would frequently ask him to explain some difficult point in grammar which puzzled him; and we find, too, that Abraham regularly attended debating societies, and took part in their various discussions. He also read a newspaper regularly, for which he never failed to pay, though he had not always the means to buy good clothing. Indeed, by patience and perseverance, he strove to fit himself in every way he could for the career upon which he was so soon to enter. At this period it was that Abraham Lincoln, by upright conduct in all his dealings, earned the name of "Honest Abe," which he ever afterwards bore. And, as showing the varied manner in which he now associated himself with the people around him, and how his services in almost any capacity were in general request, we are told that "he was judge, arbitrator, referee, umpire, authority in all disputes, games, and matches; a pacificator in all quarrels; everybody's friend; the best-natured, most sensible, the best-informed, the most modest and unassuming, the kindest, gentlest, roughest, strongest, and best young fellow in all New Salem and the region round about." After Lincoln had been for some months in New Salem, a tide of misfortune overtook Mr. Offutt. He seems to have embarked in certain commercial ventures which, one after another, proved to be very unsuccessful, and the consequence was that in the spring of 1832 he was obliged to close his store. Abraham suddenly found himself, therefore, out of employment, and he was for a while uncertain what he should do for a means of livelihood. CHAPTER IV. THE DAWN OF FAME. IT was at the crisis referred to above that a new and unexpected opening for Lincoln's services presented itself. About thirty years previously, a tribe of Indians, called the Sacs, who had proved very troublesome through their inroads on the white men's property, had agreed, under pressure of force, to move to the western side of the river Mississippi, and there they had quietly remained for some years. But latterly, their chief, Black Hawk, had begun to feel that his people had not been justly treated in being compelled to leave the old hunting-grounds of their ancestors; and he had gone so far as to threaten to return, and endeavour to recover possession of them. And that these were not empty threats was proved; for, aided by other tribes, Black Hawk and his followers had already sallied forth from their settlement, much to the consternation of the white people. Military action was now necessary; and the Governor of the State of Illinois called for volunteers. Several regiments were immediately formed, and among them one of which men from New Salem formed a portion. Had Lincoln been in full employment, doubtless he would have still wished to offer his services; but this call to arms being made at the very time when he had just left Mr. Offutt's service, and having no fresh occupation in view, he was doubly anxious to take part in the expedition against Black Hawk. Accordingly he enlisted. What was more-and it well proves his popularity and good repute among his fellows-when the choice of leader came to be made by his regiment, he was chosen captain. In electing him, a curious method was adopted. Two candidates were nominated, who took their places at a little distance from each other; then the men of the regiment walked up, and stood by the side of whoever they voted for. Immediately, one after another marched to the side of Abraham, until a large majority had thus voted for him. Most of the minority then left his opponent, making his election almost unanimous. In after years, Lincoln used to say that no subsequent success in his whole career gave him so much pleasure as this choice of him as their captain by his fellow-volunteers. Abraham had served about three months in the Black Hawk war, when it was brought to an end; but during the whole time he and his men were not called upon to take part in actual fighting. They had, however, much privation to endure, and Lincoln, though he was much liked by those with him, had not a few difficulties to contend with while in command of the regiment, which, but for his tact and common sense, he would not have been able to over come. During one of the marches of his regiment, a poor Indian-described as having been "solitary, weary, and hungry"-found his way into the camp. He was of course at once looked upon as a spy, and though he had thrown himself upon the mercy of the soldiers, and even produced a letter from the American general stating that his character was good, they would not listen to him. They pronounced the document, which was really a safe-conduct pass for the man, to be forged; and after a little while it was seriously proposed that he should be shot without ceremony. At this point" Captain " Lincoln, as he was called, came to the rescue, and, placing himself between his men and the Indian, said, "This must not be done. He must not be shot or killed by us." And so determined was their leader's attitude that the men, thoroughly cowed, at once desisted from their purpose, and the poor Indian was saved. Of his military services in this campaign, Lincoln, when he became President, once said, jokingly, "If General Cass (the commander) went in advance of me in picking whortleberries, I guess I surpassed him in charges on the wild onions! If he saw any live fighting Indians, it was more than I did; but I had a good many struggles with the mosquitoes; and, although I never fainted from loss of blood, I can truly say I was often very hungry.” On his return from the Black Hawk war, Abraham Lincoln, who made his way back partly on foot and partly on a raft down the Illinois River, was heartily welcomed by the people of New Salern; and while he was once more thinking what he should do to earn a livelihood, a fresh surprise was in store for him. For he had hardly arrived back in the town before he was told that a certain section of the people were desirous that he should be a candidate for the State Legislature of Illinois-the election for which was to take place very shortly. At first Lincoln probably thought that his good friends were jesting, for he could scarcely realise that such an honour could yet be his; but it was so. And when he was pressed to give his consent to stand as a candidate he willingly agreed, feeling not a little gratified at being asked. Lincoln made his first political speech- delivered at a place called Pappsville-at this time. |