''Abe'' Lincoln's Yarns and Stories - University of Macau Library

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 158been always told at home that we must be good to the soldiers, I gave himmy fish."This must have been about 1814, when "Abe" was five years of age.A PECULIAR LAWYER.Lincoln was once associate counsel for a defendant in a murder case. Helistened to the testimony given by witness after witness against his client,until his honest heart could stand it no longer; then, turning to his associate,he said: "The man is guilty; you defend him--I can't," and when hisassociate secured a verdict of acquittal, Lincoln refused to share the fee tothe extent of one cent.Lincoln would never advise clients to enter into unwise or unjust lawsuits,always preferring to refuse a retainer rather than be a party to a case whichdid not commend itself to his sense of justice.IF THEY'D ONLY "SKIP."General Creswell called at the White House to see the President the day ofthe latter's assassination. An old friend, serving in the Confederate ranks,had been captured by the Union troops and sent to prison. He had drawn anaffidavit setting forth what he knew about the man, particularly mentioningextenuating circumstances.Creswell found the President very happy. He was greeted with: "Creswell,old fellow, everything is bright this morning. The War is over. It has been atough time, but we have lived it out,--or some of us have," and he droppedhis voice a little on the last clause of the sentence. "But it is over; we aregoing to have good times now, and a united country."General Creswell told his story, read his affidavit, and said, "I know theman has acted like a fool, but he is my friend, and a good fellow; let himout; give him to me, and I will be responsible that he won't have anythingmore to do with the rebs."