DEAR BROTHER:—­When I wrote you before, I had not received your letter.  I still think as I did; but if the land can be sold so that I get $300 to put at interest for mother, I will not object, if she does not.  But before I will make a deed, the money must be had, or secured beyond all doubt, at ten per cent.  As to Abram, I do not want him on my own account; but I understand he wants to live with me, so that he can go to school, and get a fair start in the world, which I very much wish him to have.  When I reach home, if I can make it convenient I will take him, provided there is no mistake between us as to the object and terms of my taking him.

     In haste, as ever,
     A. LINCOLN.

In speaking of Lincoln’s regard for his step-mother, it is interesting also to learn her opinion of him.  A gentleman visiting the old lady after her son’s death says:  “She is eighty-four years old, and quite feeble.  She is a plain, unsophisticated old lady, with a frank, open countenance, a warm heart full of kindness toward others, and in many respects very much like the President.  Abraham was evidently her idol; she speaks of him still as her ‘good boy,’ and with much feeling said, ’He was always a good boy, and willing to do just what I wanted.  He and his step-brother never quarrelled but once, and that, you know, is a great deal for step-brothers.  I didn’t want him elected President.  I knowed they would kill him.’” She died in April, 1869, and was buried by the side of her husband, Thomas Lincoln.

CHAPTER VIII

Lincoln as a Lawyer—­His Appearance in Court—­Reminiscences of a Law-Student in Lincoln’s Office—­An “Office Copy” of Byron—­Novel way of Keeping Partnership Accounts—­Charges for Legal Services—­Trial of Bill Armstrong—­Lincoln before a Jury—­Kindness toward Unfortunate Clients—­Refusing to Defend Guilty Men—­Courtroom Anecdotes—­Anecdotes of Lincoln at the Bar—­Some Striking Opinions of Lincoln as a Lawyer.

The ten years following the close of Lincoln’s Congressional service, in 1849, were given to the uninterrupted practice of the law, to which he devoted himself laboriously and successfully, though not with great pecuniary gains.  His legal fees were regarded by his brethren at the bar as “ridiculously small.”  His practice had extended to the Supreme Court of his State and to the United States District and Circuit Courts, and he was occasionally retained for cases in other States.  With greater love of money and less sympathy for his fellows, he might have acquired a fortune in his profession.