THE REAL LINCOLN

CHAPTER I

Preliminary words - Beginning investigations at Springfield - Estimates of Horace White and Henry C. Whitney-Comparison of Lincoln and Herndon – Visiting places where Lincoln labored Conference with Herndon - Preparing "The True Story of a Great Life "-Description of the Lincoln and Herndon library - Dismantling the law office.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN is rapidly nearing his place among the fixed stars; but before he is borne aloft in the nimbus of immortality which invariably overtakes a deservedly great and illustrious character, I feel emboldened to submit a few incidents gathered by me during a patient study of the man's history covering almost half a century. This array of material, including facts emanating from certain authentic and trustworthy sources, will, I hope, serve to bring out in sharper outline that portrait which, we are assured, some great artist, set apart for the task, is destined yet to produce. In thus acquainting the public with the results of my investigations I shall endeavor to avoid the expres sion of my own opinions, being content to impart the information as nearly as I can in the shape it came to me.

To begin with I do not feel justified in putting on record the facts and conclusions outlined in the following pages without first paying a merited tribute to the memory of William H. Herndon, who, of all persons, as Horace White has so fittingly observed, has "most thoroughly searched the sources of Lincoln's biography and 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 Theater has been enriched by his labors. He was nine years the junior of 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 Lincoln became President, 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."

I can conceive of nothing more significant and illuminating than the following estimate of Herndon by one who was his associate at the bar and who, for upwards of thirtyfive years, maintained with him the most intimate relations. In a letter to Herndon this gentleman Henry C. Whitney, of Urbana, Illinois - says: "You saw

the late

Lincoln as he was and know him far better than all other living men combined. Armed with such knowledge it follows that you know better than others how to delineate him. You have the acuteness of vision that we attribute tc Lincoln; you acquired much of his analytical power by attrition and you thought deeply as he did. He had unbounded confidence in your intuitions and your adhesion to him. I shall never forget the day - January 6, 1859when the legislature of Illinois met in joint session and elected Stephen A. Douglas, instead of himself, to the United States Senate. I went to your office and found Lincoln there alone. He appeared to be somewhat de