with the query, 'Eating chicken, boys?' 'Not much, + sir,' I responded, for we had operated principally on the jole, it being + sweeter and more palatable than the chickens. 'It is much like eating + saddlebags,' he responded; 'but I think the stomach can accomplish much + to-day; but what have you got therewith the skeletons, George? 'We did + have a sweet jole of a hog, sir,' I answered, 'but you are nearly too late + for your share,' at the same time making room for him to approach the + elm-bark dish. He ate the bacon a moment, then commenced dividing by + mouthfuls to the boys from other messes, who came to 'see what Abe was + at,' and saying many quaint and funny things suited to the time and the + jole." The captain, it will be seen, by his "freedom without familiarity" + and his "courtesy without condescension," was fast making inroads on the + respect of his rude but appreciative men. He was doubtless looking a long + way ahead, when both their friendship and respect would be of avail, for + as the chronicler last quoted from continues: "He was acquainted with + everybody, and he had determined, as he told me, to become a candidate for + the next Legislature. The mess immediately pitched on him as our + standard-bearer, and he accepted." + </p> + <p> + The term for which the volunteers had enlisted had now expired, and the + majority, tiring of the service, the novelty of which had worn off, and + longing for the comforts and good cheer of their homes, refused either to + re-enlist or render further service. They turned their faces homeward, + each with his appetite for military glory well satiated. But the war was + not over, and the mighty Black Hawk was still east of the Mississippi. A + few remained and re-enlisted. Among them was Lincoln. This time, eschewing + the responsibility of a captaincy, and to avoid the possible embarrassment + of dragging about camp a wooden sword, he entered the company of Elijah + Iles as a dignified private. It has pleased some of Mr. Lincoln's + biographers to attribute this re-enlistment to pure patriotism on his part + and a conscientious desire to serve his country. From the standpoint of + sentiment that is a comfortable view to take of it; but I have strong + reason to believe that Mr. Lincoln never entertained such serious notions + of the campaign. In fact, I may say that my information comes from the + best authority to be had in the matter—the soldier himself. Mr. + Lincoln had no home; he had cut loose from his parents, from the Hankses + and the Johnstons; he left behind him no anxious wife and children; and no + chair before a warm fireside remained vacant for him. "I was out of work," + he said to me once, "and there being no danger of more fighting, I could + do nothing better than enlist again." + </p> + <p> + After his discharge from this last and brief period of service, along with + the remainder of the Sangamon county soldiers, he departed from the scenes + of recent hostilities for New Salem again. His soldier days had ended, and + he returned now to enter upon a far different career. However much in + later years he may have pretended to ridicule the disasters of the Black + Hawk war, or the part he took in it, yet I believe he was rather proud of + it after all. When Congress, along in the fifties, granted him a land + warrant he was greatly pleased. He located it on some land in Iowa, and + declared to me one day that he would die seized of that land, and although + the tract never yielded him anything he never, so far as my knowledge + extends parted with its ownership.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "In regard to the Bounty Land Warrants issued to Abraham Lincoln for + military services during the Black Hawk war as Captain of 4th Illinois + Volunteers, the first warrant, No. 52,076, for forty acres (Act of + 1850), was issued to Abraham Lincoln, Captain, etc. on the 16th of + April, 1852, and was located in his name by his duly appointed attorney, + John P. Davis, at Dubuque, Iowa, July 21, 1854, on the north-west + quarter of the south-west quarter of section 20, in Township 84, north + of Range 39, west, Iowa. A patent as recorded in volume 280, page 21, + was issued for this tract to Abraham Lincoln on the 1st of June, 1855, + and transmitted the 26th October, 1855, to the Register of delivery. + "Under the Act of 1855, another Land Warrant, No. 68,465, for 120 acres, + was issued to Abraham Lincoln, Captain Illinois Militia, Black Hawk war, + on the 22d April, 1856, and was located by himself at Springfield, + Illinois, December 27, 1859, on the east half of the north-east quarter + and the north-west quarter of the north-east quarter of section 18, in + Township 84, north of Range 39, west; for which a patent, as recorded in + volume 468, page 53, was issued September 10, 1860, and sent October 30, + 1860, to the Register for delivery."—Letter Jos. S. Wilson Acting + Commissioner Land Office, June 27, 1865. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The return of the Black Hawk warriors to New Salem occurred in the month + of August, but a short time before the general election. A new Legislature + was to be chosen, and as Lincoln had declared to his comrades in the army + he would, and in obedience to the effusive declaration of principles which + he had issued over his signature in March, before he went to the war, he + presented himself to the people of his newly adopted county as a candidate + for the Legislature. It is not necessary to enter into an account of the + political conditions in Illinois at that time, or the effect had on the + same by those who had in charge the governmental machinery. Lincoln's + course is all that interests us. Though he may not have distinctly avowed + himself a Whig, yet, as one of his friends asserted, "he stood openly on + Whig principles." He favored a national bank, a liberal system of internal + improvements, and a high protective tariff. The handbill or circular + alluded to announcing his candidacy was a sort of literary fulmination, + but on account of its length I deem it unnecessary to insert the whole of + it here. I have been told that it was prepared by Lincoln, but purged of + its most glaring grammatical errors by James McNamar, who afterwards + became Lincoln's rival in an important love affair.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * In a letter dated May 5, 1866, McNamar says: "I corrected at his + request some of the grammatical errors in his first address to the + voters of Sangamon county, his principal hobby being the navigation of + the Sangamon river." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The circular is dated March 9, 1832, and addressed to the "People of + Sangamon County." In it he takes up all the leading questions of the day: + railroads, river navigation, internal improvements, and usury. He dwells + particularly on the matter of public education, alluding to it as the most + important subject before the people. Realizing his own defects arising + from a lack of school instruction he contends that every man and his + children, however poor, should be permitted to obtain at least a moderate + education, and thereby be enabled "to read the Scriptures and other works + both of a moral and religious nature for themselves." The closing + paragraph was so constructed as to appeal to the chivalrous sentiments of + Clary's Grove. "I was born and have ever remained," he declares, "in the + most humble walks of life. I have no wealthy or popular relatives or + friends to recommend me. My case is thrown exclusively upon the + independent voters of the county; and if elected they will have conferred + a favor upon me for which I shall be unremitting in my labors to + compensate. But if," he dryly concludes, "the good people in their wisdom + shall see fit to keep me in the background, I have been too familiar with + disappointments to be very much chagrined." + </p> + <p> + The election being near at hand only a few days remained for his canvass. + One * who was with him at the time describing his appearance, says: "He + wore a mixed jeans coat, clawhammer style, short in the sleeves and + bobtail—in fact it was so short in the tail he could not sit on it; + flax and tow-linen pantaloons, and a straw hat. I think he wore a vest, + but do not remember how it looked. He wore pot-metal boots." His maiden + effort on the stump was a speech on the occasion of a public sale at + Pappsville, a village eleven miles west of Springfield. After the sale was + over and speech-making had begun, a fight—a "general fight," as one + of the bystanders relates—ensued, and Lincoln, noticing one of his + friends about to succumb to the energetic attack of an infuriated ruffian, + interposed to prevent it. He did so most effectually. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * A. Y. Ellis, letter, June 5, 1866, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Hastily descending from the rude platform he edged his way through the + crowd, and seizing the bully by the neck and seat of his trowsers, threw + him by means of his strength and long arms, as one witness stoutly + insists, "twelve feet away." Returning to the stand and throwing aside his + hat he inaugurated his campaign with the following brief but juicy + declaration: + </p> + <p> + "Fellow Citizens, I presume you all know who I am. I am humble Abraham + Lincoln. I have been solicited by many friends to become a candidate for + the Legislature. My politics are short and sweet, like the old woman's + dance. I am in favor of a national bank. I am in favor of the internal + improvement system and a high protective tariff. These are my sentiments + and political principles. If elected I shall be thankful; if not it will + be all the same." + </p> + <p> + I obtained this speech from A. Y. Ellis, who in 1865 wrote it out. Ellis + was his friend and supporter, and took no little interest in his canvass. + "I accompanied him," he relates, "on one of his electioneering trips to + Island Grove, and he made a speech which pleased his party friends very + well indeed, though some of the Jackson men tried to make sport of it. He + told several anecdotes, and applied them, as I thought, very well. He also + told the boys several stories which drew them after him. I remember them, + but modesty and my veneration for his memory forbid me to relate them." + His story-telling propensity, and the striking fitness of his yarns—many + of them being of the bar-room order—in illustrating public + questions, as we shall see further along in these chapters, was really one + of the secrets of his popularity and strength. The election, as he had + predicted, resulted in his defeat—the only defeat, as he himself + afterward stated, that he ever suffered at the hands of the people. But + there was little defeat in it after all. Out of the eight unsuccessful + candidates he stood third from the head of the list, receiving 657 votes. + Five others received less. The most gratifying feature of it all was the + hearty support of his neighbors at New Salem. Of the entire 208 votes in + the precinct he received every one save three. + </p> + <p> + It may not be amiss to explain the cause of this remarkable endorsement of + Lincoln by the voters in New Salem. It arose chiefly from his advocacy of + the improvement of the Sangamon river. He proposed the digging of a canal + a few miles east of the point where the Sangamon enters the Illinois + river, thereby giving the former two mouths. This, he explained to the + farmers, would prevent the accumulation of back-water and consequent + overflow of their rich alluvial bottom lands in the spring. It would also + avert the sickness and evil results of stagnant pools, which formed in low + places after the high waters receded. His scheme—that is the name by + which it would be known to-day—commended itself to the judgment of + his neighbors, and the flattering vote he received shows how they endorsed + it. + </p> + <p> + The unsuccessful result of the election did not dampen his hopes nor sour + his ambition. The extensive acquaintance, the practice in public speaking, + the confidence gained with the people, together with what was augmented in + himself, made a surplus of capital on which he was free to draw and of + which he afterwards frequently availed himself. The election being over, + however, he found himself without money, though with a goodly supply of + experience, drifting again. His political experience had forever weaned + him from the dull routine of common labor. Labor afforded him no time for + study and no incentive to profitable reflection. What he seemed to want + was some lighter work, employment in a store or tavern where he could meet + the village celebrities, exchange views with strangers, discuss politics, + horse-races, cock-fights, and narrate to listening loafers his striking + and significant stories. In the communities where he had lived, the + village store-keeper held undisturbed sway. He took the only newspapers, + owned the only collection of books and half the property in the village; + and in general was the social, and oftentimes the political head of the + community. Naturally, therefore the prominence the store gave the merchant + attracted Lincoln. But there seemed no favorable opening for him—clerks + in New Salem were not in demand just then. + </p> + <p> + My cousins, Rowan and James Herndon, were at that time operating a store, + and tiring of their investment and the confinement it necessitated, James + sold his interest to an idle, shiftless fellow named William Berry. Soon + after Rowan disposed of his to Lincoln. That the latter, who was without + means and in search of work, could succeed to the ownership of even a half + interest in a concern where but a few days before he would in all + probability gladly have exchanged his services for his board, doubtless + seems strange to the average young business man of to-day. I once asked + Rowan Herndon what induced him to make such liberal terms in dealing with + Lincoln, whom he had known for so short a time. + </p> + <p> + "I believed he was thoroughly honest," was the reply, "and that impression + was so strong in me I accepted his note in payment of the whole. He had no + money, but I would have advanced him still more had he asked for it." + </p> + <p> + Lincoln and Berry had been installed in business but a short time until + one Reuben Radford, the proprietor of another New Salem grocery, who, + happening to incur the displeasure of the Clary's Grove boys, decided + suddenly one morning, in the commercial language of later days, to "retire + from business." A visit by night of the Clary's Grove contingent always + hastened any man's retirement from business. The windows were driven in, + and possession taken of the stock without either ceremony or inventory. + If, by break of day, the unfortunate proprietor found any portion of his + establishment standing where he left it the night before, he might count + himself lucky. In Radford's case, fearing "his bones might share the fate + of his windows," he disposed of his stock and good-will to William Greene + for a consideration of four hundred dollars. The latter employed Lincoln + to make an inventory of the goods, and when completed, the new merchant, + seeing in it something of a speculation, offered Greene an advance of two + hundred and fifty dollars on his investment. The offer was accepted, and + the stock and fixtures passed into the ownership and control of the now + enterprising firm of Lincoln & Berry. They subsequently absorbed the + remnant of a store belonging to one Rutledge, which last transaction + cleared the field of all competitors and left them in possession of the + only mercantile concern in New Salem. + </p> + <p> + To effect these sales not a cent of money was required—the buyer + giving the seller his note and the latter assigning it to someone else in + another trade. Berry gave his note to James Herndon, Lincoln his to Rowan + Herndon, while Lincoln & Berry as a firm, executed their obligation to + Greene, Radford, and Rutledge in succession. Surely Wall Street at no time + in its history has furnished a brace of speculators who in so brief a + period accomplished so much and with so little money. A few weeks only + were sufficient to render apparent Lincoln's ill adaptation to the + requirements of a successful business career. Once installed behind the + counter he gave himself up to reading and study, depending for the + practical management of the business on his partner. A more unfortunate + selection than Berry could not have been found; for, while Lincoln at one + end of the store was dispensing political information, Berry at the other + was disposing of the firm's liquors, being the best customer for that + article of merchandise himself. To put it more plainly, Lincoln's + application to Shakespeare and Bums was only equalled by Berry's attention + to spigot and barrel. That the latter in the end succeeded in squandering + a good portion of their joint assets, besides wrecking his own health, is + not to be wondered at. By the spring of 1833 they, like their + predecessors, were ready to retire. Two brothers named Trent coming along, + they sold to them on the liberal terms then prevalent the business and + good-will; but before the latter's notes fell due, they in turn had failed + and fled. The death of Berry following soon after, released him from the + payment of any notes or debts, and thus Lincoln was left to meet the + unhonored obligations of the ill-fated partnership, or avoid their payment + by dividing the responsibility and pleading the failure of the business. + That he assumed all the liability and set resolutely to work to pay + everything, was strictly in keeping with his fine sense of honor and + justice. He was a long time meeting these claims, even as late as 1848 + sending to me from Washington portions of his salary as Congressman to be + applied on the unpaid remnant of the Berry & Lincoln indebtedness—but + in time he extinguished it all, even to the last penny. + </p> + <p> + Conscious of his many shortcomings as a merchant, and undaunted by the + unfortunate complications from which he had just been released, Lincoln + returned to his books. Rowan Herndon, with whom he had been living, having + removed to the country, he became for the first time a sojourner at the + tavern, as it was then called—a public-house kept by Rutledge, + Onstatt, and Alley in succession. "It was a small log house," he explained + to me in later years, "covered with clapboards, and contained four rooms." + It was second only in importance to the store, for there he had the + opportunity of meeting passing strangers—lawyers and others from the + county seat, whom he frequently impressed with his knowledge as well as + wit. He had, doubtless, long before determined to prepare himself for the + law; in fact, had begun to read Blackstone while in the store, and now + went at it with renewed zeal. He borrowed law-books of his former comrade + in the Black Hawk war, John T. Stuart, who was practicing law in + Springfield, frequently walking there to return one and borrow another. + His determination to master any subject he undertook and his application + to study were of the most intense order. On the road to and from + Springfield he would read and recite from the book he carried open in his + hand, and claimed to have mastered forty pages of Blackstone during the + first day after his return from Stuart's office. At New Salem he + frequently sat barefooted under the shade of a tree near the store, poring + over a volume of Chitty or Blackstone; sometimes lying on his back, + putting his feet up the tree, which provokes one of his biographers to + denote the latter posture as one which might have been "unfavorable to + mental application, in the case of a man with shorter extremities." + </p> + <p> + That Lincoln's attempt to make a lawyer of himself under such adverse and + unpromising circumstances excited comment is not to be wondered at. + Russell Godby, an old man who still survives, told me in 1865, that he had + often employed Lincoln to do farm work for him, and was surprised to find + him one day sitting barefoot on the summit of a woodpile and attentively + reading a book. "This being an unusual thing for farm hands in that early + day to do, I asked him," relates Godby, "what he was reading." 'I'm not + reading,' he answered. 'I'm studying.' 'Studying what?' I enquired. 'Law, + sir,' was the emphatic response. It was really too much for me, as I + looked at him sitting there proud as Cicero. 'Great God Almighty!' I + exclaimed, and passed on. + </p> + <p> + But Lincoln kept on at his studies. Wherever he was and whenever he could + do so the book was brought into use. He carried it with him in his rambles + through the woods and his walks to the river. When night came he read it + by the aid of any friendly light he could find. Frequently he went down to + the cooper's shop and kindled a fire out of the waste material lying + about, and by the light it afforded read until far into the night. + </p> + <p> + One of his companions at this time relates that, "while clerking in the + store or serving as postmaster he would apply himself as opportunity + offered to his studies, if it was but five minutes time—would open + his book which he always kept at hand, study it, reciting to himself; then + entertain the company present or wait on a customer without apparent + annoyance from the interruption. Have frequently seen him reading while + walking along the streets. Occasionally he would become absorbed with his + book; would stop and stand for a few moments, then walk on, or pass from + one house to another or from one crowd or squad of men to another. He was + apparently seeking amusement, and with his thoughtful face and ill-fitting + clothes was the last man one would have singled out for a student. If the + company he was in was unappreciative, or their conversation at all + irksome, he would open his book and commune with it for a time, until a + happy thought suggested itself and then the book would again return to its + wonted resting-place under his arm. He never appeared to be a hard + student, as he seemed to master his studies with little effort, until he + commenced the study of the law. In that he became wholly engrossed, and + began for the first time to avoid the society of men, in order that he + might have more time for study. He was not what is usually termed a + quick-minded man, although he would usually arrive at his conclusions very + readily. He seemed invariably to reflect and deliberate, and never acted + from impulse so far as to force a wrong conclusion on a subject of any + moment." * + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * R. B. Rutledge, letter, Nov. 30. 1866, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It was not long until he was able to draw up deeds, contracts, mortgages, + and other legal papers for his neighbors. He figured conspicuously as a + pettifogger before the justice of the peace, but regarding it merely as a + kind of preliminary practice, seldom made any charge for his services. + Meanwhile he was reading not only law books but natural philosophy and + other scientific subjects. He was a careful and patient reader of + newspapers, the <i>Sangamon Journal</i>—published at Springfield—<i>Louisville + Journal, St. Louis Republican, and Cincinnati Gazette</i> being usually + within his reach. He paid a less degree of attention to historical works, + although he read Rollin and Gibbon while in business with Berry. He had a + more pronounced fondness for fictitious literature, and read with evident + relish Mrs. Lee Hentz's novels, which were very popular books in that day, + and which were kindly loaned him by his friend A. Y. Ellis. The latter was + a prosperous and shrewd young merchant who had come up from Springfield + and taken quite a fancy to Lincoln. The two slept together and Lincoln + frequently assisted him in the store. He says that Lincoln was fond of + short, spicy stories one and two columns long, and cites as specimens, + "Cousin Sally Dillard," "Becky William's Courtship," "The Down-Easter and + the Bull," and others, the very titles suggesting the character of the + productions. He remembered everything he read, and could afterwards + without apparent difficulty relate it. In fact, Mr. Lincoln's fame as a + storyteller spread far and wide. Men quoted his sayings, repeated his + jokes, and in remote places he was known as a story-teller before he was + heard of either as lawyer or politician. + </p> + <p> + It has been denied as often as charged that Lincoln narrated vulgar + stories; but the truth is he loved a story however extravagant or vulgar, + if it had a good point. If it was merely a ribald recital and had no sting + in the end, that is, if it exposed no weakness or pointed no moral, he had + no use for it either in conversation or public speech; but if it had the + necessary ingredients of mirth and moral no one could use it with more + telling effect. As a mimic he was unequalled, and with his characteristic + gestures, he built up a reputation for story-telling—although fully + as many of his narratives were borrowed as original—which followed + him through life. One who listened to his early stories in New Salem says: + "His laugh was striking. Such awkward gestures belonged to no other man. + They attracted universal attention, from the old sedate down to the + schoolboy. Then in a few moments he was as calm and thoughtful as a judge + on the bench, and as ready to give advice on the most important matters; + fun and gravity grew on him alike." + </p> + <p> + Lincoln's lack of musical adaptation has deprived us of many a song. For a + ballad or doggerel he sometimes had quite a liking. He could memorize or + recite the lines but some one else had to do the singing. Listen to one in + which he shows "<i>How St. Patrick Came to be Born on the 17th of March</i>." + Who composed it or where Lincoln obtained it I have never been able to + learn. Ellis says he often inflicted it on the crowds who collected in his + store of winter evenings. Here it is: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "The first factional fight in old Ireland, they say, Was all on account + of Saint Patrick's birthday, It was somewhere about midnight without any + doubt, And certain it is, it made a great rout. On the eighth day of + March, as some people say, St Patrick at midnight he first saw the day; + While others assert 'twas the ninth he was born, Twas all a mistake—between + midnight and morn. Some blamed the baby, some blamed the clock; Some + blamed the doctor, some the crowing cock. With all these close questions + sure no one could know, Whether the babe was too fast or the clock was + too slow. Some fought for the eighth, for the ninth some would die; He + who wouldn't see right would have a black eye. At length these two + factions so positive grew, They each had a birthday, and Pat he had two. + Till Father Mulcahay who showed them their sins, He said none could have + two birthdays but as twins. 'Now Boys, don't be fighting for the eight + or the nine Don't quarrel so always, now why not combine.' Combine eight + with nine. It is the mark; Let that be the birthday. Amen! said the + clerk. So all got blind drunk, which completed their bliss, And they've + kept up the practice from that day to this." * * From MS., furnished by + Ellis in August, 1866. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + As a salesman, Lincoln was lamentably deficient. He was too prone to lead + off into a discussion of politics or morality, leaving someone else to + finish the trade which he had undertaken. One of his employers says: "He + always disliked to wait on the ladies, preferring, he said, to wait on the + men and boys. I also remember he used to sleep on the store counter when + they had too much company at the tavern. He wore flax and tow linen + pantaloons—I thought about five inches too short in the legs—and + frequently had but one suspender, no vest or coat. He wore a calico shirt, + such as he had in the Black Hawk war; coarse brogans, tan color; blue yarn + socks and straw hat, old style, and without a band." His friend Ellis + attributed his shyness in the presence of the ladies to the consciousness + of his awkward appearance and the unpretentious condition of his wearing + apparel. It was more than likely due to pure bashfulness. "On one + occasion," continues Ellis, "while we boarded at the tavern, there came a + family consisting of an old lady, her son, and three stylish daughters, + from the State of Virginia, who stopped there for two or three weeks, and + during their stay I do not remember of Mr. Lincoln's ever appearing at the + same table with them." + </p> + <p> + As a society man, Lincoln was singularly deficient while he lived in New + Salem, and even during the remainder of his life. He never indulged in + gossip about the ladies, nor aided in the circulation of village scandal. + For woman he had a high regard, and I can testify that during my long + acquaintance with him his conversation was free from injurious comment in + individual cases—freer from unpleasant allusions than that of most + men. At one time Major Hill charged him with making defamatory remarks + regarding his wife. Hill was insulting in his language to Lincoln who + never lost his temper. When he saw a chance to edge a word in, Lincoln + denied emphatically using the language or anything like that attributed to + him. He entertained, he insisted, a high regard for Mrs. Hill, and the + only thing he knew to her discredit was the fact that she was Major Hill's + wife. + </p> + <p> + At this time in its brief history New Salem was what in the parlance of + large cities would be called a fast place; and it was difficult for a + young man of ordinary moral courage to resist the temptations that beset + him on every hand. It remains a matter of surprise that Lincoln was able + to retain his popularity with the hosts of young men of his own age, and + still not join them in their drinking bouts and carousals. "I am certain," + contends one of his companions, "that he never drank any intoxicating + liquors—he did not even in those days smoke or chew tobacco." In + sports requiring either muscle or skill he took no little interest. He + indulged in all the games of the day, even to a horse-race or cock-fight. + At one eventful chicken fight, where a fee of twenty-five cents for the + entrance of each fowl was assessed, one Bap. McNabb brought a little red + rooster, whose fighting qualities had been well advertised for days in + advance by his owner. Much interest was naturally taken in the contest. As + the outcome of these contests was generally a quarrel, in which each man, + charging foul play, seized his victim, they chose Lincoln umpire, relying + not only on his fairness but his ability to enforce his decisions. In + relating what followed I cannot improve on the description furnished me in + February, 1865, by one* who was present. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * A. Y. Ellis, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "They formed a ring, and the time having arrived, Lincoln, with one hand + on each hip and in a squatting position, cried, 'Ready.' Into the ring + they toss their fowls, Bap's red rooster along with the rest. But no + sooner had the little beauty discovered what was to be done than he + dropped his tail and ran. The crowd cheered, while Bap. in disappointment + picked him up and started away, losing his quarter and carrying home his + dishonored fowl. Once arrived at the latter place he threw his pet down + with a feeling of indignation and chagrin. The little fellow, out of sight + of all rivals, mounted a wood pile and proudly flirting out his feathers, + crowed with all his might. Bap. looked on in disgust. 'Yes, you little + cuss,' he exclaimed, irreverently, 'you're great on dress parade, but not + worth a d——n in a fight.'" It is said—how truthfully I + do not know—that at some period during the late war Mr. Lincoln in + conversation with a friend likened McClellan to Bap. McNabb's rooster. So + much for New Salem sports. + </p> + <p> + While wooing that jealous-eyed mistress, the law, Lincoln was earning no + money. As another has said, "he had a running board bill to pay, and + nothing to pay it with." By dint of sundry jobs here and there, helping + Ellis in his store to-day, splitting rails for James Short to-morrow, he + managed to keep his head above the waves. His friends were firm—no + young man ever had truer or better ones—but he was of too + independent a turn to appeal to them or complain of his condition. He + never at any time abandoned the idea of becoming a lawyer. That was always + a spirit which beckoned him on in the darkest hour of his adversity. + Someone, probably a Democrat who voted for him in the preceding fall, + recommended him to John Calhoun, then surveyor of the county, as suitable + material for an assistant. This office, in view of the prevailing + speculation in lands and town lots, was the most important and possibly + the most profitable in the county. Calhoun, the incumbent, was a Yankee + and a typical gentleman. He was brave, intellectual, self-possessed, and + cultivated. He had been educated for the law, but never practiced much + after coming to Illinois—taught school in preference. As an + instructor he was the popular one of his day and age. I attended the + school he taught when I was a boy, in Springfield, and was in later years + clerk of the city under his administration as Mayor. Lincoln, I know, + respected and admired him. After Lincoln's removal to Springfield they + frequently held joint debates on political questions. At one time I + remember they discussed the tariff question in the court house, using up + the better part of two evenings in the contest. Calhoun was polite, + affable, and an honest debater, never dodging any question. This made him + a formidable antagonist in argumentative controversy. I have heard Lincoln + say that Calhoun gave him more trouble in his debates than Douglas ever + did, because he was more captivating in his manner and a more learned man + than Douglas. + </p> + <p> + But to resume. The recommendation of Lincoln's friends was sufficient to + induce Calhoun to appoint him one of his deputies. At the time he received + notice of his selection by Calhoun, Lincoln was out in the woods near New + Salem splitting rails. A friend named Pollard Simmons, who still survives + and has related the incident to me, walked out to the point where he was + working with the cheering news. Lincoln, being a Whig and knowing + Calhoun's pronounced Democratic tendencies, enquired if he had to + sacrifice any principle in accepting the position. "If I can be perfectly + free in my political action I will take the office," he remarked; "but if + my sentiments or even expression of them is to be abridged in any way I + would not have it or any other office." A young man hampered by poverty as + Lincoln was at this time, who had the courage to deal with public office + as he did, was certainly made of unalloyed material. No wonder in after + years when he was defeated by Douglas he could inspire his friends by the + admonition not to "give up after one nor one hundred defeats." + </p> + <p> + After taking service with Calhoun, Lincoln found he had but little if any + practical knowledge of surveying—all that had to be learned. Calhoun + furnished him with books, directing him to study them till he felt + competent to begin work. He again invoked the assistance of Mentor Graham, + the schoolmaster, who aided him in his efforts at calculating the results + of surveys and measurements. Lincoln was not a mathematician by nature, + and hence, with him, learning meant labor. Graham's daughter is authority + for the statement that her father and Lincoln frequently sat up till + midnight engrossed in calculations, and only ceased when her mother drove + them out after a fresh supply of wood for the fire. Meanwhile Lincoln was + keeping up his law studies. "He studied to see the subject-matter + clearly," says Graham, "and to express it truly and strongly. I have known + him to study for hours the best way of three to express an idea." He was + so studious and absorbed in his application at one time, that his friends, + according to a statement made by one* of them, "noticed that he was so + emaciated we feared he might bring on mental derangement." It was not + long, however, until he had mastered surveying as a study, and then he was + sent out to work by his superior—Calhoun. It has never been denied + that his surveys were exact and just, and he was so manifestly fair that + he was often chosen to settle disputed questions of comers and + measurements. It is worthy of note here that, with all his knowledge of + lands and their value and the opportunities that lay open to him for + profitable and safe investments, he never made use of the information thus + obtained from official sources, nor made a single speculation on his own + account. The high value he placed on public office was more fully + emphasized when as President, in answer to a delegation of gentlemen who + called to press the claims of one of his warm personal friends for an + important office, he declined on the ground that "he did not regard it as + just to the public to pay the debts of personal friendship with offices + that belonged to the people." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Henry McHenry, MS., Oct. 5, 1865. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + As surveyor under Calhoun he was sent for at one time to decide or locate + a disputed corner for some persons in the northern part of the county. + Among others interested was his friend and admirer Henry McHenry. "After a + good deal of disputing we agreed," says the latter, "to send for Lincoln + and to abide by his decision. He came with compass, flag-staff, and chain. + He stopped with me three or four days and surveyed the whole section. When + in the neighborhood of the disputed corner by actual survey he called for + his staff and driving it in the ground at a certain spot said, 'Gentlemen, + here is the corner.' We dug down into the ground at the point indicated + and, lo! there we found about six or eight inches of the original stake + sharpened at the end, and beneath which was the usual piece of charcoal + placed there by Rector the surveyor who laid the ground off for the + government many years before." So fairly and well had the young surveyor + done his duty that all parties went away completely satisfied. As late as + 1865 the corner was preserved by a mark and pointed out to strangers as an + evidence of the young surveyor's skill. Russell Godby, mentioned in the + earlier pages of this chapter, presented to me a certificate of survey + given to him by Lincoln. It was written January 14,1834, and is signed "J. + Calhoun, S. S. C., by A. Lincoln." "The survey was made by Lincoln," says + Godby, "and I gave him as pay for his work two buckskins, which Hannah + Armstrong 'foxed' on his pants so that the briers would not wear them + out." + </p> + <p> + Honors were now crowding thick and fast upon him. On May 7, 1833, he was + commissioned postmaster at New Salem, the first office he ever held under + the Federal Government. The salary was proportionate to the amount of + business done. Whether Lincoln solicited the appointment himself, or + whether it was given him without the asking, I do not know; but certain it + is his "administration" gave general satisfaction. The mail arrived once a + week, and we can imagine the extent of time and labor required to + distribute it, when it is known that "he carried the office around in his + hat." Mr. Lincoln used to tell me that when he had a call to go to the + country to survey a piece of land, he placed inside his hat all the + letters belonging to people in the neighborhood and distributed them along + the way. He made head-quarters in Samuel Hill's store, and there the + office may be said to have been located, as Hill himself had been + postmaster before Lincoln. Between the revenue derived from the + post-office and his income from land surveys Lincoln was, in the + expressive language of the day, "getting along well enough." Suddenly, + however, smooth sailing ceased and all his prospects of easy times ahead + were again brought to naught. One Van Bergen brought suit against him and + obtained judgment on one of the notes given in payment of the store debt—a + relic of the unfortunate partnership with Berry. His personal effects were + levied on and sold, his horse and surveying instruments going with the + rest. But again a friend, one James Short, whose favor he had gained, + interposed; bought in the property and restored it to the hope-less young + surveyor. It will be seen now what kind of friends Lincoln was gaining. + The bonds he was thus making were destined to stand the severest of tests. + His case never became so desperate but a friend came out of the darkness + to relieve him. + </p> + <p> + There was always something about Lincoln in his earlier days to encourage + his friends. He was not only grateful for whatever aid was given him, but + he always longed to help some one else. He had an unfailing disposition to + succor the weak and the unfortunate, and was always, in his sympathy, + struggling with the under dog in the fight. He was once overtaken when + about fourteen miles from Springfield by one Chandler, whom he knew + slightly, and who, having already driven twenty miles, was hastening to + reach the land office before a certain other man who had gone by a + different road. Chandler explained to Lincoln that he was poor and wanted + to enter a small tract of land which adjoined his, that another man of + considerable wealth had also determined to have it, and had mounted his + horse and started for Springfield. "Meanwhile, my neighbors," continued + Chandler, "collected and advanced me the necessary one hundred dollars, + and now, if I can reach the land office first, I can secure the land." + Lincoln noticed that Chandler's horse was too much fatigued to stand + fourteen miles more of a forced march, and he therefore dismounted from + his own and turned him over to Chandler, saying, "Here's my horse—he + is fresh and full of grit; there's no time to be lost; mount him and put + him through. When you reach Springfield put him up at Herndon's tavern and + I'll call and get him." Thus encouraged Chandler moved on, leaving Lincoln + to follow on the jaded animal. He reached Springfield over an hour in + advance of his rival and thus secured the coveted tract of land. By + nightfall Lincoln rode leisurely into town and was met by the now radiant + Chandler, jubilant over his success. Between the two a friendship sprang + up which all the political discords of twenty-five years never shattered + nor strained. + </p> + <p> + About this time Lincoln began to extend somewhat his system—if he + really ever had a system in anything—of reading.' He now began to + read the writings of Paine, Volney, and Voltaire. A good deal of religious + skepticism existed at New Salem, and there were frequent discussions at + the store and tavern, in which Lincoln took part. What views he + entertained on religious questions will be more fully detailed in another + place. + </p> + <p> + No little of Lincoln's influence with the men of New Salem can be + attributed to his extraordinary feats of strength. By an arrangement of + ropes and straps, harnessed about his hips, he was enabled one day at the + mill to astonish a crowd of village celebrities by lifting a box of stones + weighing near a thousand pounds. There is no fiction either, as suggested + by some of his biographers, in the story that he lifted a barrel of whisky + from the ground and drank from the bung; but in performing this latter + almost incredible feat he did not stand erect and elevate the barrel, but + squatted down and lifted it to his knees, rolling it over until his mouth + came opposite the bung. His strength, kindness of manner, love of fairness + and justice, his original and unique sayings, his power of mimicry, his + perseverance—-all made a combination rarely met with on the + frontier. Nature had burnt him in her holy fire, and stamped him with the + seal of her greatness. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1834 Lincoln determined to make another race for the + legislature; but this time he ran distinctly as a Whig. He made, it is + presumed, the usual number of speeches, but as the art of newspaper + reporting had not reached the perfection it has since attained, we are not + favored with even the substance of his efforts on the stump. I have + Lincoln's word for it that it was more of a hand-shaking campaign than + anything else. Rowan Herndon relates that he came to his house during + harvest, when there were a large number of men at work in the field. He + was introduced to them, but they did not hesitate to apprize him of their + esteem for a man who could labor; and their admiration for a candidate for + office was gauged somewhat by the amount of work he could do. Learning + these facts, Lincoln took hold of a cradle, and handling it with ease and + remarkable speed, soon distanced those who undertook to follow him. The + men were satisfied, and it is presumed he lost no votes in that crowd. One + Dr. Barrett, seeing Lincoln, enquired of the latter's friends: "Can't the + party raise any better material than that?" but after hearing his speech + the doctor's opinion was considerably altered, for he declared that + Lincoln filled him with amazement; "that he knew more than all of the + other candidates put together." The election took place in August. + Lincoln's friend, John T. Stuart, was also a candidate on the legislative + ticket. He encouraged Lincoln's canvas in every way, even at the risk of + sacrificing his own chances. But both were elected. The four successful + candidates were Dawson, who received 1390 votes,* Lincoln 1376, Carpenter + 1170, and Stuart 1164. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * In all former biographies of Lincoln, including the Nicolay and Hay + history in the "Century Magazine," Dawson's vote is fixed at 1370, and + Lincoln is thereby made to lead the ticket; but in the second issue of + the Sangamon Journal after the election—August 16, 1834—the + count is corrected, and Dawson's vote is increased to 1390. Dr. A. W. + French, of Springfield, is the possessor of an official return of the + votes cast at the New Salem precinct, made out in the handwriting of + Lincoln, which also gives Dawson's vote at 1390. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + At last Lincoln had been elected to the legislature, and by a very + flattering majority. In order, as he himself said, "to make a decent + appearance in the legislature," he had to borrow money to buy suitable + clothing and to maintain his new dignity. Coleman Smoot, one of his + friends, advanced him "two hundred dollars, which he returned, relates the + generous Smoot, according to promise." Here we leave our rising young + statesman, to take up a different but very interesting period of his + history. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + Since the days when Indiana Lincoln sat on the river's bank with little + Kate Roby, dangling his bare feet in the water, there has been no hint in + these pages of tender relations with any one of the opposite sex. Now we + approach in timely order the "grand passion" of his life—a romance + of much reality, the memory of which threw a melancholy shade over the + remainder of his days. For the first time our hero falls in love. The + courtship with Anne Rutledge and her untimely death form the saddest page + in Mr. Lincoln's history. I am aware that most of his biographers have + taken issue with me on this phase of Mr. Lincoln's life. Arnold says: "The + picture has been somewhat too highly colored, and the story made rather + too tragic." Dr. Holland and others omit the subject altogether, while the + most recent biography—the admirable history by my friends Nicolay + and Hay.—devotes but five lines to it. I knew Miss Rutledge myself, + as well as her father and other members of the family, and have been + personally acquainted with every one of the score or more of witnesses + whom I at one time or another interviewed on this delicate subject. From + my own knowledge and the information thus obtained, I therefore repeat, + that the memory of Anne Rutledge was the saddest chapter in Mr. Lincoln's + life.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * In a letter dated Dec. 4, 1866, one of Miss Rutledge's brothers + writes: "When he first came to New Salem and up to the day of Anne's + death Mr. Lincoln was all life and animation. He seemed to see the + bright side of every picture." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + James Rutledge, the father of this interesting girl, was one of the + founders of New Salem, having come there from Kentucky in 1829. He was + born in South Carolina and belonged to the noted Rutledge family of that + State. I knew him as early as 1833, and have often shared the hospitality + of his home. My father was a politician and an extensive stock dealer in + that early day, and he and Mr. Rutledge were great friends. The latter was + a man of no little force of character; those who knew him best loved him + the most. Like other Southern people he was warm,—almost to + impulsiveness,—social, and generous. His hospitality, an inherited + quality that flashed with him before he was born, developed by contact + with the brave and broadminded people whom he met in Illinois. Besides his + business interests in the store and mill at New Salem, he kept the tavern + where Lincoln came to board in 1833. His family, besides himself and wife, + consisted of nine children, three of whom were born in Kentucky, the + remaining six in Illinois. Anne, the subject of this chapter, was the + third child. She was a beautiful girl, and by her winning ways attached + people to her so firmly that she soon became the most popular young lady + in the village. She was quick of apprehension, industrious, and an + excellent housekeeper. She had a moderate education, but was not cultured + except by contrast with those around her. One of her strong points was her + womanly skill. She was dexterous in the use of the needle—an + accomplishment of far more value in that day than all the acquirements of + art in china painting and hammered brass are in this—and her + needle-work was the wonder of the day. At every "quilting" Anne was a + necessary adjunct, and her nimble fingers drove the needle more swiftly + than anyone's else. Lincoln used to escort her to and from these + quilting-bees, and on one occasion even went into the house—where + men were considered out of place—and sat by her side as she worked + on the quilt. + </p> + <p> + He whispered into her ear the old, old story. Her heart throbbed and her + soul was thrilled with a joy as old as the world itself. Her fingers + momentarily lost their skill. In her ecstasy she made such irregular and + uneven stitches that the older and more sedate women noted it, and the + owner of the quilt, until a few years ago still retaining it as a precious + souvenir, pointed out the memorable stitches to such persons as visited + her. + </p> + <p> + L. M. Greene, who remembered Anne well, says, "She was amiable and of + exquisite beauty, and her intellect was quick, deep, and philosophic as + well as brilliant. She had a heart as gentle and kind as an angel, and + full of love and sympathy. Her sweet and angelic nature was noted by every + one who met her. She was a woman worthy of Lincoln's love." This is a + little overstated as to beauty—Greene writes as if he too had been + in love with her—but is otherwise nearly correct. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Rutledge," says a lady* who knew her, "had auburn hair, blue eyes, + fair complexion. She was pretty, slightly slender, but in everything a + good hearted young woman. She was about five feet two inches high, and + weighed in the neighborhood of a hundred and twenty pounds. She was + beloved by all who knew her. She died as it were of grief. In speaking of + her death and her grave Lincoln once said to me, 'My heart lies buried + there.'" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Mrs. Hardin Bale. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Before narrating the details of Lincoln's courtship with Miss Rutledge, it + is proper to mention briefly a few facts that occurred before their + attachment began. + </p> + <p> + About the same time that Lincoln drifted into New Salem there came in from + the Eastern States John McNeil, a young man of enterprise and great + activity, seeking his fortune in the West. He went to work at once, and + within a short time had accumulated by commendable effort a comfortable + amount of property. Within three years he owned a farm, and a half + interest with Samuel Hill in the leading store. He had good capacity for + business, and was a valuable addition to that already pretentious village—New + Salem. It was while living at James Cameron's house that this plucky and + industrious young business man first saw Anne Rutledge. At that time she + was attending the school of Mentor Graham, a pedagogue of local renown + whose name is frequently met with in these pages, and who flourished in + and around New Salem from 1829 to 1860. McNeil fell deeply in love with + the school-girl—she was then only seventeen—and paid her the + usual unremitting attentions young lovers of that age had done before him + and are still doing to-day. His partner in the store, Samuel Hill, a young + man of equal force of character, who afterwards amassed a comfortable + fortune, and also wielded no little influence as a local politician, laid + siege to the heart of this same attractive maiden, but he yielded up the + contest early. Anne rejected him, and he dropped from the race. McNeil had + clear sailing from this time forward. He was acquiring property and money + day by day. As one of the pioneers puts it, "Men were honest then, and + paid their debts at least once a year. The merchant surrounded by a rich + country suffered little from competition. As he placed his goods on the + shelf he added an advance of from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty + per cent over cost price, and thus managed to get along." After "managing" + thus for several years, McNeil, having disposed of his interest in the + store to Hill, determined to return to New York, his native State, for a + visit. He had accumulated up to this time, as near as we can learn, ten or + possibly twelve thousand dollars. Before leaving he made to Anne a + singular revelation. He told her the name McNeil was an assumed one; that + his real name was McNamar. + </p> + <p> + "I left behind me in New York," he said, "my parents and brothers and + sisters. They are poor, and were in more or less need when I left them in + 1829. I vowed that I would come West, make a fortune, and go back to help + them. I am going to start now and intend, if I can, to bring them with me + on my return to Illinois and place them on my farm." He expressed a sense + of deep satisfaction in being able to clear up all mysteries which might + have formed in the mind of her to whom he confided his love. He would keep + nothing, he said, from her. They were engaged to be married, and she + should know it all. The change of his name was occasioned by the fear that + if the family in New York had known where he was they would have settled + down on him, and before he could have accumulated any property would have + sunk him beyond recovery. Now, however, he was in a condition to help + them, and he felt overjoyed at the thought. As soon as the journey to New + York could be made he would return. Once again in New Salem he and his + fair one could consummate the great event to which they looked forward + with undisguised joy and unbounded hope. Thus he explained to Anne the + purpose of his journey—a story with some remarkable features, all of + which she fully believed. + </p> + <p> + "She would have believed it all the same if it had been ten times as + incredible. A wise man would have rejected it with scorn, but the girl's + instinct was a better guide, and McNamar proved to be all that he said he + was, although poor Anne never saw the proof which others got of it."* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Lamon, p. 161. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + At last McNamar, mounting an old horse that had participated in the Black + Hawk war, began his journey. In passing through Ohio he became ill with a + fever. For almost a month he was confined to his room, and a portion of + the time was unconscious. As he approached a return to good health he grew + nervous over the delay in his trip. He told no one around him his real + name, destination, or business. He knew how his failure to write to New + Salem would be construed, and the resulting irritation gave way to a + feeling of desperation. In plainer language, he concluded it was "all up + with him now." Meanwhile a different view of the matter was taken by Miss + Rutledge. Her friends encouraged the idea of cruel desertion. The change + of McNeil to McNamar had wrought in their minds a change of sentiment. + Some contended that he had undoubtedly committed a crime in his earlier + days, and for years had rested secure from apprehension under the shadow + of an assumed name; while others with equal assurance whispered in the + unfortunate girl's ear the old story of a rival in her affections. Anne's + lady friends, strange to relate, did more to bring about a discordant + feeling than all others. Women are peculiar creatures. They love to nettle + and mortify one another; and when one of their own sex has fallen, how + little sympathy they seem to have! But under all this fire, in the face of + all these insidious criticisms, Anne remained firm. She had faith, and + bided her time. + </p> + <p> + McNamar, after much vexatious delay, finally reached his birthplace in New + York, finding his father in the decline of years and health. He provided + for his immediate needs, and by his assiduous attentions undertook to + atone for the years of his neglect; but all to no purpose. The old + gentleman gradually faded from the world, and early one winter morning + crossed the great river. McNamar was thus left to settle up the few + unfinished details of his father's estate, and to provide for the pressing + needs of the family. His detention necessitated a letter to Anne, + explaining the nature and cause of the delay. Other letters followed; but + each succeeding one growing less ardent in tone, and more formal in + phraseology than its predecessor, Anne began to lose faith. Had his love + gradually died away like the morning wind? was a question she often asked + herself. She had stood firm under fire before, but now her heart grew sick + with hope deferred. At last the correspondence ceased altogether. + </p> + <p> + At this point we are favored with the introduction of the ungainly + Lincoln, as a suitor for the hand of Miss Rutledge. Lincoln had learned of + McNamar's strange conduct, and conjecturing that all the silken ties that + bound the two together had been sundered, ventured to step in himself. He + had seen the young lady when a mere girl at Mentor Graham's school, and + he, no doubt, then had formed a high opinion of her qualities. + </p> + <p> + But he was too bashful, as his friend Ellis declares, to tell her of it. + No doubt, when he began to pay her attentions she was the most attractive + young lady whom up to that time he had ever met. She was not only modest + and winning in her ways, and full of good, womanly common-sense, but + withal refined, in contrast with the uncultured people who surrounded both + herself and Lincoln. "She had a secret, too, and a sorrow,—the + unexplained and painful absence of McNamar,—which, no doubt, made + her all the more interesting to him whose spirit was often even more + melancholy than her own." + </p> + <p> + In after years, McNamar himself, describing her to me, said: "Miss + Rutledge was a gentle, amiable maiden, without any of the airs of your + city belles, but winsome and comely withal; a blonde in complexion, with + golden hair, cherry-red lips, and a bonny blue eye. As to her literary + attainments, she undoubtedly was as classic a scholar as Mr Lincoln. She + had at the time she met him, I believe, attended a literary institution at + Jacksonville, in company with her brother." + </p> + <p> + McNamar seems to have considered Lincoln's bashfulness as proof against + the alluring charms of Miss Rutledge or anybody else, for he continues: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lincoln was not to my knowledge paying particular attention to any of + the young ladies of my acquaintance when I left for my home in New York. + There was no rivalry between us on that score; on the contrary, I had + every reason to believe him my warm, personal friend. But by-and-by I was + left so far behind in the race I did not deem my chances worthy of notice. + From this time forward he made rapid strides to that imperishable fame + which justly fills a world." + </p> + <p> + Lincoln began to court Miss Rutledge in dead earnest. Like David + Copperfield, he soon realized that he was in danger of becoming deeply in + love, and as he approached the brink of the pit he trembled lest he should + indeed fall in. As he pleaded and pressed his cause the Rutledges and all + New Salem encouraged his suit. McNamar's unexplained absence and apparent + neglect furnished outsiders with all the arguments needed to encourage + Lincoln and convince Anne. Although the attachment was growing and daily + becoming an intense and mutual passion, the young lady remained firm and + almost inflexible. She was passing through another fire. A long struggle + with her feelings followed; but at length the inevitable moment came. She + consented to have Lincoln, provided he gave her time to write to McNamar + and obtain his release from her pledge. The slow-moving mails carried her + tender letter to New York. Days and weeks—which to the ardent + Lincoln must have seemed painfully long—passed, but the answer never + came. In a half-hearted way she turned to Lincoln, and her looks told him + that he had won. She accepted his proposal. Now that they were engaged he + told her what she already knew, that he was poverty itself. She must grant + him time to gather up funds to live on until he had completed his law + studies. After this trifling delay "nothing on God's footstool," argued + the emphatic lover, could keep them apart. To this the thoughtful Anne + consented. To one of her brothers, she said: "As soon as his studies are + completed we are to be married." But the ghost of another love would often + rise unbidden before her. Within her bosom raged the conflict which + finally undermined her health. Late in the summer she took to her bed. A + fever was burning in her head. Day by day she sank, until all hope was + banished. During the latter days of her sickness, her physician had + forbidden visitors to enter her room, prescribing absolute quiet. But her + brother relates that she kept enquiring for Lincoln so continuously, at + times demanding to see him, that the family at last sent for him. On his + arrival at her bedside the door was closed and he was left alone with her. + What was said, what vows and revelations were made during this sad + interview, were known only to him and the dying girl. A few days afterward + she became unconscious and remained so until her death on the 25th day of + August, 1835. She was buried in what is known as the Concord grave-yard, + about seven miles north-west of the town of Petersburg.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "I have heard mother say that Anne would frequently sing for Lincoln's + benefit. She had a clear, ringing voice. Early in her illness he called, + and she sang a hymn for which he always expressed a great preference. It + begins.. 'Vain man, thy fond pursuits forbear.' You will find it in one + of the standard hymn-books. It was likewise the last thing she ever + sung."—Letter, John M. Rutledge, MS., Nov. 25, 1866. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The most astonishing and sad sequel to this courtship was the disastrous + effect of Miss Rutledge's death on Mr. Lincoln's mind. It operated + strangely on one of his calm and stoical make-up. As he returned from the + visit to the bedside of Miss Rutledge, he stopped at the house of a + friend, who relates that his face showed signs of no little mental agony. + "He was very much distressed," is the language of this friend, "and I was + not surprised when it was rumored subsequently that his reason was in + danger." One of Miss Rutledge's brothers* says: "The effect upon Mr. + Lincoln's mind was terrible. He became plunged in despair, and many of his + friends feared that reason would desert her throne. His extraordinary + emotions were regarded as strong evidence of the existence of the + tenderest relations between himself and the deceased." The truth is Mr. + Lincoln was strangely wrought up over the sad ending of the affair. He had + fits of great mental depression, and wandered up and down the river and + into the woods woefully abstracted—at times in the deepest distress. + If, when we read what the many credible persons who knew him at the time + tell us, we do not conclude that he was deranged, we must admit that he + walked on that sharp and narrow line which divides sanity from insanity. + To one friend he complained that the thought "that the snows and rains + fall upon her grave filled him with indescribable grief."** + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * R. B. Rutledge, MS., letter, Oct. 21,1866. ** Letter, Wm. Greene, MS., + May 29, 1865. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He was watched with especial vigilance during damp, stormy days, under the + belief that dark and gloomy weather might produce such a depression of + spirits as to induce him to take his own life. His condition finally + became so alarming, his friends consulted together and sent him to the + house of a kind friend, Bowlin Greene, who lived in a secluded spot hidden + by the hills, a mile south of town. Here he remained for some weeks under + the care and ever watchful eye of this noble friend, who gradually brought + him back to reason, or at least a realization of his true condition. In + the years that followed Mr. Lincoln never forgot the kindness of Greene + through those weeks of suffering and peril. In 1842, when the latter died, + and Lincoln was selected by the Masonic lodge to deliver the funeral + oration, he broke down in the midst of his address. "His voice was choked + with deep emotion; he stood a few moments while his lips quivered in the + effort to form the words of fervent praise he sought to utter, and the + tears ran down his yellow and shrivelled cheeks. Every heart was hushed at + the spectacle. After repeated efforts he found it impossible to speak, and + strode away, bitterly sobbing, to the widow's carriage and was driven from + the scene." + </p> + <p> + It was shortly after this that Dr. Jason Duncan placed in Lincoln's hands + a poem called "Immortality." The piece starts out with the line, "Oh! why + should the spirit of mortal be proud." Lincoln's love for this poem has + certainly made it immortal. He committed these lines to memory, and any + reference to or mention of Miss Rutledge would suggest them, as if "to + celebrate a grief which lay with continual heaviness on his heart." There + is no question that from this time forward Mr. Lincoln's spells of + melancholy became more intense than ever. In fact a tinge of this + desperate feeling of sadness followed him to Springfield. He himself was + somewhat superstitious about it, and in 1840-41 wrote to Dr. Drake, a + celebrated physician in Cincinnati, describing his mental condition in a + long letter. Dr. Drake responded, saying substantially, "I cannot + prescribe in your case without a personal interview." Joshua F. Speed, to + whom Lincoln showed the letter addressed to Dr. Drake, writing to me from + Louisville, November 30, 1866, says: "I think he (Lincoln) must have + informed Dr. Drake of his early love for Miss Rutledge, as there was a + part of the letter which he would not read." It is shown by the + declaration of Mr. Lincoln himself made to a fellow member* of the + Legislature within two years after Anne Rutledge's death that "although he + seemed to others to enjoy life rapturously, yet when alone he was so + overcome by mental depression he never dared to carry a pocket knife." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Robert L. Wilson, MS., letter, Feb. 10, 1866 + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It may not be amiss to suggest before I pass from mention of McNamar that, + true to his promise, he drove into New Salem in the fall of 1835 with his + mother and brothers and sisters. They had come through from New York in a + wagon, with all their portable goods. Anne Rutledge had meanwhile died, + and McNamar could only muse in silence over the fading visions of "what + might have been." On his arrival he met Lincoln, who, with the memory of + their mutual friend, now dead, constantly before him, "seemed desolate and + sorely distressed." The little acre of ground in Concord cemetery + contained the form of his first love, rudely torn from him, and the great + world, throbbing with life but cold and heartless, lay spread before him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + Before taking up an account of Lincoln's entry into the Legislature, + which, following strictly the order of time, properly belongs here, I beg + to digress long enough to narrate what I have gathered relating to another + courtship—an affair of the heart which culminated in a sequel as + amusing as the one with Anne Rutledge was sad. I experienced much + difficulty in obtaining the particulars of this courtship. After no little + effort I finally located and corresponded with the lady participant + herself, who in 1866 furnished me with Lincoln's letters and her own + account of the affair, requesting the suppression of her name and + residence. Since then, however, she has died, and her children have not + only consented to a publication of the history, but have furnished me + recently with more facts and an excellent portrait of their mother made + shortly after her refusal of Lincoln's hand. + </p> + <p> + Mary S. Owens—a native of Green county, Kentucky, born September 29, + 1808—first became acquainted with Lincoln while on a visit to a + sister, the wife of Bennet Able, an early settler in the country about New + Salem. Lincoln was a frequent visitor at the house of Able, and a warm + friend of the family. During the visit of Miss Owens in 1833, though only + remaining a month, she lingered long enough to make an impression on + Lincoln; but returned to Kentucky and did not reappear in New Salem till + 1836. Meanwhile Anne Rutledge had died, and Lincoln's eyes began to wander + after the dark-haired visitor from Kentucky. Miss Owens differed from Miss + Rutledge in early education and the advantages of wealth. She had received + an excellent education, her father being one of the wealthiest and most + influential men of his time and locality. A portion of her schooling was + obtained in a Catholic convent, though in religious faith she was a + Baptist. According to a description furnished me by herself she "had fair + skin, deep blue eyes, and dark curling hair; height five feet, five + inches; weight about a hundred and fifty pounds." She was good-looking in + girlhood; by many esteemed handsome, but became fleshier as she grew + older. At the time of her second visit she reached New Salem on the day of + the Presidential election, passing the polls where the men had + congregated, on the way to her sister's house. One man in the crowd who + saw her then was impressed with her beauty. Years afterwards, in relating + the incident, * he wrote me: + </p> + <p> + "She was tall, portly, had large blue eyes and the finest trimmings I ever + saw. She was jovial, social, loved wit and humor, had a liberal English + education, and was considered wealthy. None of the poets or romance + writers have ever given us a picture of a heroine so beautiful as a good + description of Miss Owens in 1836 would be." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * L. M. Greene. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + A lady friend* says she was "handsome, truly handsome, matronly-looking, + over ordinary size in height and weight." + </p> + <p> + A gentleman** who saw her a few years before her death describes her as "a + nervous, muscular woman, very intellectual, with a forehead massive and + angular, square, prominent, and broad." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Mrs. Hardin Bale. ** Johnson G. Greene. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + At the time of her advent into the society of New Salem she was polished + in her manners, pleasing in her address, and attractive in many ways. She + had a little dash of coquetry in her intercourse with that class of young + men who arrogated to themselves claims of superiority, but she never + yielded to this disposition to an extent that would willingly lend + encouragement to an honest suitor sincerely desirous of securing her hand, + when she felt she could not in the end yield to a proposal of marriage if + he should make the offer. She was a good conversationalist and a splendid + reader, very few persons being found to equal her in this accomplishment. + She was light-hearted and cheery in her disposition, kind and considerate + for those with whom she was thrown in contact. + </p> + <p> + One of Miss Owens' descendants is authority for the statement that Lincoln + had boasted that "if Mary Owens ever returned to Illinois a second time he + would marry her;" that a report of this came to her ears, whereupon she + left her Kentucky home with a pre-determination to show him if she met him + that she was not to be caught simply by the asking. On this second visit + Lincoln paid her more marked attention than before, and his affections + became more and more enlisted in her behalf. During the earlier part of + their acquaintance, following the natural bent of her temperament she was + pleasing and entertaining to him. Later on he discovered himself seriously + interested in the blue-eyed Kentuckian, whom he had really underestimated + in his preconceived opinions of her. In the meantime she too had become + interested, having discovered the sterling qualities of the young man who + was paying her such devoted attention; yet while she admired she did not + love him. He was ungainly and angular in his physical make-up, and to her + seemed deficient in the nicer and more delicate attentions which she felt + to be due from the man whom she had pictured as an ideal husband. He had + given her to understand that she had greatly charmed him; but he was not + himself certain that he could make her the husband with whom he thought + she would be most happy. Later on by word and letter he told her so. His + honesty of purpose showed itself in all his efforts to win her hand. He + told her of his poverty, and while advising her that life with him meant + to her who had been reared in comfort and plenty, great privation and + sacrifice, yet he wished to secure her as a wife. She, however, felt that + she did not entertain for him the same feeling that he professed for her + and that she ought to entertain before accepting him, and so declined his + offer. Judging from his letters alone it has been supposed by some that + she, remembering the rumor she had heard of his determination to marry + her, and not being fully certain of the sincerity of his purposes, may + have purposely left him in the earlier stages of his courtship somewhat in + uncertainty. Later on, however, when by his manner and repeated + announcement to her that his hand and heart were at her disposal, he + demonstrated the honesty and sincerity of his intentions, she declined his + offer kindly but with no uncertain meaning. + </p> + <p> + The first letter I received from Mrs. Vineyard—for she was married + to Jesse Vineyard, March 27, 1841—was written at Weston, Mo., May 1, + 1866. Among other things she says: "After quite a struggle with my + feelings I have at last decided to send you the letters in my possession + written by Mr. Lincoln, believing as I do that you are a gentleman of + honor and will faithfully abide by all you have said. My associations with + your lamented friend were in Menard county whilst visiting a sister who + then resided near Petersburg. I have learned that my maiden name is now in + your possession; and you have ere this, no doubt, been informed that I am + a native Kentuckian." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/186.jpg" alt="Mary Owens 186 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + The letters written by Lincoln not revealing enough details of the + courtship, I prepared a list of questions for the lady to answer in order + that the entire history of their relations might be clearly shown. I + perhaps pressed her too closely in such a delicate matter, for she + responded in a few days as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Weston, Mo., May 22, 1866. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. W. H. Herndon, + </p> + <p> + "My Dear Sir: Really, you catechise me in true lawyer style; but I feel + you will have the goodness to excuse me if I decline answering all your + questions in detail, being well assured that few women would have ceded as + much as I have under all the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + "You say you have heard why our acquaintance terminated as it did. I too + have heard the same bit of gossip; but I never used the remark which + Madame Rumor says I did to Mr. Lincoln. I think I did on one occasion say + to my sister, who was very anxious for us to be married, that I thought + Mr. Lincoln was deficient in those little links which make up the chain of + woman's happiness—at least it was so in my case. Not that I believed + it proceeded from a lack of goodness of heart; but his training had been + different from mine; hence there was not that congeniality which would + otherwise have existed. + </p> + <p> + "From his own showing you perceive that his heart and hand were at my + disposal; and I suppose that my feelings were not sufficiently enlisted to + have the matter consummated. About the beginning of the year 1838 I left + Illinois, at which time our acquaintance and correspondence ceased, + without ever again being renewed. + </p> + <p> + "My father, who resided in Green county, Kentucky, was a gentleman of + considerable means; and I am persuaded that few persons placed a higher + estimate on education than he did. + </p> + <p> + "Respectfully yours, + </p> + <p> + "Mary S. Vineyard." + </p> + <p> + The reference to Lincoln's deficiency "in those little links which make up + the chain of woman's happiness" is of no little significance. It proved + that his training had indeed been different from hers. In a short time I + again wrote Mrs. Vineyard to enquire as to the truth of a story current in + New Salem, that one day as she and Mrs. Bowlin Greene were climbing up the + hill to Abie's house they were joined by Lincoln; that Mrs. Greene was + obliged to carry her child, a fat baby boy, to the summit; that Lincoln + strolled carelessly along, offering no assistance to the woman who bent + under the load. Thereupon Miss Owens, censuring him for his neglect, + reminded him that in her estimation he would not make a good husband. In + due time came her answer: + </p> + <p> + "Weston, Mo., July 22, 1866. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. W. H. Herndon: + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sir: I do not think you are pertinacious in asking the question + relative to old Mrs. Bowlin Greene, because I wish to set you right on + that question. Your information, no doubt, came through my cousin, Mr. + Gaines Greene, who visited us last winter. Whilst here, he was laughing at + me about Mr. Lincoln, and among other things spoke about the circumstance + in connection with Mrs. Greene and child. My impression is now that I + tacitly admitted it, for it was a season of trouble with me, and I gave + but little heed to the matter. We never had any hard feelings towards each + other that I know of. On no occasion did I say to Mr. Lincoln that I did + not believe he would make a kind husband, because he did not tender his + services to Mrs. Greene in helping of her carry her babe. As I said to you + in a former letter, I thought him lacking in smaller attentions. One + circumstance presents itself just now to my mind's eye. There was a + company of us going to Uncle Billy Greene's. Mr. Lincoln was riding with + me, and we had a very bad branch to cross. The other gentlemen were very + officious in seeing that their partners got safely over. We were behind, + he riding in, never looking back to see how I got along. When I rode up + beside him, I remarked, 'You are a nice fellow! I suppose you did not care + whether my neck was broken or not.' He laughingly replied (I suppose by + way of compliment), that he knew I was plenty smart to take care of + myself. + </p> + <p> + "In many things he was sensitive almost to a fault. He told me of an + incident: that he was crossing a prairie one day and saw before him, 'a + hog mired down,' to use his own language. He was rather 'fixed up,' and he + resolved that he would pass on without looking at the shoat. After he had + gone by, he said the feeling was irresistible; and he had to look back, + and the poor thing seemed to say wistfully, 'There now, my last hope is + gone;' that he deliberately got down and relieved it from its difficulty. + </p> + <p> + "In many things we were congenial spirits. In politics we saw eye to eye, + though since then we differed as widely as the South is from the North. + But methinks I hear you say, 'Save me from a political woman!' So say I. + </p> + <p> + "The last message I ever received from him was about a year after we + parted in Illinois. Mrs. Able visited Kentucky, and he said to her in + Springfield, 'Tell your sister that I think she was a great fool because + she did not stay here and marry me.' Characteristic of the man! + </p> + <p> + "Respectfully yours, + </p> + <p> + "Mary S. Vineyard." + </p> + <p> + We have thus been favored with the lady's side of this case, and it is but + fair that we should hear the testimony of her honest but ungainly suitor. + Fortunately for us and for history we have his view of the case in a + series of letters which have been preserved with zealous care by the + lady's family.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The copies of these letters were carefully made by Mr. Weik from the + originals, now in the possession of B. R. Vineyard, St. Joseph, Mo. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The first letter was written from Vandalia, December 13, 1836, where the + Legislature to which he belonged was in session. After reciting the + progress of legislation and the flattering prospect that then existed for + the removal of the seat of government to Springfield, he gets down to + personal matters by apprising her of his illness for a few days, coupled + with the announcement that he is mortified by daily trips to the + post-office in quest of her letter, which it seemed never would arrive. + "You see," he complains, "I am mad about that old letter yet. I don't like + to risk you again. I'll try you once more, anyhow." Further along in the + course of the missive, he says: "You recollect, I mentioned at the outset + of this letter, that I had been unwell. That is the fact, though I believe + I am about well now; but that, with other things I cannot account for, + have conspired, and have gotten my spirits so low that I feel that I would + rather be in any place in the world than here. I really cannot endure the + thought of staying here ten weeks. Write back as soon as you get this, and + if possible, say something that will please me; for really, I have not + been pleased since I left you." + </p> + <p> + "This letter is so dry and stupid," he mournfully concludes, "that I am + ashamed to send it, but with my present feelings I cannot do any better." + </p> + <p> + After the adjournment of the Legislature he returned to Springfield, from + which point it was a matter of easy driving to reach New Salem, where his + lady-love was sojourning, and where he could pay his addresses in person. + It should be borne in mind that he had by this time removed to + Springfield, the county seat, and entered on the practice of the law. In + the gloom resulting from lack of funds and the dim prospect for business, + he found time to communicate with the friend whose case was constantly + uppermost in his mind. Here is one characteristic letter: + </p> + <p> + "Springfield, May 7, 1837. + </p> + <p> + "Friend Mary: + </p> + <p> + "I have commenced two letters to send you before this, both of which + displeased me before I got half done, and so I tore them up. The first I + thought wasn't serious enough, and the second was on the other extreme. I + shall send this, turn out as it may. + </p> + <p> + "This thing of living in Springfield is rather a dull business after all—at + least it is so to me. I am quite as lonesome here as [I] ever was anywhere + in my life. I have been spoken to by but one woman since I've been here, + and should not have been by her if she could have avoided it. I've never + been to church yet, and probably shall not be soon. I stay away because I + am conscious I should not know how to behave myself. I am often thinking + of what we said of your coming to live at Springfield. I am afraid you + would not be satisfied. There is a great deal of flourishing about in + carriages here, which it would be your doom to see without sharing in it. + You would have to be poor without the means of hiding your poverty. Do you + believe you could bear that patiently? Whatever woman may cast her lot + with mine, should anyone ever do so, it is my intention to do all in my + power to make her happy and contented, and there is nothing I can imagine + that would make me more unhappy than to fail in the effort. I know I + should be much happier with you than the way I am, provided I saw no signs + of discontent in you. + </p> + <p> + "What you have said to me may have been in jest or I may have + misunderstood it. If so, then let it be forgotten; if otherwise I much + wish you would think seriously before you decide. For my part I have + already decided. What I have said I will most positively abide by, + provided you wish it. My opinion is you had better not do it. You have not + been accustomed to hardship, and it may be more severe than you imagine. I + know you are capable of thinking correctly on any subject; and if you + deliberate maturely upon this before you decide, then I am willing to + abide your decision. + </p> + <p> + "You must write me a good long letter after you get this. You have nothing + else to do, and though it might not seem interesting to you after you have + written it, it would be a good deal of company in this busy wilderness. + Tell your sister I don't want to hear any more about selling out and + moving. That gives me the hypo whenever I think of it. + </p> + <p> + "Yours, etc. + </p> + <p> + "Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + Very few if any men can be found who in fond pursuit of their love would + present their case voluntarily in such an unfavorable light. In one breath + he avows his affection for the lady whose image is constantly before him, + and in the next furnishes her reasons why she ought not to marry him! + During the warm, dry summer months he kept up the siege without apparent + diminution of zeal. He was as assiduous as ever, and in August was anxious + to force a decision. On the 16th he had a meeting with her which + terminated much like a drawn battle—at least it seems to have + afforded him but little encouragement, for on his return to Springfield he + immediately indulged in an epistolary effusion stranger than any that + preceded it. + </p> + <p> + "Friend Mary: + </p> + <p> + "You will no doubt think it rather strange that I should write you a + letter on the same day on which we parted; and I can only account for it + by supposing that seeing you lately makes me think of you more than usual, + while at our late meeting we had but few expressions of thoughts. You must + know that I cannot see you or think of you with entire indifference; and + yet it may be that you are mistaken in regard to what my real feelings + towards you are. If I knew you were not, I should not trouble you with + this letter. Perhaps any other man would know enough without further + information, but I consider it my peculiar right to plead ignorance and + your bounden duty to allow the plea. + </p> + <p> + "I want in all cases to do right; and most particularly so in all cases + with women. I want, at this particular time, more than anything else, to + do right with you, and if I knew it would be doing right, as I rather + suspect it would, to let you alone, I would do it. And for the purpose of + making the matter as plain as possible, I now say, that you can now drop + the subject, dismiss your thoughts (if you ever had any) from me forever, + and leave this letter unanswered, without calling forth one accusing + murmur from me. And I will even go farther, and say, that if it will add + anything to your comfort or peace of mind to do so, it is my sincere wish + that you should. Do not understand by this that I wish to cut your + acquaintance. I mean no such thing. What I do wish is that our further + acquaintance shall depend upon yourself. If such further acquaintance + would contribute nothing to your happiness, I am sure it would not to + mine. If you feel yourself in any degree bound to me, I am now willing to + release you, provided you wish it; while, on the other hand, I am willing + and even anxious to bind you faster if I can be convinced that it will in + any considerable degree add to your happiness. This, indeed, is the whole + question with me. Nothing would make me more miserable, nothing more + happy, than to know you were so. + </p> + <p> + "In what I have now said, I think I cannot be misunderstood; and to make + myself understood is the sole object of this letter. + </p> + <p> + "If it suits you best to not answer this—farewell—a long life + and a merry one attend you. But if you conclude to write back, speak as + plainly as I do. There can be neither harm nor danger in saying to me + anything you think, just in the manner you think it. + </p> + <p> + "My respects to your sister. + </p> + <p> + "Your friend, + </p> + <p> + "Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + For an account of the final outcome of this <i>affaire du cour</i> the + reader is now referred to the most ludicrous letter Mr. Lincoln ever + wrote. It has been said, but with how much truth I do not know, that + during his term as President the lady to whom it was written—Mrs. O. + H. Browning, wife of a fellow-member of the Legislature—before + giving a copy of it to a biographer, wrote to Lincoln asking his consent + to the publication, but that he answered warning her against it because it + was too full of truth. The only biographer who ever did insert it + apologized for its appearance in his book, regarding it for many reasons + as an extremely painful duty. "If it could be withheld," he laments, "and + the act decently reconciled to the conscience of a biographer* professing + to be honest and candid, it should never see the light in these pages. Its + grotesque humor, its coarse exaggerations in describing the person of a + lady whom the writer was willing to marry; its imputation of toothless and + weatherbeaten old age to a woman really young and handsome; its utter lack + of that delicacy of tone and sentiment which one naturally expects a + gentleman to adopt when he thinks proper to discuss the merits of his late + mistress—all these, and its defective orthography, it would + certainly be more agreeable to suppress than to publish. But if we begin + by omitting or mutilating a document which sheds so broad a light upon one + part of his life and one phase of his character, why may we not do the + like as fast and as often as the temptation arises? and where shall the + process cease?" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Lamon, p. 181. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + I prefer not to take such a serious view of the letter or its publication. + My idea is, that Mr. Lincoln got into one of his irresistible moods of + humor and fun—a state of feeling into which he frequently worked + himself to avert the overwhelming effects of his constitutional melancholy—and + in the inspiration of the moment penned this letter, which many regard as + an unfortunate composition. The class who take such a gloomy view of the + matter should bear in mind that the letter was written by Mr. Lincoln in + the fervor of early manhood, just as he was emerging from a most + embarrassing situation, and addressed to a friend who, he supposed, would + keep it sacredly sealed from the public eye. As a matter of fact Mr. + Lincoln was not gifted with a ready perception of the propriety of things + in all cases. Nothing with him was intuitive. To have profound judgment + and just discrimination he required time to think; and if facts or events + were forced before him in too rapid succession the machinery of his + judgment failed to work. A knowledge of this fact will account for the + letter, and also serve to rob the offence—if any was committed—of + half its severity. + </p> + <p> + The letter was written in the same month Miss Owens made her final + departure from Illinois. + </p> + <p> + "Springfield, April 1, 1838. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Madam:— + </p> + <p> + "Without apologizing for being egotistical, I shall make the history of so + much of my life as has elapsed since I saw you the subject of this letter. + And, by the way, I now discover that, in order to give a full and + intelligible account of the things I have done and suffered since I saw + you, I shall necessarily have to relate some that happened before. + </p> + <p> + "It was, then, in the autumn of 1836 that a married lady of my + acquaintance and who was a great friend of mine, being about to pay a + visit to her father and other relatives residing in Kentucky, proposed to + me that on her return she would bring a sister of hers with her on + condition that I would engage to become her brother-in-law with all + convenient despatch. I, of course, accepted the proposal, for you know I + could not have done otherwise, had I really been averse to it; but + privately, between you and me I was most confoundedly well pleased with + the project. I had seen the said sister some three years before, thought + her intelligent and agreeable, and saw no good objection to plodding life + through hand in hand with her. Time passed on, the lady took her journey, + and in due time returned, sister in company sure enough. This astonished + me a little; for it appeared to me that her coming so readily showed that + she was a trifle too willing; but, on reflection, it occurred to me that + she might have been prevailed on by her married sister to come, without + anything concerning me ever having been mentioned to her; and so I + concluded that, if no other objection presented itself, I would consent to + waive this. All this occurred to me on hearing of her arrival in the + neighborhood; for, be it remembered, I had not yet seen her, except about + three years previous, as above mentioned. In a few days we had an + interview; and, although I had seen her before, she did not look as my + imagination had pictured her. I knew she was over-size, but she now + appeared a fair match for Falstaff. I knew she was called an 'old maid,' + and I felt no doubt of the truth of at least half of the appellation; but + now, when I beheld her, I Could not for my life avoid thinking of my + mother; and this, not from withered features, for her skin was too full of + fat to permit of its contracting into wrinkles, but from her want of + teeth, weather-beaten appearance in general, and from a kind of notion + that ran in my head that nothing could have commenced at the size of + infancy and reached her present bulk in less than thirty-five or forty + years; and, in short, I was not at all pleased with her. But what could I + do? I had told her sister I would take her for better or for worse; and I + made a point of honor and conscience in all things to stick to my word, + especially if others had been induced to act on it, which in this case I + had no doubt they had; for I was now fairly convinced that no other man on + earth would have her, and hence the conclusion that they were bent on + holding me to my bargain. 'Well,' thought I, 'I have said it, and, be the + consequences what they may, it shall not be my fault if I fail to do it.' + At once I determined to consider her my wife; and, this done, all my + powers of discovery were put to work in search of perfections in her which + might be fairly set off against her defects. I tried to imagine her + handsome, which, but for her unfortunate corpulency, was actually true. + Exclusive of this, no woman that I have ever seen has a finer face. I also + tried to convince myself that the mind was much more to be valued than the + person; and in this she was not inferior, as I could discover, to any with + whom I had been acquainted. + </p> + <p> + "Shortly after this, without coming to any positive understanding with + her, I set out for Vandalia, when and where you first saw me. During my + stay there I had letters from her which did not change my opinion of + either her intellect or intention, but on the contrary confirmed it in + both. + </p> + <p> + "All this while, although I was fixed, 'firm as the surge-repelling rock,' + in my resolution, I found I was continually repenting the rashness which + had led me to make it. Through life, I have been in no bondage, either + real or imaginary, from the thraldom of which I so much desired to be + free. After my return home, I saw nothing to change my opinions of her in + any particular. She was the same, and so was I. I now spent my time in + planning how I might get along through life after my contemplated change + of circumstances should have taken place, and how I might procrastinate + the evil day for a time, which I really dreaded as much, perhaps more, + than an Irishman does the halter. + </p> + <p> + "After all my suffering upon this deeply interesting subject, here I am, + wholly, unexpectedly, completely, out of the 'scrape;; and now I want to + know if you can guess how I got out of it—out, clear, in every sense + of the term; no violation of word, honor, or conscience. I don't believe + you can guess, and so I might as well tell you at once. As the lawyer + says, it was done in the manner following, to-wit: After I had delayed the + matter as long as I thought I could in honor do (which, by the way, had + brought me round into the last fall), I concluded I might as well bring it + to a consummation without further delay; and so I mustered my resolution, + and made the proposal to her direct; but, shocking to relate, she + answered, No. At first I supposed she did it through an affectation of + modesty, which I thought but ill became her under the peculiar + circumstances of her case; but on my renewal of the charge, I found she + repelled it with greater firmness than before. I tried it again and again, + but with the same success, or rather with the same want of success. + </p> + <p> + "I finally was forced to give it up; at which I very unexpectedly found + myself mortified almost beyond endurance. I was mortified, it seemed to + me, in a hundred different ways. My vanity was deeply wounded by the + reflection that I had been too stupid to discover her intentions, and at + the same time never doubting that I understood them perfectly; and also + that she, whom I had taught myself to believe nobody else would have, had + actually rejected me with all my fancied greatness. And, to cap the whole, + I then for the first time began to suspect that I was really a little in + love with her. But let it all go. I'll try and outlive it. Others have + been made fools of by the girls; but this can never with truth be said of + me. I most emphatically, in this instance, made a fool of myself. I have + now come to the conclusion never again to think of marrying, and for this + reason: I can never be satisfied with any one who would be blockhead + enough to have me. + </p> + <p> + "When you receive this, write me a long yarn about something to amuse me. + Give my respects to Mr. Browning. + </p> + <p> + "Your sincere friend, + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. O. H. Browning. + </p> + <p> + As before mentioned Miss Owens was afterwards married and became the + mother of five children. Two of her sons served in the Confederate army. + She died July 4, 1877. Speaking of Mr. Lincoln a a short time before her + death she referred to him as "a man with a heart full of kindness and a + head full of sense." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + In December, 1834, Lincoln prepared himself for the Legislature to which + he had been elected by such a complimentary majority. Through the + generosity of his friend Smoot he purchased a new suit of clothes, and + entering the stage at New Salem, rode through to Vandalia, the seat of + government. He appreciated the dignity of his new position, and instead of + walking to the capitol, as some of his biographers have contended, availed + himself of the usual mode of travel. At this session of the Legislature he + was anything but conspicuous. In reality he was very modest, but shrewd + enough to impress the force of his character on those persons whose + influence might some day be of advantage to him. He made but little stir, + if we are to believe the record, during the whole of this first session. + Made a member of the committee on Public Accounts and Expenditures, his + name appears so seldom in the reports of the proceedings that we are prone + to conclude that he must have contented himself with listening to the + flashes of border oratory and absorbing his due proportion of + parliamentary law. He was reserved in manner, but very observant; said + little, but learned much; made the acquaintance of all the members and + many influential persons on the outside. The lobby at that day contained + the representative men of the state—men of acknowledged prominence + and respectability, many of them able lawyers, drawn thither in advocacy + of some pet bill. Schemes of vast internal improvements attracted a + retinue of log-rollers, who in later days seem to have been an + indispensable necessity in the movement of complicated legislative + machinery. Men of capital and brains were there. He early realized the + importance of knowing all these, trusting to the inspiration of some + future hour to impress them with his skill as an organizer or his power as + an orator. Among the members of the outside or "third body" was Stephen A. + Douglas, whom Lincoln then saw for the first time. Douglas had come from + Vermont only the year before, but was already undertaking to supplant John + J. Hardin in the office of States Attorney for the district in which both + lived. What impression he made on Lincoln, what opinions each formed of + the other, or what the extent of their acquaintance then was, we do not + know. It is said that Lincoln afterwards in mentioning their first meeting + observed of the newly-arrived Vermonter that he was the "least man he had + ever seen." The Legislature proper contained the youth and blood and fire + of the frontier. Some of the men who participated in these early + parliamentary battles were destined to carry the banners of great + political parties, some to lead in war and some in the great council + chamber of the nation. Some were to fill the Governor's office, others to + wear the judicial ermine, and one was destined to be Chief Magistrate and + die a martyr to the cause of human liberty. + </p> + <p> + The society of Vandalia and the people attracted thither by the + Legislature made it, for that early day, a gay place indeed. Compared to + Lincoln's former environments, it had no lack of refinement and polish. + That he absorbed a good deal of this by contact with the men and women who + surrounded him there can be no doubt. The "drift of sentiment and the + sweep of civilization" at this time can best be measured by the character + of the legislation. There were acts to incorporate banks, turnpikes, + bridges, insurance companies, towns, railroads, and female academies. The + vigor and enterprise of New England fusing with the illusory prestige of + Kentucky and Virginia was fast forming a new civilization to spread over + the prairies! At this session Lincoln remained quietly in the background, + and contented himself with the introduction of a resolution in favor of + securing to the State a part of the proceeds of sales of public lands + within its limits. With this brief and modest record he returned to his + constituents at New Salem. With zealous perseverance, he renewed his + application to the law and to surveying, continuing his studies in both + departments until he became, as he thought, reliable and proficient. By + reason of a change in the office of Surveyor for the county he became a + deputy under Thomas M. Neale, who had been elected to succeed John + Calhoun. The speculation in lands made a brisk business for the new + surveyor, who even added Calhoun, his predecessor, to the list of + deputies. Lincoln had now become somewhat established in the good-will and + respect of his constituents. His bashfulness and timidity was gradually + giving way to a feeling of self-confidence, and he began to exult over his + ability to stand alone. The brief taste of public office which he had just + enjoyed, and the distinction it gave him only whetted his appetite for + further honors. Accordingly, in 1836 we find him a candidate for the + Legislature again. I well remember this campaign and the election which + followed, for my father, Archer G. Herndon, was also a candidate, aspiring + to a seat in the State Senate. The Legislature at the session previous had + in its apportionment bill increased the delegation from Sangamon county to + seven Representatives and two Senators. Party conventions had not yet been + invented, and there being no nominating machinery to interfere, the field + was open for any and all to run. Lincoln again resorted, in opening his + canvass, to the medium of the political handbill. Although it had not + operated with the most satisfactory results in his first campaign, yet he + felt willing to risk it again. Candidates of that day evinced far more + willingness to announce their position than political aspirants do now. + Without waiting for a convention to construct a platform, or some great + political leader to "sound the key-note of the campaign," they stepped to + the forefront and blew the bugle themselves. This custom will account for + the boldness of Lincoln's utterances and the unequivocal tone of his + declarations. His card—a sort of political fulmination—was as + follows: + </p> + <p> + "New Salem, June 13, 1836. + </p> + <p> + "<i>To the Editor of The Journal</i>: + </p> + <p> + "In your paper of last Saturday I see a communication over the signature + of "Many Voters" in which the candidates who are announced in the Journal + are called upon to 'show their hands.' Agreed. Here's mine: "I go for all + sharing the privileges of the government who assist in bearing its + burdens. Consequently, I go for admitting all whites to the right of + suffrage who pay taxes or bear arms (by no means excluding females). + </p> + <p> + "If elected I shall consider the whole people of Sangamon my constituents, + as well those that oppose as those that support me. + </p> + <p> + "While acting as their Representative, I shall be governed by their will + on all subjects upon which I have the means of knowing what their will is; + and upon all others I shall do what my own judgment teaches me will best + advance their interests. Whether elected or not, I go for distributing the + proceeds of the sales of public lands to the several States to enable our + State, in common with others, to dig canals and construct railroads + without borrowing money and paying the interest on it. + </p> + <p> + "If alive on the first Monday in November, I shall vote for Hugh L. White, + for President. + </p> + <p> + "Very respectfully, + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln" + </p> + <p> + It is generally admitted that the bold and decided stand Lincoln took—though + too audacious and emphatic for statesmen of a later day—suited the + temper of the times. Leaving out of sight his expressed preference for + White of Tennessee,—on whom all the anti-Jackson forces were + disposed to concentrate, and which was but a mere question of men,—there + is much food for thought in the second paragraph. His broad plan for + universal suffrage certainly commends itself to the ladies, and we need no + further evidence to satisfy our minds of his position on the subject of + "Woman's Rights," had he lived. In fact, I cannot refrain from noting here + what views he in after years held with reference to the great questions of + moral and social reforms, under which he classed universal suffrage, + temperance, and slavery. "All such questions," he observed one day, as we + were discussing temperance in the office, "must first find lodgment with + the most enlightened souls who stamp them with their approval. In God's + own time they will be organized into law and thus woven into the fabric of + our institutions." + </p> + <p> + The canvass which followed this public avowal of creed, was more exciting + than any which had preceded it. There were joint discussions, and, at + times, much feeling was exhibited. Each candidate had his friends freely + distributed through the crowd, and it needed but a few angry interruptions + or insinuating rejoinders from one speaker to another to bring on a + conflict between their friends. Frequently the speakers led in the battle + themselves, as in the case of Ninian W. Edwards—afterwards a + brother-in-law of Lincoln—who, in debate, drew a pistol on his + opponent Achilles Morris, a prominent Democrat. An interesting relic of + this canvass recently came to light, in a letter which Mr. Lincoln wrote a + week after he had announced his candidacy. It is addressed to Colonel + Robert Allen, a Democratic politician of local prominence, who had been + circulating some charges intended to affect Lincoln's chances of election. + The affair brought to the surface what little satire there was in + Lincoln's nature, and he administers—by way of innuendo—such a + flaying as the gallant colonel doubtless never wanted to have repeated. + The strangest part of it all is that the letter was recently found and + given to the public by Allen's own son.* It is as follows: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The MS. is now in possession of the Lincoln Monument Association of + Springfield. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "New Salem, June 21, 1836. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Colonel: + </p> + <p> + "I am told that during my absence last week you passed through the place + and stated publicly that you were in possession of a fact or facts, which + if known to the public would entirely destroy the prospects of N. W. + Edwards and myself at the ensuing election, but that through favor to us + you would forbear to divulge them. No one has needed favors more than I, + and generally few have been less unwilling to accept them, but in this + case favor to me would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must + beg your pardon for declining it. That I once had the confidence of the + people of Sangamon county is sufficiently evident; and if I have done + anything, either by design or misadventure, which if known would subject + me to a forfeiture of that confidence, he that knows of that thing, and + conceals it, is a traitor to his country's interest. + </p> + <p> + "I find myself wholly unable to form any conjecture of what fact or facts, + real or supposed, you spoke; but my opinion of your veracity will not + permit me for a moment to doubt that you at least believed what you said. + I am flattered with the personal regard you manifested for me; but I do + hope that on mature reflection you will view the public interest as a + paramount consideration and therefore let the worst come. + </p> + <p> + "I assure you that the candid statement of facts on your part, however low + it may sink me, shall never break the ties of personal friendship between + us. + </p> + <p> + "I wish an answer to this, and you are at liberty to publish both if you + choose. + </p> + <p> + "Very respectfully, + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + Col. Robert Allen. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was sure the letter never would be published or answered, because + Allen had no facts whatever upon which to base any such charges. He also + knew that Allen, who was a hide-bound Democrat, was in politics the most + unreliable man in Sangamon county. A vein of irony runs all through the + letter, especially where in such a delicate way he pays tribute to the + veracity of Allen, who, although a generous fellow in the ordinary sense + of the term, was unlimited in exaggeration and a veritable bag of wind. + The effort to smoke him out seems to have been of little effect, but + enough appears in Lincoln's letter to show that he was thoroughly warmed + up. + </p> + <p> + A joint debate in which all the candidates participated, took place on the + Saturday preceding the election. "The speaking began in the forenoon," + says one of the participants, "the candidates speaking alternately until + everyone who could speak had had his turn, generally consuming the whole + afternoon." Dr. Early, a Democratic candidate, in his speech took issue + with Ninian W. Edwards, stigmatizing some of the latter's statements as + untrue. This brought Edwards to his feet with a similar retort. His angry + tone and menacing manner, as he mounted a table and with clenched fist + hurled defiance at his challenger, foreboded a tumultuous scene. "The + excitement that followed," relates another one of the candidates,* "was + intense—so much so that fighting men thought a duel must settle the + difficulty. Mr. Lincoln by the programme followed Early. Taking up the + subject in dispute, he handled it so fairly and with such ability, all + were astonished and pleased." The turbulent spirits were quieted and the + difficulty was easily overcome. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln's friend Joshua F. Speed relates that during this campaign he made + a speech in Springfield a few days before the election. "The crowd was + large," says Speed, "and great numbers of his friends and admirers had + come in from the country. I remember that his speech was a very able one, + using with great power and originality all the arguments used to sustain + the principles of the Whig party as against its great rival, the + Democratic party of that day. The speech produced a profound impression—the + crowd was with him." + </p> + <p> + George Forquer, an old citizen, a man of recognized prominence and ability + as a lawyer, was present. Forquer had been a Whig—one of the + champions of the party—but had then recently joined the Democratic + party, and almost simultaneous with the change had been appointed Register + of the Land Office, which office he then held. Just about that time Mr. + Forquer had completed a neat frame house—the best house then in + Springfield—and over it had erected a lightning rod, the only one in + the place and the first one Mr. Lincoln had ever seen. He afterwards told + me that seeing Forquer's lightning rod had led him to the study of the + properties of electricity and the utility of the rod as a conductor. At + the conclusion of Lincoln's speech the crowd was about dispersing, when + Forquer rose and asked to be heard. He commenced by saying that the young + man would have to be taken down, and was sorry the task devolved on him. + He then proceeded to answer Lincoln's speech in a style which, while it + was able and fair, in his whole manner asserted and claimed superiority. + Lincoln stood a few steps away with arms folded, carefully watching the + speaker and taking in everything he said. He was laboring under a good + deal of suppressed excitement. Forquer's sting had roused the lion within + him. At length Forquer concluded, and he mounted the stand to reply. + </p> + <p> + "I have heard him often since," continued Speed, "in the courts and before + the people, but never saw him appear and acquit himself so well as upon + that occasion. His reply to Forquer was characterized by great dignity and + force. I shall never forget the conclusion of that speech: 'Mr. Forquer + commenced his speech by announcing that the young man would have to be + taken down. It is for you, fellow citizens, not for me to say whether I am + up or down. The gentleman has seen fit to allude to my being a young man; + but he forgets that I am older in years than I am in the tricks and trades + of politicians. I desire to live, and I desire place and distinction; but + I would rather die now than, like the gentleman, live to see the day that + I would change my politics for an office worth three thousand dollars a + year, and then feel compelled to erect a lightning rod to protect a guilty + conscience from an offended God,'" The effect of this rejoinder was + wonderful, and gave Forquer and his lightning rod a notoriety the extent + of which no one envied him. + </p> + <p> + In the election which followed, Sangamon county in a political sense was + entirely turned over. Hitherto the Democrats had always carried it, but + now the Whigs gained control by an average majority of four hundred. This + time Lincoln led his ticket. The nine elected were, Abraham Lincoln, + Ninian W. Edwards, John Dawson, Andrew McCormick, Dan Stone, Wm. F. Elkin, + Robert L. Wilson, Job Fletcher, and Archer G. Herndon. The last two were + senators. On assembling at Vandalia they were at once, on account of their + stature, dubbed the "Long Nine." In height they averaged over six feet, + and in weight over two hundred pounds. "We were not only noted," says one* + of them, "for our number and length, but for our combined influence. All + the bad or objectional laws passed at that session of the Legislature and + for many years afterwards were chargeable to the management and influence + of the 'Long Nine.'" It is not my purpose to enter into a detailed account + of legislation at this period or to rehearse the history of the political + conditions. Many and ingenious were the manoeuvres, but it would fill page + after page to narrate them. One thing which deserves mention in passing + was "that Yankee contrivance," the convention system, which for the first + time was brought into use. The Democrats, in obedience to the behests of + Jackson, had adopted it, and, singularly enough, among the very first + named for office under the operation of the new system was Stephen A. + Douglas, who was elected to the Legislature from Morgan county. Its + introduction was attributed to Ebenezer Peck, of Chicago, a Democrat who + had once, it was said, served in the Canadian Parliament. This latter + supposed connection with a monarchical institution was sufficient to bring + down on his head the united hostility of the Whigs, a feeling in which + even Lincoln joined. But after witnessing for a time the wonderful effects + of its discipline in Democratic ranks, the Whigs too fell in, and resorted + to the use of the improved machinery. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * 'DeWitt Clinton of Illinois.'" + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The Legislature of which Mr. Lincoln thus became a member was one that + will never be forgotten in Illinois. Its legislation in aid of the + so-called internal improvement system was significantly reckless and + unwise. The gigantic and stupendous operations of the scheme dazzled the + eyes of nearly everybody, but in the end it rolled up a debt so enormous + as to impede the otherwise marvelous progress of Illinois. The burdens + imposed by this Legislature under the guise of improvements became so + monumental in size it is little wonder that at intervals for years + afterward the monster of repudiation often showed its hideous face above + the waves of popular indignation. These attempts at a settlement of the + debt brought about a condition of things which it is said led the Little + Giant, in one of his efforts on the stump, to suggest that "Illinois ought + to be honest if she never paid a cent." However much we may regret that + Lincoln took part and aided in this reckless legislation, we must not + forget that his party and all his constituents gave him their united + endorsement. They gave evidence of their approval of his course by two + subsequent elections to the same office. It has never surprised me in the + least that Lincoln fell so harmoniously in with the great system of + improvement. He never had what some people call "money sense." By reason + of his peculiar nature and construction he was endowed with none of the + elements of a political economist. He was enthusiastic and theoretical to + a certain degree; could take hold of, and wrap himself up in, a great + moral question; but in dealing with the financial and commercial interests + of a community or government he was equally as inadequate as he was + ineffectual in managing the economy of his own household. In this respect + alone I always regarded Mr. Lincoln as a weak man. + </p> + <p> + One of his biographers, describing his legislative career at this time, + says of him: "He was big with prospects: his real public service was just + now about to begin. In the previous Legislature he had been silent, + observant, studious. He had improved the opportunity so well that of all + men in this new body, of equal age in the service, he was the smartest + parliamentarian and cunningest 'log roller.' He was fully determined to + identify himself conspicuously with the liberal legislation in + contemplation, and dreamed of a fame very different from that which he + actually obtained as an anti-slavery leader. It was about this time he + told his friend Speed that he aimed at the great distinction of being + called the 'DeWitt Clinton of Illinois.'" + </p> + <p> + The representatives in the Legislature from Sangamon county had been + instructed by a mass convention of their constituents to vote "for a + general system of internal improvements." Another convention of delegates + from all the counties in the State met at Vandalia and made a similar + recommendation to the members of the Legislature, specifying that it + should be "commensurate with the wants of the people." Provision was made + for a gridiron of railroads. The extreme points of the State, east and + west, north and south, were to be brought together by thirteen hundred + miles of iron rails. Every river and stream of the least importance was to + be widened, deepened, and made navigable. A canal to connect the Illinois + River and Lake Michigan was to be dug, and thus the great system was to be + made "commensurate with the wants of the people." To effect all these + great ends, a loan of twelve million dollars was authorized before the + session closed. Work on all these gigantic enterprises was to begin at the + earliest practicable moment; cities were to spring up everywhere; capital + from abroad was to come pouring in; attracted by the glowing reports of + marvelous progress and great internal wealth, people were to come swarming + in by colonies, until in the end Illinois was to outstrip all the others, + and herself become the Empire State of the Union. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln served on the Committee on Finance, and zealously labored for the + success of the great measures proposed, believing they would ultimately + enrich the State, and redound to the glory of all who aided in their + passage. In advocating these extensive and far-reaching plans he was not + alone. Stephen A. Douglas, John A. McClernand, James Shields, and others + prominent in the subsequent history of the State, were equally as earnest + in espousing the cause of improvement, and sharing with him the glory that + attended it. Next in importance came the bill to remove the seat of + government from Vandalia. Springfield, of course, wanted it. So also did + Alton, Decatur, Peoria, Jacksonville, and Illiopolis. But the Long Nine, + by their adroitness and influence, were too much for their contestants. + They made a bold fight for Springfield, intrusting the management of the + bill to Lincoln. The friends of other cities fought Springfield bitterly, + but under Lincoln's leadership the Long Nine contested with them every + inch of the way. The struggle was warm and protracted. "Its enemies," + relates one of Lincoln's colleagues,* "laid it on the table twice. In + those darkest hours when our bill to all appearances was beyond + resuscitation, and all our opponents were jubilant over our defeat, and + when friends could see no hope, Mr. Lincoln never for one moment + despaired; but collecting his colleagues to his room for consultation, his + practical common-sense, his thorough knowledge of human nature, then made + him an overmatch for his compeers and for any man that I have ever known." + The friends of the bill at last surmounted all obstacles, and only a day + or two before the close of the session secured its passage by a joint vote + of both houses. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * R. S. Wilson, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Meanwhile the great agitation against human slavery, which like a rare + plant had flourished amid the hills of New England in luxuriant growth, + began to make its appearance in the West. Missionaries in the great cause + of human liberty were settling everywhere. Taunts, jeers, ridicule, + persecution, assassination even, were destined to prove ineffectual in the + effort to suppress or exterminate these pioneers of Abolitionism. These + brave but derided apostles carried with them the seed of a great reform. + Perhaps, as was then said of them, they were somewhat in advance of their + season, and perhaps too, some of the seed might be sown in sterile ground + and never come to life, but they comforted themselves with the assurance + that it would not all die. A little here and there was destined to grow to + life and beauty. + </p> + <p> + It is not surprising, I think, that Lincoln should have viewed this New + England importation with mingled suspicion and alarm. Abstractly, and from + the standpoint of conscience, he abhorred slavery. But born in Kentucky, + and surrounded as he was by slave-holding influences, absorbing their + prejudices and following in their line of thought, it is not strange, I + repeat, that he should fail to estimate properly the righteous indignation + and unrestrained zeal of a Yankee Abolitionist. On the last day but one of + the session, he solicited his colleagues to sign with him a mild and + carefully worded protest against certain resolutions on the subject of + domestic slavery, which had been passed by both houses of the Legislature. + They all declined, however, save one, Dan Stone,* who with his associate + will probably be known long after mention of all other members of the Long + Nine has dropped from history. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Following are the resolutions against the passage of which Lincoln and + Stone made their protest: Resolved by the General Assembly of the State + of Illinois: That we highly disapprove of the formation of Abolition + societies and of the doctrines promulgated by them, That the right of + property in slaves is sacred to the slave- holding States by the Federal + Constitution, and that they cannot be deprived of that right without + their consent, That the General Government cannot abolish slavery in the + District of Columbia against the consent of the citizens of said + District, without a manifest breach of good faith, That the Governor be + requested to transmit to the States of Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, + New York, and Connecticut, a copy of the foregoing report and + resolutions. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The language and sentiment are clearly Lincolnian, and over twenty years + afterward, when it was charged that Lincoln was an Abolitionist, and this + protest was cited as proof, it was only necessary to call for a careful + reading of the paper for an unqualified and overwhelming refutation of the + charge. The records of the Legislature for March 3, 1837, contain this + entry: + </p> + <p> + "Resolutions upon the subject of domestic slavery having passed both + branches of the General Assembly at its present session, the undersigned + hereby protest against the passage of the same. + </p> + <p> + "They believe that the institution of slavery is founded on both injustice + and bad policy, but that the promulgation of abolition doctrines tends + rather to increase than abate its evils. + </p> + <p> + "They believe that the Congress of the United States has no power under + the Constitution to interfere with the institution of slavery in the + different States. + </p> + <p> + "They believe that the Congress of the United States has the power under + the Constitution to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, but that + the power ought not to be exercised unless at the request of the people of + the District. The difference between these opinions and, those contained + in the above resolutions is their reason for entering this protest. + </p> + <p> + "Dan Stone, + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln, + </p> + <p> + "Representatives from the county of Sangamon." + </p> + <p> + This document so adroitly drawn and worded, this protest pruned of any + offensive allusions, and cautiously framed so as to suit the temper of the + times, stripped of its verbal foliage reveals in naked grandeur the solemn + truth that "the institution of slavery is founded on both injustice and + bad policy." A quarter of a century later finds one of these protesters + righting the injustice and correcting the bad policy of the inhuman and + diabolical institution. + </p> + <p> + The return of the "Long Nine" to Springfield was the occasion of much + enthusiasm and joy. The manifestations of public delight had never been + equalled before, save when the steamer <i>Talisman</i> made its famous + trip down the Sangamon in 1831. The returning legislators were welcomed + with public dinners and the effervescent buncombe of local orators. Amid + the congratulations of warm friends and the approval of their enthusiastic + constituents, in which Lincoln received the lion's share of praise, they + separated, each departing to his own home. + </p> + <p> + After his return from the Legislature, Lincoln determined to remove to + Springfield, the county seat, and begin the practice of the law. Having + been so instrumental in securing the removal of the State Capital from + Vandalia, and having received such encouraging assurances from Major John + T. Stuart and other leading citizens, he felt confident of a good start.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "Lincoln used to come to our office—Stuart's and mine—in + Springfield from New Salem and borrow law-books. Sometimes he walked but + generally rode. He was the most uncouth looking young man I ever saw. He + seemed to have but little to say; seemed to feel timid, with a tinge of + sadness visible in the countenance, but when he did talk all this + disappeared for the time and he demonstrated that he was both strong and + acute. He surprised us more and more at every visit."—Henry E. + Dummer, Statement, Sept 16th, 1865. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He had little, if any, money, but hoped to find in Springfield, as he had + in New Salem, good and influential friends, who, recognizing alike his + honesty and his nobility of character, would aid him whenever a crisis + came and their help was needed. In this hope he was by no means in error, + for his subsequent history shows that he indeed united his friends to + himself with hooks of steel. I had up to this time frequently seen Mr. + Lincoln—had often, while visiting my cousins, James and Rowan + Herndon, at New Salem, met him at their house—but became warmly + attached to him soon after his removal to Springfield. There was something + in his tall and angular frame, his ill-fitting garments, honest face, and + lively humor that imprinted his individuality on my affection and regard. + What impression I made on him I had no means of knowing till many years + afterward. He was my senior by nine years, and I looked up to him, + naturally enough, as my superior in everything—a thing I continued + to do till the end of his days. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/222.jpg" alt="Springfield Court House 222 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Now that the State capital was to be located at Springfield, that place + began, by way of asserting its social superiority, to put on a good many + airs. Wealth made its gaudy display, and thus sought to attain a + pre-eminence from which learning and refinement are frequently cut off. + Already, people had settled there who could trace their descent down a + long line of distinguished ancestry. The established families were mainly + from Kentucky. They re-echoed the sentiments and reflected the arrogance + and elegance of a slave-holding aristocracy. "The Todds, Stuarts, and + Edwardses were there, with priests, dogs, and servants;" there also were + the Mathers, Lambs, Opdykes, Forquers, and Fords. Amid all "the + flourishing about in carriages" and the pretentious elegance of that early + day was Lincoln. Of origin, doubtful if not unknown; "poor, without the + means of hiding his poverty," he represented yet another importation from + Kentucky which is significantly comprehended by the term, "the poor + whites." Springfield, containing between one and two thousand people, was + near the northern line of settlement in Illinois. Still it was the center + of a limited area of wealth and refinement. Its citizens were imbued with + the spirit of push and enterprise. Lincoln therefore could not have been + thrown into a better or more appreciative community. + </p> + <p> + In March, 1837, he was licensed to practice law. His name appears for the + first time as attorney for the plaintiff in the case of Hawthorne vs. + Woolridge. He entered the office and became the partner of his comrade in + the Black Hawk war, John T. Stuart, who had gained rather an extensive + practice, and who, by the loan of sundry textbooks several years before, + had encouraged Lincoln to continue in the study of law. Stuart had + emigrated from Kentucky in 1828, and on account of his nativity, if for no + other reason, had great influence with the leading people in Springfield. + He used to relate that on the next morning after his arrival in + Springfield he was standing in front of the village store, leaning against + a post in the sidewalk and wondering how to introduce himself to the + community, when he was approached by a well-dressed old gentleman, who, + interesting himself in the newcomer's welfare, enquired after his history + and business. "I'm from Kentucky," answered Stuart, "and my profession is + that of a lawyer, sir. What is the prospect here?" Throwing his head back + and closing his left eye the old gentleman reflected a moment. "Young man, + d———d slim chance for that kind of a combination here," + was the response. + </p> + <p> + At the time of Lincoln's entry into the office, Stuart was just recovering + from the effects of a congressional race in which he had been the loser. + He was still deeply absorbed in politics, and was preparing for the next + canvass, in which he was finally successful—defeating the wily and + ambitious Stephen A. Douglas. In consequence of the political allurements, + Stuart did not give to the law his undivided time or the full force of his + energy and intellect. Thus more or less responsibility in the management + of business and the conduct of cases soon devolved on Lincoln. The entries + in the account books of the firm are all in the handwriting of Lincoln. + Most of the declarations and pleas were written by him also. This sort of + exercise was never congenial to him, and it was the only time, save a + brief period under Judge Logan, that he served as junior partner and + performed the labor required of one who serves in that rather subordinate + capacity. He had not yet learned to love work. The office of the firm was + in the upper story of a building opposite the north-west corner of the + present Court-house Square. In the room underneath, the county court was + held. The furniture was in keeping with the pretensions of the firm—a + small lounge or bed, a chair containing a buffalo robe, in which the + junior member was wont to sit and study, a hard wooden bench, a feeble + attempt at a book-case, and a table which answered for a desk. Lincoln's + first attempt at settlement in Springfield, which preceded a few days his + partnership with Stuart, has been graphically described by his friend, + Joshua F. Speed, who generously offered to share his quarters with the + young legal aspirant. Speed, who was a prosperous young merchant, reports + that Lincoln's personal effects consisted of a pair of saddle-bags + containing two or three lawbooks and a few pieces of clothing. "He had + ridden into town on a borrowed horse," relates Speed, "and engaged from + the only cabinet-maker in the village a single bedstead. He came into my + store, set his saddle-bags on the counter, and enquired what the furniture + for a single bedstead would cost. I took slate and pencil, made a + calculation, and found the sum for furniture complete would amount to + seventeen dollars in all. Said he: 'It is probably cheap enough; but I + want to say that, cheap as it is, I have not the money to pay. But if you + will credit me until Christmas, and my experiment here as a lawyer is a + success, I will pay you then. If I fail in that I will probably never pay + you at all.' The tone of his voice was so melancholy that I felt for him. + I looked up at him and I thought then, as I think now, that I never saw so + gloomy and melancholy a face in my life. I said to him, 'So small a debt + seems to affect you so deeply, I think I can suggest a plan by which you + will be able to attain your end without incurring any debt. I have a very + large room and a very large double bed in it, which you are perfectly + welcome to share with me if you choose.' 'Where is your room?' he asked. + </p> + <p> + "'Upstairs,' said I, pointing to the stairs leading from the store to my + room. Without saying a word he took his saddle-bags on his arm, went + upstairs, set them down on the floor, came down again, and with a face + beaming with pleasure and smiles, exclaimed, 'Well, Speed, I'm moved.'" + </p> + <p> + William Butler, who was prominent in the removal of the capital from + Vandalia to Springfield, took no little interest in Lincoln, while a + member of the Legislature. After his removal to Springfield, Lincoln + boarded at Butler's house for several years. He became warmly attached to + the family, and it is probable the matter of pay never entered Butler's + mind. He was not only able but willing to befriend the young lawyer in + this and many other ways. + </p> + <p> + Stephen T. Logan was judge of the Circuit court, and Stephen A. Douglas + was prosecuting attorney. Among the attorneys we find many promising + spirits. Edward D. Baker, John T. Stuart, Cyrus Walker, Samuel H. Treat, + Jesse B. Thomas, George Forquer, Dan Stone, Ninian W. Edwards, John J. + Hardin, Schuyler Strong, A. T. Bledsoe, and Josiah Lamborn—a galaxy + of names, each destined to shed more or less lustre on the history of the + State. While I am inclined to believe that Lincoln did not, after entering + Stuart's office, do as much deep and assiduous studying as people + generally credit him with, yet I am confident he absorbed not a little + learning by contact with the great minds who thronged about the courts and + State Capitol. The books of Stuart and Lincoln, during 1837, show a + practice more extensive than lucrative, for while they received a number + of fees, only two or there of them reached fifty dollars; and one of these + has a credit of: "Coat to Stuart, $15.00," showing that they were + compelled, now and then, even to "trade out" their earnings. The + litigation was as limited in importance as in extent. There were no great + corporations, as in this progressive day, retaining for counsel the brains + of the bar in every county seat, but the greatest as well as the least had + to join the general scramble for practice. The courts consumed as much + time deciding who had committed an assault or a trespass on a neighbor's + ground, as it spent in the solution of questions arising on contracts, or + unravelling similar legal complications. Lawyers depended for success, not + on their knowledge of the law or their familiarity with its under-lying + principles, but placed their reliance rather on their frontier oratory and + the influence of their personal bearing before the jury. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln made Speed's store headquarters. There politics, religion, and all + other subjects were discussed. There also public sentiment was made. The + store had a large fire-place in the rear, and around it the lights of the + town collected every evening. As the sparks flew from the crackling logs, + another and more brilliant fire flashed when these great minds came into + collision. Here were wont to gather Lincoln, Douglas, Baker, Calhoun, + Browning, Lamborn, Jesse B. Thomas and others. Only those who were present + and listened to these embryonic statesmen and budding orators will ever be + able to recall their brilliant thoughts and appreciate their youthful + enthusiasm. In the fall and winter of 1837, while I was attending college + at Jacksonville, the persecution and death of Elijah P. Lovejoy at Alton + took place. This cruel and uncalled for murder had aroused the + anti-slavery sentiment everywhere. It penetrated the college, and both + faculty and students were loud and unrestrained in their denunciation of + the crime. My father, who was thoroughly pro-slavery in his ideas, + believing that the college was too strongly permeated with the virus of + Abolitionism, forced me to withdraw from the institution and return home. + But it was too late. My soul had absorbed too much of what my father + believed was rank poison. The murder of Lovejoy filled me with more + desperation than the slave scene in New Orleans did Lincoln; for while he + believed in non-interference with slavery, so long as the Constitution + permitted and authorized its existence, I, although acting nominally with + the Whig party up to 1853, struck out for Abolitionism pure and simple. + </p> + <p> + On my return to Springfield from college, I hired to Joshua F. Speed as + clerk in his store. My salary, seven hundred dollars per annum, was + considered good pay then. Speed, Lincoln, Charles R. Hurst, and I slept in + the room upstairs over the store. I had worked for Speed before going to + college, and after hiring to him this time again, continued in his employ + for several years. The young men who congregated about the store formed a + society for the encouragement of debate and literary efforts. Sometimes we + would meet in a lawyer's office and often in Speed's room. Besides the + debates, poems and other original productions were read. Unfortunately we + ruled out the ladies. I am free to admit I would not encourage a similar + thing nowadays; but in that early day the young men had not the comforts + of books and newspapers which are within the reach of every boy now. Some + allowance therefore should be made for us. I have forgotten the name of + the society—if it had any—and can only recall a few of its + leading spirits. Lincoln, James Matheney, Noah Rickard, Evan Butler, + Milton Hay, and Newton Francis were members. I joined also. Matheney was + secretary.* We were favored with all sorts of literary productions. + Lincoln one night entertained us with a few lines of rhyme intended to + illustrate some weakness in woman—her frailty, perhaps. + Unfortunately, the manuscript has not been preserved. Matheney was able, + several years ago, to repeat a single stanza, but claimed that after the + lapse of so many years it was all he could recall. Perhaps in the end it + is best his memory was no more retentive. Reproduced here exactly as in + the original, it might suggest more than one construction or offend + against the canons of approved taste; in either event I shall omit it. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Near Hoffman's Row, where the Courts were held in 1839-40, lived a + shoemaker who frequently would get drunk and invariably whipped his + wife. Lincoln, hearing of this, told the man if he ever repeated it he + would thrash him soundly himself. Meanwhile he told Evan Butler, Noah + Rickard, and myself of it, and we decided if the offense occurred again + to join with Lincoln in suppressing it. In due course of time we heard + of it. We dragged the offender up to the court-house, stripped him of + his shirt, and tied him to a post or pump which stood over the well in + the yard back of the building. Then we sent for his wife and arming her + with a good limb bade her "light in." We sat on our haunches and watched + the performance. The wife did her work lustily and well. When we thought + the culprit had had enough Lincoln released him; we helped him on with + his shirt and he crept sorrowfully homeward. Of course he threatened + vengeance, but still we heard no further reports of wife-whipping from + him.—James H. Matheney. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Besides this organization we had a society in Springfield, which contained + and commanded all the culture and talent of the place. Unlike the other + one its meetings were public, and reflected great credit on the community. + We called it the "Young Men's Lyceum." Late in 1837, Lincoln delivered + before the society a carefully prepared address on the "Perpetuation of + Our Free Institutions."* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + *Mr. Lincoln's speech was brought out by the burning of a negro in St. + Louis a few weeks before by a mob. Lincoln took this incident as a sort + of text for his remarks. James Matheney was appointed by the Lyceum to + request of Lincoln a copy of his speech and see to its publication. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The inspiration and burthen of it was law and order. It has been printed + in full so often, and is always to be found in the list of Lincoln's + public speeches, that I presume I need not reproduce it here. It was + highly sophomoric in character and abounded in striking and lofty + metaphor. In point of rhetorical effort it excels anything he ever + afterward attempted. Probably it was the thing people expect from a young + man of twenty-eight. The address was published in the <i>Sangamon Journal</i> + and created for the young orator a reputation which soon extended beyond + the limits of the locality in which he lived. As illustrative of his style + of oratory, I beg to introduce the concluding paragraph of the address. + Having characterized the surviving soldiers of the Revolution as "living + histories," he closes with this thrilling flourish: "But these histories + are gone. They can be read no more forever. They were a fortress of + strength; but what invading foeman never could do, the silent artillery of + time has—the levelling of its walls. They are gone. They were a + forest of giant oaks; but the all-resistless hurricane has swept over + them, and left only here and there a lonely trunk, despoiled of its + verdure, shorn of its foliage, unshading and unshaded, to murmur in a few + more gentle breezes, and to combat with its mutilated limbs a few more + rude storms, then to sink and be no more. They were pillars of the temple + of liberty, and now that they have crumbled away, that temple must fall, + unless we, their descendants, supply their places with other pillars hewn + from the same solid quarry of sober reason. Passion has helped us, but can + do so no more. It will in future be our enemy. Reason—cold, + calculating, unimpassioned reason—must furnish all the materials for + our future support and defense. Let these materials be moulded into + general intelligence, sound morality, and in particular, a reverence for + the Constitution and the laws. * * * Upon these let the proud fabric of + freedom rest as the rock of its basis, and as truly as has been said of + the only greater institution, 'The gates of hell shall not prevail against + it.'" + </p> + <p> + In time Lincoln's style changed: he became more eloquent but with less + gaudy ornamentation. He grew in oratorical power, dropping gradually the + alliteration and rosy metaphor of youth, until he was able at last to + deliver that grandest of all orations—the Gettysburg address. + </p> + <p> + One evening, while the usual throng of loungers surrounded the inviting + fireplace in Speed's store, the conversation turned on political matters. + The disputants waxed warm and acrimonious as the discussion proceeded. + Business being over for the day, I strolled back and seating myself on a + keg listened with eager interest to the battle going on among these + would-be statesmen. Douglas, I recollect, was leading on the Democratic + side. He had already learned the art of dodging in debate, but still he + was subtle, fiery, and impetuous. He charged the Whigs with every blunder + and political crime he could imagine. No vulnerable spot seemed to have + escaped him. At last, with great vehemence, he sprang up and abruptly made + a challenge to those who differed with him to discuss the whole matter + publicly, remarking that, "This store is no place to talk politics," In + answer to Douglas's challenge the contest was entered into. It took place + in the Presbyterian Church. Douglas, Calhoun, Lamborn, and Thomas + represented the Democrats; and Logan, Baker, Browning, and Lincoln, in the + order named, presented the Whig side of the question. One evening was + given to each man, and it therefore required over a week to complete the + tournament. Lincoln occupied the last evening, and although the people by + that time had necessarily grown a little tired of the monotony and + well-worn repetition, yet Lincoln's manner of presenting his thoughts and + answering his Democratic opponents excited renewed interest. So deep was + the impression he created that he was asked to furnish his speech to the + <i>Sangamon Journal</i> for publication, and it afterwards appeared in the + columns of that organ. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/237.jpg" alt="First Presbyterian in Springfield 237 " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Meanwhile Mr. Lincoln had attended one special session of the Legislature + in July, 1837. The session was called to take some action with regard to + the financial condition of the State. The Bank of the United States and + the New York and Philadelphia Banks had suspended specie payments. This + action had precipitated general ruin among business men and interests over + the entire country. The called session of the Legislature was intended to + save the Illinois banks from impending dissolution. Lincoln retained his + position on the Committee on Finance, and had lost none of his enthusiasm + over the glorious prospects of internal improvements. The Legislature, + instead of abridging, only extended the already colossal proportions of + the great system. In this they paid no heed to the governor, whose head + seems to have been significantly clear on the folly of the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + In 1838 Mr. Lincoln was again elected to the Legislature. At this session, + as the nominee of the Whig party, he received thirty-eight votes for + Speaker. Wm. L. D. Ewing, his successful competitor, the Democratic + candidate, received forty-three votes, and was elected. Besides retaining + his place on the Finance Committee, Lincoln was assigned to the Committee + on Counties. The enthusiasm and zeal of the friends of internal + improvements began to flag now in view of the fact that the bonds issued + were beginning to find their true level in point of value. Lincoln, + together with others of kindred views, tried to bolster the "system" up; + but soon the discouraging fact became apparent that no more money could be + obtained, and the Legislature began to descant on what part of the debt + was lawful and what unlawful. Repudiation seemed not far off. Mr. Lincoln + despaired now of ever becoming the "DeWitt Clinton of Illinois." We find + him admitting "his share of the responsibility in the present crisis," and + finally concluding that he was "no financier" after all. No sooner had the + Legislature adjourned than he decided—if he had not already so + determined—to run for the same place again. He probably wanted it + for a vindication. He was pursued now more fiercely than ever, and he was + better able to endure the vilification of a political campaign than when + he first offered himself to the voters in New Salem. + </p> + <p> + Among the Democratic orators who stumped the county at this time was one + Taylor—commonly known as Col. Dick Taylor. He was a showy, bombastic + man, with a weakness for fine clothes and other personal adornments. + Frequently he was pitted against Lincoln, and indulged in many bitter + flings at the lordly ways and aristocratic pretensions of the Whigs. He + had a way of appealing to "his horny-handed neighbors," and resorted to + many other artful tricks of a demagogue. When he was one day expatiating + in his accustomed style, Lincoln, in a spirit of mischief and, as he + expressed it, "to take the wind out of his sails," slipped up to the + speaker's side, and catching his vest by the lower edge gave it a sharp + pull. The latter instantly opened and revealed to his astonished hearers a + ruffled shirt-front glittering with watch-chain, seals, and other golden + jewels. The effect was startling. The speaker stood confused and + dumbfounded, while the audience roared with laughter. When it came + Lincoln's turn to answer he covered the gallant colonel over in this + style: "While Colonel Taylor was making these charges against the Whigs + over the country, riding in fine carriages, wearing ruffled shirts, kid + gloves, massive gold watch-chains with large gold seals, and flourishing a + heavy gold-headed cane, I was a poor boy, hired on a flat-boat at eight + dollars a month, and had only one pair of breeches to my back, and they + were buckskin. Now if you know the nature of buckskin when wet and dried + by the sun, it will shrink; and my breeches kept shrinking until they left + several inches of my legs bare between the tops of my socks and the lower + part of my breeches; and whilst I was growing taller they were becoming + shorter, and so much tighter that they left a blue streak around my legs + that can be seen to this day. If you call this aristocracy I plead guilty + to the charge."* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * From MS. of Ninian W. Edwards. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It was during this same canvass that Lincoln by his manly interference + protected his friend E. D. Baker from the anger of an infuriated crowd. + Baker was a brilliant and effective speaker, and quite as full too of + courage as invective. He was addressing a crowd in the court room, which + was immediately underneath Stuart and Lincoln's office. Just above the + platform on which the speaker stood was a trap door in the floor, which + opened into Lincoln's office. Lincoln at the time, as was often his habit, + was lying on the floor looking down through the door at the speaker. I was + in the body of the crowd. Baker was hot-headed and impulsive, but brave as + a lion. Growing warm in his arraignment of the Democratic party, he + charged that "wherever there was a land office there was a Democratic + newspaper to defend its corruptions." This angered the brother of the + editor of our town paper, who was present, and who cried out, "Pull him + down," at the same time advancing from the crowd as if to perform the task + himself. Baker, his face pale with excitement, squared himself for + resistance. A shuffling of feet, a forward movement of the crowd, and + great confusion followed. Just then a long pair of legs were seen dangling + from the aperture above, and instantly the figure of Lincoln dropped on + the platform. Motioning with his hands for silence and not succeeding, he + seized a stone water-pitcher standing near by, threatening to break it + over the head of the first man who laid hands on Baker. "Hold on, + gentlemen," he shouted, "this is the land of free speech. Mr. Baker has a + right to speak and ought to be heard. I am here to protect him, and no man + shall take him from this stand if I can prevent it." His interference had + the desired effect. Quiet was soon restored, and the valiant Baker was + allowed to proceed. I was in the back part of the crowd that night, and an + enthusiastic Baker man myself. I knew he was a brave man, and even if + Lincoln had not interposed, I felt sure he wouldn't have been pulled from + the platform without a bitter struggle. + </p> + <p> + This canvass—1840—was Mr. Lincoln's last campaign for the + Legislature. Feeling that he had had enough honor out of the office he + probably aspired for a place of more distinction. Jesse B. Thomas, one of + the men who had represented the Democratic side in the great debate in the + Presbyterian Church, in a speech at the court-house during this campaign, + indulged in some fun at the expense of the "Long Nine," reflecting + somewhat more on Lincoln than the rest. The latter was not present, but + being apprised by his friends of what had been said, hastened to the + meeting, and soon after Thomas closed, stepped upon the platform and + responded. The substance of his speech on this occasion was not so + memorable as the manner of its delivery. He felt the sting of Thomas's + allusions, and for the first time, on the stump or in public, resorted to + mimicry for effect. In this, as will be seen later along, he was without a + rival. He imitated Thomas in gesture and voice, at times caricaturing his + walk and the very motion of his body. Thomas, like everybody else, had + some peculiarities of expression and gesture, and these Lincoln succeeded + in rendering more prominent than ever. The crowd yelled and cheered as he + continued. Encouraged by these demonstrations, the ludicrous features of + the speaker's performance gave way to intense and scathing ridicule. + Thomas, who was obliged to sit near by and endure the pain of this unique + ordeal, was ordinarily sensitive; but the exhibition goaded him to + desperation. He was so thoroughly wrought up with suppressed emotion that + he actually gave way to tears. I was not a witness of this scene, but the + next day it was the talk of the town, and for years afterwards it was + called the "skinning" of Thomas. Speed was there, so were A. Y. Ellis, + Ninian W. Edwards, and David Davis, who was just then coming into + prominence. The whole thing was so unlike Lincoln, it was not soon + forgotten either by his friends or enemies. I heard him afterwards say + that the recollection of his conduct that evening filled him with the + deepest chagrin. He felt that he had gone too far, and to rid his + good-nature of a load, hunted up Thomas and made ample apology. The + incident and its sequel proved that Lincoln could not only be vindictive + but manly as well. + </p> + <p> + He was selected as an Elector on the Harrison ticket for President in + 1840, and as such stumped over a good portion of the State. In debate he + frequently met Douglas, who had already become the standard-bearer and + exponent of Democratic principles. These joint meetings were spirited + affairs sometimes; but at no time did he find the Little Giant averse to a + conflict. "He was very sensitive," relates one of his colleagues on the + stump, "where he thought he had failed to meet the expectations of his + friends. I remember a case. He was pitted by the Whigs in 1840 to debate + with Mr. Douglas, the Democratic champion. Lincoln did not come up to the + requirements of the occasion. He was conscious of his failure, and I never + saw any man so much distressed. He begged to be permitted to try it again, + and was reluctantly indulged; and in the next effort he transcended our + highest expectations.* I never heard and never expect to hear such a + triumphant vindication as he then gave of Whig measures or policy. He + never after, to my knowledge, fell below himself." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Joseph Gillespie, MS. letter, June 5, '66. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The campaign ended in his election to the Legislature. He was again the + caucus nominee of the Whigs for Speaker, receiving thirty-six votes; but + his former antagonist, William L. D. Ewing, was elected by a majority of + ten votes over him. The proceedings of, and laws enacted by, this + Legislature are so much a matter of history and so generally known that it + seems a needless task on my part to enter into details. It is proper to + note, however, in passing, that Mr. Lincoln was neither prompt nor + constant in his attendance during the session. He had been to a certain + extent "upset" by another love affair, the particulars of which must be + assigned to a future chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + The year 1840 finds Mr. Lincoln entering his thirty-second year and still + unmarried. "I have come to the conclusion," he suggests in a facetious + letter, two years before, "never again to think of marrying." But + meanwhile he had seen more of the world. The State Capital had been + removed to Springfield, and he soon observed the power and influence one + can exert with high family and social surroundings to draw upon. The sober + truth is that Lincoln was inordinately ambitious. He had already succeeded + in obtaining no inconsiderable political recognition, and numbered among + his party friends men of wealth and reputation; but he himself was poor, + besides lacking the graces and ease of bearing obtained through mingling + in polite society—in fact, to use the expressive language of Mary + Owens, he was "deficient in those little links which make up the chain of + woman's happiness." Conscious, therefore, of his humble rank in the social + scale, how natural that he should seek by marriage in an influential + family to establish strong connections and at the same time foster his + political fortunes! This may seem an audacious thing to insinuate, but on + no other basis can we reconcile the strange course of his courtship and + the tempestuous chapters in his married life. It is a curious history, and + the facts, long chained down, are gradually coming to the surface. When + all is at last known, the world I believe will divide its censure between + Lincoln and his wife. + </p> + <p> + Mary Todd, who afterwards became the wife of Mr. Lincoln, was born in + Lexington, Kentucky, December 13, 1818. "My mother," related Mrs. Lincoln + to me in 1865, "died when I was still young. I was educated by Madame + Mantelli, a lady who lived opposite Mr. Clay's, and who was an + accomplished French scholar. Our conversation at school was carried on + entirely in French—in fact we were allowed to speak nothing else. I + finished my education at Mrs. Ward's Academy, an institution to which many + people from the North sent their daughters. In 1837 I visited Springfield, + Illinois, remaining three months. I returned to Kentucky, remaining till + 1839, when I again set out for Illinois, which State finally became my + home." + </p> + <p> + The paternal grandfather of Mary Todd, General Levi Todd, was born in + 1756, was educated in Virginia, and studied law in the office of General + Lewis of that State. He emigrated to Kentucky, was a lieutenant in the + campaigns conducted by General George Rogers Clark against the Indians, + and commanded a battalion in the battle of Blue Licks, August 18, 1782, + where his brother, John Todd, was killed. He succeeded Daniel Boone in + command of the militia, ranking as major-general, and was one of the first + settlers in Lexington, Ky. February 25, 1779, he married Miss Jane Briggs. + The seventh child of this union, born February 25, 1791, was Robert S. + Todd, the father of Mrs. Lincoln. On her maternal side Mrs. Lincoln was + highly connected. Her great-grandfather, General Andrew Porter, was in the + war of the Revolution. He succeeded Peter Muhlenberg as major-general of + the Pennsylvania militia. Her great uncles, George B. Porter, who was + governor of Michigan, James Madison Porter, secretary of the navy under + President Tyler, and David R. Porter, governor of Pennsylvania, were men + of ability and distinction. Her mother, Anne Eliza Parker, was a cousin of + her father, Robert S. Todd. The latter had served in both houses of the + Kentucky Legislature, and for over twenty years was president of the Bank + of Kentucky at Lexington. He died July 16, 1849. + </p> + <p> + To a young lady in whose veins coursed the blood that had come down from + this long and distinguished ancestral line, who could even go back in the + genealogical chart to the sixth century, Lincoln, the child of Nancy + Hanks, whose descent was dimmed by the shadow of tradition, was finally + united in marriage. + </p> + <p> + When Mary Todd came to her sister's house in Springfield in 1839, she was + in her twenty-first year. She was a young woman of strong, passionate + nature and quick temper, and had "left her home in Kentucky to avoid + living under the same roof with a stepmother."* She came to live with her + oldest sister, Elizabeth, who was the wife of Lincoln's colleague in the + Legislature, Ninian W. Edwards. She had two other sisters, Frances, + married to Dr. William Wallace, and Anne, who afterwards became the wife + of C. M. Smith, a prominent and wealthy merchant. They all resided in + Springfield. She was of the average height, weighing when I first saw her + about a hundred and thirty pounds. She was rather compactly built, had a + well rounded face, rich dark-brown hair, and bluish-gray eyes. In her + bearing she was proud, but handsome and vivacious. Her education had been + in no wise defective; she was a good conversationalist, using with equal + fluency the French and English languages. When she used a pen, its point + was sure to be sharp, and she wrote with wit and ability. She not only had + a quick intellect but an intuitive judgment of men and their motives. + Ordinarily she was affable and even charming in her manners; but when + offended or antagonized, her agreeable qualities instantly disappeared + beneath a wave of stinging satire or sarcastic bitterness, and her entire + better nature was submerged. In her figure and physical proportions, in + education, bearing, temperament, history—in everything she was the + exact reverse of Lincoln. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Mrs. Edwards, statement, Aug. 3, 1887. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On her return to Springfield she immediately entered society, and soon + became one of the belles, leading the young men of the town a merry dance. + She was a very shrewd observer, and discreetly and without apparent effort + kept back all the unattractive elements in her unfortunate organization. + Her trenchant wit, affability, and candor pleased the young men not less + than her culture and varied accomplishments impressed the older ones with + whom she came in contact. The first time I met her was at a dance at the + residence of Col. Robert Allen, a gentleman mentioned in the preceding + chapter. I engaged her for a waltz, and as we glided through it I fancied + I never before had danced with a young lady who moved with such grace and + ease. A few moments later, as we were promenading through the hall, I + thought to compliment her graceful dancing by telling her that while I was + conscious of my own awkward movements, she seemed to glide through the + waltz with the ease of a serpent. The strange comparison was as + unfortunate as it was hideous. I saw it in an instant, but too late to + recall it. She halted for a moment, drew back, and her eyes flashed as she + retorted: "Mr. Herndon, comparison to a serpent is rather severe irony, + especially to a newcomer." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/251.jpg" alt="Joshua Speed and Wife 251 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Through the influence of Joshua F. Speed, who was a warm friend of the + Edwardses, Lincoln was led to call on Miss Todd. He was charmed with her + wit and beauty, no less than by her excellent social qualities and + profound knowledge of the strong and weak points in individual character. + One visit succeeded another. It was the old story. Lincoln had again + fallen in love. "I have often happened in the room where they were + sitting," relates Mrs. Edwards, describing this courtship, "and Mary + invariably led the conversation. Mr. Lincoln would sit at her side and + listen. He scarcely said a word, but gazed on her as if irresistibly drawn + towards her by some superior and unseen power. He could not maintain + himself in a continued conversation with a lady reared as Mary was. He was + not educated and equipped mentally to make himself either interesting or + attractive to the ladies. He was a good, honest, and sincere young man + whose rugged, manly qualities I admired; but to me he somehow seemed + ill-constituted by nature and education to please such a woman as my + sister. Mary was quick, gay, and in the social world somewhat brilliant. + She loved show and power, and was the most ambitious woman I ever knew. + She used to contend when a girl, to her friends in Kentucky, that she was + destined to marry a President. I have heard her say that myself, and after + mingling in society in Springfield she repeated the seemingly absurd and + idle boast. Although Mr. Lincoln seemed to be attached to Mary, and + fascinated by her wit and sagacity, yet I soon began to doubt whether they + could always be so congenial. In a short time I told Mary my impression + that they were not suited, or, as some persons who believe matches are + made in heaven would say, not intended for each other." But Mrs. Edwards' + advice was seed, sown on rocky soil. The courtship ran on smoothly to the + point of engagement, when a new and disturbing element loomed up ahead in + their paths. It was no less than the dashing and handsome Stephen A. + Douglas, who now appeared on the scene in the guise of a rival. As a + society man Douglas was infinitely more accomplished, more attractive and + influential than Lincoln, and that he should supplant the latter in the + affections of the proud and aristocratic Miss Todd is not to be marveled + at. He was unremitting in his attentions to the lady, promenaded the + streets arm-in-arm with her—frequently passing Lincoln—and in + every way made plain his intention to become the latter's rival. There are + those who believe this warm reciprocation of young Douglas' affection was + a mere flirtation on Mary Todd's part, intended to spur Lincoln up, to + make him more demonstrative, and manifest his love more positively and + with greater fervor. But a lady relative who lived with Lincoln and his + wife for two years after their marriage is authority for the statement + coming from Mrs. Lincoln herself that "she loved Douglas, and but for her + promise to marry Lincoln would have accepted him." The unfortunate + attitude she felt bound to maintain between these two young men ended in a + spell of sickness. Douglas, still hopeful, was warm in the race, but the + lady's physician,—her brother-in-law,—Dr. William Wallace, to + whom she confided the real cause of her illness, saw Douglas and induced + him to end his pursuit,* which he did with great reluctance. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Mrs. Harriett Chapman, statement, Nov. 8, 1887. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + If Miss Todd intended by her flirtation with Douglas to test Lincoln's + devotion, she committed a grievous error. If she believed, because he was + ordinarily so undemonstrative, that he was without will-power and + incapable of being aroused, she certainly did not comprehend the man. + Lincoln began now to feel the sting. Miss Todd's spur had certainly + operated and with awakening effect. One evening Lincoln came into our + store and called for his warm friend Speed. Together they walked back to + the fireplace, where Lincoln, drawing from his pocket a letter, asked + Speed to read it. "The letter," relates Speed, "was addressed to Mary + Todd, and in it he made a plain statement of his feelings, telling her + that he had thought the matter over calmly and with great deliberation, + and now felt that he did not love her sufficiently to warrant her in + marrying him. This letter he desired me to deliver. Upon my declining to + do so he threatened to intrust it to some other person's hand. I reminded + him that the moment he placed the letter in Miss Todd's hand, she would + have the advantage over him. 'Words are forgotten,' I said, + 'misunderstood, unnoticed in a private conversation, but once put your + words in writing and they stand a living and eternal monument against + you.' Thereupon I threw the unfortunate letter in the fire. 'Now,' I + continued, 'if you have the courage of manhood, go see Mary yourself; tell + her, if you do not love her, the facts, and that you will not marry her. + Be careful not to say too much, and then leave at your earliest + opportunity.' Thus admonished, he buttoned his coat, and with a rather + determined look started out to perform the serious duty for which I had + just given him explicit directions." + </p> + <p> + That night Speed did not go upstairs to bed with us, but under pretense of + wanting to read, remained in the store below. He was waiting for Lincoln's + return. Ten o'clock passed, and still the interview with Miss Todd had not + ended. At length, shortly after eleven, he came stalking in. Speed was + satisfied, from the length of Lincoln's stay, that his directions had not + been followed. + </p> + <p> + "Well, old fellow, did you do as I told you and as you promised?" were + Speed's first words. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I did," responded Lincoln, thoughtfully, "and when I told Mary I did + not love her, she burst into tears and almost springing from her chair and + wringing her hands as if in agony, said something about the deceiver being + himself deceived." Then he stopped. + </p> + <p> + "What else did you say?" inquired Speed, drawing the facts from him. + </p> + <p> + "To tell you the truth, Speed, it was too much for me. I found the tears + trickling down my own cheeks. I caught her in my arms and kissed her," + "And that's how you broke the engagement," sneered Speed. "You not only + acted the fool, but your conduct was tantamount to a renewal of the + engagement, and in decency you cannot back down now." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Statement, Joshua F. Speed, Sep. 17, 1866, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "Well," drawled Lincoln, "if I am in again, so be it. It's done, and I + shall abide by it." Convinced now that Miss Todd regarded the engagement + ratified,—instead of broken, as her tall suitor had at first + intended,—Lincoln continued his visits, and things moved on smoothly + as before. Douglas had dropped out of the race, and everything pointed to + an early marriage. It was probably at this time that Mr. and Mrs. Edwards + began to doubt the wisdom of the marriage, and now and then to intimate + the same to the lady; but they went no farther in their opposition and + placed no obstacle in their paths. + </p> + <p> + The time fixed for the marriage was the first day in January, 1841. + Careful preparations for the happy occasion were made at the Edwards + mansion. The house underwent the customary renovation; the furniture was + properly arranged, the rooms neatly decorated, the supper prepared, and + the guests invited. The latter assembled on the evening in question, and + awaited in expectant pleasure the interesting ceremony of marriage. The + bride, bedecked in veil and silken gown, and nervously toying with the + flowers in her hair, sat in the adjoin-ing room. Nothing was lacking but + the groom. For some strange reason he had been delayed. An hour passed, + and the guests as well as the bride were becoming restless. But they were + all doomed to disappointment. Another hour passed; messengers were sent + out over town, and each returning with the same report, it became apparent + that Lincoln, the principal in this little drama, had purposely failed to + appear! The bride, in grief, disappeared to her room; the wedding supper + was left untouched; the guests quietly and wonderingly withdrew; the + lights in the Edwards mansion were blown out, and darkness settled over + all for the night. What the feelings of a lady as sensitive, passionate, + and proud as Miss Todd were we can only imagine—no one can ever + describe them. By daybreak, after persistent search, Lincoln's friends + found him. Restless, gloomy, miserable, desperate, he seemed an object of + pity. His friends, Speed among the number, fearing a tragic termination, + watched him closely in their rooms day and night. "Knives and razors, and + every instrument that could be used for self-destruction were removed from + his reach."* Mrs. Edwards did not hesitate to regard him as insane, and of + course her sister Mary shared in that view. But the case was hardly so + desperate. His condition began to improve after a few weeks, and a letter + written to his partner Stuart, on the 23d of January; 1841, three weeks + after the scene at Edwards' house, reveals more perfectly how he felt. He + says: "I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally + distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful + face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell; I awfully + forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be + better, as it appears to me... I fear I shall be unable to attend to any + business here, and a change of scene might help me. If I could be myself I + would rather remain at home with Judge Logan. I can write no more." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * J. F. Speed, MS. letter, January 6, 1866, + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + During all this time the Legislature to which Lincoln belonged was in + special session, but for a time he was unable to attend.* Towards the + close of the session, however, he resumed his seat. He took little if any + part in the proceedings, made no speeches, and contented himself with + answers to the monotonous roll-call, and votes on a few of the principal + measures. After the adjournment of the Legislature, his warm friend Speed, + who had disposed of his interests in Springfield, induced Lincoln to + accompany him to Kentucky. Speed's parents lived in a magnificent place a + few miles from Louisville. Their farm was well stocked, and they, in the + current phrase, "lived well." Thither he was taken, and there amid the + quiet surroundings he found the "change of scene" which he told Stuart + might help him. He was living under the cloud of melancholia, and sent to + the <i>Sangamon Journal</i> a few lines under the gloomy title of + "Suicide." They were published in the paper, and a few years since I + hunted over the files, and coming across the number containing them, was + astonished to find that some one had cut them out. I have always supposed + it was done by Lincoln or by some one at his instigation. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * His illness and consequent incapacity for duty in the Legislature, + continued for almost three weeks. On the 19th of January, 1841, John J. + Hardin announced his illness in the House. Four days afterward he wrote + the letter to Stuart from which I have quoted a few lines. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Speed's mother was much impressed with the tall and swarthy stranger her + son had brought with him. She was a God-fearing mother, and besides aiding + to lighten his spirits, gave him a Bible, advising him to read it and by + adopting its precepts obtain a release from his troubles which no other + agency, in her judgment, could bring him. "He was much depressed. At first + he almost contemplated suicide. In the deepest of his depression he said + one day he had done nothing to make any human being remember that he had + lived; and that to connect his name with the events transpiring in his day + and generation, and so impress himself upon them as to link his name with + something that would redound to the interest of his fellow-men, was what + he desired to live for."* The congenial associations at the Speed farm,** + the freedom from unpleasant reminders, the company of his staunch friend, + and above all the motherly care and delicate attentions of Mrs. Speed + exerted a marked influence over Lincoln. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Letter, J. F. Speed, February 9, 1866, MS. ** At the time of Lincoln's + visit at the Speed mansion, James Speed, a brother of Joshua, and + afterward Attorney- General in Lincoln's Cabinet, was practicing law in + Louisville. Lincoln came into his office daily. "He read my books," + related Mr. Speed in after years; "talked with me about his life, his + reading, his studies, his aspirations." Mr. Speed discredits the thought + that Lincoln was insane at the time, although he understood he was + saddened and melancholy over an unfortunate love affair. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He improved gradually, day by day gaining strength and confidence in + himself, until at last the great cloud lifted and passed away. In the fall + he and Speed returned to Springfield. At this point, as affording us the + most reliable account of Mr. Lincoln's condition and views, it is proper + to insert a portion of his correspondence with Mr. Speed. For some time + Mr. Speed was reluctant to give these letters to the world. After some + argument, however, he at last shared my view that they were properly a + matter of history, and sent them to me, accompanied by a letter, in which + he says: + </p> + <p> + "I enclose you copies of all the letters of any interest from Mr. Lincoln + to me. Some explanation may be needed that you may rightly understand + their import. In the winter of 1840 and 1841, he was unhappy about his + engagement to his wife—not being entirely satisfied that his heart + was going with his hand. How much he suffered then on that account none + knew so well as myself; he disclosed his whole heart to me.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Lincoln wrote a letter—a long one which he read to me—to + Dr. Drake of Cincinnati, descriptive of his case. Its date would be in + December, 1840, or early in January, 1841. I think that he must have + informed Dr. Drake of his early love for Miss Rutledge, as there was a + part of the letter which he would not read... I remember Dr. Drake's + reply, which was, that he would not undertake to prescribe for him + without a personal interview."—Joshua F. Speed, MS. letter, + November 30, 1866. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "In the summer of 1841 I became engaged to my wife. He was here on a visit + when I courted her; and, strange to say, something of the same feeling + which I regarded as so foolish in him took possession of me and kept me + very unhappy from the time of my engagement until I was married. This will + explain the deep interest he manifested in his letters on my account. + </p> + <p> + "One thing is plainly discernible; if I had not been married and happy—far + more happy than I ever expected to be—he would not have married." + </p> + <p> + The first of these letters is one which he gave Speed when the latter + started on his journey from Illinois to Kentucky. It bears no date, but + was handed him January 1, 1842, as Speed has testified, in another letter + to me, that he left Springfield on that day. It is full of consolation and + advice how best to conduct himself when the periods of gloom which he + feels sure will follow come upon his friend. "I know," he says, "what the + painful point with you is at all times when you are unhappy; it is an + apprehension that you do not love her as you should. What nonsense! How + came you to court her?... Did you court her for her wealth? Why, you say + she had none. But you say you reasoned yourself into it. What do you mean + by that? Was it not that you found yourself unable to reason yourself out + of it? Did you not think, and partly form the purpose, of courting her the + first time you ever saw her or heard of her? What had reason to do with it + at that early stage? There was nothing at that time for reason to work + upon. Whether she was moral, amiable, sensible, or even of good character, + you did not nor could then know, except perhaps you might infer the last + from the company you found her in.... Say candidly, were not those + heavenly black eyes the whole basis of all your reasoning on the subject? + After you and I had once been at the residence, did you not go and take me + all the way to Lexington and back for no other purpose but to get to see + her again on our return on that evening to take a trip for that express + object?" + </p> + <p> + The next paragraph is significant as affording us an idea of how the + writer perhaps viewed Miss Todd's flirtation with Douglas: "What earthly + consideration," he asks, "would you take to find her scouting and + despising you and giving herself up to another? But of this you need have + no apprehension, and therefore you cannot bring it home to your feelings." + </p> + <p> + February 3, he writes again, acknowledging receipt of a letter dated + January 25. The object of Speed's affection had been ill, and her + condition had greatly intensified his gloomy spirits. Lincoln proffers his + sympathy. "I hope and believe," he continues, "that your present anxiety + about her health and her life must and will forever banish those horrid + doubts which I know you sometimes felt as to the truth of your affection + for her. If they can once and forever be removed (and I almost feel a + presentiment that the Almighty has sent your present affliction expressly + for that object), surely nothing can come in their stead to fill their + immeasurable measure of misery... It really appears to me that you + yourself ought to rejoice and not sorrow at this indubitable evidence of + your undying affection for her. Why, Speed, if you did not love her, + although you might not wish her death, you would most certainly be + resigned to it. Perhaps this point is no longer a question with you, and + my pertinacious dwelling upon it is a rude intrusion upon your feelings. + If so you must pardon me. You know the hell I have suffered on that point, + and how tender I am upon it. You know I do not mean wrong. I have been + quite clear of hypo since you left, even better than I was along in the + fall." + </p> + <p> + The next letter, February 13, was written on the eve of Speed's marriage. + After assurances of his desire to befriend him in everything, he suggests: + "But you will always hereafter be on ground that I have never occupied, + and consequently, if advice were needed, I might advise wrong. I do fondly + hope, however, that you will never again need any comfort from abroad... I + incline to think it probable that your nerves will occasionally fail you + for awhile; but once you get them firmly graded now, that trouble is over + forever. If you went through the ceremony calmly or even with sufficient + composure not to excite alarm in any present, you are safe beyond + question, and in two or three months, to say the most, will be the + happiest of men." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Lincoln had been duly informed of Speed's marriage, and on the + 25th he responds: + </p> + <p> + "Yours of the 16th, announcing that Miss Fanny and you are 'no more twain, + but one flesh,' reached me this morning. I have no way of telling how much + happiness I wish you both, though I believe you both can conceive it. I + feel somewhat jealous of both of you now. You will be so exclusively + concerned for one another that I shall be forgotten entirely... I shall be + very lonesome without you. How miserably things seem to be arranged in + this world! If we have no friends we have no pleasure; and if we have them + we are sure to lose them, and be doubly pained by the loss." + </p> + <p> + In another letter, written the same day, he says, "I have no doubt it is + the peculiar misfortune of both you and me to dream dreams of Elysium far + exceeding all that anything earthly can realize. Far short of your dreams + as you may be, no woman could do more to realize them than that same + blackeyed Fanny. If you could but contemplate her through my imagination, + it would appear ridiculous to you that any one should for a moment think + of being unhappy with her. My old father used to have a saying, that, 'If + you make a bad bargain hug it all the tighter,' and it occurs to me that + if the bargain just closed can possibly be called a bad one it is + certainly the most pleasant one for applying that maxim to which my fancy + can by any effort picture." + </p> + <p> + Speed having now safely married, Lincoln's mind began to turn on things + nearer home. His relations with Mary Todd were still strained, but + reminders of his period of gloom the year before began now to bring her + again into view. In a letter to Speed, March 27, he says: + </p> + <p> + "It cannot be told how it thrills me with joy to hear you say you are 'far + happier than you ever expected to be.' That much, I know, is enough. I + know you too well to suppose your expectations were not at least sometimes + extravagant, and if the reality exceeds them all, I say, 'Enough, dear + Lord.' I am not going beyond the truth when I tell you that the short + space it took me to read your last letter gave me more pleasure than the + total sum of all I have enjoyed since that fatal first of January, 1841. + Since then it seems to me I should have been entirely happy but for the + never-absent idea that there is one still unhappy whom I have contributed + to make so. That kills my soul. I cannot but reproach myself for even + wishing to be happy while she is otherwise. She accompanied a large party + on the railroad cars to Jacksonville last Monday, and on her return spoke, + so that I heard of it, of having enjoyed the trip exceedingly. God be + praised for that!" + </p> + <p> + The last paragraph of this letter contains a bit of sentiment by Lincoln + in acknowledgment of a violet. In the margin of the letter which he gave + me, Speed made this note in pencil: "The violet was sent by my wife, who + dropped it in the letter as I was in the act of sealing it. How beautiful + the acknowledgment!" This is the paragraph: "The sweet violet you enclosed + came safely to hand, but it was so dry, and mashed so flat, that it + crumbled to dust at the first attempt to handle it. The juice that mashed + out of it stained a place in the letter, which I mean to preserve and + cherish for the sake of her who procured it to be sent. My renewed good + wishes to her." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the coldness that existed between Lincoln and his "Mary" was + gradually passing away, and with it went all of Lincoln's resolution never + to renew the engagement. In a letter, July 4, he says: "I must gain + confidence in my own ability to keep my resolves when they are made. In + that ability I once prided myself as the only chief gem of my character; + that gem I lost, how and where you know too well. I have not regained it; + and until I do I cannot trust myself in any matter of much importance. I + believe now that had you understood my case at the time as well as I + understood yours afterwards, by the aid you would have given me I should + have sailed through clear; but that does not now afford me sufficient + confidence to begin that or the like of that again.... I always was + superstitious; I believe God made me one of the instruments of bringing + Fanny and you together, which union I have no doubt he had foreordained. + Whatever he designs he will do for me yet. 'Stand still and see the + salvation of the Lord,' is my text just now. If, as you say, you have told + Fanny all, I should have no objection to her seeing this letter, but for + its reference to our friend here; let her seeing it depend upon whether + she has ever known anything of my affairs; and if she has not, do not let + her. I do not think I can come to Kentucky this season. I am so poor and + make so little headway in the world that I drop back in a month of + idleness as much as I gain in a year's sowing." + </p> + <p> + The last letter, and the one which closes this series, was written October + 5, 1842. In it he simply announces his "duel with Shields," and then goes + on to "narrate the particulars of the duelling business, which still rages + in this city." This referred to a challenge from the belligerent Shields + to William Butler, and another from General Whitesides to Dr. Merryman. In + the latter, Lincoln acted as the "friend of Merryman," but in neither çase + was there any encounter, and both ended in smoke. The concluding paragraph + of this letter is the most singular in the entire correspondence. I give + it entire without further comment: + </p> + <p> + "But I began this letter not for what I have been writing, but to say + something on that subject which you know to be of such infinite solicitude + to me. The immense sufferings you endured from the first days of September + till the middle of February you never tried to conceal from me, and I well + understood. You have now been the husband of a lovely woman nearly eight + months. That you are happier now than the day you married her, I well + know, for without, you could not be living. But I have your word for it, + too, and the returning elasticity of spirits which is manifested in your + letters. But I want to ask a close question: 'Are you in <i>feeling</i> as + well as <i>judgment</i> glad you are married as you are?' From anybody but + me this would be an impudent question, not to be tolerated, but I know you + will pardon it in me. Please answer it quickly, as I am impatient to + know." Lincoln again applied himself to the law. He re-entered the + practice, after the long hiatus of rest, with renewed vigor. He permitted + the memory of his engagement with Mary Todd to trouble him no longer. + Their paths had diverged, the pain of the separation was over, and the + whole thing was a history of the past. And so it might ever have remained + but for the intervention of a very shrewd and sagacious lady—one who + was capable of achieving success anywhere in the ranks of diplomacy. This + lady was the wife of Simeon Francis, the editor of the <i>Sangamon Journal</i>. + She was a warm friend of Mary Todd and a leader in society. Her husband + was warmly attached to Lincoln. He ran the Whig organ, and entertained + great admiration for Lincoln's brains and noble qualities. The esteem was + mutual, and it is no stretch of the truth to say that for years Lincoln + exercised undisputed control of the columns of the <i>Journal</i> himself. + Whatever he wrote or had written, went into the editorial page without + question. Mrs. Francis, sharing her husband's views of Lincoln's glorious + possibilities, and desiring to do Mary Todd a kindly act, determined to + bring about a reconciliation. She knew that Miss Todd had by letter a few + days after "that fatal first of January, 1841," as Lincoln styled it, + released him from the engagement, and that since then their relations had + been strained, if not entirely broken off. As she viewed it, a marriage + between a man as promising in the political world as Lincoln, and a woman + as accomplished and brilliant in society as Mary Todd, would certainly add + to the attractions of Springfield and reflect great credit on those who + brought the union about. She was a great social entertainer, and one day + arranged a gathering at her house for the express purpose of bringing + these two people together. Both were invited and both attended; but + neither suspected the other's presence. Having arranged things so + ingeniously and with so much discretion, it was no difficult task for the + hostess to bring the couple together by a warm introduction and the + encouraging admonition, "Be friends again." Much to the surprise of both + they found the web woven around them. They entered into the spirit of the + reconciliation, and found Mrs. Francis' roof an inviting place for many + succeeding meetings. A wall reared itself between them and the past, and + they started again under the auspicious omens of another engagement. The + tact of a woman and the diplomacy of society had accomplished what love + had long since despaired of ever doing or seeing done. + </p> + <p> + The meetings in the parlor of Mrs. Francis' house were conducted with no + little privacy. At first even Mrs. Edwards knew nothing of it, but + presently it came to her ears. "I asked Mary," said this lady, "why she + was so secretive about it. She said evasively that after all that had + occurred, it was best to keep the courtship from all eyes and ears. Men + and women and the whole world were uncertain and slippery, and if + misfortune befell the engagement all knowledge of it would be hidden from + the world." * + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Statement, January 10, 1866, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It is unnecessary to prolong the account of this strange and checkered + courtship. The intervention of the affair with Shields, which will be + detailed in a subsequent chapter, in no way impeded, if it did not hasten + the marriage. One morning in November, Lincoln, hastening to the room of + his friend James H. Matheney before the latter had arisen from bed, + informed him that he was to be married that night, and requested him to + attend as best man.* That same morning Miss Todd called on her friend + Julia M. Jayne, who afterward married Lyman Trumbull, and made a similar + request. The Edwardses were notified, and made such meager preparations as + were possible on so short notice. License was obtained during the day, the + minister, Charles N. Dresser,** was sent for, and in the evening of + November 4, 1842, "as pale and trembling as if being driven to slaughter," + Abraham Lincoln was at last married to Mary Todd.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * "Marriages in Springfield up to that time had been rather commonplace + affairs. Lincoln's was perhaps the first one ever performed with all the + requirements of the Episcopal ceremony. A goodly number of friends had + gathered, and while witnessing the ceremony one of the most amusing + incidents imaginable occurred. No description on paper can do it + justice. Among those present was Thomas C. Brown, one of the judges of + the Supreme Court. He was in truth an "old-timer," and had the virtue of + saying just what he thought, without regard to place or surroundings. He + had been on the bench for many years and was not less rough than quaint + and curious. There was, of course, a perfect hush in the room as the + ceremony progressed. Brown was standing just behind Lincoln. Old Parson + Dresser, in canonical robes, with much and impressive solemnity recited + the Episcopal service. He handed Lincoln the ring, who, placing it on + the bride's finger, repeated the Church formula, 'With this ring I thee + endow with all my goods and chattels, lands and tenements.' Brown, who + had never witnessed such a proceeding, was struck with its utter + absurdity. 'God Almighty! Lincoln,' he ejaculated, loud enough to be + heard by all, 'the statute fixes all that!' This unlooked-for + interruption almost upset the old parson; he had a keen sense of the + ridiculous, and for the moment it seemed as if he would break down; but + presently recovering his gravity, he hastily pronounced them husband and + wife."—Letter, James H. Matheney, MS., Aug. 21,1888. ** "My + father, Rev. Charles Dresser, was a graduate of Brown University, + Providence, R. I., of the class of 1823."— Thomas W. Dresser, MS. + letter, Sept. 17, 1888. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/273.jpg" + alt="Edwards Residence Where Lincoln Married 273 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + One great trial of his life was now over, and another still greater one + was yet to come. To me it has always seemed plain that Mr. Lincoln married + Mary Todd to save his honor, and in doing that he sacrificed his domestic + peace. He had searched himself subjectively, introspectively, thoroughly: + he knew he did not love her, but he had promised to marry her! The hideous + thought came up like a nightmare. As the "fatal first of January, 1841," + neared, the clouds around him blackened the heavens and his life almost + went out with the storm. But soon the skies cleared. Friends interposed + their aid to avert a calamity, and at last he stood face to face with the + great conflict between honor and domestic peace. He chose the former, and + with it years of self-torture, sacrificial pangs, and the loss forever of + a happy home.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * While dressing for the wedding in his room at Butler's house, the + latter's little boy, Speed, seeing Lincoln so handsomely attired, in + boyish innocence asked him where he was going? "To hell, I suppose," was + Lincoln's reply. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + With Miss Todd a different motive, but one equally as unfortunate, + prompted her adherence to the union. To marry Lincoln meant not a life of + luxury and ease, for Lincoln was not a man to accumulate wealth; but in + him she saw position in society, prominence in the world, and the grandest + social distinction. By that means her ambition would be satisfied. Until + that fatal New Year's day in 1841 she may have loved him, but his action + on that occasion forfeited her affection. He had crushed her proud, + womanly spirit. She felt degraded in the eyes of the world. Love fled at + the approach of revenge. Some writer—it is Junius, I believe—has + said that, "Injuries may be forgiven and forgotten, but insults admit of + no compensation: they degrade the mind in its own self-esteem and force it + to recover its level by revenge." Whether Mrs. Lincoln really was moved by + the spirit of revenge or not she acted along the lines of human conduct. + She led her husband a wild and merry dance. If, in time, she became soured + at the world it was not without provocation, and if in later years she + unchained the bitterness of a disappointed and outraged nature, it + followed as logically as an effect does the cause. + </p> + <p> + I have told this sad story as I know and have learned it. In rehearsing + the varied scenes of the drama,* I have unearthed a few facts that seem + half-buried, perhaps, but they were not destined to lay buried deep or + long. The world will have the truth as long as the name of Lincoln is + remembered by mankind. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * For many years I had reason to believe that Sarah Rickard, who was a + sister of Mrs. William Butler, had been the recipient of some attentions + at the hand of Mr. Lincoln. The lady, long since married, is now living + in a Western State. I applied to her for information recently, and after + some entreaty received this answer in her own handwriting: "As an old + friend I will answer the question propounded to me, though I can + scarcely see what good it can do history. Mr. Lincoln did make a + proposal of marriage to me in the summer, or perhaps later, in the year + of 1840. He brought to my attention the accounts in the Bible of the + patriarch Abraham's marriage to Sarah, and used that historical union as + an argument in his own behalf. My reason for declining his proposal was + the wide difference in our ages. I was then only sixteen, and had given + the subject of matrimony but very little, if any, thought. I entertained + the highest regard for Mr. Lincoln. He seemed almost like an older + brother, being, as it were, one of my sister's family." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + There were two things Mr. Lincoln always seemed willing to forget. One was + his unparliamentary escape with Joseph Gillespie from the Legislature by + jumping through the church window, in 1839, and the other was the + difficulty with James Shields, or, as he expressed it in a letter to + Speed, the "duel with Shields." Other incidents in his career he + frequently called up in conversation with friends, but in after years he + seldom if ever referred to the affair with Shields. People in Illinois did + gradually forget or, at least, cease mention of it, but in more remote + quarters where Mr. Lincoln was less extensively known, the thing, much to + his regret, kept rising to the surface. During a visit which I made to the + Eastern States in 1858, I was often asked for an account of the so-called + duel; so often, in fact, that on my return home I told Mr. Lincoln of it. + "If all the good things I have ever done," he said regretfully, "are + remembered as long and well as my scrape with Shields, it is plain I shall + not soon be forgotten." + </p> + <p> + James Shields, a "gallant, hot-headed bachelor from Tyrone county, + Ireland," and a man of inordinate vanity, had been elected Auditor of + State. Encouraged somewhat by the prominence the office gave him, he at + once assumed a conspicuous position in the society of Springfield. He was + extremely sensitive by nature, but exposed himself to merciless ridicule + by attempting to establish his supremacy as a beau among the ladies. Blind + to his own defects, and very pronounced in support of every act of the + Democratic party, he made himself the target for all the bitterness and + ridicule of the day. It happened that the financial resources of the + State, owing to the collapse of the great internal improvement system, + were exceedingly limited, and people were growing restless under what they + deemed excessive taxation. The State officers were all Democrats, and + during the summer they issued an order declining to receive any more State + Banknotes or bills in payment of taxes. This made the tax-payer's burdens + greater than ever, as much of this paper remained outstanding in the hands + of the people. The order met with opposition from every quarter—the + Whigs of course losing no opportunity to make it as odious as possible. It + was perfectly natural, therefore, that such an ardent Whig as Lincoln + should join in the popular denunciation. Through the columns of the <i>Springfield + Journal</i>, of which he had the undisputed use, he determined to + encourage the opposition by the use of his pen. No object seemed to merit + more ridicule and caricature than the conspicuous figure of the Auditor of + State. At this time Lincoln was enjoying stolen conferences under the + hospitable roof of Mrs. Francis with Mary Todd and her friend Julia M. + Jayne. These two young ladies, to whom he confided his purpose, encouraged + it and offered to lend their aid. Here he caught the idea of puncturing + </p> + <p> + Shields. The thing took shape in an article published in that Journal, + purporting to have come from a poor widow, who with her pockets full of + State Bank paper was still unable to obtain the coveted receipt for her + taxes. It was written by Lincoln and was headed: + </p> + <p> + A Letter from the Lost Townships. + </p> + <p> + Lost Townships, August 27,1842. + </p> + <p> + Dear Mr. Printer, + </p> + <p> + I see you printed that long letter I sent you a spell ago. I'm quite + encouraged by it, and can't keep from writing again. I think the printing + of my letters will be a good thing all round—it will give me the + benefit of being known by the world, and give the world the advantage of + knowing what's going on in the Lost Townships, and give your paper + respectability besides. So here comes another. Yesterday afternoon I + hurried through cleaning up the dinner dishes and stepped over to neighbor + S——— to see if his wife Peggy was as well as mout be + expected, and hear what they called the baby. Well, when I got there and + just turned round the corner of his log cabin, there he was, setting on + the doorstep reading a newspaper. "How are you, Jeff?" says I. He sorter + started when he heard me, for he hadn't seen me before. "Why," says he, + "I'm mad as the devil, Aunt 'Becca!" "What about?" says I; "ain't its hair + the right color? None of that nonsense, Jeff; there ain't an honester + women in the Lost Townships than"—"Than who?" says he; "what the + mischief are you about?" I began to see I was running the wrong trail, and + so says I, "Oh! nothing: I guess I was mistaken a little, that's all. But + what is it you're mad about?" + </p> + <p> + "Why," says he, "I've been tugging ever since harvest, getting out wheat + and hauling it to the river to raise State Bank paper enough to pay my tax + this year and a little school debt I owe; and now, just as I've got it, + here I open this infernal <i>Extra Register</i>, expecting to find it full + of 'Glorious Democratic Victories' and 'High Comb'd Cocks,' when, lo and + behold! I find a set of fellows, calling themselves officers of the State, + have forbidden the tax collectors and school commissioners to receive + State paper at all; and so here it is dead on my hands. I don't now + believe all the plunder I've got will fetch ready cash enough to pay my + taxes and that school debt." + </p> + <p> + I was a good deal thunderstruck myself; for that was the first I had heard + of the proclamation, and my old man was pretty much in the same fix with + Jeff. We both stood a moment staring at one another without knowing what + to say. At last says I, "Mr. S———, let me look at that + paper." He handed it to me, when I read the proclamation over. + </p> + <p> + "There now," says he, "did you ever see such a piece of impudence and + imposition as that?" I saw Jeff was in a good tune for saying some + ill-natured things, and so I tho't I would just argue a little on the + contrary side, and make him rant a spell if I could. "Why," says I, + looking as dignified and thoughtful as I could, "it seems pretty tough, to + be sure, to have to raise silver where there's none to be raised; but + then, you see, 'there will be danger of loss' if it ain't done." + </p> + <p> + "Loss! damnation!" says he. "I defy Daniel Webster, I defy King Solomon, I + defy the world—I defy—I defy—yes, I defy even you, Aunt + 'Becca, to show how the people can lose anything by paying their taxes in + State paper." + </p> + <p> + "Well," says I, "you see what the officers of State say about it, and they + are a desarnin' set of men. But," says I, "I guess you're mistaken about + what the proclamation says. It don't say the people will lose anything by + the paper money being taken for taxes. It only says 'there will be danger + of loss'; and though it is tolerable plain that the people can't lose by + paying their taxes in something they can get easier than silver, instead + of having to pay silver; and though it's just as plain that the State + can't lose by taking State Bank paper, however low it may be, while she + owes the bank more than the whole revenue, and can pay that paper over on + her debt, dollar for dollar;—still there is danger of loss to the + 'officers of State'; and you know, Jeff, we can't get along without + officers of State." + </p> + <p> + "Damn officers of State!" says he; "that's what Whigs are always hurrahing + for." + </p> + <p> + "Now, don't swear so, Jeff," says I; "you know I belong to the meetin', + and swearin' hurts my feelings." + </p> + <p> + "Beg pardon, Aunt 'Becca," says he; "but I do say it's enough to make Dr. + Goddard swear, to have tax to pay in silver, for nothing only that Ford + may get his two thousand a year, and Shields his twenty-four hundred a + year, and Carpenter his sixteen hundred a year, and all without 'danger of + loss' by taking it in State paper. Yes, yes: it's plain enough now what + these officers of State mean by 'danger of loss.' Wash, I s'pose, actually + lost fifteen hundred dollars out of the three thousand that two of these + 'officers of State' let him steal from the treasury, by being compelled to + take it in State paper. Wonder if we don't have a proclamation before + long, commanding us to make up this loss to Wash in silver." + </p> + <p> + And so he went on till his breath run out, and he had to stop. I couldn't + think of anything to say just then, and so I begun to look over the paper + again. "Ay! here's another proclamation, or something like it." + </p> + <p> + "Another?" says Jeff; "and whose egg is it, pray?" + </p> + <p> + I looked to the bottom of it, and read aloud, "Your obedient servant, + James Shields, Auditor." "Aha!" says Jeff, "one of them same three fellows + again. Well, read it, and let's hear what of it." + </p> + <p> + I read on till I came to where it says, "The object of this measure is to + suspend the collection of the revenue for the current year." + </p> + <p> + "Now stop, now stop!" says he; "that's a lie a'ready, and I don't want to + hear of it." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! may be not," says I. + </p> + <p> + "I say it—is—a—lie. Suspend the collection, indeed! Will + the collectors, that have taken their oaths to make the collection, dare + to suspend it? Is there anything in law requiring them to perjure + themselves at the bidding of James Shields? + </p> + <p> + "Will the greedy gullet of the penitentiary be satisfied with swallowing + him instead of all of them, if they should venture to obey him? And would + he not discover some 'danger of loss,' and be off about the time it came + to taking their places? + </p> + <p> + "And suppose the people attempt to suspend, by refusing to pay; what then? + The collectors would just jerk up their horses and cows, and the like, and + sell them to the highest bidder for silver in hand, without valuation or + redemption. Why, Shields didn't believe that story himself: it was never + meant for the truth. If it was true, why was it not writ till five days + after the proclamation? Why didn't Carlin and Carpenter sign it as well as + Shields? Answer me that, Aunt 'Becca. I say it's a lie, and not a well + told one at that. It grins out like a copper dollar. Shields is a fool as + well as a liar. With him truth is out of the question; and as for getting + a good, bright, passable lie out of him, you might as well try to strike + fire from a cake of tallow. I stick to it, it's all an infernal Whig lie!" + </p> + <p> + "A Whig lie! Highty tighty!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, a Whig lie; and it's just like everything the cursed British Whigs + do. First they'll do some divilment, and then they'll tell a lie to hide + it. And they don't care how plain a lie it is: they think they can cram + any sort of a one down the throats of the ignorant Locofocos, as they call + the Democrats." + </p> + <p> + "Why, Jeff, you're crazy: you don't mean to say Shields is a Whig!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I do." + </p> + <p> + "Why, look here! the proclamation is in your own Democratic paper, as you + call it." + </p> + <p> + "I know it; and what of that? They only printed it to let us Democrats see + the deviltry the Whigs are at." + </p> + <p> + "Well, but Shields is the auditor of this Loco—I mean this + Democratic State." + </p> + <p> + "So he is, and Tyler appointed him to office." + </p> + <p> + "Tyler appointed him?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes (if you must chaw it over), Tyler appointed him; or, if it wasn't + him, it was old Granny Harrison, and that's all one. I tell you, Aunt + 'Becca, there's no mistake about his being a Whig. Why, his very looks + shows it; everything about him shows it: if I was deaf and blind, I could + tell him by the smell. I seed him when I was down in Springfield last + winter. They had a sort of a gatherin' there one night among the grandees, + they called a fair. All the gals about town was there, and all the + handsome widows and married women, finickin' about trying to look like + gals, tied as tight in the middle, and puffed out at both ends, like + bundles of fodder that hadn't been stacked yet, but wanted stackin' pretty + bad. And then they had tables all around the house kivered over with [ ] + caps and pincushions and ten thousand such little knic-knacks, tryin' to + sell'em to the fellows that were bowin' and scrapin' and kungeerin' + about'em. They wouldn't let no Democrats in, for fear they'd disgust the + ladies, or scare the little gals, or dirty the floor. I looked in at the + window, and there was this same fellow Shields floatin' about on the air, + without heft or earthly substances, just like a lock of cat fur where cats + had been fighting. + </p> + <p> + "He was paying his money to this one, and that one, and t'other one, and + sufferin' great loss because it wasn't silver instead of State paper; and + the sweet distress he seemed to be in,—his very features, in the + ecstatic agony of his soul, spoke audibly and distinctly, 'Dear girls, it + is distressing, but I cannot marry you all. Too well I know how much you + suffer; but do, do remember, it is not my fault that I am so handsome and + so interesting.' + </p> + <p> + "As this last was expressed by a most exquisite contortion of his face, he + seized hold of one of their hands, and squeezed, and held on to it about a + quarter of an hour. 'Oh, my good fellow!' says I to myself, 'if that was + one of our Democratic gals in the Lost Townships, the way you'd get a + brass pin let into you would be about up to the head.' He a Democrat! + Fiddlesticks! I tell you, Aunt 'Becca, he's a Whig, and no mistake: nobody + but a Whig could make such a conceity dunce of himself." + </p> + <p> + "Well," says I, "maybe he is; but, if he is, I'm mistaken the worst sort. + Maybe so, maybe so; but, if I am, I'll suffer by it; I'll be a Democrat if + it turns out that Shields is a Whig, considerin' you shall be a Whig if he + turns out a Democrat." + </p> + <p> + "A bargain, by jingoes!" says he; "but how will we find out?" + </p> + <p> + "'Why," says I, "we'll just write and ax the printer." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed again!" says he; "and by thunder! if it does turn out that Shields + is a Democrat, I never will"— + </p> + <p> + "Jefferson! Jefferson!" + </p> + <p> + "What do you want, Peggy?" + </p> + <p> + "Do get through your everlasting clatter some time, and bring me a gourd + of water; the child's been crying for a drink this livelong hour." + </p> + <p> + "Let it die, then; it may as well die for water as to be taxed to death to + fatten officers of State." + </p> + <p> + Jeff run off to get the water, though, just like he hadn't been saying + anything spiteful for he's a raal good-hearted fellow, after all, once you + get at the foundation of him. + </p> + <p> + I walked into the house, and, "Why, Peggy," says I, "I declare we like to + forgot you altogether." "Oh, yes," says she, "when a body can't help + themselves, everybody soon forgets'em; but, thank God! by day after + to-morrow I shall be well enough to milk the cows, and pen the calves, and + wring the contrary ones' tails for'em, and no thanks to nobody." + </p> + <p> + "Good evening, Peggy," says I, and so I sloped, for I seed she was mad at + me for making Jeff neglect her so long. + </p> + <p> + And now, Mr. Printer, will you be sure to let us know in your next paper + whether this Shields is a Whig or a Democrat? I don't care about it for my + self, for I know well enough how it is already; but I want to convince + Jeff. It may do some good to let him, and others like him, know who and + what these officers of State are. It may help to send the present + hypocritical set to where they belong, and to fill the places they now + disgrace, with men who will do more work for less pay, and take a fewer + airs while they are doing it. It ain't sensible to think that the same men + who get us into trouble will change their course; and yet it's pretty + plain if some change for the better is not made, it's not long that either + Peggy or I or any of us will have a cow left to milk, or a calf's tail to + wring. + </p> + <p> + Yours truly, + </p> + <p> + Rebecca ———. + </p> + <p> + Within a week another epistle from Aunt Rebecca appeared, in which, among + other things, she offered the gallant Shields her hand. This one was + written by Miss Todd and Miss Jayne. I insert it without further comment: + </p> + <p> + Lost Townships, September 8, 1842. Dear Mr. Printer: + </p> + <p> + I was a-standin' at the spring yesterday a-wash-in' out butter when I seed + Jim Snooks a-ridin' up towards the house for very life, when, jist as I + was a-wonderin' what on airth was the matter with him, he stops suddenly, + and ses he, "Aunt 'Becca, here's somethin' for you and with that he hands + out your letter. Well, you see, I steps out towards him, not thinkin' that + I had both hands full of butter; and seein' I couldn't take the letter, + you know, without greasin' it, I ses, "Jim, jist you open it, and read it + for me." Well, Jim opens it and reads it; and would you believe it, Mr. + Editor, I was so completely dumfounded and turned into stone that there I + stood in the sun a-workin' the butter, and it a-running on the ground, + while he read the letter, that I never thunk what I was about till the + hull on't run melted on the ground and was lost. Now, sir, it's not for + the butter, nor the price of the butter, but, the Lord have massy on us, I + wouldn't have sich another fright for a whole firkin of it. Why, when I + found out that it was the man what Jeff seed down to the fair that had + demanded the author of my letters, threatnin' to take personal + satisfaction of the writer, I was so skart that I tho't I should + quill-wheel right where I was. + </p> + <p> + You say that Mr. S——— is offended at being compared to + cats' fur, and is as mad as a March hare (that ain't fur), because I told + about the squeezin'. + </p> + <p> + Now I want you to tell Mr. S——— that, rather than fight, + I'll make any apology; and, if he wants personal satisfaction, let him + only come here, and he may squeeze my hand as hard as I squeezed the + butter, and, if that ain't personal satisfaction, I can only say that he + is the fust man that was not satisfied with squeezin' my hand. If this + should not answer, there is one thing more that I would rather do than get + a lickin'. I have long expected to die a widow; but, as Mr. S——— + is rather goodlooking than otherwise, I must say I don't care if we + compromise the matter by—really, Mr. Printer, I can't help blushin'—but + I—it must come out—I—but widowed modesty—well, if + I must, I must—wouldn't he—may be sorter let the old grudge + drap if I was to consent to be—be—h-i-s w-i-f-e? I know he's a + fightin' man, and would rather fight than eat; but isn't marryin' better + than fightin', though it does sometimes run in to it? And I don't think, + upon the whole, that I'd be sich a bad match neither: I'm not over sixty, + and am jist four feet three in my bare feet, and not much more around the + girth; and for color, I wouldn't turn my back to nary a gal in the Lost + Townships. But, after all, maybe I'm countin' my chickins before they are + hatched, and dreamin' of matrimonial bliss when the only alternative + reserved for me may be a lickin'. Jeff tells me the way these fire-eaters + do is to give the challenged party choice of weapons, etc., which bein' + the case, I'll tell you in confidence that I never fights with anything + but broomsticks or hot water or a shovelful of coals or' some such thing; + the former of which, being somewhat like a shillalah, may not be very + objectional to him. I will give him choice, however, in one thing, and + that is, whether, when we fight, I shall wear breeches or he petticoats, + for, I presume that change is sufficient to place us on an equality. + </p> + <p> + Yours, etc., + </p> + <p> + Rebecca ———. + </p> + <p> + P. S.—Jist say to your friend, if he concludes to marry rather than + fight, I shall only inforce one condition, that is, if he should ever + happen to gallant any young gals home of nights from our house, he must + not squeeze their hands. + </p> + <p> + Not content with their epistolary efforts, the ladies invoked the muse. + "Rebecca" deftly transformed herself into "Cathleen," and in jingling + rhyme sang the praises of Shields, and congratulated him over the prospect + of an early marriage to the widow. Following are the verses, rhyme, metre, + and all: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + Ye Jew's-harps awake! The Auditor's won. Rebecca the widow has gained + Erin's son; The pride of the north from Emerald Isle Has been wooed and + won by a woman's smile. The combat's relinquished, old loves all forgot: + To the widow he's bound. Oh, bright be his lot! In the smiles of the + conquest so lately achieved. Joyful be his bride, "widowed modesty" + relieved, The footsteps of time tread lightly on flowers, May the cares + of this world ne'er darken his hours! But the pleasures of life are + fickle and coy As the smiles of a maiden sent off to destroy. Happy + groom! in sadness far distant from thee The fair girls dream only of + past times of glee Enjoyed in thy presence; whilst the soft blarnied + stone Will be fondly remembered as relics of yore, And hands that in + rapture you oft would have pressed, In prayer will be clasped that your + lot may be blest. Cathleen. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The satire running through these various compositions, and the publicity + their appearance in the <i>Journal</i> gave them, had a most wonderful + effect on the vain and irascible Auditor of State. He could no longer + endure the merriment and ridicule that met him from every side. A man of + cooler head might have managed it differently, but in the case of a + high-tempered man like Shields he felt that his integrity had been + assailed and that nothing but an "affair of honor" would satisfy him. + Through General John D. Whiteside he demanded of editor Francis the name + of the author. The latter hunted up Lincoln, who directed him to give his + name and say nothing about the ladies. The further proceedings in this + grotesque drama were so graphically detailed by the friends of both + parties in the columns of the <i>Journal</i> at that time, that I copy + their letters as a better and more faithful narrative than can be obtained + from any other source. The letter of Shields' second, General Whiteside, + appearing first in the <i>Journal</i>, finds the same place in this + chapter: + </p> + <p> + "<i>To the Editor of the Sangamon Journal</i>: Springfield, Oct. 3, 1842. + </p> + <p> + "SIR: To prevent misrepresentation of the recent affair between Messrs. + Shields and Lincoln, I think it proper to give a brief narrative of the + facts of the case, as they came within my knowledge; for the truth of + which I hold myself responsible, and request you to give the same + publication. An offensive article in relation to Mr. Shields appeared in + the <i>Sangamon Journal</i> of the 2d of September last; and, on demanding + the author, Mr. Lincoln was given up by the editor. Mr. Shields, previous + to this demand, made arrangements to go to Quincy on public business; and + before his return Mr. Lincoln had left for Tremont to attend the court, + with the intention, as we learned, of remaining on the circuit several + weeks. Mr. Shields, on his return, requested me to accompany him to + Tremont; and, on arriving there, we found that Dr. Merryman and Mr. Butler + had passed us in the night, and got there before us. We arrived in Tremont + on the 17th ult., and Mr. Shields addressed a note to Mr. Lincoln + immediately, informing him that he was given up as the author of some + articles that appeared in the Sangamon Journal (one more over the + signature having made its appearance at this time), and requesting him to + retract the offensive allusions contained in said articles in relation to + his private character. Mr. Shields handed this note to me to deliver to + Mr. Lincoln, and directed me, at the same time, not to enter into any + verbal communication, or be the bearer of any verbal explanation, as such + were always liable to misapprehension. This note was delivered by me to + Mr. Lincoln, stating, at the same time, that I would call at his + convenience for an answer. Mr. Lincoln, in the evening of the same day, + handed me a letter addressed to Mr. Shields. In this he gave or offered no + explanation, but stated therein that he could not submit to answer + further, on the ground that Mr. Shields's note contained an assumption of + facts and also a menace. Mr. Shields then addressed him another note, in + which he disavowed all intention to menace, and requested to know whether + he (Mr. Lincoln) was the author of either of the articles which appeared + in the <i>Journal</i>, headed 'Lost Townships,' and signed 'Rebecca'; and, + if so, he repeated his request of a retraction of the offensive matter in + relation to his private character; if not, his denial would be held + sufficient. This letter was returned to Mr. Shields unanswered, with a + verbal statement 'that there could be no further negotiation between them + until the first note was withdrawn.' Mr. Shields thereupon sent a note + designating me as a friend, to which Mr. Lincoln replied by designating + Dr. Merryman. These three last notes passed on Monday morning, the 19th. + Dr. Merryman handed me Mr. Lincoln's last note when by ourselves. I + remarked to Dr. Merryman that the matter was now submitted to us, and that + I would propose that he and myself should pledge our words of honor to + each other to try to agree upon terms of amicable arrangement, and compel + our principals to accept of them. To this he readily assented, and we + shook hands upon the pledge. It was then mutually agreed that we should + adjourn to Springfield, and there procrastinate the matter, for the + purpose of effecting the secret arrangement between him and myself. All + this I kept concealed from Mr. Shields. Our horse had got a little lame in + going to Tremont, and Dr. Merryman invited me to take a seat in his buggy. + I accepted the invitation the more readily, as I thought that leaving Mr. + Shields in Tremont until his horse would be in better condition to travel + would facilitate the private agreement between Dr. Merryman and myself. I + travelled to Springfield part of the way with him, and part with Mr. + Lincoln; but nothing passed between us on the journey in relation to the + matter in hand. We arrived in Springfield on Monday night. About noon on + Tuesday, to my astonishment, a proposition was made to meet in Missouri, + within three miles of Alton, on the next Thursday! The weapons, cavalry + broadswords of the largest size; the parties to stand on each side of a + barrier, and to be confined to a limited space. As I had not been + consulted at all on the subject, and considering the private understanding + between Dr. Merryman and myself, and it being known that Mr. Shields was + left at Tremont, such a proposition took me by surprise. However, being + determined not to violate the laws of the State, I declined agreeing upon + the terms until we should meet in Missouri. Immediately after, I called + upon Dr. Merryman and withdrew the pledge of honor between him and myself + in relation to a secret arrangement. I started after this to meet Mr. + Shields, and met him about twenty miles from Springfield. It was late on + Tuesday night when we both reached the city and learned that Dr. Merryman + had left for Missouri, Mr. Lincoln having left before the proposition was + made, as Dr. Merryman had himself informed me. The time and place made it + necessary to start at once. We left Springfield at eleven o'clock on + Tuesday night, travelled all night, and arrived in Hillsborough on + Wednesday morning, where we took in General Ewing. From there we went to + Alton, where we arrived on Thursday; and, as the proposition required + three friends on each side, I was joined by General Ewing and Dr. Hope, as + the friends of Mr. Shields. We then crossed to Missouri, where a + proposition was made by General Hardin and Dr. English (who had arrived + there in the mean time as mutual friends) to refer the matter to, I think, + four friends for a settlement. This I believed Mr. Shields would refuse, + and declined seeing him; but Dr. Hope, who conferred with him upon the + subject, returned and stated that Mr. Shields declined settling the matter + through any other than the friends he had selected to stand by him on that + occasion. The friends of both the parties finally agreed to withdraw the + papers (temporarily) to give the friends of Mr. Lincoln an opportunity to + explain. Whereupon the friends of Mr. Lincoln, to wit, Messrs. Merryman, + Bledsoe, and Butler, made a full and satisfactory explanation in relation + to the article which appeared in the <i>Sangamon Journal</i> of the 2d, + the only one written by him. This was all done without the knowledge or + consent of Mr. Shields, and he refused to accede to it, until Dr. Hope, + General Ewing, and myself declared the apology sufficient, and that we + could not sustain him in going further. I think it necessary to state + further, that no explanation or apology had been previously offered on the + part of Mr. Lincoln to Mr. Shields, and that none was ever communicated by + me to him, nor was any even offered to me, unless a paper read to me by + Dr. Merryman after he had handed me the broadsword proposition on Tuesday. + I heard so little of the reading of the paper, that I do not know fully + what it purported to be; and I was the less inclined to inquire, as Mr. + Lincoln was then gone to Missouri, and Mr. Shields not yet arrived from + Tremont. In fact, I could not entertain any offer of the kind, unless upon + my own responsibility; and that I was not disposed to do after what had + already transpired. + </p> + <p> + "I make this statement, as I am about to be absent for some time, and I + think it due to all concerned to give a true version of the matter before + I leave. + </p> + <p> + "Your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "John D. Whiteside." + </p> + <p> + Springfield, October 8, 1842. + </p> + <p> + Editors of the Journal: + </p> + <p> + Gents:—By your paper of Friday, I discover that General Whiteside + has published his version of the late affair between Messrs. Shields and + Lincoln, I now bespeak a hearing of my version of the same affair, which + shall be true and full as to all material facts. + </p> + <p> + On Friday evening, the 16th of September, I learned that Mr. Shields and + General Whiteside had started in pursuit of Mr. Lincoln, who was at + Tremont, attending court. I knew that Mr. Lincoln was wholly unpractised + both as to the diplomacy and weapons commonly employed in similar affairs; + and I felt it my duty, as a friend, to be with him, and, so far as in my + power, to prevent any advantage being taken of him as to either his honor + or his life. Accordingly, Mr. Butler and myself started, passed Shields + and Whiteside in the night, and arrived at Tremont ahead of them on + Saturday morning. I told Mr. Lincoln what was brewing, and asked him what + course he proposed to himself. He stated that he was wholly opposed to + duelling, and would do anything to avoid it that might not degrade him in + the estimation of himself and friends; but, if such degradation or a fight + were the only alternatives, he would fight. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon Shields and Whiteside arrived, and very soon the former + sent to Mr. Lincoln, by the latter, the following note or letter:— + </p> + <p> + Tremont, September 17, 1842. + </p> + <p> + A. Lincoln, Esq.:— + </p> + <p> + I regret that my absence on public business compelled me to postpone a + matter of private consideration a little longer than I could have desired. + It will only be necessary, however, to account for it by informing you + that I have been to Quincy on business that would not admit of delay. I + will now state briefly the reasons of my troubling you with this + communication, the disagreeable nature of which I regret, as I had hoped + to avoid any difficulty with any one in Springfield while residing there, + by endeavoring to conduct myself in such a way amongst both my political + friends and opponents, as to escape the necessity of any. Whilst thus + abstaining from giving provocation, I have become the object of slander, + vituperation, and personal abuse which, were I capable of submitting to, I + would prove myself worthy of the whole of it. + </p> + <p> + In two or three of the last numbers of the Sangamon Journal, articles of + the most personal nature, and calculated to degrade me, have made their + appearance. On inquiring, I was informed by the editor of that paper, + through the medium of my friend, General Whiteside, that you are the + author of those articles. This information satisfies me that I have + become, by some means or other, the object of secret hostility. I will not + take the trouble of inquiring into the reason of all this, but I will take + the liberty of requiring a full, positive, and absolute retraction of all + offensive allusions used by you in these communications, in relation to my + private character and standing as a man, as an apology for the insults + conveyed in them. + </p> + <p> + This may prevent consequences which no one will regret more than myself. + </p> + <p> + Your ob't serv't, + </p> + <p> + Jas. Shields. + </p> + <p> + About sunset, General Whiteside called again, and secured from Mr. Lincoln + the following answer to Mr. Shields's note:— + </p> + <p> + Tremont, September 17, 1842. + </p> + <p> + Jas. Shields, Esq.:— + </p> + <p> + Your note of to-day was handed me by General Whiteside. In that note you + say you have been informed, through the medium of the editor of the + Journal, that I am the author of certain articles in that paper which you + deem personally abusive of you; and, without stopping to inquire whether I + really am the author, or to point out what is offensive in them, you + demand an unqualified retraction of all that is offensive, and then + proceed to hint at consequences. + </p> + <p> + Now, sir, there is in this so much assumption of facts, and so much of + menace as to consequences, that I cannot submit to answer that note any + further than I have, and to add, that the consequences to which I suppose + you allude would be matter of as great regret to me as it possibly could + to you. + </p> + <p> + Respectfully, + </p> + <p> + A. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/297.jpg" alt="James Shields 297 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + In about an hour, General Whiteside called again with another note from + Mr. Shields; but after conferring with Mr. Butler for a long time, say two + or three hours, returned without presenting the note to Mr. Lincoln. This + was in consequence of an assurance from Mr. Butler that Mr. Lincoln could + not receive any communication from Mr. Shields, unless it were a + withdrawal of his first note, or a challenge. Mr. Butler further stated to + General Whiteside, that, on the withdrawal of the first note, and a proper + and gentlemanly request for an explanation, he had no doubt one would be + given. General Whiteside admitted that that was the course Mr. Shields + ought to pursue, but deplored that his furious and intractable temper + prevented his having any influence with him to that end. General Whiteside + then requested us to wait with him until Monday morning, that he might + endeavor to bring Mr. Shields to reason. + </p> + <p> + On Monday morning he called and presented Mr. Lincoln the same note as Mr. + Butler says he had brought on Saturday evening. It was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + Tremont, September 17, 1842. + </p> + <p> + A. Lincoln, Esq.:— + </p> + <p> + In your reply to my note of this date, you intimate that I assume facts + and menace consequences, and that you cannot submit to answer it further. + As now, sir, you desire it, I will be a little more particular. The editor + of the <i>Sangamon Journal</i> gave me to understand that you are the + author of an article which appeared, I think, in that paper of the 2d + September inst., headed "The Lost Townships" and signed Rebecca or 'Becca. + I would therefore take the liberty of asking whether you are the author of + said article, or any other of the same signature which has appeared in any + of the late numbers of that paper. If so, I repeat my request of an + absolute retraction of all offensive allusions contained therein in + relation to my private character and standing. + </p> + <p> + If you are not the author of any of the articles, your denial will be + sufficient. I will say further, it is not my intention to menace, but to + do myself justice. + </p> + <p> + Your ob't serv't, + </p> + <p> + Jas. Shields. + </p> + <p> + This Mr. Lincoln perused, and returned to General Whiteside, telling him + verbally, that he did not think it consistent with his honor to negotiate + for peace with Mr. Shields, unless Mr. Shields would withdraw his former + offensive letter. + </p> + <p> + In a very short time General Whiteside called with a note from Mr. + Shields, designating General Whiteside as his friend, to which Mr. Lincoln + instantly replied designating me as his. On meeting General Whiteside, he + proposed that we should pledge our honor to each other that we would + endeavor to settle the matter amicably; to which I agreed, and stated to + him the only conditions on which it could be settled; viz., the withdrawal + of Mr. Shields's first note, which he appeared to think reasonable, and + regretted that the note had been written, saying however, that he had + endeavored to prevail on Mr. Shields to write a milder one, but had not + succeeded. He added, too, that I must promise not to mention it, as he + would not dare to let Mr. Shields know that he was negotiating peace; for, + said he, "He would challenge me next, and as soon cut my throat as not." + Not willing that he should suppose my principal less dangerous than his + own, I promised not to mention our pacific intentions to Mr. Lincoln or + any other person; and we started for Springfield forthwith. + </p> + <p> + We all, except Mr. Shields, arrived in Springfield late at night on + Monday. We discovered that the affair had, somehow, got great publicity in + Springfield, and that an arrest was probable. To prevent this, it was + agreed by Mr. Lincoln and myself that he should leave early on Tuesday + morning. Accordingly, he prepared the following instructions for my guide, + on a suggestion from Mr. Butler that he had reason to believe that an + attempt would be made by the opposite party to have the matter + accommodated: + </p> + <p> + In case Whiteside shall signify a wish to adjust this affair without + further difficulty, let him know that, if the present papers be withdrawn, + and a note from Mr. Shields asking to know if I am the author of the + articles of which he complains, and asking that I shall make him + gentlemanly satisfaction if I am the author, and this without menace or + dictation as to what that satisfaction shall be, a pledge is made that the + following answer shall be given: + </p> + <p> + "I did write the 'Lost Township' letter which appeared in the Journal of + the 2d inst., but had no participation in any form in any other article + alluding to you. I wrote that wholly for political effect. I had no + intention of injuring your personal or private character, or standing as a + man or a gentleman; and I did not then think, and do not now think, that + that article could produce, or has produced, that effect against you; and + had I anticipated such an effect, I would have forborne to write it. And I + will add, that your conduct towards me, so far as I knew, had always been + gentlemanly, and that I had no personal pique against you, and no cause + for any." + </p> + <p> + If this should be done, I leave it with you to manage what shall and what + shall not be published. + </p> + <p> + If nothing like this is done, the preliminaries of the fight are to be: + </p> + <p> + 1st. Weapons:—Cavalry broadswords of the largest size, precisely + equal in all respects, and such as now used by the cavalry company at + Jacksonville. + </p> + <p> + 2d. Position:—A plank ten feet long, and from nine to twelve inches + broad, to be firmly fixed on edge on the ground as the lines between us, + which neither is to pass his foot over upon forfeit of his life. Next, a + line drawn on the ground on either side of said plank and parallel with + it, each at the distance of the whole length of the sword and three feet + additional from the plank; and the passing of his own such line by either + party during the fight shall be deemed a surrender of the contest. + </p> + <p> + 3d. Time:—On Thursday evening at five o'clock, if you can get it so; + but in no case to be at a greater distance of time than Friday evening at + 5 o'clock. + </p> + <p> + 4th. Place:—Within three miles of Alton, on the opposite side of the + river, the particular spot to be agreed on by you. + </p> + <p> + Any preliminary details coming within the above rules, you are at liberty + to make at your discretion; but you are in no case to swerve from these + rules, or to pass beyond their limits. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the forenoon I met General Whiteside, and he again + intimated a wish to adjust the matter amicably. I then read to him Mr. + Lincoln's instructions to an adjustment, and the terms of the hostile + meeting, if there must be one, both at the same time. + </p> + <p> + He replied that it was useless to talk of an adjustment, if it could only + be effected by the withdrawal of Mr. Shields's paper, for such withdrawal + Mr. Shields would never consent to; adding, that he would as soon think of + asking Mr. Shields to "butt his brains out against a brick wall as to + withdraw that paper." He proceeded: "I see but one course—that is a + desperate remedy: 'tis to tell them, if they will not make the matter up, + they must fight us." I replied, that, if he chose to fight Mr. Shields to + compel him to do right, he might do so; but as for Mr. Lincoln, he was on + the defensive, and, I believe, in the right, and I should do nothing to + compel him to do wrong. Such withdrawal having been made indispensable by + Mr. Lincoln, I cut the matter short as to an adjustment, and I proposed to + General Whiteside to accept the terms of the fight, which he refused to do + until Mr. Shields' arrival in town, but agreed, verbally, that Mr. + Lincoln's friends should procure the broadswords, and take them to the + ground. In the afternoon he came to me, saying that some persons were + swearing out affidavits to have us arrested, and that he intended to meet + Mr. Shields immediately, and proceed to the place designated, lamenting, + however, that I would not delay the time, that he might procure the + interference of Governor Ford and General Ewing to mollify Mr. Shields. I + told him that an accommodation, except upon the terms I mentioned, was out + of question; that to delay the meeting was to facilitate our arrest; and, + as I was determined not to be arrested, I should leave the town in fifteen + minutes. I then pressed his acceptance of the preliminaries, which he + disclaimed upon the ground that it would interfere with his oath of office + as Fund Commissioner. I then, with two other friends, went to + Jacksonville, where we joined Mr. Lincoln about 11 o'clock on Tuesday + night. Wednesday morning we procured the broadswords, and proceeded to + Alton, where we arrived about 11 o'clock A. M., on Thursday. The other + party were in town before us. We crossed the river, and they soon + followed. Shortly after, General Hardin and Dr. English presented to + General Whiteside and myself the following note: + </p> + <p> + Alton, September 22, 1842. + </p> + <p> + Messrs. Whiteside and Merryman: As the mutual personal friends of Messrs. + Shields and Lincoln, but without authority from either, we earnestly + desire to see a reconciliation of the misunderstanding which exists + between them. Such difficulties should always be arranged amicably, if it + is possible to do so with honor to both parties. + </p> + <p> + Believing, ourselves, that such an arrangement can possibly be effected, + we respectfully but earnestly submit the following proposition for your + consideration: + </p> + <p> + Let the whole difficulty be submitted to four or more gentlemen, to be + selected by ourselves, who shall consider the affair, and report thereupon + for your consideration. John J. Hardin, + </p> + <p> + R. W. English. + </p> + <p> + To this proposition General Whiteside agreed: I declined doing so without + consulting Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln remarked that, as they had accepted + the proposition, he would do so, but directed that his friends should make + no terms except those first proposed. Whether the adjustment was finally + made upon these very terms and no other, let the following documents + attest: + </p> + <p> + Missouri, September 22, 1842. + </p> + <p> + Gentlemen:—All papers in relation to the matter in controversy + between Mr. Shields and Mr. Lincoln having been withdrawn by the friends + of the parties concerned, the friends of Mr. Shields ask the friends of + Mr. Lincoln to explain all offensive matter in the articles which appeared + in the Sangamon Journal of the 2d, 9 th, and 16th of September, under the + signature of "Rebecca," and headed "Lost Townships." + </p> + <p> + It is due General Hardin and Mr. English to state that their interference + was of the most courteous and gentlemanly character. + </p> + <p> + John D. Whiteside. + </p> + <p> + Wm. Lee D. Ewing. + </p> + <p> + T. M. Hope. + </p> + <p> + Missouri, September 22, 1842. + </p> + <p> + Gentlemen:—All papers in relation to the matter in controversy + between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Shields having been withdrawn by the friends + of the parties concerned, we, the undersigned, friends of Mr. Lincoln, in + accordance with your request that explanation of Mr. Lincoln's publication + in relation to Mr. Shields in the Sangamon Journal of the 2d, 9th, and + 16th of September be made, take pleasure in saying, that, although Mr. + Lincoln was the writer of the article signed "Rebecca" in the Journal of + the 2d, and that only, yet he had no intention of injuring the personal or + private character or standing of Mr. Shields as a gentleman or a man, and + that Mr. Lincoln did not think, nor does he now think, that said article + could produce such an effect; and, had Mr. Lincoln anticipated such an + effect, he would have forborne to write it. We will state further, that + said article was written solely for political effect, and not to gratify + any personal pique against Mr. Shields, for he had none and knew of no + cause for any. It is due to General Hardin and Mr. English to say that + their interference was of the most courteous and gentlemanly character. + </p> + <p> + E. H. Merryman. + </p> + <p> + A. T. Bledsoe. + </p> + <p> + Wm. Butler. + </p> + <p> + Let it be observed now, that Mr. Shields's friends, after agreeing to the + arbitrament of four disinterested gentlemen, declined the contract, saying + that Mr. Shields wished his own friends to act for him. They then proposed + that we should explain without any withdrawal of papers. This was promptly + and firmly refused, and General Whiteside himself pronounced the papers + withdrawn. They then produced a note requesting us to "disavow" all + offensive intentions in the publications, etc., etc. This we declined + answering, and only responded to the above request for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + These are the material facts in relation to the matter, and I think + present the case in a very different light from the garbled and curtailed + statement of General Whiteside. Why he made that statement I know not, + unless he wished to detract from the honor of Mr. Lincoln. This was + ungenerous, more particularly as he on the ground requested us not to make + in our explanation any quotations from the "Rebecca papers;" also, not to + make public the terms of reconciliation, and to unite with them in + defending the honorable character of the adjustment. + </p> + <p> + General Whiteside, in his publication, says: "The friends of both parties + agreed to withdraw the papers (temporarily) to give the friends of Mr. + Lincoln an opportunity to explain." This I deny. I say the papers were + withdrawn to enable Mr. Shields's friends to ask an explanation; and I + appeal to the documents for proof of my position. + </p> + <p> + By looking over these documents, it will be seen that Mr. Shields had not + before asked for an explanation, but had all the time been dictatorially + insisting on a retraction. + </p> + <p> + General Whiteside, in his communication, brings to light much of Mr. + Shields's manifestations of bravery behind the scenes. I can do nothing of + the kind for Mr. Lincoln. He took his stand when I first met him at + Tremont, and maintained it calmly to the last, without difficulty or + difference between himself and his friends. + </p> + <p> + I cannot close this article, lengthy as it is, without testifying to the + honorable and gentlemanly conduct of General Ewing and Dr. Hope, nor + indeed can I say that I saw anything objectionable in the course of + General Whiteside up to the time of his communication. This is so replete + with prevarication and misrepresentation, that I cannot accord to the + General that candor which I once supposed him to possess. He complains + that I did not procrastinate time according to agreement. He forgets that + by his own act he cut me off from that chance in inducing me, by promise, + not to communicate our secret contract to Mr. Lincoln. Moreover, I could + see no consistency in wishing for an extension of time at that stage of + the affair, when in the outset they were in so precipitate a hurry that + they could not wait three days for Mr. Lincoln to return from Tremont, but + must hasten there, apparently with the intention of bringing the matter to + a speedy issue. He complains, too, that, after inviting him to take a seat + in the buggy I never broached the subject to him on our route here. But + was I, the defendant in the case, with a challenge hanging over me, to + make advances, and beg a reconciliation? + </p> + <p> + Absurd! Moreover, the valorous General forgets that he beguiled the tedium + of the journey by recounting to me his exploits in many a well-fought + battle,—dangers by "flood and field," in which I don't believe he + ever participated,—doubtless with a view to produce a salutary + effect on my nerves, and impress me with a proper notion of his + fire-eat-ing propensities.. + </p> + <p> + One more main point of his argument and I have done. The General seems to + be troubled with a convenient shortness of memory on some occasions. He + does not remember that any explanations were offered at any time, unless + it were a paper read when the "broadsword proposition" was tendered, when + his mind was so confused by the anticipated clatter of broadswords, or + something else, that he did "not know fully what it purported to be." The + truth is, that, by unwisely refraining from mentioning it to his + principal, he placed himself in a dilemma which he is now endeavoring to + shuffle out of. By his inefficiency and want of knowledge of those laws + which govern gentlemen in matters of this kind, he has done great + injustice to his principal, a gentleman who, I believe, is ready at all + times to vindicate his honor manfully, but who has been unfortunate in the + selection of his friends, and this fault he is now trying to wipe out by + doing an act of still greater injustice to Mr. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + E. H. Merryman. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The following letter from Lincoln to his friend Speed furnishes the + final outcome of the "duelling business." "Springfield, October 5, 1842. + "Dear Speed:- "You have heard of my duel with Shields, and I have now to + inform you that the duelling business still rages in this city. Day + before yesterday Shields challenged Butler, who accepted, proposed + fighting next morning at sunrising in Bob Allen's meadow, one hundred + yards distance, with rifles. To this Whiteside, Shields's second, said + 'no' because of the law. Thus ended duel No. 2. Yesterday Whiteside + chose to consider himself insulted by Dr. Merryman, so sent him a kind + of quasi-challenge inviting him to meet him at the Planter's House in + St. Louis, on the next Friday, to settle their difficulty. Merryman made + me his friend, and sent Whiteside a note, inquiring to know if he meant + his note as a challenge, and if so, that he would, according to the law + in such case made and provided, prescribe the terms of the meeting. + Whiteside returned for answer that if Merryman would meet him at the + Planter's House as desired, he would challenge him. Merryman replied in + a note, that he denied Whiteside's right to dictate time and place, but + that he (Merryman) would waive the question of time, and meet him at + Louisiana, Mo. Upon my presenting this note to Whiteside, and stating + verbally its contents, he declined receiving it, saying he had business + in St. Louis, and it was as near as Louisiana. Merryman then directed me + to notify Whiteside that he should publish the correspondence between + them, with such comments as he saw fit. This I did. Thus it stood at + bed-time last night. This morning Whiteside, by his friend Shields, is + praying for a new trial, on the ground that he was mistaken in + Merryman's proposition to meet him at Louisiana, Mo., thinking it was + the State of Louisiana. This Merryman hoots at, and is preparing his + publication; while the town is in a ferment, and a street-fight somewhat + anticipated. "Yours forever, "Lincoln." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Dr. Merryman's elaborate and graphic account of the meeting at the + duelling ground and all the preliminary proceedings is as full and + complete a history of this serio-comic affair as any historian could give. + Mr. Lincoln, as mentioned in the outset of this chapter, in the law office + and elsewhere, as a rule, refrained from discussing it. I only remember of + hearing him say this, in reference to the duel: "I did not intend to hurt + Shields unless I did so clearly in self-defense. If it had been necessary + I could have split him from the crown of his head to the end of his + backbone," and when one takes into into consideration the conditions of + weapons and position required in his instructions to Dr. Merryman the + boast does not seem impossible. + </p> + <p> + The marriage of Lincoln in no way diminished his love for politics; in + fact, as we shall see later along, it served to stimulate his zeal in that + direction. He embraced every opportunity that offered for a speech in + public. Early in 1842 he entered into the Washingtonian movement organized + to suppress the evils of intemperance. At the request of the society he + delivered an admirable address, on Washington's birthday, in the + Presbyterian Church, which, in keeping with former efforts, has been so + often published that I need not quote it in full. I was then an ardent + temperance reformer myself, and remember well how one paragraph of + Lincoln's speech offended the church members who were present. Speaking of + certain Christians who objected to the association of drunkards, even with + the chance of reforming them, he said: "If they (the Christians) believe, + as they profess, that Omnipotence condescended to take on himself the form + of sinful man, and as such die an ignominious death, surely they will not + refuse submission to the infinitely lesser condescension, for the temporal + and perhaps eternal salvation of a large, erring, and unfortunate class of + their fellow-creatures. Nor is the condescension very great. In my + judgment such of us as have never fallen victims have been spared more + from the absence of appetite than from any mental or moral superiority + over those who have. Indeed, I believe, if we take habitual drunkards as a + class, their heads and their hearts will bear an advantageous comparison + with those of any other class." The avowal of these sentiments proved to + be an unfortunate thing for Lincoln. The professing Christians regarded + the suspicion suggested in the first sentence as a reflection on the + sincerity of their belief, and the last one had no better effect in + reconciling them to his views. I was at the door of the church as the + people passed out, and heard them discussing the speech. Many of them were + open in the expression of their displeasure. "It's a shame," I heard one + man say, "that he should be permitted to abuse us so in the house of the + Lord." The truth was the society was composed mainly of the roughs and + drunkards of the town, who had evinced a desire to reform. Many of them + were too fresh from the gutter to be taken at once into the society of + such people as worshipped at the church where the speech was delivered. + Neither was there that concert of effort so universal to-day between the + churches and temperance societies to rescue the fallen. The whole thing, I + repeat, was damaging to Lincoln, and gave rise to the opposition on the + part of the churches which confronted him several years afterwards when he + became a candidate against the noted Peter Cartwright for Congress. The + charge, therefore, that in matters of religion he was a skeptic was not + without its supporters, especially where his opponent was himself a + preacher. But, nothing daunted, Lincoln kept on and labored zealously in + the interest of the temperance movement. He spoke often again in + Springfield, and also in other places over the country, displaying the + same courage and adherence to principle that characterized his every + undertaking. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, he had one eye open for politics as he moved along. He was + growing more self-reliant in the practice of law every day, and felt amply + able to take charge of and maintain himself in any case that happened to + come into his hands. His propensity for the narration of an apt story was + of immeasurable aid to him before a jury, and in cases where the law + seemed to lean towards the other side won him many a case. In 1842, Martin + Van Buren, who had just left the Presidential chair, made a journey + through the West. He was accompanied by his former Secretary of the Navy, + Mr. Paulding, and in June they reached the village of Rochester, distant + from Springfield six miles. It was evening when they arrived, and on + account of the muddy roads they decided to go no farther, but to rest + there for the night. Word was sent into Springfield, and of course the + leading Democrats of the capital hurried out to meet the distinguished + visitor. Knowing the accommodations at Rochester were not intended for or + suited to the entertainment of an ex-President, they took with them + refreshments in quantity and variety, to make up for all deficiencies. + Among others, they prevailed on Lincoln, although an ardent and pronounced + Whig, to accompany them. They introduced him to the venerable statesman of + Kinderhook as a representative lawyer, and a man whose wit was as ready as + his store of anecdotes was exhaustless. How he succeeded in entertaining + the visitor and the company, those who were present have often since + testified. Van Buren himself entertained the crowd with reminiscences of + politics in New York, going back to the days of Hamilton and Burr, and + many of the crowd in turn interested him with graphic descriptions of + early life on the western frontier. But they all yielded at last to the + piquancy and force of Lincoln's queer stories. "Of these," relates one of + the company,* "there was a constant supply, one following another in rapid + succession, each more irresistible than its predecessor. The fun continued + until after midnight, and until the distinguished traveller insisted that + his sides were sore from laughing." The yarns which Lincoln gravely spun + out, Van Buren assured the crowd, he never would forget. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Jos. Gillespie, MS. letter, September 6, 1866. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/312.jpg" alt="Court House, Springfield 1850-1860 312 " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + After April 14, 1841, when Lincoln retired from the partnership with + Stuart, who had gone to Congress, he had been associated with Stephen T. + Logan, a man who had, as he deserved, the reputation of being the best <i>nisi + prius</i> lawyer in the State. Judge Logan was a very orderly but somewhat + technical lawyer. He had some fondness for politics, and made one race for + Congress, but he lacked the elements of a successful politician. He was + defeated, and returned to the law. He was assiduous in study and tireless + in search of legal principles. He was industrious and very thrifty, + delighted to make and save money, and died a rich man. Lincoln had none of + Logan's qualities. He was anything but studious, and had no money sense. + He was five years younger, and yet his mind and makeup so impressed Logan + that he was invited into the partnership with him. Logan's example had a + good effect on Lincoln, and it stimulated him to unusual endeavors. For + the first time he realized the effectiveness of order and method in work, + but his old habits eventually overcame him. He permitted his partner to do + all the studying in the preparation of cases, while he himself trusted to + his general knowledge of the law and the inspiration of the surroundings + to overcome the judge or the jury. Logan was scrupulously exact, and used + extraordinary care in the preparation of papers. His words were well + chosen, and his style of composition was stately and formal. This extended + even to his letters. This Lincoln lacked in every particular. I have + before me a letter written by Lincoln at this time to the proprietors of a + wholesale store in Louisville, for whom suit had been brought, in which, + after notifying the latter of the sale of certain real estate in + satisfaction of their judgment, he adds: "As to the real estate we cannot + attend to it. We are not real estate agents, we are lawyers. We recommend + that you give the charge of it to Mr. Isaac S. Britton, a trustworthy man, + and one whom the Lord made on purpose for such business." He gravely signs + the firm name, Logan and Lincoln, to this unlawyerlike letter and sends it + on its way. Logan never would have written such a letter. He had too much + gravity and austere dignity to permit any such looseness of expression in + letters to his clients or to anyone else. + </p> + <p> + In 1843, Logan and Lincoln both had their eyes set on the race for + Congress. Logan's claim to the honor lay in his age and the services he + had rendered the Whig party, while Lincoln, overflowing with ambition, lay + great stress on his legislative achievements, and demanded it because he + had been defeated in the nominating conventions by both Hardin and Baker + in the order named. That two such aspiring politicians, each striving to + obtain the same prize, should not dwell harmoniously together in the same + office is not strange. Indeed, we may reasonably credit the story that + they considered themselves rivals, and that numerous acrimonious passages + took place between them. I was not surprised, therefore, one morning, to + see Mr. Lincoln come rushing up into my quarters and with more or less + agitation tell me he had determined to sever the partnership with Logan. I + confess I was surprised when he invited me to become his partner. I was + young in the practice and was painfully aware of my want of ability and + experience; but when he remarked in his earnest, honest way, "Billy, I can + trust you, if you can trust me," I felt relieved, and accepted the + generous proposal. It has always been a matter of pride with me that + during our long partnership, continuing on until it was dissolved by the + bullet of the assassin Booth, we never had any personal controversy or + disagreement. I never stood in his way for political honors or office, and + I believe we understood each other perfectly. In after years, when he + became more prominent, and our practice grew to respectable proportions, + other ambitious practitioners undertook to supplant me in the partnership. + One of the latter, more zealous than wise, charged that I was in a certain + way weakening the influence of the firm. I am flattered to know that + Lincoln turned on this last named individual with the retort, "I know my + own business, I reckon. I know Billy Herndon better than anybody, and even + if what you say of him is true I intend to stick by him." Lincoln's effort + to obtain the Congressional nomination in 1843 brought out several unique + and amusing incidents. He and Edward D. Baker were the two aspirants from + Sangamon county, but Baker's long residence, extensive acquaintance, and + general popularity were obstacles Lincoln could not overcome; accordingly, + at the last moment, Lincoln reluctantly withdrew from the field. In a + letter to his friend Speed, dated March 24, 1843, describes the situation + as follows: "We had a meeting of the Whigs of the county here on last + Monday, to appoint delegates to a district convention; and Baker beat me, + and got the delegation instructed to go for him. The meeting, in spite of + my attempt to decline it, appointed me one of the delegates; so that in + getting Baker the nomination I shall be fixed a good deal like a fellow + who is made groomsman to a man that has cut him out, and is marrying his + own dear gal." Only a few days before this he had written a friend anent + the Congressional matter, "Now if you should hear any one say that Lincoln + don't want to go to Congress, I wish you, as a personal friend of mine, + would tell him you have reason to believe he is mistaken. The truth is I + would like to go very much. Still, circumstances may happen which may + prevent my being a candidate. If there are any who be my friends in such + an enterprise, what I now want is that they shall not throw me away just + yet."* To another friend in the adjoining county of Menard a few days + after the meeting of the Whigs in Sangamon, he explains how Baker defeated + him. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Letter to R. S. Thomas, Virginia, Ill., Feb. 14, '43, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The entire absence of any feeling of bitterness, or what the politicians + call revenge, is the most striking feature of the letter. "It is truly + gratifying," he says, "to me to learn that while the people of Sangamon + have cast me off, my old friends of Menard, who have known me longest and + best, stick to me. It would astonish if not amuse the older citizens to + learn that I (a strange, friendless, uneducated, penniless boy, working on + a flat-boat at ten dollars per month) have been put down here as the + candidate of pride, wealth, and aristocratic family distinction. Yet so, + chiefly, it was. There was, too, the strangest combination of church + influence against me. Baker is a Campbellite, and therefore as I suppose, + with few exceptions, got all that church. My wife has some relations in + the Presbyterian churches and some with the Episcopalian churches, and + therefore, wherever it would tell, I was set down as either the one or the + other, while it was everywhere contended that no Christian ought to go for + me, because I belonged to no church, was suspected of being a deist, and + had talked about fighting a duel. With all these things Baker, of course, + had nothing to do; nor do I complain of them. As to his own church going + for him I think that was right enough; and as to the influences I have + spoken of in the other, though they were very strong, it would be grossly + untrue and unjust to charge that they acted upon them in a body, or were + very near so. I only mean that those influences levied a tax of + considerable per cent, and throughout the religious controversy." To a + proposition offering to instruct the Menard delegation for him he replies: + "You say you shall instruct your delegates for me unless I object. I + certainly shall not object. That would be too pleasant a compliment for me + to tread in the dust. And besides, if anything should happen (which, + however, is not probable) by which Baker should be thrown out of the + fight, I would be at liberty to accept the nomination if I could get it. I + do, however, feel myself bound not to hinder him in any way from getting + the nomination. I should despise myself were I to attempt it." + </p> + <p> + Baker's friends had used as an argument against Lincoln that he belonged + to a proud and aristocratic family, referring doubtless to some of the + distinguished relatives who were connected with him by marriage. The story + reaching Lincoln's ears, he laughed heartily over it one day in a + Springfield store and remarked: + </p> + <p> + "That sounds strange to me, for I do not remember of but one who ever came + to see me, and while he was in town he was accused of stealing a + jew's-harp."* In the convention which was held shortly after at the town + of Pekin neither Baker nor Lincoln obtained the coveted honor; but John J. + Hardin, of Morgan, destined to lose his life at the head of an Illinois + regiment in the Mexican war, was nominated, and in the following August, + elected by a good majority. Lincoln bore his defeat manfully. He was no + doubt greatly disappointed, but by no means soured. He conceived the + strange notion that the publicity given his so-called "aristocratic family + distinction" would cost him the friendship of his humbler constituents—his + Clary's Grove friends. He took his friend James Matheney out into the + woods with him one day and, calling up the bitter features of the canvass, + protested "vehemently and with great emphasis" that he was anything but + aristocratic and proud. "Why, Jim," he said, "I am now and always shall be + the same Abe Lincoln I was when you first saw me." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Letter, A. Y. Ellis, July 16,'66, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In the campaign of 1844 Lincoln filled the honorable post of Presidential + Elector, and he extended the limits of his acquaintance by stumping the + State. This was the year the gallant and magnetic Clay went down in + defeat. Lincoln, in the latter end of the canvass, crossed over into + Indiana and made several speeches. He spoke at Rockport and also at + Gentryville, where he met the Grigsbys, the Gentrys, and other friends of + his boyhood. The result of the election was a severe disappointment to Mr. + Lincoln as well as to all other Whigs. No election since the foundation of + the Government created more widespread regret than the defeat of Clay by + Polk. Men were never before so enlisted in any man's cause, and when the + great Whig chieftain went down his followers fled from the field in utter + demoralization. Some doubted the success of popular government, while + others, more hopeful still in the face of the general disaster, vowed they + would never shave their faces or cut their hair till Henry Clay became + President. As late as 18801 saw one man who had lived up to his insane + resolution. One political society organized to aid Clay's election sent + the defeated candidate an address, in which they assured him that, after + the smoke of battle had cleared away, he would ever be remembered as one + "whose name honored defeat and gave it a glory which victory could not + have brought." In Lincoln's case his disappointment was no greater than + that of any other Whig. Many persons have yielded to the impression that + Mr. Lincoln visited Clay at his home in Lexington and felt a personal loss + in his defeat, but such is not the case. He took no more gloomy view of + the situation than the rest of his party. He had been a leading figure + himself in other campaigns, and was fully inured to the chilling blasts of + defeat. They may have driven him in, but only for a short time, for he + soon evinced a willingness to test the temper of the winds again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/321.jpg" alt="Lincoln and Herndon Law Office 321 " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + No sooner had Baker been elected to Congress in August, 1844, than Lincoln + began to manifest a longing for the tempting prize to be contended for in + 1846. Hardin and Baker both having been required to content themselves + with a single term each, the struggle among Whig aspirants narrowed down + to Logan and Lincoln.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The Whig candidates for Congress in the Springfield district "rotated" + in the following order: Baker succeeded Hardin in 1844, Lincoln was + elected in 1846, and Logan was nominated but defeated in 1848. Lincoln + publicly declined to contest the nomination with Baker in 1844; Hardin + did the same for Lincoln in 1846—although both seem to have acted + reluctantly; and Lincoln refused to run against Logan in 1848. Many + persons insist that an agreement among these four conspicuous Whig + leaders to content themselves with one term each actually existed. There + is, however, no proof of any bargain, although there seems to have been + a tacit understanding of the kind—maintained probably to keep + other and less tractable candidates out of the field. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The latter's claim seemed to find such favorable lodgment with the party + workers, and his popularity seemed so apparent, that Logan soon realized + his own want of strength and abandoned the field to his late law partner. + The convention which nominated Lincoln met at Petersburg May 1, 1846. + Hardin, who, in violation of what was then regarded as precedent, had been + seeking the nomination, had courteously withdrawn. Logan, ambitious to + secure the honor next time for himself, with apparent generosity presented + Lincoln's name to the convention, and there being no other candidate he + was chosen unanimously. The reader need not be told whom the Democrats + placed in the field against him. It was Peter Cartwright, the famous + Methodist divine and circuit rider. An energetic canvass of three months, + followed, during which Lincoln kept his forces well in hand. He was active + and alert, speaking everywhere, and abandoning his share of business in + the law office entirely. He had a formidable competitor in Cartwright, who + not only had an extensive following by reason of his church influence, but + rallied many more supporters around his standard by his pronounced + Jacksonian attitude. He had come into Illinois with the early immigrants + from Kentucky and Tennessee, and had at one time or another preached to + almost every Methodist congregation between Springfield and Cairo. He had + extensive family connections all over the district, was almost twenty-five + years older than Lincoln, and in every respect a dangerous antagonist. + Another thing which operated much to Lincoln's disadvantage was the report + circulated by Cartwright's friends with respect to Lincoln's religious + views. He was charged with the grave offence of infidelity, and sentiments + which he was reported to have expressed with reference to the inspiration + of the Bible were given the campaign varnish and passed from hand to hand. + His slighting allusion expressed in the address at the Presbyterian Church + before the Washington Temperance Society, February 2d, four years before, + to the insincerity of the Christian people was not forgotten. It, too, + played its part; but all these opposing circumstances were of no avail. + Cartwright was personally very popular, but it was plain the people of the + Springfield district wanted no preacher to represent them in Congress. + They believed in an absolute separation of Church and State. The election, + therefore, of such a man as Cartwright would not, to their way of + thinking, tend to promote such a result. I was enthusiastic and active in + Lincoln's interest myself. The very thought of my associate's becoming a + member of Congress was a great stimulus to my self-importance. Many other + friends in and around Springfield were equally as vigilant, and, in the + language of another, "long before the contest closed we snuffed + approaching victory in the air." Our laborious efforts met with a suitable + reward. Lincoln was elected by a majority of 1511 in the district, a + larger vote than Clay's two years before, which was only 914. In Sangamon + county his majority was 690, and exceeded that of any of his predecessors + on the Whig ticket, commencing with Stuart in 1834 and continuing on down + to the days of Yates in 1852. + </p> + <p> + Before Lincoln's departure for Washington to enter on his duties as a + member of Congress, the Mexican war had begun. The volunteers had gone + forward, and at the head of the regiments from Illinois some of the + bravest men and the best legal talent in Springfield had marched. Hardin, + Baker, Bissell, and even the dramatic Shields had enlisted. The issues of + the war and the manner of its prosecution were in every man's mouth. + Naturally, therefore, a Congressman-elect would be expected to publish his + views and define his position early in the day. Although, in common with + the Whig party, opposing the declaration of war, Lincoln, now that + hostilities had commenced, urged a vigorous prosecution. He admonished us + all to permit our Government to suffer no dishonor, and to stand by the + flag till peace came and came honorably to us. He declared these + sentiments in a speech at a public meeting in Springfield, May 29, 1847. + In the following December he took his seat in Congress. He was the only + Whig from Illinois. His colleagues in the Illinois delegation were John A. + McClernand, O. B. Ficklin, William A. Richardson, Thomas J. Turner, Robert + Smith, and John Wentworth. In the Senate Douglas had made his appearance + for the first time. The Little Giant is always in sight! Robert C. + Winthrop, of Massachusetts, was chosen Speaker. John Quincy Adams, Horace + Mann, Caleb Smith, Alexander H. Stephens, Robert Toombs, Howell Cobb, and + Andrew Johnson were important members of the House. With many of these the + newly elected member from Illinois was destined to sustain another and far + different relation. + </p> + <p> + On the 5th of December, the day before the House organized, Lincoln wrote + me a letter about our fee in a law-suit, and reported the result of the + Whig caucus the night before. On the 13th, he wrote again: "Dear William:—Your + letter, advising me of the receipt of our fee in the bank case, is just + received, and I don't expect to hear another as good a piece of news from + Springfield while I am away." He then directed me from the proceeds of + this fee to pay a debt at the bank, and out of the balance left to settle + sundry dry-goods and grocery bills. The modest tone of the last paragraph + is its most striking feature. "As you are all so anxious for me to + distinguish myself," he said, "I have concluded to do so before long." + January 8 he writes: "As to speech-making, by way of getting the hang of + the House, I made a little speech two or three days ago on a post-office + question of no general interest. I find speaking here and elsewhere about + the same thing. I was about as badly scared, and no worse, as I am when I + speak in court. I expect to make one within a week or two in which I hope + to succeed well enough to wish you to see it." Meanwhile, in recognition + of the assurances I had sent him from friends who desired to approve his + course by a re-election, he says: "It is very pleasant to me to learn from + you that there are some who desire that I should be re-elected. I most + heartily thank them for the kind partiality, and I can say, as Mr. Clay + said of the annexation of Texas, that, 'personally, I would not object' to + a re-election, although I thought at the time, and still think, it would + be quite as well for me to return to the law at the end of a single term. + I made the declaration that I would not be a candidate again, more from a + wish to deal fairly with others, to keep peace among our friends, and to + keep the district from going to the enemy, than for any cause personal to + myself, so that if it should happen that nobody else wishes to be elected + I could not refuse the people the right of sending me again. But to enter + myself as a competitor of others, or to authorize any one so to enter me, + is what my word and honor forbid." + </p> + <p> + His announcement of a willingness to accept a re-election if tendered him + by the people was altogether unnecessary, for within a few days after this + letter was written his constituents began to manifest symptoms of grave + disapproval of his course on the Mexican war question. His position on + this subject was evidenced by certain resolutions offered by him in the + House three weeks before. These latter were called the "Spot Resolutions," + and they and the speech which followed on the 12th of January in support + of them not only sealed Lincoln's doom as a Congressman, but in my + opinion, lost the district to the Whigs in 1848, when Judge Logan had + succeeded at last in obtaining the nomination. + </p> + <p> + Although differing with the President as to the justice or even propriety + of a war with Mexico, Lincoln was not unwilling to vote, and with the + majority of his party did vote, the supplies necessary to carry it on. He + did this, however, with great reluctance, protesting all the while that + "the war was unnecessarily and unconstitutionally begun by the President." + The "Spot Resolutions," which served as a text for his speech on the 12th + of January, and which caused such unwonted annoyance in the ranks of his + constituents, were a series following a preamble loaded with quotations + from the President's messages. These resolutions requested the President + to inform the House: "<i>First</i>, Whether the <i>spot</i> on which the + blood of our citizens was shed as in his messages declared was or was not + within the territory of Spain, at least after the treaty of 1819, until + the Mexican revolution. <i>Second</i>, Whether that spot is or is not + within the territory which was wrested from Spain by the revolutionary + government of Mexico. <i>Third</i>, Whether that spot is or is not within + a settlement of people, which settlement has existed ever since long + before the Texas revolution, and until its inhabitants fled before the + approach of the United States army." There were eight of these + interrogatories, but it is only necessary to reproduce the three which + foreshadow the position Lincoln was then intending to assume. On the 12th + of January, as before stated, he followed them up with a carefully + prepared and well-arranged speech, in which he made a severe arraignment + of President Polk and justified the pertinence and propriety of the + inquiries he had a few days before addressed to him. The speech is too + long for insertion here. It was constructed much after the manner of a + legal argument. Reviewing the evidence furnished by the President in his + various messages, he undertook to "smoke him out" with this: "Let the + President answer the interrogatories I proposed, as before mentioned, or + other similar ones. Let him answer fully, fairly, candidly. Let him answer + with facts, not with arguments. Let him remember, he sits where Washington + sat; and so remembering, let him answer as Washington would answer. As a + nation should not, and the Almighty will not, be evaded, so let him + attempt no evasion, no equivocation. And if, so answering, he can show the + soil was ours where the first blood of the war was shed; that it was not + within an inhabited country, or if within such; that the inhabitants had + submitted themselves to the civil authority of Texas or of the United + States; and that the same is true of the site of Fort Brown, then I am + with him for his justification... But if he cannot or will not do this—if, + on any pretence, or no pretence, he shall refuse or omit it—then I + shall be fully convinced of what I more than suspect already—that he + is deeply conscious of being in the wrong; that he feels the blood of this + war, like the blood of Abel, is crying to Heaven against him; that he + ordered General Taylor into the midst of a peaceful Mexican settlement + purposely to bring on a war; that, originally having some strong motive—which + I will not now stop to give my opinion concerning—to involve the + countries in a war, and trusting to escape scrutiny by fixing the public + gaze upon the exceeding brightness of military glory,—that + attractive rainbow that rises in showers of blood, that serpent's eye that + charms to destroy,—he plunged into it, and has swept on and on, till + disappointed in his calculation of the ease with which Mexico might be + subdued, he now finds himself he knows not where. He is a bewildered, + confounded, and miserably perplexed man. God grant that he may be able to + show that there is not something about his conscience more painful than + all his mental perplexity." This speech, however clear may have been its + reasoning, however rich in illustration, in restrained and burning + earnestness, yet was unsuccessful in "smoking out" the President. He + remained within the official seclusion his position gave him, and declined + to answer. In fact it is doubtless true that Lincoln anticipated no + response, but simply took that means of defining clearly his own position. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th inst., having occasion to write me with reference to a note + with which one of our clients, one Louis Candler, had been "annoying" him, + not the least of which annoyance," he complains, "is his cursed unreadable + and ungodly handwriting," he adds a line, in which with noticeable modesty + he informs me: "I have made a speech, a copy of which I send you by mail." + He doubtless felt he was taking rather advanced and perhaps questionable + ground. And so he was, for very soon after, murmurs of dissatisfaction + began to run through the Whig ranks. I did not, as some of Lincoln's + biographers would have their readers believe, inaugurate this feeling of + dissatisfaction. On the contrary, as the law partner of the Congress-man, + and as his ardent admirer, I discouraged the defection all I could. Still, + when I listened to the comments of his friends everywhere after the + delivery of his speech, I felt that he had made a mistake. I therefore + wrote him to that effect, at the same time giving him my own views, which + I knew were in full accord with the views of his Whig constituents. My + argument in substance was: That the President of the United States is + Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy; that as such commander it was his + duty, in the absence of Congress, if the country was about to be invaded + and armies were organized in Mexico for that purpose, to go—if + necessary—into the very heart of Mexico and prevent the invasion. I + argued further that it would be a crime in the Executive to let the + country be invaded in the least degree. The action of the President was a + necessity, and under a similar necessity years afterward Mr. Lincoln + himself emancipated the slaves, although he had no special power under the + Constitution to do so. In later days, in what is called the Hodges letter, + concerning the freedom of the slaves, he used this language: "I felt that + measures otherwise unconstitutional might become lawful by becoming + indispensable." Briefly stated, that was the strain of my argument. My + judgment was formed on the law of nations and of war. If the facts were as + I believed them, and my premises correct, then I assumed that the + President's acts became lawful by becoming indispensable. + </p> + <p> + February 1 he wrote me, "Dear William: You fear that you and I disagree + about the war. I regret this, not because of any fear we shall remain + disagreed after you have read this letter, but because if you + misunderstand I fear other good friends may also." + </p> + <p> + Speaking of his vote in favor of the amendment to the supply bill proposed + by George Ashmun, of Massachusetts, he continues: + </p> + <p> + "That vote affirms that the war was unnecessarily and unconstitutionally + commenced by the President; and I will stake my life that if you had been + in my place you would have voted just as I did. Would you have voted what + you felt and knew to be a lie? I know you would not. Would you have gone + out of the House,—skulked the vote? I expect not. If you had skulked + one vote you would have had to skulk many more before the close of the + session. Richardson's resolutions, introduced before I made any move or + gave any vote upon the subject, make the direct question of the justice of + the war; so that no man can be silent if he would. You are compelled to + speak; and your only alternative is to tell the truth or tell a lie. I + cannot doubt which you would do... I do not mean this letter for the + public, but for you. Before it reaches you you will have seen and read my + pamphlet speech and perhaps have been scared anew by it. After you get + over your scare read it over again, sentence by sentence, and tell me + honestly what you think of it. I condensed all I could for fear of being + cut off by the hour rule; and when I got through I had spoken but + forty-five minutes. + </p> + <p> + "Yours forever, + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + I digress from the Mexican war subject long enough to insert, because in + the order of time it belongs here, a characteristic letter which he wrote + me regarding a man who was destined at a later day to play a far different + rôle in the national drama. Here it is: + </p> + <p> + "Washington, Feb. 2, 1848. + </p> + <p> + "Dear William: + </p> + <p> + "I just take up my pen to say that Mr. Stephens, of Georgia, a little, + slim, pale-faced, consumptive man, with a voice like Logan's, has just + concluded the very best speech of an hour's length I ever heard. My old, + withered, dry eyes are full of tears yet. If he writes it out anything + like he delivered it our people shall see a good many copies of it. + </p> + <p> + "Yours truly, + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + To Wm. H. Herndon, Esq. + </p> + <p> + February 15 he wrote me again in criticism of the President's invasion of + foreign soil. He still believed the Executive had exceeded the limit of + his authority. "The provision of the Constitution giving the war-making + power to Congress," he insists, "was dictated, as I understand it, by the + following reasons: kings had always been involving and impoverishing their + people in wars, pretending generally, if not always, that the good of the + people was the object. This, our convention understood to be the most + oppressive of all kingly oppressions; and they resolved to so frame the + Constitution that no one man should hold the power of bringing this + oppression upon us. But your view destroys the whole matter, and places + our President where kings have always stood." + </p> + <p> + In June the Whigs met in national convention at Philadelphia to nominate a + candidate for President. Lincoln attended as a delegate. He advocated the + nomination of Taylor because of his belief that he could be elected, and + was correspondingly averse to Clay because of the latter's signal defeat + in 1844. In a letter from Washington a few days after the convention he + predicts the election of "Old Rough." He says: "In my opinion we shall + have a most overwhelming glorious triumph. One unmistakable sign is that + all the odds and ends are with us—Barn-burners, Native Americans, + Tyler-men, disappointed office-seeking Locofocos, and the Lord knows what + not.... Taylor's nomination takes the Locos on the blind side. It turns + the war thunder against them. The war is now to them the gallows of Haman, + which they built for us and on which they are doomed to be hanged + themselves." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, in spite of the hopeful view Lincoln seemed to take of the + prospect, things in his own district were in exceedingly bad repair. I + could not refrain from apprising him of the extensive defections from the + party ranks, and the injury his course was doing him. My object in thus + writing to him was not to threaten him. Lincoln was not a man who could be + successfully threatened; one had to approach him from a different + direction. I warned him of public disappointment over his course, and I + earnestly desired to prevent him from committing what I believed to be + political suicide. June 22d he answered a letter I had written him on the + 15th. He had just returned from a Whig caucus held in relation to the + coming Presidential election. "The whole field of the nation was scanned; + all is high hope and confidence," he said, exultingly. "Illinois is + expected to better her condition in this race. Under these circumstances + judge how heartrending it was to come to my room and find and read your + discouraging letter of the 15th." But still he does not despair. "Now, as + to the young men," he says, "you must not wait to be brought forward by + the older men. For instance, do you suppose that I should ever have got + into notice if I had waited to be hunted up and pushed forward by older + men? You young men get together and form a Rough and Ready club, and have + regular meetings and speeches. Take in everybody that you can get.... As + you go along gather up all the shrewd, wild boys about town, whether just + of age or a little under age. Let every one play the part he can play best—some + speak, some sing, and all halloo. Your meetings will be of evenings; the + older men and the women will go to hear you, so that it will not only + contribute to the election of 'Old Zack,' but will be an interesting + pastime and improving to the faculties of all engaged." He was evidently + endeavoring through me to rouse up all the enthusiasm among the youth of + Springfield possible under the circumstances. But I was disposed to take a + dispirited view of the situation, and therefore was not easily warmed up. + I felt at this time, somewhat in advance of its occurrence, the death + throes of the Whig party. I did not conceal my suspicions, and one of the + Springfield papers gave my sentiments liberal quotation in its columns. I + felt gloomy over the prospect, and cut out these newspaper slips and sent + them to Lincoln. Accompanying these I wrote him a letter equally + melancholy in tone, in which among other things I reflected severely on + the stubbornness and bad judgment of the old fossils in the party, who + were constantly holding the young men back. This brought from him a + letter, July 10, 1848, which is so clearly Lincolnian and so full of plain + philosophy, that I copy it in full. Not the least singular of all is his + allusion to himself as an old man, although he had scarcely passed his + thirty-ninth year. + </p> + <p> + "Washington, July 10, 1848. + </p> + <p> + "Dear William: + </p> + <p> + "Your letter covering the newspaper slips was received last night. The + subject of that letter is exceedingly painful to me, and I cannot but + think there is some mistake in your impression of the motives of the old + men. I suppose I am now one of the old men; and I declare on my veracity, + which I think is good with you, that nothing could afford me more + satisfaction than to learn that you and others of my young friends at home + were doing battle in the contest and endearing themselves to the people + and taking a stand far above any I have ever been able to reach in their + admiration. I cannot conceive that other men feel differently. Of course I + cannot demonstrate what I say; but I was young once, and I am sure I was + never ungenerously thrust back. I hardly know what to say. The way for a + young man to rise is to improve himself every way he can, never suspecting + that anybody wishes to hinder him. Allow me to assure you that suspicion + and jealousy never did help any man in any situation. There may sometimes + be ungenerous attempts to keep a young man down; and they will succeed, + too, if he allows his mind to be diverted from its true channel to brood + over the attempted injury. Cast about and see if this feeling has not + injured every person you have ever known to fall into it. + </p> + <p> + "Now, in what I have said I am sure you will suspect nothing but sincere + friendship. I would save you from a fatal error. You have been a + laborious, studious young man. You are far better informed on almost all + subjects than I ever have been. You cannot fail in any laudable object + unless you allow your mind to be improperly directed. I have some the + advantage of you in the world's experience merely by being older; and it + is this that induces me to advise. + </p> + <p> + "Your friend, as ever, + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/337.jpg" alt="Portraits 337 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Before the close of the Congressional session he made two more speeches. + One of these, which he hastened to send home in pamphlet form, and which + he supposes "nobody will read," was devoted to the familiar subject of + internal improvements, and deserves only passing mention. The other, + delivered on the 27th of July, was in its way a masterpiece; and it is no + stretch of the truth to say that while intended simply as a campaign + document and devoid of any effort at classic oratory, it was, perhaps, one + of the best speeches of the session. It is too extended for insertion here + without abridgment; but one who reads it will lay it down convinced that + Lincoln's ascendency for a quarter of a century among the political + spirits in Illinois was by no means an accident; neither will the reader + wonder that Douglas, with all his forensic ability, averted, as long as he + could, a contest with a man whose plain, analytical reasoning was not less + potent than his mingled drollery and caricature were effective. The speech + in the main is an arraignment of General Cass, the Democratic candidate + for President, who had already achieved great renown in the political + world, principally on account of his career as a soldier in the war of + 1812, and is a triumphant vindication of his Whig opponent, General + Taylor, who seemed to have had a less extensive knowledge of civil than of + military affairs, and was discreetly silent about both. Lincoln + caricatured the military pretensions of the Democratic candidate in + picturesque style. This latter section of the speech has heretofore been + omitted by most of Mr. Lincoln's biographers because of its glaring + inappropriateness as a Congressional effort. I have always failed to see + wherein its comparison with scores of others delivered in the halls of + Congress since that time could in any way detract from the fame of Mr. + Lincoln, and I therefore reproduce it here: + </p> + <p> + "But the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Iverson] further says, we have + deserted all our principles, and taken shelter under General Taylor's + military coattail; and he seems to think this is exceedingly degrading. + Well, as his faith is, so be it unto him. But can he remember no other + military coat-tail, under which a certain other party have been sheltering + for near a quarter of a century? Has he no acquaintance with the ample + military coat-tail of General Jackson? Does he not know that his own party + have run the last five Presidential races under that coat-tail? and that + they are now running the sixth under the same cover? Yes, sir, that + coat-tail was used not only for General Jackson himself, but has been + clung to with the grip of death by every Democratic candidate since. You + have never ventured, and dare not now venture from under it. Your campaign + papers have constantly been 'Old Hickory's,' with rude likenesses of the + old general upon them; hickory poles and hickory brooms your never-ending + emblems. Mr. Polk himself was 'Young Hickory,' 'Little Hickory,' or + something so; and even now your campaign paper here is proclaiming that + Cass and Butler are of the 'Hickory stripe.' No, sir, you dare not give it + up. Like a horde of hungry ticks, you have stuck to the tail of the + Hermitage lion to the end of his life; and you are still sticking to it, + and drawing a loathsome sustenance from it, after he is dead. A fellow + once advertised that he had made a discovery by which he could make a new + man out of an old one and have enough of the stuff left to make a little + yellow dog. Just such a discovery has General Jackson's popularity been to + you. You not only twice made Presidents of him out of it, but you have + enough of the stuff left to make Presidents of several comparatively small + men since; and it is your chief reliance now to make still another. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Speaker, old horses and military coat-tails, or tails of any sort, + are not figures of speech such as I would be the first to introduce into + discussion here; but as the gentleman from Georgia has thought fit to + introduce them, he and you are welcome to all you have made or can make by + them. + </p> + <p> + "If you have any more old horses, trot them out; any more tails, just cock + them and come at us. I repeat, I would not introduce this mode of + discussion here; but I wish gentlemen on the other side to understand that + the use of degrading figures is a game at which they may find themselves + unable to take all the winnings. [A voice 'No, we give it up.'] Aye! you + give it up, and well you may; but for a very different reason from that + which you would have us understand. The point—the power to hurt—of + all figures consists in the truthfulness of their application; and, + understanding this, you may well give it up. They are weapons which hit + you, but miss us. + </p> + <p> + "But in my hurry I was very near closing on this subject of military tails + before I was done with it. There is one entire article of the sort I have + not discussed yet; I mean the military tail you Democrats are now engaged + in dove-tailing on to the great Michigander. Yes, sir, all his biographers + (and they are legion) have him in hand, tying him to a military tail, like + so many mischievous boys tying a dog to a bladder of beans. True, the + material is very limited, but they are at it might and main. He invaded + Canada without resistance, and he outvaded it without pursuit. As he did + both under orders, I suppose there was to him neither credit nor + discredit; but they are made to constitute a large part of the tail. He + was not at Hull's surrender, but he was close by; he was volunteer aid to + General Harrison on the day of the battle of the Thames; and as you said + in 1840 Harrison was picking whortleberries two miles off while the battle + was fought, I suppose it is a just conclusion with you to say Cass was + aiding Harrison to pick whortleberries. This is about all, except the + mooted question of the broken sword. Some authors say he broke it: some + say he threw it away; and some others, who ought to know, say nothing + about it. Perhaps it would be a fair historical compromise to say if he + did not break it, he did not do anything else with it. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, Mr. Speaker, did you know I am a military hero? Yes, sir, in + the days of the Black Hawk war, I fought, bled, and came away. Speaking of + General Cass's career, reminds me of my own. I was not at Stillman's + defeat, but I was about as near it as Cass was to Hull's surrender; and, + like him, I saw the place very soon afterward. It is quite certain I did + not break my sword, for I had none to break, but I bent my musket pretty + badly on one occasion. If Cass broke his sword, the idea is, he broke it + in desperation; I bent the musket by accident. If General Cass went in + advance of me picking whortleberries, I guess I surpassed him in charges + upon the wild onions. If he saw any live fighting Indians, it was more + than I did, but I had a good many bloody struggles with the mosquitos; + and, although I never fainted from loss of blood, I can truly say I was + often very hungry. Mr. Speaker, if ever I should conclude to doff whatever + our Democratic friends may suppose there is of black-cockade Federalism + about me, and, thereupon they shall take me up as their candidate for the + Presidency, I protest that they shall not make fun of me as they have of + General Cass by attempting to write me into a military hero." + </p> + <p> + After the adjournment of Congress on the 14th of August, Lincoln went + through New York and some of the New England States making a number of + speeches for Taylor, none of which, owing to the limited facilities + attending newspaper reporting in that day, have been preserved. He + returned to Illinois before the close of the canvass and continued his + efforts on the stump till the election. At the second session of Congress, + which began in December, he was less conspicuous than before. The few + weeks spent with his constituents had perhaps taught him that in order to + succeed as a Congressman it is not always the most politic thing to tell + the truth because it is the truth, or do right because it is right. With + the opening of Congress, by virtue of the election of Taylor, the Whigs + obtained the ascendency in the control of governmental machinery. He + attended to the duties of the Congressional office diligently and with + becoming modesty. He answered the letters of his constituents, sent them + their public documents, and looked after their pension claims. His only + public act of any moment was a bill looking to the emancipation of the + slaves in the District of Columbia. He interested Joshua R. Giddings and + others of equally as pronounced anti-slavery views in the subject, but his + bill eventually found a lodgment on "the table," where it was carefully + but promptly laid by a vote of the House. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, being chargeable with the distribution of official patronage, + he began to flounder about in explanation of his action in a sea of + seemingly endless perplexities. His recommendation of the appointment of + T. R. King to be Register or Receiver of the Land Office had produced no + little discord among the other aspirants for the place. He wrote to a + friend who endorsed and urged the appointment, "either to admit it is + wrong, or come forward and sustain him." He then transmits to this same + friend a scrap of paper—probably a few lines approving the selection + of King—which is to be copied in the friend's own handwriting. "Get + everybody," he insists, "(not three or four, but three or four hundred) to + sign it, and then send to me. Also have six, eight, or ten of our best + known Whig friends to write me additional letters, stating the truth in + this matter as they understood it. Don't neglect or delay in the matter. I + understand," he continues, "information of an indictment having been found + against him three years ago for gaming or keeping a gaming house has been + sent to the Department." He then closes with the comforting assurance: "I + shall try to take care of it at the Department till your action can be had + and forwarded on." And still people insist that Mr. Lincoln was such a + guileless man and so free from the politician's sagacity! + </p> + <p> + In June I wrote him regarding the case of one Walter Davis, who was soured + and disappointed because Lincoln had overlooked him in his recommendation + for the Springfield post-office. "There must be some mistake," he responds + on the 5th, "about Walter Davis saying I promised him the post-office. I + did not so promise him. I did tell him that if the distribution of the + offices should fall into my hands he should have something; and if I shall + be convinced he has said any more than this I shall be disappointed. I + said this much to him because, as I understand, he is of good character, + is one of the young men, is of the mechanics, is always faithful and never + troublesome, a Whig, and is poor, with the support of a widow-mother + thrown almost exclusively on him by the death of his brother. If these are + wrong reasons then I have been wrong; but I have certainly not been + selfish in it, because in my greatest need of friends he was against me + and for Baker." + </p> + <p> + Judge Logan's defeat in 1848 left Lincoln still in a measure in charge of + the patronage in his district. After his term in Congress expired the + "wriggle and struggle" for office continued; and he was often appealed to + for his influence in obtaining, as he termed it, "a way to live without + work." Occasionally, when hard pressed, he retorted with bitter sarcasm. I + append a letter written in this vein to a gentleman still living in + central Illinois, who, I suppose, would prefer that his name should be + withheld: + </p> + <p> + "Springfield, Dec. 15, 1849. + </p> + <p> + "——— Esq. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sir: + </p> + <p> + "On my return from Kentucky I found your letter of the 7th of November, + and have delayed answering it till now for the reason I now briefly state. + From the beginning of our acquaintance I had felt the greatest kindness + for you and had supposed it was reciprocated on your part. Last summer, + under circumstances which I mentioned to you, I was painfully constrained + to withhold a recommendation which you desired, and shortly afterwards I + learned, in such a way as to believe it, that you were indulging in open + abuse of me. Of course my feelings were wounded. On receiving your last + letter the question occurred whether you were attempting to use me at the + same time you would injure me, or whether you might not have been + misrepresented to me. If the former, I ought not to answer you; if the + latter, I ought, and so I have remained in suspense. I now enclose you the + letter, which you may use if you see fit. + </p> + <p> + "Yours, etc. + </p> + <p> + "A. Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + No doubt the man, when Lincoln declined at first to recommend him, did + resort to more or less abuse. That would have been natural, especially + with an unsuccessful and disappointed office-seeker. I am inclined to the + opinion, and a careful reading of the letter will warrant it, that Lincoln + believed him guilty. If the recommendation which Lincoln, after so much + reluctance, gave was ever used to further the applicant's cause I do not + know it. + </p> + <p> + With the close of Lincoln's congressional career he drops out of sight as + a political factor, and for the next few years we take him up in another + capacity. He did not solicit or contend for a renomination to Congress, + and such was the unfortunate result of his position on public questions + that it is doubtful if he could have succeeded had he done so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + Immediately following the adjournment of Congress in August, 1848, Mr. + Lincoln set out for Massachusetts to take part in the presidential + campaign. Being the only Whig in the delegation in Congress from Illinois, + he was expected to do gallant work for his chief, General Taylor. As this + chapter in his career seems to have escaped the notice of former + biographers, the writers have thought best to insert here extracts from + the various descriptions which they have been able to obtain of the tour + and its incidents. + </p> + <p> + One of the most interesting accounts is from the pen of Hon. Edward L. + Pierce, of Milton, Mass., whose memory is not less tenacious than is his + style happy and entertaining. He says: + </p> + <p> + "It is not known at whose instance Mr. Lincoln made his visits to + Massachusetts in 1848. The Whigs of the State were hard pressed at the + time by a formidable secession growing out of General Taylor's nomination, + and led by Henry Wilson, Charles Francis Adams, Charles Allen, Charles + Sumner, Stephen C. Phillips, John G. Palfrey, E. Rockwood Hoar, Richard H. + Dana, Jr., Anson Burlingame, John A. Andrew, and other leaders who had + great weight with the people and were all effective public speakers. + Generally the State had had a sufficient supply of orators of its own, but + in that emergency some outside aid was sought. Gen. Leslie Coombs was + invited from Kentucky, and Mr. Lincoln was induced to come also, on his + way home from Washington at the end of the session. + </p> + <p> + "The Whig State Convention met at Worcester, September 13th. The Free-Soil + secession was greater here than in any part of the State. It was led by + Judge Charles Allen, who was elected to Congress from the district. There + was a meeting of the Whigs at the City Hall on the evening before the + convention. Ensign Kellogg presided and except his introductory remarks, + Mr. Lincoln's speech, which lasted one and a half or two hours, was the + only one. The Boston <i>Advertiser's</i> report was nearly a column in + length. It said: 'Mr. Lincoln has a very tall and thin figure, with an + intellectual face, showing a searching mind and a cool judgment. He spoke + in a clear and cool and very eloquent manner, carrying the audience with + him in his able arguments and brilliant illustrations, only interrupted by + warm and frequent applause. He began by expressing a real feeling of + modesty in addressing an audience "this side of the mountains," a part of + the country where, in the opinion of the people of his section, everybody + was supposed to be instructed and wise. But he had devoted his attention + to the question of the coming presidential election, and was not unwilling + to exchange with all whom he might meet the ideas to which he had + arrived.' This passage gives some reason to suppose that, conscious of his + powers, he was disposed to try them before audiences somewhat different + from those to which he had been accustomed, and therefore he had come to + New England. The first part of his speech was a reply, at some length, to + the charge that General Taylor had no political principles; and he + maintained that the General stood on the true Whig principle, that the + will of the people should prevail against executive influence or the veto + power of the President. He justified the Whigs for omitting to put a + national platform before the people, and, according to a Free-Soil report, + said that a political platform should be frowned down whenever and + wherever presented. But the stress of his speech was against the + Free-Soilers, whose position as to the exclusion of slavery from the + territories, he claimed, to be that of the Whigs; while the former were + subject to the further criticism that they had but one principle, + reminding him of the Yankee peddler, who, in offering for sale a pair of + pantaloons, described them as 'large enough for any man, and small enough + for any boy,' He condemned the Free-Soilers as helping to elect Cass, who + was less likely to promote freedom in the territories than Taylor and + passed judgment on them as having less principle than any party. To their + defence of their right and duty to act independently, 'leaving + consequences to God,' he replied, that 'when divine or human law does not + clearly point out what is our duty, it must be found out by an intelligent + judgment, which takes in the results of action.' The Free-Soilers were + much offended by a passage which does not appear in the Whig report. + Referring to the anti-slavery men, he said they were better treated in + Massachusetts than in the West, and, turning to William S. Lincoln, of + Worcester, who had lived in Illinois, he remarked that in that State they + had recently killed one of them. This allusion to Lovejoy's murder at + Alton, was thought by the Free-Soilers to be heartless, and it was noted + that Mr. Lincoln did not repeat it in other speeches. It was probably a + casual remark, which came into his mind at the moment, and meant but + little, if anything. Cheers were given at the end of the speech for the + eloquent Whig member from Illinois. The Whig reports spoke of the speech + as 'masterly and convincing' and 'one of the best ever made in Worcester;' + while the Free-Soil report describes it as 'a pretty tedious affair,' The + next morning he spoke at an open-air meeting, following Benjamin F. Thomas + and Ex-Governor Levi Lincoln, but his speech was cut short by the arrival + by train of the delegates from Boston, who, with the speakers, proceeded + at once to the hall. The convention listened to a long address to the + people, reported by a committee, and then to a brilliant speech from Rufus + Choate, followed by others from Robert C. Winthrop, the Whig Speaker of + the House of Representatives, Charles Hudson, M. C., and Benjamin F. + Thomas. Mr. Lincoln listened to these, but was not himself called out. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln spoke at Washingtonian Hall, Bromfield street, Boston, on the + 15th, his address lasting an hour and a half, and, according to the + report, 'seldom equaled for sound reasoning, cogent argument and keen + satire.' Three cheers were given for 'the Lone Star of Illinois,' on + account of his being the only Whig member from the State. He spoke at + Lowell the 16th, and at the Lower Mills, Dorchester, now a part of Boston, + on Monday, the 18th. At this last place the meeting was held in Richmond + Hall, and the chairman was N. F. Safford, living till 1891, who introduced + him as one of the Lincolns of Hingham, and a descendant of Gen. Benjamin + Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln, as he began, disclaimed descent from the + Revolutionary officer, but said, playfully, that he had endeavored in + Illinois to introduce the principles of the Lincolns of Massachusetts. A + few of his audience are still living. They were struck with his height, as + he arose in the low-studded hall. He spoke at Chelsea on the 19th, and a + report states that his speech 'for aptness of illustration, solidity of + argument, and genuine eloquence, was hard to beat.' Charles Sumner had + defended the Free-Soil cause at the same place the evening before. Mr. + Lincoln spoke at Dedham, in Temperance Hall, on the 20th, in the daytime. + Two Whig nominating conventions met there the same day, at one of which + Horace Mann was nominated for a second term in Congress. A report states + that he 'spoke in an agreeable and entertaining way.' He left abruptly to + take a train in order to meet another engagement, and was escorted to the + station by the Dorchester band. The same evening he spoke at Cambridge. + The report describes him as 'a capital specimen of a Sucker Whig, six feet + at least in his stockings.' Of his speech, it was said that 'it was plain, + direct and to the point, powerful and convincing, and telling with capital + effect upon the immense audience. It was a model speech for the campaign.' + His last speech was on the 22d, at Tremont Temple, with George Lunt + presiding, in company with William H. Seward, whom he followed, ending at + 10.30 P. M. The Whig newspaper, the <i>Atlas</i>, the next morning gave + more than a column to Mr. Seward's speech, but stated that it had no room + for the notes which had been taken of Mr. Lincoln's, describing it, + however, as 'powerful and convincing, and cheered to the echo.' The + Free-Soil paper (Henry Wilson's) refers to the meeting, mentioning Mr. + Seward, but not Mr. Lincoln. The next day Mr. Lincoln left Boston for + Illinois. The 'Atlas' on Monday contained this paragraph: 'In answer to + the many applications which we daily receive from different parts of the + State for this gentleman to speak, we have to say that he left Boston on + Saturday morning on his way home to Illinois.' + </p> + <p> + It is evident from all the contemporaneous reports, that Mr. Lincoln made + a marked impression on all his audiences. Their attention was drawn at + once to his striking figure; they enjoyed his quaintness and humor; and + they recognized his logical power and his novel way of putting things. + Still, so far as his points are given in the public journals, he did not + rise at any time above partisanship, and he gave no sign of the great + future which awaited him as a political antagonist, a master of language, + and a leader of men. But it should be noted, in connection with this + estimate, that the Whig case, as put in that campaign, was chiefly one of + personalities, and was limited to the qualities and career of Taylor as a + soldier, and to ridicule of his opponent, General Cass. Mr. Lincoln, like + the other Whig speakers, labored to prove that Taylor was a Whig. + </p> + <p> + Seward's speech at Tremont Temple, to which Lincoln listened, seems to + have started a more serious vein of thought on slavery in the mind of the + future President. That evening, when they were together as fellow-lodgers + at a hotel, Lincoln said: "Governor Seward, I have been thinking about + what you said in your speech. I reckon you are right. We have got to deal + with this slavery question, and got to give much more attention to it + hereafter than we have been doing." * + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Seward's Life, vol. ii, p. 80. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It is curious now to recall how little support, in the grave moments of + his national career which came twelve years later, Mr. Lincoln received + from the Whigs of Massachusetts, then conspicuous in public life, whom he + met on his visit. Mr. Lunt, who presided at Faneuil Hall, was to the end + of his life a pro-slavery conservative. Judge Thomas, in Congress, during + the early part of the civil war, was obstructive to the President's + policy. Mr. Winthrop voted against Lincoln in 1860 and 1864. Mr. Choate + died in 1859, but, judged by his latest utterances, his marvelous + eloquence would have been no patriotic inspiration if he had outlived the + national struggle. On the other hand, the Free-Soilers of Massachusetts, + whom Mr. Lincoln came here to discredit, became, to a man, his supporters; + and on many of their leaders he relied as his support in the great + conflict. Sumner was chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs + during the war; Wilson was chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs; + Adams was Minister to England; and Andrew War-Governor of the State. + These, as well as Palfrey, Burlingame and Dana, who, in 1848, almost every + evening addressed audiences against both Taylor and Cass, while Mr. + Lincoln was here, were earnest and steadfast in their devotion to the + Government during the civil war; and the last three received important + appointments from him. How the press treated Mr. Lincoln may be learned + from the following editorial in the Lowell <i>Journal and Courier</i>, in + its issue of September 18, 1848: + </p> + <p> + Whig Meeting. + </p> + <p> + The sterling Whigs of Lowell came together last Saturday evening, at the + City Hall. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the Whig + Central Committee, Hon. Linus Child. Homer Bartlett, Esq., was chosen + chairman, and A. Gilman, secretary. After a few animating remarks from the + Chairman, he introduced George Woodman, Esq., of Boston, who made a very + pertinent and witty offhand speech, which was frequently interrupted by + the spontaneous plaudits of the audience. At the close of his speech Mr. + Woodman introduced the Hon. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois. It would be + doing injustice to his speech to endeavor to give a sketch of it. It was + replete with good sense, sound reasoning, and irresistible argument, and + spoken with that perfect command of manner and matter which so eminently + distinguishes the Western orators. He disabused the public of the + erroneous suppositions that Taylor was not a Whig; that Van Buren was + anything more than a thorough Loco-foco on all subjects other than Free + Territory, and hardly safe on that; and showed up, in a masterly manner, + the inconsistency and folly of those Whigs, who, being drawn off from the + true and oldest free-soil organization known among the parties of the + Union, would now lend their influence and votes to help Mr. Van Buren into + the presidential chair. His speech was interrupted by frequent cheers of + the audience. At the close the secretary, by request, read the letter of + General Taylor to Captain Alison, which had just been received, in which + he says: "From the beginning till now, I have declared myself to be a + Whig, on all proper occasions." + </p> + <p> + Ex-Governor Gardner, after a brief history of the Whig Convention at + Worcester, Mass., contributes this pleasing reminiscence: + </p> + <p> + "Gov. Levi Lincoln, the oldest living Ex-Governor of Massachusetts, + resided in Worcester. He was a man of culture and wealth; lived in one of + the finest houses in that town, and was a fine specimen of a gentleman of + the old school. It was his custom to give a dinner party when any + distinguished assemblage took place in Worcester, and to invite its + prominent participants. He invited to dine, on this occasion, a company of + gentlemen, among them myself, who was a delegate from Boston. The + dining-room and table arrangements were superb, the dinner exquisite, the + wines abundant, rare, and of the first quality. + </p> + <p> + "I well remember the jokes between Governor Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln as + to their presumed relationship. At last the latter said: 'I <i>hope</i> we + both belong, as the Scotch say, to the same clan; but I <i>know</i> one + thing, and that is, that we are both good Whigs.' + </p> + <p> + "That evening there was held in Mechanics' Hall (an immense building) a + mass-meeting of delegates and others, and Lincoln was announced to speak. + No one there had ever heard him on the stump, and in fact knew anything + about him. When he was announced, his tall, angular, bent form, and his + manifest awkwardness and low tone of voice, promised nothing interesting. + But he soon warmed to his work. His style and manner of speaking were + novelties in the East. He repeated anecdotes, told stories admirable in + humor and in point, interspersed with bursts of true eloquence, which + constantly brought down the house. His sarcasm of Cass, Van Buren and the + Democratic party was inimitable, and whenever he attempted to stop, the + shouts of 'Go on! go on!' were deafening. He probably spoke over an hour, + but so great was the enthusiasm time could not be measured. It was + doubtless one of the best efforts of his life. He spoke a day or two + afterward in Faneuil Hall, with William H. Seward, but I did not hear him. + </p> + <p> + "In 1861 business called me to Washington, and I paid my respects to the + President at the White House. He came forward smiling and with extended + hand, saying: 'You and I are no strangers; we dined together at Governor + Lincoln's in 1848.' When one remembers the increased burden on the + President's mind at this trying time, the anxieties of the war, the army, + the currency, and the rehabilitating the civil officers of the country, it + seemed astonishing to me to hear him continue: 'Sit down. Yes, I had been + chosen to Congress then from the wild West, and with hayseed in my hair I + went to Massachusetts, the most cultured State in the Union, to take a few + lessons in deportment. That was a grand dinner—a superb dinner; by + far the finest I ever saw in my life. And the great men who were there, + too! Why, I can tell you just how they were arranged at table. He began at + one end, and mentioned the names in order, and, I verily believe, without + the omission of a single one." + </p> + <p> + This chapter would be incomplete without the account of Mr. George H. + Monroe, a young man living in Dedham, Mass., in 1848, who, forty years + later, wrote out his recollections of Mr. Lincoln's visit to that town. + Mr. Monroe has a vivid and retentive memory, and has since been identified + with the public life and journalism of Massachusetts:— + </p> + <p> + "Massachusetts, on account of the great defection of Whigs to the + Free-Soilers, and Daniel Webster's sudden and damaging attitude toward + General Taylor's nomination to the presidency, began to be considered + rather doubtful ground for the Whigs. The national committee sent Mr. + Lincoln to the State, after Congress had adjourned, to make some speeches. + Our people knew very little about him then. I lived in Dedham, the shire + town of Norfolk county, and was secretary of a Whig club there. One of the + county courts was in session, and it was determined to have a meeting in + the daytime, before it adjourned. I was commissioned to go to Boston to + engage the speaker. I went at once to see my friend, Colonel Schouler, of + the Boston <i>Atlas</i>. He told me that a new man had just come into the + State from Washington, who, he thought, would answer our purpose exactly, + and said he would get him for me if possible. That man was Abraham + Lincoln. When the day for the meeting came I went to the Tremont House and + found Mr. Lincoln there. I remember well how tall, awkward and ungainly he + was in appearance. I remember how reticent he was, too, but I attributed + this to my own youth, for I was only just past twenty-one years of age. He + was as sober a man in point of expression as ever I saw. There were others + in the party later, but in the journey out in the cars he scarcely said a + word to one of us. I did not see him smile on any part of the journey. He + seemed uneasy and out of sympathy with his surroundings, as it were. I + should say that the atmosphere of Boston was not congenial to him. We took + him to one of the most elegant houses in the town of Dedham, and here he + seemed still less, if possible, at home. The thing began to look rather + blue for us. When we went over to the hall it was not much better. It was + a small hall, and it was only about half full; for Mr. Lincoln had not + spoken in Boston yet, and there was nothing in his name particularly to + attract. But at last he arose to speak, and almost instantly there was a + change. His indifferent manner vanished as soon as he opened his mouth. He + went right to his work. He wore a black alpaca sack, and he turned up the + sleeves of this, and then the cuffs of his shirt. Next he loosened his + necktie, and soon after he took it off altogether. All the time he was + gaining upon his audience. He soon had it as by a spell. I never saw men + more delighted. His style was the most familiar and off-hand possible. His + eye had lighted up and changed the whole expression of his countenance. He + began to bubble out with humor. But the chief charm of the address lay in + the homely way he made his points. There was no attempt at eloquence or + finish of style. But, for plain pungency of humor, it would have been + difficult to surpass his speech. In this making of points which come home + to the general mind, I don't think Lincoln was ever surpassed by any + American orator. I often thought of it afterward, when he was exhibiting + this faculty in a more ambitious way on a broader field. The speech which + I am trying to describe was not a long one. It abruptly ended in a + half-hour's time. The bell that called to the steam cars sounded. Mr. + Lincoln instantly stopped. 'I am engaged to speak at Cambridge to-night,' + said he, 'and I must leave.' The whole audience seemed to rise in protest. + 'Oh, no! go on! finish it!' was heard on every hand. One gentleman arose + and pledged himself to take his horse and carry him across the country. + But Mr. Lincoln was inexorable. 'I can't take any risks,' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'I have engaged to go to Cambridge, and I must be there. I came here as I + agreed, and I am going there in the same way.' A more disappointed + audience was never seen; but Mr. Lincoln had fairly wakened it up, and it + stayed through the afternoon and into the evening to listen to other + speakers. We tried to get him to come again, but it was impossible. I + heard the speech finished afterward in Tremont Temple, Boston; and it is a + notable fact that on the same evening, and from the same platform, William + H. Seward also spoke, and made the only political speech he ever delivered + in Boston. Who could have dreamed then that in Lincoln we were listening + to the man who was to be the future president of the United States, and to + leave a reputation second only to that of Washington! Mr. Lincoln moved + his Boston audience in much the same way I have described, but Mr. Seward + made the first speech, and was looked upon as the chief star, of course. + Seward's speech was much more ambitious and comprehensive than that of + Lincoln. The latter had not begun to treat broad principles in the 1848 + campaign. Mr. Seward's argument was a triumph of intellect, after the most + careful preparation. I don't think Mr. Lincoln had ever written his speech + at all. He aimed at not much more than to be bright, effective and taking + with his audience, and his success was perfect here." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/363.jpg" alt="The Globe Tavern 363 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + After the wedding of Lincoln and Miss Todd at the Edwards mansion we hear + but little of them as a married couple till the spring of 1843, when the + husband writes to his friend Speed, who had been joined to his "black-eyed + Fanny" a little over a year, with regard to his life as a married man. + "Are you possessing houses and lands," he writes, "and oxen and asses and + men-servants and maid-servants, and begetting sons and daughters? We are + not keeping house, but boarding at the Globe Tavern, which is very well + kept now by a widow lady of the name of Beck. Our room (the same Dr. + Wallace occupied there) and boarding only costs us four dollars a week." + Gaining a livelihood was slow and discouraging business with him, for we + find him in another letter apologizing for his failure to visit Kentucky, + "because," he says, "I am so poor and make so little headway in the world + that I drop back in a month of idleness as much as I gain in a year's + sowing." But by dint of untiring efforts and the recognition of + influential friends he managed through rare frugality to move along. In + his struggles, both in the law and for political advancement, his wife + shared in his sacrifices. She was a plucky little woman, and in fact + endowed with a more restless ambition than he. She was gifted with a rare + insight into the motives that actuate mankind, and there is no doubt that + much of Lincoln's success was in a measure attributable to her acuteness + and the stimulus of her influence. His election to Congress within four + years after their marriage afforded her extreme gratification. She loved + power and prominence, and when occasionally she came down to our office, + it seemed to me then that she was inordinately proud of her tall and + ungainly husband. She saw in him bright prospects ahead, and his every + move was watched by her with the closest interest. If to other persons he + seemed homely, to her he was the embodiment of noble manhood, and each + succeeding day impressed upon her the wisdom of her choice of Lincoln over + Douglas—if in reality she ever seriously accepted the latter's + attentions. "Mr. Lincoln may not be as handsome a figure," she said one + day in the office during her husband's absence, when the conversation + turned on Douglas, "but the people are perhaps not aware that his heart is + as large as his arms are long." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lincoln accompanied her husband to Washington and remained during one + session of Congress. While there they boarded at the same house with + Joshua R. Giddings, and when in 1856 the valiant old Abolitionist came to + take part in the canvass in Illinois, he early sought out Lincoln, with + whom he had been so favorably impressed several years before. On his way + home from Congress Lincoln came by way of Niagara Falls and down Lake Erie + to Toledo or Detroit. It happened that, some time after, I went to New + York and also returned by way of Niagara Falls. In the office, a few days + after my return, I was endeavoring to entertain my partner with an account + of my trip, and among other things described the Falls. In the attempt I + indulged in a good deal of imagery. As I warmed up with the subject my + descriptive powers expanded accordingly. The mad rush of water, the roar, + the rapids, and the rainbow furnished me with an abundance of material for + a stirring and impressive picture. The recollection of the gigantic and + awe-inspiring scene stimulated my exuberant powers to the highest pitch. + After well-nigh exhausting myself in the effort I turned to Lincoln for + his opinion. "What," I inquired, "made the deepest impression on you when + you stood in the presence of the great natural wonder?" I shall never + forget his answer, because it in a very characteristic way illustrates how + he looked at everything. "The thing that struck me most forcibly when I + saw the Falls," he responded, "was, where in the world did all that water + come from?" He had no eye for the magnificence and grandeur of the scene, + for the rapids, the mist, the angry waters, and the roar of the whirlpool, + but his mind, working in its accustomed channel, heedless of beauty or + awe, followed irresistibly back to the first cause. It was in this light + he viewed every question. However great the verbal foliage that concealed + the nakedness of a good idea Lincoln stripped it all down till he could + see clear the way between cause and effect. If there was any secret in his + power this surely was it. + </p> + <p> + After seeing Niagara Falls he continued his journey homeward. At some + point on the way, the vessel on which he had taken passage stranded on a + sand bar. The captain ordered the hands to collect all the loose planks, + empty barrels and boxes and force them under the sides of the boat. These + empty casks were used to buoy it up. After forcing enough of them under + the vessel she lifted gradually and at last swung clear of the opposing + sand bar. Lincoln had watched this operation very intently. It no doubt + carried him back to the days of his navigation on the turbulent Sangamon, + when he and John Hanks had rendered similar service at New Salem dam to + their employer, the volatile Offut. Continual thinking on the subject of + lifting vessels over sand bars and other obstructions in the water + suggested to him the idea of inventing an apparatus for that purpose. + Using the principle involved in the operation he had just witnessed, his + plan was to attach a kind of bellows on each side of the hull of the craft + just below the water line, and, by an odd system of ropes and pulleys, + whenever the keel grated on the sand these bellows were to be filled with + air, and thus buoyed up, the vessel was expected to float clear of the + shoal. On reaching home he at once set to work to demonstrate the + feasibility of his plan. Walter Davis, a mechanic having a shop near our + office, granted him the use of his tools, and likewise assisted him in + making the model of a miniature vessel with the arrangement as above + described. Lincoln manifested ardent interest in it. Occasionally he would + bring the model in the office, and while whittling on it would descant on + its merits and the revolution it was destined to work in steamboat + navigation. Although I regarded the thing as impracticable I said nothing, + probably out of respect for Lincoln's well-known reputation as a boatman. + The model was sent or taken by him to Washington, where a patent was + issued, but the invention was never applied to any vessel, so far as I + ever learned, and the threatened revolution in steamboat architecture and + navigation never came to pass. The model still reposes in undisturbed + slumber on the shelves in the Patent Office, and is the only evidence now + existing of Lincoln's success as an inventor.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Following is a copy of Lincoln's application for the patent on his + "Improved Method of Lifting Vessels Over Shoals": "What I claim as my + invention, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the combination of + expansible buoyant chambers placed at the sides of a vessel with the + main shaft or shafts by means of the sliding spars, which pass down + through the buoyant chambers and are made fast to their bottoms and the + series of ropes and pulleys or their equivalents in such a manner that + by turning the main shaft or shafts in one direction the buoyant + chambers will be forced downwards into the water, and at the same time + expanded and filled with air for buoying up the vessel by the + displacement of water, and by turning the shafts in an opposite + direction the buoyant chambers will be contracted into a small space and + secured against injury. "A. Lincoln." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Shortly before the close of his term in Congress he appears in a new rôle. + Having failed of a re-election he became an applicant for the office of + Commissioner of the General Land Office. He had been urged to this step by + many of his Whig friends in Illinois, but he was so hedged about with + other aspirants from his own State that he soon lost all heart in the + contest. He was too scrupulous, and lacked too much the essentials of + self-confidence and persistence, to be a successful suitor for office. In + a letter to Joshua Speed, who had written him of a favorable reference to + him by Mr. Crittenden, of Kentucky,* he says, February 20, 1849, "I am + flattered to learn that Mr. Crittenden has any recollection of me which is + not unfavorable; and for the manifestation of your kindness towards me I + sincerely thank you." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Lincoln had asked Speed to see Crittenden (then Governor of Kentucky) + and secure from the latter a recommendation for Baker, who wanted a + first-class foreign mission. Crittenden did not approve of Baker, but + suggested that he would favor Lincoln, whom he regarded as a rising man. + Speed suggested to Lincoln to apply for the place himself. "I have + pledged myself to Baker," he answered, "and cannot under any + circumstances consent to the use of my name so long as he is urged for + the same place." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "Still, there is nothing about me to authorize me to think of a + first-class office, and a second-class one would not compensate me for + being sneered at by others who want it for themselves. I believe that, so + far as the Whigs in Congress are concerned, I could have the General Land + Office almost by common consent; but then Sweet and Dav. Morrison and + Browning and Cyrus Edwards all want it, and what is worse, while I think I + could easily take it myself I fear I shall have trouble to get it for any + other man in Illinois. The reason is that McGaughey, an Indiana ex-member + of Congress, is here after it, and being personally known he will be hard + to beat by any one who is not." But, as the sequel proved, there was no + need to fear the Hoosier statesman, for although he had the endorsement of + General Scott and others of equal influence, yet he was left far behind in + the race, and along with him Lincoln, Morrison, Browning, and Edwards. A + dark horse in the person of Justin Butterfield, sprang into view, and with + surprising facility captured the tempting prize. This latter and + successful aspirant was a lawyer of rather extensive practice and + reputation in Chicago. He was shrewd, adroit, and gifted with a knowledge + of what politicians would call good management—a quality or + characteristic in which Lincoln was strikingly deficient. He had endorsed + the Mexican war, but, strangely enough, had lost none of his prestige with + the Whigs on that account.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The following letter by Butterfield's daughter is not without + interest: "Chicago, Oct. l2th, 1888. "Mr. Jesse W. Weik. "Dear Sir: "My + father was born in Keene, N. H., in 1790, entered Williams College, + 1807, and removed to Chicago in 1835. After the re-accession of the + Whigs to power he was on the 21st of June in 1849 appointed Commissioner + of the Land Office by President Taylor. A competitor for the position at + that time was Abraham Lincoln, who was beaten, it was said, by 'the + superior dispatch of Butterfield in reaching Washington by the Northern + route,' but more correctly by the paramount influence of his friend + Daniel Webster. "He held the position of Land Commissioner until + disabled by paralysis in 1852. After lingering for three years in a + disabled ana enfeebled condition, he died at his home in Chicago, + October 23d, 1855, in his sixty-third year. "Very respectfully, + "Elizabeth Sawyer." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The close of Congress and the inauguration of Taylor were the signal for + Lincoln's departure from Washington. He left with the comforting assurance + that as an office-seeker he was by no means a success. Besides his lack of + persistence, he had an unconscious feeling of superiority and pride that + admitted of no such flexibility of opinion as the professional suitor for + office must have, in order to succeed. He remained but a few days at his + home in Illinois, however, before he again set out for Washington. The + administration of President Taylor feeling that some reward was due + Lincoln for his heroic efforts on the stump and elsewhere in behalf of the + Whig party and its measures, had offered him the office of either Governor + or Secretary of Oregon, and with the view of considering this and other + offers he returned to Washington. Lincoln used to relate of this + last-named journey an amusing incident illustrating Kentucky hospitality. + He set out from Ransdell's tavern in Springfield, early in the morning. + The only other passenger in the stage for a good portion of the distance + was a Kentuckian, on his way home from Missouri. The latter, painfully + impressed no doubt with Lincoln's gravity and melancholy, undertook to + relieve the general monotony of the ride by offering him a chew of + tobacco. With a plain "No, sir, thank you; I never chew," Lincoln + declined, and a long period of silence followed. Later in the day the + stranger, pulling from his pocket a leather-covered case, offered Lincoln + a cigar, which he also politely declined on the ground that he never + smoked. Finally, as they neared the station where horses were to be + changed, the Kentuckian, pouring out a cup of brandy from a flask which + had lain concealed in his satchel, offered it to Lincoln with the remark, + "Well, stranger, seeing you don't smoke or chew, perhaps you'll take a + little of this French brandy. It's a prime article and a good appetizer + besides." His tall and uncommunicative companion declined this last and + best evidence of Kentucky hospitality on the same ground as the tobacco. + When they separated that afternoon, the Kentuckian, transferring to + another stage, bound for Louisville, shook Lincoln warmly by the hand. + "See here, stranger," he said, good-humoredly, "you're a clever, but + strange companion. I may never see you again, and I don't want to offend + you, but I want to say this: my experience has taught me that a man who + has no vices has d———d few virtues. Good-day." Lincoln + enjoyed this reminiscence of the journey, and took great pleasure in + relating it. During this same journey occurred an incident for which + Thomas H. Nelson, of Terre Haute, Indiana, who was appointed Minister to + Chili by Lincoln, when he was President, is authority. "In the spring of + 1849," relates Nelson, "Judge Abram Hammond, who was afterwards Governor + of Indiana, and I arranged to go from Terre Haute to Indianapolis in the + stage coach. An entire day was usually consumed in the journey. By + daybreak the stage had arrived from the West, and as we stepped in we + discovered that the entire back seat was occupied by a long, lank + individual, whose head seemed to protrude from one end of the coach and + his feet from the other. He was the sole occupant, and was sleeping + soundly. Hammond slapped him familiarly on the shoulder, and asked him if + he had chartered the stage for the day. The stranger, now wide awake, + responded, 'Certainly not,' and at once took the front seat, politely + surrendering to us the place of honor and comfort. We took in our + travelling companion at a glance. A queer, odd-looking fellow he was, + dressed in a well-worn and ill-fitting suit of bombazine, without vest or + cravat, and a twenty-five-cent palm hat on the back of his head. His very + prominent features in repose seemed dull and expressionless. Regarding him + as a good subject for merriment we perpetrated several jokes. He took them + all with the utmost innocence and good-nature, and joined in the laugh, + although at his own expense. At noon we stopped at a wayside hostelry for + dinner. We invited him to eat with us, and he approached the table as if + he considered it a great honor. He sat with about half his person on a + small chair, and held his hat under his arm during the meal. Resuming our + journey after dinner, conversation drifted into a discussion of the comet, + a subject that was then agitating the scientific world, in which the + stranger took the deepest interest. He made many startling suggestions and + asked many questions. We amazed him with words of learned length and + thundering sound. After an astounding display of wordy pyrotechnics the + dazed and bewildered stranger asked: 'What is going to be the upshot of + this comet business?' I replied that I was not certain, in fact I differed + from most scientists and philosophers, and was inclined to the opinion + that the world would follow the darned thing off! Late in the evening we + reached Indianapolis, and hurried to Browning's hotel, losing sight of the + stranger altogether. We retired to our room to brush and wash away the + dust of the journey. In a few minutes I descended to the portico, and + there descried our long, gloomy fellow-traveller in the center of an + admiring group of lawyers, among whom were Judges McLean and Huntington, + Edward Hannigan, Albert S. White, and Richard W. Thompson, who seemed to + be amused and interested in a story he was telling. I enquired of + Browning, the landlord, who he was. "Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, a + member of Congress," was the response. I was thunderstruck at the + announcement. I hastened upstairs and told Hammond the startling news, and + together we emerged from the hotel by a back door and went down an alley + to another house, thus avoiding further contact with our now distinguished + fellow-traveller. Curiously enough, years after this, Hammond had vacated + the office of Governor of Indiana a few days before Lincoln arrived in + Indianapolis, on his way to Washington to be inaugurated President. I had + many opportunities after the stage ride to cultivate Mr. Lincoln's + acquaintance, and was a zealous advocate of his nomination and election to + the Presidency. Before leaving his home for Washington, Mr. Lincoln caused + John P. Usher and myself to be invited to accompany him. We agreed to join + him in Indianapolis. On reaching that city the Presidential party had + already arrived, and upon inquiry we were informed that the + President-elect was in the dining-room of the hotel, at supper. Passing + through, we saw that every seat at the numerous tables was occupied, but + failed to find Mr. Lincoln. As we were nearing the door to the office of + the hotel, a long arm reached to my shoulder and a shrill voice exclaimed, + 'Hello, Nelson! do you think, after all, the world is going to follow the + darned thing off?' It was Mr. Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + The benefits and advantages of the territorial posts offered by President + Taylor to Lincoln were freely discussed by the latter's friends. Some + urged his acceptance on the usual ground that when Oregon was admitted as + a State, he might be its first Senator. Lincoln himself had some + inclination to accept. He told me himself that he felt by his course in + Congress he had committed political suicide, and wanted to try a change of + locality—hence the temptation to go to Oregon. But when he brought + the proposition home to his fireside, his wife put her foot squarely down + on it with a firm and emphatic No. That always ended it with Lincoln. The + result of the whole thing proved a fortunate deliverance for him, the + propriety of which became more apparent as the years rolled by.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * About this time Grant Goodrich, a lawyer in Chicago, proposed to take + Lincoln into partnership with him. Goodrich had an extensive and paying + practice there, but Lincoln refused the offer, giving as a reason that + he tended to consumption, and if he removed to a city like Chicago, he + would have to sit down and study harder than ever. The close application + required of him and the confinement in the office, he contended, would + soon kill him. He preferred going around on the circuit, and even if he + earned smaller fees he felt much happier. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + While a member of Congress and otherwise immersed in politics Lincoln + seemed to lose all interest in the law. Of course, what practice he + himself controlled passed into other hands. I retained all the business I + could, and worked steadily on until, when he returned, our practice was as + extensive as that of any other firm at the bar. Lincoln realized that much + of this was due to my efforts, and on his return he therefore suggested + that he had no right to share in the business and profits which I had + made. I responded that, as he had aided me and given me prominence when I + was young and needed it, I could afford now to be grateful if not + generous. I therefore recommended a continuation of the partnership, and + we went on as before. I could notice a difference in Lincoln's movement as + a lawyer from this time forward. He had begun to realize a certain lack of + discipline—a want of mental training and method. Ten years had + wrought some change in the law, and more in the lawyers, of Illinois. The + conviction had settled in the minds of the people that the pyrotechnics of + court room and stump oratory did not necessarily imply extensive or + profound ability in the lawyer who resorted to it. The courts were + becoming graver and more learned, and the lawyer was learning as a + preliminary and indispensable condition to success that he must be a close + reasoner, besides having at command a broad knowledge of the principles on + which the statutory law is constructed. There was of course the same + riding on circuit as before, but the courts had improved in tone and + morals, and there was less laxity—at least it appeared so to + Lincoln. Political defeat had wrought a marked effect on him. It went + below the skin and made a changed man of him. He was not soured at his + seeming political decline, but still he determined to eschew politics from + that time forward and devote himself entirely to the law. And now he began + to make up for time lost in politics by studying the law in earnest. No + man had greater power of application than he. Once fixing his mind on any + subject, nothing could interfere with or disturb him. Frequently I would + go out on the circuit with him. We, usually, at the little country inns + occupied the same bed. In most cases the beds were too short for him, and + his feet would hang over the foot-board, thus exposing a limited expanse + of shin bone. Placing a candle on a chair at the head of the bed, he would + read and study for hours. I have known him to study in this position till + two o'clock in the morning. Meanwhile, I and others who chanced to occupy + the same room would be safely and soundly asleep. On the circuit in this + way he studied Euclid until he could with ease demonstrate all the + propositions in the six books. How he could maintain his mental + equilibrium or concentrate his thoughts on an abstract mathematical + proposition, while Davis, Logan, Swett, Edwards, and I so industriously + and volubly filled the air with our interminable snoring was a problem + none of us could ever solve. I was on the circuit with Lincoln probably + one-fourth of the time. The remainder of my time was spent in Springfield + looking after the business there, but I know that life on the circuit was + a gay one. It was rich with incidents, and afforded the nomadic lawyers + ample relaxation from all the irksome toil that fell to their lot. Lincoln + loved it. I suppose it would be a fair estimate to state that he spent + over half the year following Judges Treat and Davis around on the circuit. + On Saturdays the court and attorneys, if within a reasonable distance, + would usually start for their homes. Some went for a fresh supply of + clothing, but the greater number went simply to spend a day of rest with + their families. The only exception was Lincoln, who usually spent his + Sundays with the loungers at the country tavern, and only went home at the + end of the circuit or term of court. "At first," * relates one of his + colleagues on the circuit, "we wondered at it, but soon learned to account + for his strange disinclination to go home. Lincoln himself never had much + to say about home, and we never felt free to comment on it. Most of us had + pleasant, inviting homes, and as we struck out for them I'm sure each one + of us down in our hearts had a mingled feeling of pity and sympathy for + him." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * David Davis, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + If the day was long and he was oppressed, the feeling was soon relieved by + the narration of a story. The tavern loungers enjoyed it, and his + melancholy, taking to itself wings, seemed to fly away. In the role of a + story-teller I am prone to regard Mr. Lincoln as without an equal. I have + seen him surrounded by a crowd numbering as many as two and in some cases + three hundred persons, all deeply interested in the outcome of a story + which, when he had finished it, speedily found repetition in every grocery + and lounging place within reach. His power of mimicry, as I have before + noted, and his manner of recital, were in many respects unique, if not + remarkable. His countenance and all his features seemed to take part in + the performance. As he neared the pith or point of the joke or story every + vestige of seriousness disappeared from his face. His little gray eyes + sparkled; a smile seemed to gather up, curtain like, the corners of his + mouth; his frame quivered with suppressed excitement; and when the point—or + "nub" of the story, as he called it—came, no one's laugh was + heartier than his. These backwoods allegories are out of date now, and any + lawyer, ambitious to gain prominence, would hardly dare thus to entertain + a crowd, except at the risk of his reputation; but with Lincoln it gave + him, in some mysterious way, a singularly firm hold on the people. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was particularly strong in Menard county, and while on the circuit + there he met with William Engle and James Murray, two men who were noted + also for their story-telling proclivities. I am not now asserting for the + country and the period what would at a later day be considered a very high + standard of taste. Art had not such patrons as to-day, but the people + loved the beautiful as Nature furnished it, and the good as they found it, + with as much devotion as the more refined classes now are joined to their + idols. Newspapers were scarce, and the court-house, with its cluster of + itinerant lawyers, disseminated much of the information that was + afterwards broken up into smaller bits at the pioneer's fireside. A + curious civilization indeed, but one through which every Western State + distant from the great arterial river or seaboard lias had to pass. + </p> + <p> + When Lincoln, Murray, and Engle met, there was sure to be a crowd. All + were more or less masters in their art. I have seen the little country + tavern where these three were wont to meet after an adjournment of court, + crowded almost to suffocation with an audience of men who had gathered to + witness the contest among the members of the strange triumvirate. The + physician of the town, all the lawyers, and not unfrequently a preacher + could be found in the crowd that filled the doors and windows. The yarns + they spun and the stories, they told would not bear repetition here, but + many of them had morals which, while exposing the weaknesses of mankind, + stung like a whip-lash. Some were no doubt a thousand years old, with just + enough "verbal varnish" and alterations of names and dates to make them + new and crisp. By virtue of the last-named application, Lincoln was + enabled to draw from Balzac a "droll story," and locating it in "Egypt"* + or in Indiana, pass it off for a purely original conception. Every recital + was followed by its "storm of laughter and chorus of cheers." After this + had all died down, some unfortunate creature, through whose thickened + skull the point had just penetrated, would break out in a guffaw, starting + another wave of laughter which, growing to the proportions of a billow, + would come rolling in like a veritable breaker. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The word Egypt, so frequently used in this book, refers to that + portion of Illinois which lies south of the famous National Road. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + I have known these story-telling jousts to continue long after midnight—in + some cases till the very small hours of the morning. I have seen Judge + Treat, who was the very impersonation of gravity itself, sit up till the + last and laugh until, as he often expressed it, "he almost shook his ribs + loose." The next day he would ascend the bench and listen to Lincoln in a + murder trial, with all the seeming severity of an English judge in wig and + gown. Amid such surroundings, a leading figure in such society, + alternately reciting the latest effusion of the bar room or mimicking the + clownish antics of the negro minstrel, he who was destined to be an + immortal emancipator, was steadily and unconsciously nearing the great + trial of his life. We shall see further on how this rude civilization + crystallized both his logic and his wit for use in another day. + </p> + <p> + Reverting again to Mr. Lincoln as a lawyer, it is proper to add that he + detested the mechanical work of the office. He wrote few papers—less + perhaps than any other man at the bar. Such work was usually left to me + for the first few years we were together. Afterwards we made good use of + students who came to learn the law in our office. A Chicago lawyer,* in a + letter to me about Mr. Lincoln, in 1866, says: "Lincoln once told me that + he had taken you in as a partner, supposing you had system and would keep + things in order, but that he found out you had no more system than he had, + but that you were in reality a good lawyer, so that he was doubly + disappointed." Lincoln knew no such thing as order or method in his law + practice. He made no preparation in advance, but trusted to the hour for + its inspiration and to Providence for his supplies. In the matter of + letter-writing** he made no distinction between one of a business nature + or any other kind. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * W. C. Whitney, MS. ** "I wish you would learn of Everett what he would + take, over and above a discharge, for all trouble we have been at to + take his business out of our hands and give it to somebody else. It is + impossible to collect money on that or any other claim here, now, and + although you know I am not a very petulant man, I declare that I am + almost out of patience with Mr. Everett's endless importunities. It + seems like he not only writes all the letters he can himself, but he + gets everybody else in Louisville and vicinity to be constantly writing + to us about his claim. I have always said that Mr. Everett is a very + clever fellow, and I am very sorry he cannot be obliged; but it does + seem to me he ought to know we are interested to collect his claim, and + therefore would do it if we could. I am neither joking nor in a pet when + I say we would thank him to transfer his business to some other, without + any compensation for what we have done, provided he will see the court + costs paid for which we are security."—MS. letter to Joshua F. + Speed, March 27, 1842. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + If a happy thought or expression struck him he was by no means reluctant + to use it. As early as 1839 wrote to a gentleman about a matter of + business, observing crustily that "a d———d hawk-billed + Yankee is here besetting me at every turn I take, saying that Robert + Kenzie never received the $80 to which he was entitled." In July, 1851, he + wrote a facetious message to one of his clients, saying: "I have news from + Ottawa that we win our case. As the Dutch justice said when he married + folks, 'Now where ish my hundred tol-lars.'"* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * The following unpublished letter in possession of C. F. Gunther, Esq., + Chicago, Ills., shows how he proposed to fill a vacancy in the office of + Clerk of the United States Court It reads like the letter of a + politician in the midst of a canvass for office: "Springfield, ILL., + December 6,1854. "Hon. Justice McLean. "Sir: I understand it is in + contemplation to displace the present Clerk and appoint a new one for + the Circuit and District Courts of Illinois. I am very friendly to the + present incumbent, and both for his own sake and that of his family, I + wish him to be retained so long as it is possible for the Court to do + so. "In the contingency of his removal, however, I have recommended + William Butler as his successor, and I do not wish what I write now to + be taken as any abatement of that recommendation. "William J. Black is + also an applicant for the appointment, and I write this at the + solicitation of his friends to say that he is every way worthy of the + office, and that I doubt not the conferring it upon him will give great + satisfaction. "Your ob't servant, "A. Lincoln." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He was proverbially careless as to habits. In a letter to a fellow-lawyer + in another town, apologizing for failure to answer sooner, he explains: + "First, I have been very busy in the United States Court; second, when I + received the letter I put it in my old hat and buying a new one the next + day the old one was set aside, and so the letter was lost sight of for a + time." This hat of Lincoln's—a silk plug—was an extraordinary + receptacle. It was his desk and his memorandum-book. In it he carried his + bank-book and the bulk of his letters. Whenever in his reading or + researches he wished to preserve an idea, he jotted it down on an envelope + or stray piece of paper and placed it inside the lining. Afterwards when + the memorandum was needed there was only one place to look for it.* + </p> + <p> + How Lincoln appeared and acted in the law office has been graphically and, + I must confess, truthfully told by a gentleman now in New York, who was + for several years a student in our office. I beg to quote a few lines from + him: "My brother met Mr. Lincoln in Ottawa, Ill.,** one day, and said to + him: 'I have a brother whom I would very much like to have enter your + office as a student.' 'All right!' was his reply; 'send him down and we + will take a look at him.' I was then studying law at Grand Rapids, Mich., + and on hearing from my brother I immediately packed up and started for + Springfield. I arrived there on Saturday night. On Sunday Mr. Lincoln was + pointed out to me. I well remember this first sight of him. He was + striding along, holding little Tad, then about six years old, by the hand, + who could with the greatest difficulty keep up with his father." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Lincoln had always on the top of our desk a bundle of papers into + which he slipped anything he wished to keep and afterwards refer to. It + was a receptacle of general information. Some years ago, on removing the + furniture from the office, I took down the bundle and blew from the top + the liberal coat of dust that had accumulated thereon. Immediately + uuderneath the string was a slip bearing this endorsement, in his hand: + "When you can't find it anywhere else, look in this." ** John H. + Littlefield, Brooklyn Eagle, October 16, 1887. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "In the morning I applied at the office of Lincoln and Herndon for + admission as a student. The office was on the second floor of a brick + building on the public square, opposite the court-house. You went up one + flight of stairs and then passed along a hallway to the rear office, which + was a medium-sized room. There was one long table in the center of the + room, and a shorter one running in the opposite direction, forming a T, + and both were covered with green baize. There were two windows which + looked into the back yard. In one corner was an old-fashioned secretary + with pigeonholes and a drawer, and here Mr. Lincoln and his partner kept + their law papers. There was also a book-case containing about 200 volumes + of law as well as miscellaneous books. The morning I entered the office + Mr. Lincoln and his partner, Mr. Herndon, were both present. Mr. Lincoln + addressed his partner thus: 'Billy, this is the young man of whom I spoke + to you. Whatever arrangement you make with him will be satisfactory to + me.' Then, turning to me, he said, 'I hope you will not become so + enthusiastic in your studies of Blackstone and Kent as did two young men + whom we had here. Do you see that spot over there?' pointing to a large + ink stain on the wall. 'Well, one of these young men got so enthusiastic + in his pursuit of legal lore that he fired an inkstand at the other one's + head, and that is the mark he made.' I immediately began to clean up about + the office a little. Mr. Lincoln had been in Congress and had the usual + amount of seeds to distribute to the farmers. These were sent out with + Free Soil and Republican documents. In my efforts to clean up, I found + that some of the seeds had sprouted in the dirt that had collected in the + office. Judge Logan and Milton Hay occupied the front offices on the same + floor with Lincoln and Herndon, and one day Mr. Hay came in and said with + apparent astonishment: 'What's happened here?' 'Oh, nothing,' replied + Lincoln, pointing to me, 'only this young man has been cleaning up a + little.' One of Lincoln's striking characteristics was his simplicity, and + nowhere was this trait more strikingly exhibited than in his willingness + to receive instruction from anybody and everybody. One day he came into + the office and addressing his partner, said: 'Billy, what's the meaning of + antithesis?' Mr. Herndon gave him the definition of the word, and I said: + 'Mr. Lincoln, if you will allow me, I will give you an example.' 'All + right, John, go ahead,' said Mr. Lincoln in his hearty manner. 'Phillips + says, in his essay on Napoleon, "A pretended patriot, he impoverished the + country; a professed Catholic, he imprisoned the Pope,'" etc. Mr. Lincoln + thanked me and seemed very much pleased. Returning from off the circuit + once he said to Mr. Herndon: 'Billy, I heard a good story while I was up + in the country. Judge D——— was complimenting the + landlord on the excellence of his beef. "I am surprised," he said, "that + you have such good beef. You must have to kill a whole critter when you + want any." "Yes," said the landlord, "we never kill less than a whole + critter." "Lincoln's favorite position when unravelling some knotty law + point was to stretch both of his legs at full length upon a chair in front + of him. In this position, with books on the table near by and in his lap, + he worked up his case. No matter how deeply interested in his work, if any + one came in he had something humorous and pleasant to say, and usually + wound up by telling a joke or an anecdote. I have heard him relate the + same story three times within as many hours to persons who came in at + different periods, and every time he laughed as heartily and enjoyed it as + if it were a new story. His humor was infectious. I had to laugh because I + thought it funny that Mr. Lincoln enjoyed a story so repeatedly told. + </p> + <p> + "There was no order in the office at all. The firm of Lincoln and Herndon + kept no books. They divided their fees without taking any receipts or + making any entries on books. One day Mr. Lincoln received $5000 as a fee + in a railroad case. He came in and said: 'Well, Billy,' addressing his + partner, Mr. Herndon, 'here is our fee; sit down and let me divide.' He + counted out $2,500 to his partner, and gave it to him with as much + nonchalance as he would have given a few cents for a paper. Cupidity had + no abiding place in his nature. + </p> + <p> + "I took a good deal of pains in getting up a speech which I wanted to + deliver during a political campaign. I told Mr. Lincoln that I would like + to read it to him. He sat down in one chair, put his feet into another + one, and said: 'John, you can fire away with that speech; I guess I can + stand it.' I unrolled the manuscript, and proceeded with some trepidation. + 'That's a good point, John,' he would say, at certain places, and at + others: 'That's good—very good indeed,' until I felt very much + elated over my effort. I delivered the speech over fifty times during the + campaign. Elmer E. Ellsworth, afterwards colonel of the famous Zouaves, + who was killed in Alexandria, early in the war, was nominally a student in + Lincoln's office. His head was so full of military matters, however, that + he thought little of law. Of Ellsworth, Lincoln said: 'That young man has + a real genius for war!'" + </p> + <p> + During the six years following his retirement from Congress, Lincoln, + realizing in a marked degree his want of literary knowledge, extended + somewhat his research in that direction. He was naturally indisposed to + undertake anything that savored of exertion, but his brief public career + had exposed the limited area of his literary attainments. Along with his + Euclid therefore he carried a well-worn copy of Shakespeare, in which he + read no little in his leisure moments. "In travelling on the circuit," + relates one of his associates at the bar,* "he was in the habit of rising + earlier than his brothers of the bar. On such occasions he was wont to sit + by the fire, having uncovered the coals, and muse, and ponder, and + soliloquize, inspired, no doubt, by that strange psychological influence + which is so poetically described by Poe in 'The Raven.' + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Lawrence Weldon, letter, Feb. 10,1866, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On one of these occasions, at the town of Lincoln, sitting in the position + described, he quoted aloud and at length the poem called 'Immortality.' + When he had finished he was questioned as to the authorship and where it + could be found. He had forgotten the author, but said that to him it + sounded as much like true poetry as anything he had ever heard. He was + particularly pleased with the last two stanzas." + </p> + <p> + Beyond a limited acquaintance with Shakespeare, Byron, and Burns, Mr. + Lincoln, comparatively speaking, had no knowledge of literature. He was + familiar with the Bible, and now and then evinced a fancy for some poem or + short sketch to which his attention was called by some one else, or which + he happened to run across in his cursory reading of books or newspapers. + He never in his life sat down and read a book through, and yet he could + readily quote any number of passages from the few volumes whose pages he + had hastily scanned. In addition to his well-known love for the poem + "Immortality" or "Why should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud," he always had + a great fondness for Oliver Wendell Holmes' "Last Leaf," the fourth stanza + of which, beginning with the verse, "The mossy marbles rest," I have often + heard him repeat. He once told me of a song a young lady had sung in his + hearing at a time when he was laboring under some dejection of spirits. + The lines struck his fancy, and although he did not know the singer—having + heard her from the sidewalk as he passed her house—he sent her a + request to write the lines out for him. Within a day or two he came into + the office, carrying in his hand a delicately perfumed envelope which bore + the address, "Mr. Lincoln—Present," in an unmistakable female hand. + In it, written on gilt-edged paper, were the lines of the song. The + plaintive strain of the piece and its melancholy sentiment struck a + responsive chord in a heart already filled with gloom and sorrow. Though + ill-adapted to dissipate one's depression, something about it charmed + Lincoln, and he read and re-read it with increasing relish. I had + forgotten the circumstance until recently, when, in going over some old + papers and letters turned over to me by Mr. Lincoln, I ran across the + manuscript, and the incident was brought vividly to my mind. The envelope, + still retaining a faint reminder of the perfumed scent given it thirty + years before, bore the laconic endorsement, "Poem—I like this," in + the handwriting of Mr. Lincoln. Unfortunately no name accompanied the + manuscript, and unless the lady on seeing this chooses to make herself + known, we shall probably not learn who the singer was. The composition is + headed, "The Enquiry." I leave it to my musical friends to render it into + song. Following are the lines: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Tell me, ye winged winds That round my pathway roar, Do ye not know + some spot Where mortals weep no more? Some lone and pleasant vale Some + valley in the West, Where, free from toil and pain, The weary soul may + rest? The loud wind dwindled to a whisper low, And sighed for pity as it + answered, No. "Tell me, thou mighty deep, Whose billows round me play, + Knows't thou some favored spot, Some island far away, Where weary man + may find The bliss for which he sighs; Where sorrow never lives And + friendship never dies? The loud waves rolling in perpetual flow Stopped + for awhile and sighed to answer, No. "And thou, serenest moon, That with + such holy face Dost look upon the Earth Asleep in Night's embrace? Tell + me, in all thy round Hast thou not seen some spot Where miserable man + Might find a happier lot? Behind a cloud the moon withdrew in woe, And a + voice sweet but sad responded, No. "Tell me, my secret soul, Oh, tell + me, Hope and Faith, Is there no resting-place From sorrow, sin, and + death? Is there no happy spot Where mortals may be blessed, Where grief + may find a balm And weariness a rest? Faith, Hope, and Love, best boon + to mortals given, Waved their bright wings and whispered, Yes, in + Heaven."* * Persons familiar with literature will recognize this as a + poem written by Charles Mackay, an English writer who represented a + London newspaper in the United States during the Rebellion as its war + correspondent. It was set to music as a chant, and as such was + frequently rendered in public by the famous Hutchinson family of + singers. I doubt if Mr. Lincoln ever knew who wrote it. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Judge S. H. Treat, recently deceased, thus describes Lincoln's first + appearance in the Supreme Court of Illinois. "A case being called for + hearing, Mr. Lincoln stated that he appeared for the appellant and was + ready to proceed with the argument. He then said: 'This is the first case + I have ever had in this court, and I have therefore examined it with great + care. As the Court will perceive by looking at the abstract of the record, + the only question in the case is one of authority. I have not been able to + find any authority to sustain my side of the case, but I have found + several cases directly in point on the other side. I will now give these + authorities to the court, and then submit the case." A lawyer in + Beardstown relates this: * "Lincoln came into my office one day with the + remark: 'I see you've been suing some of my clients, and I've come down to + see about it.' He had reference to a suit I had brought to enforce the + specific performance of a contract. I explained the case to him, and + showed my proofs. He seemed surprised that I should deal so frankly with + him, and said he would be as frank with me; that my client was justly + entitled to a decree, and he should so represent it to the court; and that + it was against his principles to contest a clear matter of right. So my + client got a deed for a farm which, had another lawyer been in Mr. + Lincoln's place, would have been consumed by the costs of litigation for + years, with the result probably the same in the end." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * J. Henry Shaw, letter, June 13, 1866, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + A young man once wrote to Lincoln, enquiring for the best mode of + obtaining a thorough knowledge of the law, "The mode is very simple," he + responded, "though laborious and tedious. It is only to get books and read + and study them carefully. Begin with Blackstone's Commentaries, and after + reading carefully through, say twice, take up Chitty's Pleadings, + Greenleaf's Evidence, and Story's Equity in succession. Work, work, work, + is the main thing."* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Letter to J. M. Brockman, Sept. 25, 1859, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Lincoln never believed in suing for a fee. If a client would not pay on + request he never sought to enforce collection. I remember once a man who + had been indicted for forgery or fraud employed us to defend him. The + illness of the prosecuting attorney caused some delay in the case, and our + client, becoming dissatisfied at our conduct of the case, hired some one + else, who superseded us most effectually. The defendant declining to pay + us the fee demanded, on the ground that we had not represented him at the + trial of the cause, I brought suit against him in Lincoln's absence and + obtained judgment for our fee. After Lincoln's return from the circuit the + fellow hunted him up and by means of a carefully constructed tale + prevailed on him to release the judgment without receiving a cent of pay. + The man's unkind treatment of us deserved no such mark of generosity from + Lincoln, and yet he could not resist the appeal of any one in poverty and + want. He could never turn from a woman in tears. It was no surprise to me + or any of his intimate friends that so many designing women with the + conventional widows' weeds and easy-flowing tears overcame him in + Washington. It was difficult for him to detect an impostor, and hence it + is not to be marvelled at that he cautioned his secretaries: "Keep them + away—I cannot stand it." + </p> + <p> + On many questions I used to grow somewhat enthusiastic, adopting sometimes + a lofty metaphor by way of embellishment. Lincoln once warned me: "Billy, + don't shoot too high—aim lower and the common people will understand + you. They are the ones you want to reach—at least they are the ones + you ought to reach. The educated and refined people will understand you + any way. If you aim too high your ideas will go over the heads of the + masses, and only hit those who need no hitting." While it is true that + from his peculiar construction Lincoln dwelt entirely in the head and in + the land of thought, and while he was physically a lazy man, yet he was + intellectually energetic; he was not only energetic, but industrious; not + only industrious, but tireless; not only tireless, but indefatigable. + Therefore if in debate with him a man stood on a questionable foundation + he might well watch whereon he stood. Lincoln could look a long distance + ahead and calculate the triumph of right. With him justice and truth were + paramount. If to him a thing seemed untrue he could not in his nature + simulate truth. His retention by a man to defend a lawsuit did not prevent + him from throwing it up in its most critical stage if he believed he was + espousing an unjust cause. This extreme conscientiousness and disregard of + the alleged sacredness of the professional cloak robbed him of much + so-called success at the bar. He once wrote to one of our clients: "I do + not think there is the least use of doing anything more with your lawsuit. + I not only do not think you are sure to gain it, but I do think you are + sure to lose it. Therefore the sooner it ends the better."* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Letter to H. Keeling, Esq., March 3, 1858, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Messrs. Stuart and Edwards once brought a suit against a client of ours + which involved the title to considerable property. At that time we had + only two or three terms of court, and the docket was somewhat crowded. The + plaintiff's attorneys were pressing us for a trial, and we were equally as + anxious to ward it off. What we wanted were time and a continuance to the + next term. We dared not make an affidavit for continuance, founded on + facts, because no such pertinent and material facts as the law + contemplated existed. Our case for the time seemed hopeless. One morning, + however, I accidentally overheard a remark from Stuart indicating his fear + lest a certain fact should happen to come into our possession. I felt some + relief, and at once drew up a fictitious plea, averring as best I could + the substance of the doubts I knew existed in Stuart's mind. The plea was + as skilfully drawn as I knew how, and was framed as if we had the evidence + to sustain it. The whole thing was a sham, but so constructed as to work + the desired continuance, because I knew that Stuart and Edwards believed + the facts were as I pleaded them. This was done in the absence and without + the knowledge of Lincoln. The plea could not be demurred to, and the + opposing counsel dared not take the issue on it. It perplexed them sorely. + At length, before further steps were taken, Lincoln came into court. He + looked carefully over all the papers in the case, as was his custom, and + seeing my ingenious subterfuge, asked, "Is this seventh plea a good one?" + Proud of the exhibition of my skill, I answered that it was. "But," he + inquired, incredulously, "is it founded on fact?" I was obliged to respond + in the negative, at the same time following up my answer with an + explanation of what I had overheard Stuart intimate, and of how these + alleged facts could be called facts if a certain construction were put + upon them. I insisted that our position was justifiable, and that our + client must have time or be ruined. I could see at once it failed to + strike Lincoln as just right. He scratched his head thoughtfully and + asked, "Hadn't we better withdraw that plea? You know it's a sham, and a + sham is very often but another name for a lie. Don't let it go on record. + The cursed thing may come staring us in the face long after this suit has + been forgotten." The plea was withdrawn. By some agency—not our own—the + case was continued and our client's interests were saved. + </p> + <p> + I only relate this incident to illustrate Lincoln's far-seeing capacity; + it serves to show how over-cautious he seemed to be with regard to how his + record might look in the future. I venture the assertion that he was the + only member of the bar in Springfield who would have taken such a + conscientious view of the matter. + </p> + <p> + One phase of Lincoln's character, almost lost sight of in the commonly + accepted belief in his humility and kindly feeling under all + circumstances, was his righteous indignation when aroused. In such cases + he was the most fearless man I ever knew. I remember a murder case in + which we appeared for the defence, and during the trial of which the judge—a + man of ability far inferior to Lincoln's—kept ruling against us. + Finally, a very material question, in fact one around which the entire + case seemed to revolve, came up, and again the Court ruled adversely. The + prosecution was jubilant, and Lincoln, seeing defeat certain unless he + recovered his ground, grew very despondent. The notion crept into his head + that the Court's rulings, which were absurd and almost spiteful, were + aimed at him, and this angered him beyond reason. He told me of his + feelings at dinner, and said: "I have determined to crowd the Court to the + wall and regain my position before night." From that time forward it was + interesting to watch him. At the reassembling of court he arose to read a + few authorities in support of his position. In his comments he kept within + the bounds of propriety just far enough to avoid a reprimand for contempt + of court. + </p> + <p> + He characterized the continued rulings against him as not only unjust but + foolish; and, figuratively speaking, he pealed the Court from head to + foot. I shall never forget the scene. Lincoln had the crowd, a portion of + the bar, and the jury with him. He knew that fact, and it, together with + the belief that injustice had been done him, nerved him to a feeling of + desperation. He was wrought up to the point of madness. When a man of + large heart and head is wrought up and mad, as the old adage runs, "he's + mad all over." Lincoln had studied up the points involved, but knowing + full well the calibre of the judge, relied mostly on the moral effect of + his personal bearing and influence. He was alternately furious and + eloquent, pursuing the Court with broad facts and pointed inquiries in + marked and rapid succession. I remember he made use of this homely + incident in illustration of some point: "In early days a party of men went + out hunting for a wild boar. But the game came upon them unawares, and + scampering away they all climbed the trees save one, who, seizing the + animal by the ears, undertook to hold him, but despairing of success cried + out to his companions in the trees, 'For God's sake, boys, come down and + help me let go.'" The prosecution endeavored to break him down or even + "head him off," but all to no purpose. His masterly arraignment of law and + facts had so effectually badgered the judge that, strange as it may seem, + he pretended to see the error in his former position, and finally reversed + his decision in Lincoln's favor. The latter saw his triumph, and surveyed + a situation of which he was the master. His client was acquitted, and he + had swept the field. + </p> + <p> + In the case of Parker <i>vs.</i> Hoyt, tried in the United States Court in + Chicago, Lincoln was one of the counsel for the defendant. The suit was on + the merits of an infringement of a patent water wheel. The trial lasted + several days and Lincoln manifested great interest in the case. In his + earlier days he had run, or aided in running, a saw-mill, and explained in + his argument the action of the water on the wheel in a manner so clear and + intelligible that the jury were enabled to comprehend the points and line + of defence without the least difficulty. It was evident he had carried the + jury with him in a most masterly argument, the force of which could not be + broken by the reply of the opposing counsel. After the jury retired he + became very anxious and uneasy. The jury were in another building, the + windows of which opened on the street, and had been out for some two + hours. "In passing along the street, one of the jurors on whom we very + much relied," relates Lincoln's associate in the case,* "he being a very + intelligent man and firm in his convictions, held up to him one finger. + Mr. Lincoln became very much excited, fearing it indicated that eleven of + the jury were against him. He knew if this man was for him he would never + yield his opinion. He added, if he was like a juryman he had in Tazewell + county, the defendant was safe. He was there employed, he said, to + prosecute a suit for divorce. His client was a pretty, refined, and + interesting little woman, and in court. The defendant, her husband, was a + gross, morose, querulous, fault-finding, and uncomfortable man, and + entirely unfitted for the husband of such a woman; but although he was + able to prove the use of very offensive and vulgar epithets applied by the + husband to his wife, and all sorts of annoyances, yet there were no such + acts of personal violence as were required by the statute to justify a + divorce. Lincoln did the best he could, and appealed to the jury to have + compassion on the woman, and not to bind her to such a man and such a life + as awaited her if required to live longer with him. The jury took about + the same view of it in their deliberations. They desired to find for his + fair client, but could discover no evidence which would really justify a + verdict for her. At last they drew up a verdict for the defendant, and all + signed but one fellow, who on being approached with the verdict said, + coolly: 'Gentlemen, I am going to lie down to sleep, and when you get + ready to give a verdict for that little woman, then wake me and not until + then; for before I will give a verdict against her I will lie here till I + rot and the pismires carry me out through the key-hole.' 'Now,' observed + Lincoln, 'if that juryman will stick like the man in Tazewell county we + are safe.' Strange to relate, the jury did come in, and with a verdict for + the defendant. Lincoln always regarded this as one of the gratifying + triumphs of his professional life." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + * Grant Goodrich, letter, Nov. 9, 1866, MS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Abraham Lincoln, Volume 1 (of 2), by +William H. 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