Wilson, Douglas L., ed.; Davis, Rodney O., ed.; McNamar, John. 'John McNamar 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=herndon420.html

3d Class which was Decidedly Rowdy, the first Class in their profession and faith were Earnest simple and childlike in their faith and practice, as the incident I related to you of stopping the effusion of blood by the Bible well prove, ^[5] in fact "the Cotters Saturday Night" By Lincolns favorite Author ^[6] would describe many a prarie Cabin here away in times past

Or as the homesick Englishman expressed it

The prayer of thanks giving in harmony swelling
All warm from the heart of the family Band
Half raised is from Earth to that rapturous dwelling
Described in the Bible that Lay on the Stand
The old fashioned Bible the Dear Blessed Bible
The family bible that Lay on the stand ^[7]

There were four Denominations of Christians represented here, when I came, the Methodists whose headquarters were at Ezekiel Harrison's the Father of our popular County Judge ^[8] he lived a little East of Jim Purkapiles where the Elder Matheny ^[9] used sometimes to hold forth there was a little incident occured of which Bill Green was the Hero which may be worth relating as Lincoln enjoyed it Hugely, we the youngsters had attended a night meeting in Mass at Harrisons On starting home a young Doctor ^[10] who had Set up a shop in old salem not unlike perhaps "Romeo's Apothecary" and remarkable for the frequent use of the word "Modes opperandi" he cut out Bill that is took his gal from him Bill Trudged along in Silence some time Either meditating on his sins or "Nursing his wrath to keep it warm" ^[11] at length he came along side of his "Bright particular" who with the doctor was Leading the column and Began to plead his lost cause with the fair one The Girls in the rear began to hurry up to hear, After many arguments that Seemed unavailing Bill finaly put in a clincher Saying you Know we have done things that we ought not if we are going to seperate, — The Girls wilted and fell Back in the rear. ^[12] while speaking of the Methodists I take Great pleasure in recording my hearty aproval of their Loyalty and Patriotism During the Late National strife. Nevertheless they have some peculiarities they as you are aware Believe in "Backsliding" some, my wife belongs to the Methodist Church consequently you will Leave the above paragraph out as not Germain to the Subject" I forward you this much of what I have written at odd times as the rest of my manuscript is in an unfinish state

John McNamar