OF TEMPERANCE. THE rude backwoodsmen and prairie settlers among whom Mr. Lincoln's boyhood and youth were passed, were generally accustomed to the use of intoxicating liquors. It was a striking exhibition of moral courage and independence of character, therefore, that while yet a boy he took vigorous action against the prevailing evil. He taught himself the art of writing and composition, and one of the first uses he made of it was to prepare an argument for temperance which was printed, with hearty approval, by an Indiana newspaper. During his entire professional career, he maintained an unobtrusive but unyielding opposition to the social use of stimulants, and the silent but powerful influence of his example was continued in the Executive Mansion. If he did not do more or say more in this direction, it may have been because his hands were filled with a work especially belonging to him, and this could safely be left to the hands of others. TO THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY TO MR. LINCOLN HIS NOMI- THEM, AT SPRING FIELD ONLY GLAS SES OF WATER WERE OF FERED. "Gentlemen, we must pledge our mutual healths in the most healthy beverage which God has given to man. It is the only beverage which I have ever used, or allowed in my family, and I cannot conscientiously depart from it on the present occasion. It is Dure Adam's ale, from the spring." TO THE OFFICERS AND GUESTS ON WEEKS AFTER THE BAT TLE. THERE WAS NO "Some uncharitable people say that old Bourbon is an indispensable element in the fighting qualities of some of our generals in the field, but, Captain, after the account that we have heard to-day, no one will |