"'Look here, Judge,' said Lincoln; 'see what a heap of money I've got from the —— case. Did you ever see anything like it? Why, I never had so much money in my life before, put it all together.' Then crossing his arms upon the table, his manner sobering down, he added, 'I have got just five hundred dollars; if it were only seven hundred and fifty, I would go directly and purchase a quarter section of land and settle it upon my old step-mother.'
"His friend said that if the deficiency was all he needed he would loan him the amount, taking his note, to which Mr. Lincoln instantly acceded.
"His friend then said: 'Lincoln, I would not do just what you have indicated. Your step-mother is getting old, and will not probably live many years. I would settle the property upon her for her use during her lifetime, to revert to you upon her death.'
"With much feeling, Mr. Lincoln replied: 'I shall do no such thing. It is a poor return at the best, for all the good woman's devotion and fidelity to me, and there is not going to be any half-way business about it" and so saying he gathered up his money and proceeded forthwith to carry out his long-cherished purpose into execution.
A SMALL AUDIENCE.
Mr. Herndon got out a huge poster announcing a speech by Mr. Lincoln, employed a band to drum up the crowd, and bells were rung, but only three persons were present. Mr. Lincoln was to have spoken on the slavery question.
Gentlemen: This meeting is larger than I knew it would be, as I knew Herndon (Lincoln's partner) and myself would be here, but I did not know any one else would be here: and yet another has come—you John Pain, (the janitor.)
These are bad times, and seem out of joint. All seems dead, dead, dead: but the age is not yet dead; it liveth as our Maker liveth. Under all this seeming want of life and motion, the world does move nevertheless.
Be hopeful. And now let us adjourn and appeal to the people.