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331. H. E. Dummer (William H. Herndon Interview).

[1865 — 66]

Hon H. E. Dummer —

I Came up to Springfd Ills in March 1832 on the Talisman — about 120 Tons — Polluck Capt. — Mrs Polluk a hoar — The citizens gave Poluk a good reception — got up a ball — danced in the old Court house — Coming up from mouth of Sangamon River one whole week — about 45 M Straight — about 150 — When I landed in the town of Spfgd the whipping stood on the public — Court house square — State House do —

Lincoln used to come to our office in Spfgd and borrow books — don't Know whether he walked or rode: he was an uncouth looking lad — did not say much — what he did say he said it strongly — Sharply.

In 1859 I was in the Supm Court room in the State house: Lincoln was or had been telling his yarns. A man — a Kind of lick spittle — a farmer Said — Lincoln why do you not write out your stories & put them in a book" Lincoln, drew himself up — fixed his face, as if a thousand dead carcusses — and a million of privies were Shooting all their Stench into his nostrils, and Said "Such a book would Stink like a thousand privies".

Lincoln had 2 characters — one of purity — & the other as it were an insane

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love in telling dirty and Smutty Stories — A good story of that Kind has a point with a sting to it.

I will give you my reminiscences of Mr L in broken doses —

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3868; Huntington Library: LN2408, 2:245 — 46

nts

Notes.

1. J. M. Pollock, master of the Talisman.