436

322. Rev. George J. Barrett (William H. Herndon Interview).

[1865—66]

Revd ______ Barrett—(now in Paris Ills—)

Says he Knew Mr Lincoln well—Knew him in Menard—Says that he was Coming from the South going North when he met Mr. Lincoln going in 18__ to his duel ground—Several men were with him—just as we met we came to a man who had mired down in the mud—couldn't get out. Lincoln was about to stop when one of his Company—"Now Lincoln don't make a d—d fool of yourself—Come—Come along—" Lincoln didn't pay no attention to what the man said—got off his horse—L took my horse & his own & tied them to the strangers waggon by ropes—Straps & strings—pulled the man with his family—When we got through scarcely any man Could have told what or who we were. When it was over L got on his horse and simply rode on to Catch up with his Company. Didn't Know at that time where L was going nor on what business—Had I Known I should have tried my hands on peace.

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3841; Huntington Library: LN2408, 2:177—78

nts

Notes.

1. Reverend Barrett, whose first name WHH neglected to write down, was the father of the Lincoln collector Oliver R. Barrett. See Sandburg, 28.

2. September 21 or 22, 1842.