S.C. Parks, Esq., says: “I have often said, that for a man who was for a quarter of a century both a lawyer and politician, he was the most honest man I ever knew. He was not only morally honest, but intellectually so He could not reason falsely; if he attempted it he failed. In politics he never would try to mislead. At the bar, when he found he was wrong, he was the weakest lawyer I ever saw.”

His old friend, Jack Armstrong, of New Salem, whose kind, good wife darned his stockings, made his shirts, and “got him something to eat while he rocked the baby,” died not long after Lincoln settled in Springfield. The baby whom he rocked had grown into a stout but profligate young man of twenty-two years,—William D. Armstrong,—and he was arrested for murder. The circumstances were as follows:—At a camp meeting in Mason County several fast young men became intoxicated, and then engaged in a “free fight,” in which one Metzgar was killed. Armstrong and James H. Norris were charged with the murder. Norris was “tried in Mason County, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to the penitentiary for the term of eight years.”

“Aunt Hannah,” as Lincoln used to call his old benefactress, was plunged into terrible sorrow for her misguided son. She scarcely knew what to do. But, in her great grief, she recalled one who would come to her aid if possible—“the noble, good Abe,” who rocked her Billy when he was a baby in the cradle. She sat down and wrote to Lincoln, telling him of her anguish, and beseeching him to help her boy if possible. The appeal brought tears to Lincoln’s eyes, and enlisted his whole soul to save the accused for the sake of his mother. Now was the time for him to requite the many kindnesses “Aunt Hannah” showed him under her humble roof. He sat down and wrote to her an affirmative answer, at the same time encouraging her to hope for the best, and asking her to come to Springfield at once. He pledged his services also gratuitously.

Lincoln’s letter was like a promise from the skies to “Aunt Hannah.” Her almost broken heart took courage, and away she hastened to Springfield, the benefactress seeking a benefactor in the once poor boy she helped in her humble abode.

“Aunt Hannah” believed that her boy was not guilty of murder—that the fatal blow was not struck by him, but by another—that others sought to fasten the crime upon him because of his bad reputation. At the close of the interview Lincoln was of the same opinion, or, at least, thought there was no positive evidence that her son was the murderer. His heart was so thoroughly moved for the old lady that he resolved to save her boy from the gallows if possible. The excitement was intense, and everybody seemed willing to believe that Armstrong killed Metzgar. Lincoln saw that it would be well-nigh impossible to secure an impartial jury in these circumstances, and he said to Mrs. Armstrong,—

“We must have the case put off if possible, until the excitement dies a away.”

“And let my son lie in prison all the while,” Mrs. Armstrong answered, as if horrified by the thought that he should be incarcerated so long.

“There is no other alternative. Better that than to be condemned and executed in advance,” Lincoln rejoined calmly.

“True, very true; but I’m impatient to see him free again.”

“That is not strange at all, but I am satisfied that the case cannot be conducted so favourably for him now, when the public mind is so excited.”

“I understand you exactly,” responded Mrs. Arm strong, “and shall agree to any decision you make The case is in your hands, and you will conduct it as you think best.”

“Another thing too,” added Lincoln, “I need more time to unravel the affair. I want to produce evidence that shall vindicate William to the satisfaction of every reasonable man.”