The Life and Writings of Abraham Lincoln by Abraham Lincoln

Author:Abraham Lincoln
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780307816818
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2012-06-12T21:00:00+00:00

LETTER TO HANNAH ARMSTRONG

Hannah Armstrong was the wife of Jack Armstrong, leader of the Clary’s Grove boys at New Salem, the man with whom Lincoln had had a famous wrestling match. Hannah’s son, Duff, was being held on a murder charge. In this letter Lincoln offers his services for the boy’s defense. During the trial, which took place on May 7th, 1858, Lincoln introduced as testimony an almanac which proved that there could not have been enough moonlight at the time specified for the witness to have observed what he claimed to have seen. As a result of Lincoln’s strategy, Duff Armstrong went free.

Springfield, III., September, 1857

DEAR MRS. ARMSTRONG: I have just heard of your deep affliction, and the arrest of your son for murder. I can hardly believe that he can be capable of the crime alleged against him. It does not seem possible. I am anxious that he should be given a fair trial at any rate; and gratitude for your long-continued kindness to me in adverse circumstances prompts me to offer my humble services gratuitously in his behalf.

It will afford me an opportunity to requite, in a small degree, the favors I received at your hand, and that of your lamented husband, when your roof afforded me a grateful shelter, without money and without price.

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