Chapter VII

Results of the canvass.--An opening in business.--The firm of Lincoln & Berry.--How they sold liquor.--What Mr. Douglas said.--The store a failure.--Berry's bad habits.--The credit system.--Lincoln's debts.--He goes to board at the tavern.--Studies law.--Walks to Springfield for books.--Progress in the law.--Does business for his neighbors.--Other studies.--Reminiscences of J. Y. Ellis.--Shy of ladies.--His apparel.--Fishing, and spouting Shakspeare and Burns.--Mr. Lincoln annoyed by company.--Retires to the country.--Bowlin Greene.--Mr. Lincoln's attempt to speak a funeral discourse.--John Calhoun.--Lincoln studies surveying.--Gets employment.--Lincoln appointed postmaster.--How he performed the duties.--Sale of Mr. Lincoln's personal property under execution.--Bought by James Short.--Lincoln's visits.--Old Hannah.--Ah. Trent.--Mr. Lincoln as a peacemaker.--His great strength.--The judicial quality.--Acting second in fights.--A candidate for the Legislature.--Elected.--Borrows two hundred dollars from Coleman Smoot.--How they got acquainted.--Mr. Lincoln writes a little book on infidelity.--It is burnt by Samuel Hill........135

CHAPTER VIII.

James Rutledge.--His family.--Ann Rutledge.--John McNeil.--Is engaged to Ann.--His strange story.--The loveliness of Ann's person and character.--Mr. Lincoln courts her.--They are engaged to be married.--Await the return of McNeil.--Ann dies of a broken heart.--Mr. Lincoln goes crazy.--Cared for by Bowlin Greene.--The poem "Immortality."--Mr. Lincoln's melancholy broodings.--Interviews with Isaac Cogdale after his election to the Presidency.--Mr. Herndon's interview with McNamar.--Ann's grave.--The Concord cemetery...159

CHAPTER IX.

Bennett Able and family.--Mary Owens.--Mr. Lincoln falls in love with her.--What she thought of him.--A misunderstanding.--Letters from Miss Owens.--Mr. Lincoln's letters to her.--Humorous account of the affair in a letter from Mr. Lincoln to another lady......172