was a very busy time on the farm, "Abe would pull off his roundabout and go to work with more energy than any man I could hire. He was the best man at husking corn on the stock I ever saw. I used to consider myself very good, but he would gather two loads to my one."

In 1833, President Jackson appointed him postmaster of New Salem, because he was better qualified for the position than any man in the town. The post-office was kept in Mr. Hill's store, the proprietor taking charge of it when Lincoln was engaged in surveying or other business. When he was in the office, he made himself useful by reading letters for parties who could not read. He read all the newspapers received at the office, and frequently read them aloud to an ignorant assembly in front of the store.

A story which fastened itself to him in manhood was that when he was Postmaster in New Salem he "carried the office in his hat." Of course mail-matter at such an office was light. Few letters were received; and, sometimes, when Lincoln was going out, he would put the letters in his hat, that he might deliver them to the parties addressed, should he meet them or go near their residences. This novel arrangement discloses both his kindness of heart and fidelity to trusts.

M

XX.

LAURELS WON.

EMBERS of the Legislature served two years in Illinois, so that the next election occurred in 1834. Lincoln was a candidate. There was a Whig party then, and he was a member of it. Yet many Democrats supported him in the contest, so that he was elected by a larger majority than any other man on the ticket.

"Who is this man Lincoln I hear talked about for the Legislature?" inquired one Dr. Barrett, who was a stranger to the candidate, but a friend of Herndon. The question was put to the latter.

"Go to Berlin to-morrow, and you will learn who he is; he is goin' to speak there," Herndon replied.

Dr. Barrett was there promptly, and when the tall, awkward, homely candidate was pointed out by Herndon, he said,

"Can't the party raise any better material than that?"

"Wait," answered Herndon, "until you hear his speech before you pass judgment. He is our candidate, and good material enough for us."

'Well, if that fellow is qualified to go to the Legislature, then his looks belie him, that's all," continued Dr. Barrett.

He soon heard his speech, however; and, at the conclusion of it, Herndon inquired,-

"Doctor, what do you think now?"

"I give it up now. Why, sir, he is a perfect take-in, -he knows more than all of them put together."

Lincoln received 1,376 votes, and was elected, causing great joy among his friends. Many who did not vote for him were perfectly satisfied with his election. Nor did he resort to the dishonourable means of getting votes which some candidates employed, such as furnishing a grog-shop for their use on election day, and paying the bills. He utterly refused to promote his own election by proffering the intoxicating cup, although such was the custom.

The time between the election and the assembling of the Legislature Lincoln spent in very close study, that he might be better qualified to discharge his duties in the State House.

One thing was indispensable if he would make a respectable appearance in the Legislature-he must have a new suit of clothes, and some money for expenses,―much more than he possessed. His wants, in this respect, were supplied in the following providential

manner.

When he had charge of Offutt's store, in 1832, a stranger entered one morning, and introduced himself as Mr. Smoot. Lincoln jumped over the counter and grasped the stranger's hand in his cordial way, saying,—

"Glad to see you, Mr. Smoot. I have heard of you often, but never had the pleasure of meeting you before."

"And I am equally glad to meet you, Abe Lincoln,” rejoined Mr. Smoot; "I've heard so much about you that I feel acquainted already."

Lincoln stood surveying him from head to foot, looking for all the world as if the humour within him would burst out, and finally remarked,—

"Smoot, I am very much disappointed in you; expected to see a scaly specimen of humanity."

Smoot, equal to the occasion, replied: "Yes; and I am equally disappointed, for I expected to see a goodlooking man when I saw you."

This laid the foundation of lasting friendship between the two men; and, when Lincoln was elected to the Legislature, and needed clothes and money, he knew that Smoot would lend him the amount. Taking Hugh Armstrong with him, he went to his friend and said,— Smoot, did you vote for me?"

"Vote for you? of course I did."

"Well, do you want I should make a decent appearance in the Legislature?" added Lincoln.

"Certainly: I don't expect you'll make any other appearance, though you are not as handsome as I am," responded Smoot, humorously.

"Then you will have to lend me some money; I must buy some decent clothes."

"That I can do without any trouble at all; a nice suit of clothes may make a handsome man of you," answered Smoot. "How much money do you want?"

"Two hundred

of the session."

"How much

dollars, and will pay you at the close

Smoot lent him two hundred dollars upon his word of honour, and he says, "Lincoln returned the amount to me according to promise.'

About this time Lincoln was exposed to peculiar temptations to infidelity, through associates and books. Several of his boon companions were infidels, and they made light of religion and the Bible. At the same time Paine's "Age of Reason," and Volney's "Ruins," came into his hands, and he read them with avidity. In these circumstances his belief in the Scriptures began to waver. He expressed his doubts freely to others.

He discussed the matter with intimate friends; and finally he wrote an essay, in which his doubts of the Divine authenticity of the Bible were plainly expressed.

However, this proyed but a freak of humanity, such as often appears in the lives of smart young men; for his essay was soon cast aside for ever, and his early familiarity with, and confidence in, the Scriptures, asserted themselves, as the sequel will show.

It is not our purpose to tell what "Acts and Resolves" occupied Lincoln's attention in the Legislature during the session. Other things, bearing upon his future career, demand the brief space we can give this period. We may say, however, that he was comparatively a silent member, observing and learning, though he was faithful and efficient on committees.

It was during the sitting of the Legislature that Lincoln decided to study law, without waiting to become seven feet high. It was on this wise.

He was thrown much into the society of the Hon. John T. Stuart, an eminent lawyer from Springfield. This gentleman was a close observer, and he soon discovered that young Lincoln possessed unusual talents. He had no doubt that he would make his mark if he could have the opportunity; so he embraced a favourable time to advise him about studying law.

"Have you ever thought of studying law?" Mr. Stuart inquired, in a delicate manner.

"Never, though the subject has been named to me by others," replied Lincoln.

"And why have you not entertained the suggestion favourably?"

Because I have not talents enough to warrant such a decision; and then I have no means, even if I had the talents."