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420. James Davis (William H. Herndon interview].

[1866]

Jas Davis — aged 60

Came to Clary's grove in 1829. Knew Lincoln well — Knew Jim & Row Herndon — They sold out to Berry — one of them did — afterwards the other sold out to Lincoln — the Store was a mixd one — dry goods, a few, groceries such as Sugar Salt &c — and whiskey — solely Kept for their Customers — or to

530

sell by the Gallon — quart or pint — not otherwise — . The Herndon's probably had the blankenship goods — Radford had a grocery Store — salt, pepper & such like things — with whiskey. It is said Green bought this out & instantly sold to Lincoln & Berry — Lincoln & Berry broke — Berry subsequently Kept a doggery — a whiskey saloon, as I do now or did — Am a democrat — never agreed in politics with Abe: he was an honest man. Give the devil his due: he never sold whiskey by the dram in New Salem. I was in town every week for years — Know I think, all about it — I always drank my drams & drank at Berry's often — ought to Know — Lincoln got involved, as I think in the first operation — Salem hill was a Barren —

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3837, Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3839; Huntington Library: LN2408, 1:384 — 85

nts

Notes.

1. Apparently a tract of treeless land.