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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 257the three months' continuance of the snow, ice and continuous cold weatherthe most wealthy settlers came near starving, while some of the poor onesactually did. It was in the midst of such scenes that Abraham Lincolnattained his majority, and commenced his career of bold and manlyindependence....."Communication between house and house was often entirely obstructedfor teams, so that the young and strong men had to do all the traveling onfoot; carrying from one neighbor what of his store he could spare toanother, and bringing back in return something of his store sorely needed.Men living five, ten, twenty and thirty miles apart were called 'neighbors'then. Young Lincoln was always ready to perform these acts of humanity,and was foremost in the counsels of the settlers when their troubles seemedgathering like a thick cloud about them."CREDITOR PAID DEBTORS DEBT.A certain rich man in Springfield, Illinois, sued a poor attorney for $2.50,and Lincoln was asked to prosecute the case. Lincoln urged the creditor tolet the matter drop, adding, "You can make nothing out of him, and it willcost you a good deal more than the debt to bring suit." The creditor was stilldetermined to have his way, and threatened to seek some other attorney.Lincoln then said, "Well, if you are determined that suit should be brought,I will bring it; but my charge will be $10."The money was paid him, and peremptory orders were given that the suitbe brought that day. After the client's departure Lincoln went out of theoffice, returning in about an hour with an amused look on his face.Asked what pleased him, he replied, "I brought suit against ----, and thenhunted him up, told him what I had done, handed him half of the $10, andwe went over to the squire's office. He confessed judgment and paid thebill."