473

368. Joseph C. Richardson (statement for William H. Herndon).

[1865 — 66]

My Mother Settled Near Mr Thomas Lincoln, in 1828. it was Considered at that time that Abraham was the best penman in the Neighborhood. One day while he was on a visit at my Mothers house, I asked him him to write Some Copys for me. he very willingly Consented. he wrote Several. but one of them I have Never forgotten although a boy at the time it was this. "Good boys who to their books apply; will all be great Men by and by."

474

the year before the Lincoln family left the County. we had a Corn Crib put up, of large round logs the building was So arrainged that it required large posts Or forks, and they lay Some distance off.

and when we got ready for them Some of the men Commenced preparing Sticks to Carry them.

but young Lincoln told them that if they would assist him to get them On his Shoulder he would Carry them to the place. which he did to the astonishment of all present.

Young Lincoln was Considered One of the Most Studious boys in the Neighborhood and very Kind to all but always jovial and full of inocent jokes alwas had an answer for every body and every thing that was Said

when Abe was reading his father Made it a rule never to aske him to lay down his book. No difference what was to do, but let him reade Until he saw fit to lay it by himself

J C Richardson

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3966 — 67; Huntington Library: LN2408, 1:175 — 76