Wilson, Douglas L., ed.; Davis, Rodney O., ed.; Barrett, George J. 'Rev. George J. Barrett (William H. Herndon Interview)' in 'Herndon's Informants: Letters, Interviews, and Statements About Abraham Lincoln' . Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1998. [format: book], [genre: interview]. Permission: University of Illinois Press
Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=herndon436a.html

[1865—66]

Revd ______ Barrett—(now in Paris Ills—) ^[1]

Says he Knew Mr Lincoln well—Knew him in Menard—Says that he was Coming from the South going North when he met Mr. Lincoln going in 18__ to his duel ground ^[2]—Several men were with him—just as we met we came to a man who had mired down in the mud—couldn't get out. Lincoln was about to stop when one of his Company—"Now Lincoln don't make a d—d fool of yourself—Come—Come along—" Lincoln didn't pay no attention to what the man said—got off his horse—L took my horse & his own & tied them to the strangers waggon by ropes—Straps & strings—pulled the man with his family—When we got through scarcely any man Could have told what or who we were. When it was over L got on his horse and simply rode on to Catch up with his Company. Didn't Know at that time where L was going nor on what business—Had I Known I should have tried my hands on peace.

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3841; Huntington Library: LN2408, 2:177—78

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