Our American Holidays: Lincolns Birthday | Page 5

and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. Abraham and
his companions assisted in building the boat, which was finally
launched and loaded in the spring of 1831, and their trip successfully
made. In going over the dam at Rutledge Mill, New Salem, Ill., the boat
struck and remained stationary, and a day passed before it was again
started on its voyage. During this delay Lincoln made the acquaintance
of New Salem and its people.

On his return from New Orleans, after visiting his parents,--who had
made another move, to Goose-Nest Prairie, Ill.,--he settled in the little
village of New Salem, then in Sangamon, now Menard County. While
living in this place, Mr. Lincoln served in the Black Hawk War, in
1832, as captain and private. His employment in the village was varied;
he was at times a clerk, county surveyor, postmaster, and partner in the
grocery business under the firm name of Lincoln & Berry. He was
defeated for the Illinois Legislature in 1832 by Peter Cartwright, the
Methodist pioneer preacher. He was elected to the Legislature in 1834,
and for three successive terms thereafter.
Mr. Lincoln wielded a great influence among the people of New Salem.
They respected him for his uprightness and admired him for his genial
and social qualities. He had an earnest sympathy for the unfortunate
and those in sorrow. All confided in him, honored and loved him. He
had an unfailing fund of anecdote, was a sharp, witty talker, and
possessed an accommodating spirit, which led him to exert himself for
the entertainment of his friends. During the political canvass of 1834,
Mr. Lincoln made the acquaintance of Mr. John T. Stuart of Springfield,
Ill. Mr. Stuart saw in the young man that which, if properly developed,
could not fail to confer distinction on him. He therefore loaned Lincoln
such law books as he needed, the latter often walking from New Salem
to Springfield, a distance of twenty miles, to obtain them. It was very
fortunate for Mr. Lincoln that he finally became associated with Mr.
Stuart in the practice of law. He moved from New Salem to Springfield,
and was admitted to the bar in 1837.
On the 4th of November, 1842, Mr. Lincoln married Miss Mary Todd
of Lexington, Ky., at the residence of Ninian W. Edwards of
Springfield, Ill. The fruits of this marriage were four sons; Robert T.,
born August 1, 1843; Edward Baker, March 10, 1846, died February 1,
1850; William Wallace, December 21, 1850, died at the White House,
Washington, February 20, 1862; Thomas ("Tad"), April 4, 1853, died at
the Clifton House, Chicago, Ill., July 15, 1871. Mrs. Lincoln died at the
house of her sister, Springfield, July 16, 1882.
In 1846 Mr. Lincoln was elected to Congress, as a Whig, his opponent

being Peter Cartwright, who had defeated Mr. Lincoln for the
Legislature in 1832.
The most remarkable political canvass witnessed in the country took
place between Mr. Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in 1858. They were
candidates of their respective parties for the United States Senate.
Seven joint debates took place in different parts of the State. The
Legislature being of Mr. Douglas' political faith, he was elected.
In 1860 Mr. Lincoln came before the country as the chosen candidate
of the Republican party for the Presidency. The campaign was a
memorable one, characterized by a novel organization called "Wide
Awakes," which had its origin in Hartford, Conn. There were rail fence
songs, rail-splitting on wagons in processions, and the building of
fences by the torch-light marching clubs.
The triumphant election of Mr. Lincoln took place in November, 1860.
On the 11th of February, 1861, he bade farewell to his neighbors, and
as the train slowly left the depot his sad face was forever lost to the
friends who gathered that morning to bid him God speed. The people
along the route flocked at the stations to see him and hear his words. At
all points he was greeted as the President of the people, and such he
proved to be. Mr. Lincoln reached Washington on the morning of the
23rd of February, and on the 4th of March was inaugurated President.
Through four years of terrible war his guiding star was justice and
mercy. He was sometimes censured by officers of the army for granting
pardons to deserters and others, but he could not resist an appeal for the
life of a soldier. He was the friend of the soldiers, and felt and acted
toward them like a father. Even workingmen could write him letters of
encouragement and receive appreciative words in reply.
When the immortal Proclamation of Emancipation was issued, the
whole world applauded, and slavery received its deathblow. The
terrible strain of anxiety and responsibility borne by Mr. Lincoln during
the war had worn him away