369

265. Henry McHenry (William H. Herndon Interview).

Octr 10th 1866

Henry McHenry

Says — I was present at the wrestle of Lincoln & Armstrong — : We tried to get Lincoln to tussel & scuffle with Armstrong. L refused — saying — I never tussled & scuffled & will not — don't like this wooling — & pulling — . Jack Armstrong was a powerful twister. At last we got them to wrestle: they took side holts — we bet Knives — whiskey — &c. L at last picked up Armstrong — swing him around — couldn't throw him — set him down — Saying — Jack let's quit — I can't throw you — you Can't throw me. Abe & Jack quit — were always good friends — Lincoln would have fought any or all of them if necessary.

You ought to see Rial Clary: he was with Lincoln out in the Black Hawk war — : he is a jolly good old fellow — is honest — truthful and has a wonderful Memory — I'll go out to night & bring him to town & then you can Examine him thoroughly

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 2703; Huntington Library: LN2408, 1:391