Wilson, Douglas L., ed.; Davis, Rodney O., ed.; Burba, E. R. 'E. R. Burba to William H. Herndon' in 'Herndon's Informants: Letters, Interviews, and Statements About Abraham Lincoln' . Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1998. [format: book], [genre: letter]. Permission: University of Illinois Press
Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=herndon240.html

Known as Athertons ferry ^[5] I cannot learn of any particular trait that was noticeable more than he alwas appeard to be very quiet during play time Never Seemed to be rude Seemed to have a liking for Solitude. was the one to adjust difficulties between boys of his size when appealed to his decision was the end of the trouble — was rather noted for Keeping his clothes cleaner longer than any others — was considered brave but had few if any difficulties although quite young, had a fondness for fishing and hunting with his dog & Axe when his dog would run a Rabbit in a hollow tree he would chop it out — In Regard to the Second Marriage of Thos. Lincoln I Know but little about & would refer you to Samuel Haycraft of Elizabeth Town Hardin County Ky — I presume that had not the Boy turned out to be what he did that his family Record would Scarce ever been thought here any More — Although Ky — was a Slave State yet I can assure you that many of us here are proud of the name of Lincolnites Many differ with his political policy but few can refute it and I verily believe all things considered he was the greates Man Since the Days of Washington I have his life written by Jos H Barrett ^[6] which is Mainly Correct so far as I Know. save the very nice points of character of some of his ancestors —

There is a man by the name of Dennis Hanks who lives in your State who ought to be able to give more in formation on these points than any one here — It May be rather a delicate Matter with him However — as his real name should be or is Frind — I regret that I cannot be more positive or certain in regard to information yet this is about the whole gist of the information that can be obtained here — I Hope you will be able to Collect sufficient facts to enable you to give a true history. I think it would be one of best things published for the rising generation. so clearly establishing the fact that the most humble can rise to the highest positions in life — If I can be of any further Service to you at any time it would afford me great pleasure to be notified by you — The matters I have spoken of here I Mearly wrote for your own satisfaction that you might know what was the best settled opinion about his parents &c Consequently you can use them as you see fit — Wishing you success in your undertaking

I am Very Respectfully yours
E R Burba

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 2534 — 35; Huntington Library: LN2408, 1:38 — 43