Wilson, Douglas L., ed.; Davis, Rodney O., ed.; Godbey, Russell. 'Russell Godbey (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=herndon449b.html

[1865 — 66]

Squire Godbey

I first Knew Lincoln in 1832 — I Saw — the first time I ever Saw Abe with a law book in his hands he was Sitting astride of Jacob Bails wood pile in New Salem — says — "Abe what are you studying" "Law — replied" Abe — Great — God Almighty — responded Godbey — . He Surveyed the first piece of land I Ever had Surveyed — He staid with me all night and Sold him two buck skins — well dressed to fox his Surveyors pants. Mrs Armstrong did the foxing — I always loved to meet him and talk to him — I voted for Lincoln in opposition to my own creed & faith in Politics. Snodgrass told me not to vote for him because Abe was a deist. I did it. When a fight was on hand Abe would Sy to me — Lets go and break up the Row with a laugh & we generally did it — Voted for him in 1834 [illegible] — Martin gills — Abe [undid?]

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3879 2. 1849 — 53.

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