ever retained a considerate regard and remembrance for the poor and obscure relatives he had left plodding in the humble ways of life.  He never assumed the slightest superiority to them.  Whenever, upon his circuit, he found time, he always visited them.  Countless times he was known to leave his companions at the village hotel after a hard day’s work in the court-room and spend the evening with these old friends and companions of his humbler days.  On one occasion, when urged not to go, he replied, “Why, Aunt’s heart would be broken if I should leave town without calling upon her,”—­yet he was obliged to walk several miles to make the call.  As his fortunes improved he often sent money and presents to his father and step-mother, bought land for them, and tried in every way to make them comfortable and happy.  The father was gratified at these marks of affection, and felt great pride in the rising prosperity of his son.  Mr. Herndon says that “for years Lincoln supported or helped to support his aged father and mother.  It is to his honor that he dearly loved his step-mother, and it is equally true that she idolized her step-son.  He purchased a piece of property in Coles County as a home for his father and mother, and had it deeded in trust for their use and benefit.”

In 1851 Lincoln’s father died, at the age of seventy-three.  The following letter, written a few days before this event, reveals the affectionate solicitude of the son: 

     Springfield, Jan. 12,1851.

DEAR BROTHER:—­On the day before yesterday I received a letter from Harriet, written at Greenup.  She says she has just returned from your house, and that father is very low and will hardly recover.  She also says that you have written me two letters, and that, although you do not expect me to come now, you wonder that I do not write.  I received both your letters; and although I have not answered them, it is not because I have forgotten them, or not been interested about them, but because it appeared to me I could write nothing which could do any good.  You already know I desire that neither father nor mother shall be in want of any comfort, either in health or sickness, while they live; and I feel sure you have not failed to use my name, if necessary, to procure a doctor or anything else for father in his present sickness.  My business is such that I could hardly leave home now, if it were not, as it is, that my wife is sick a-bed.  I sincerely hope father may yet recover his health; but, at all events, tell him to remember to call upon and confide in our great and good and merciful Maker, who will not turn away from him in any extremity.  He notes the fall of a sparrow, and numbers the hairs of our heads; and He will not forget the dying man who puts his trust in Him.  Say to him, that if we could meet now it is doubtful whether it would not be more painful than pleasant; but that if it be his lot to go now he will soon have a joyous meeting with loved ones gone before, and where the rest of us, through the help of God, hope ere long to join them.

     Write me again when you receive this.