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541. Stephen M. Warner to William H. Herndon.

Centralia, Ills. April 5" 1888

Dear Sir.

I understand that you are writing the "Life of Lincoln". A little instance happened at the State fair, held in Central City (one & a half miles north of this place) in 1858 to which I was an Eye witness.

I was attending the fair, & when I learned that Lincoln was on the ground, I had a great desire to see him, & hear him talk. So for some time, I kept close enough to him, to hear him talk: after spending some time, I left to take in the other attractions. Had gone but a short distance when I met James McKee (father of Gen. G. C. McKee [now?] of Jackson Miss. & who for two terms was a representative to Congress from that state. & P.M. when Cleveland came into office.) James McKee was a noted abolitionist, and when I met him, I said to him, did you know that Lincoln was on the ground: "No, where can I find him". I said, come with me, & I will show you. In a short time I came where he was, surrounded by a group of gentlemen. We stood a short distance from them, looking up to Lincoln. When Lincoln spied, or saw Mr McKee (We always called him "Uncle Jimmy") he at once, stepped out from those about him, & reached out his hand, grasping McKees hand so earnestly, & said, "Why is this you, You that founded Joliet. what are you doing down in Southern Illinois"

This may be of no use to you, but I trust you will excuse me for troubling you, but I could not suppress my desire I had to add my testimony, to the many others showing how from the goodness of his heart, he never forgot his old friends, Even

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though in the lower walks of life. Should you wish to know more of James McKee, or myself, I refer you, to Hon. G. A. Sanders of your City.

Respectfully
S. M. Warner

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3445 — 47

nts

Notes.

1. Marginal note: Weik look over this WHH.

2. James McKee, a native of Kentucky, lived in Jacksonville, Ill., before moving to Joliet in Will County in 1834. He was the first justice of the peace in Joliet Township.