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492. Andrew S. Kirk (William H. Herndon Interview).

Petrsburg March 7th '87

Mr A. S. Kirk tells me this story — : In 1840 Mr Lincoln was a Candidate for the legislature. He went out to Mr Kyles store in Sangamon Co. to make a speech and did so. After he was done making the Speech the boys — some of his old acquaintances — democrats, Said to Lincoln — "See here Lincoln, if you can throw

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this Cannon ball further than we Can, We'll vote for you" Lincoln picked up the large Cannon ball — felt it — swung it around — and around and said "Well, boys if thats all I have to do I'll get your votes" and then he swung it, the Cannon ball, around and around and gave it a good pitch or throw: the Cannon ball thrown by Lincoln went Some four or Six feet further than any one Could throw it.

Some of the customs — habits — plays & the like of the people in 1840 and before are as follows — Marbles — pitching or throwing mauls — quoits — foot races — horse races — town ball — cat — bull pen — dancing — quiltings — social gatherings — Corn huskings; 9 Saturday was the universal day to go to Springfield & other villages to do business — get drunk and to fight

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3843

nts

Notes.

1. West of Springfield.

2. Marginal note: Jo. Plunket / Shade Willum / Henry Perry / Robt Perkins — all were present / Col E. D. Baker / Col E. D. Taylor et. all were there — .