e grammar of
his own tongue, won multitudes of friends, and became ready for a step
still further in advance.

Those who could appreciate brains respected him, and those whose ideas
of a man related to his muscles were devoted to him. It was while he
was performing the work of the store that he acquired the sobriquet
of "Honest Abe"--a characterization he never dishonored, and an
abbreviation that he never outgrew.

He was judge, arbitrator, referee, umpire, authority, in all disputes,
games and matches of man-flesh, horse-flesh, a pacificator in all
quarrels; everybody's friend; the best-natured, the most sensible, the
best-informed, the most modest and unassuming, the kindest, gentlest,
roughest, strongest, best fellow in all New Salem and the region round
about.

"ABE'S" NAME REMAINED ON THE SIGN.

Enduring friendship and love of old associations were prominent
characteristics of President Lincoln. When about to leave Springfield
for Washington, he went to the dingy little law office which had
sheltered his saddest hours.

He sat down on the couch, and said to his law partner, Judge Herndon:

"Billy, you and I have been together for more than twenty years, and
have never passed a word. Will you let my name stay on the old sign
until I come back from Washington?"

The tears started to Herndon's eyes. He put out his hand. "Mr. Lincoln,"
said he, "I never will have any other partner while you live"; and to
the day of assassination, all the doings of the firm were in the name of
"Lincoln & Herndon."

VERY HOMELY AT FIRST SIGHT.

Early in January, 1861, Colonel Alex. K. McClure, of Philadelphia,
received a telegram from President-elect Lincoln, asking him (McClure)
to visit him at Springfield, Illinois. Colonel McClure described his
disappointment at first sight of Lincoln in these words:

"I went directly from the depot to Lincoln's house and rang the bell,
which was answered by Lincoln himself opening the door. I doubt whether
a wholly concealed my disappointment at meeting him.

"Tall, gaunt, ungainly, ill clad, with a homeliness of manner that was
unique in itself, I confess that my heart sank within me as I remembered
that this was the man chosen by a great nation to become its ruler in
the gravest period of its history.

"I remember his dress as if it were but yesterday--snuff-colored and
slouchy pantaloons, open black vest, held by a few brass buttons;
straight or evening dresscoat, with