Even as early as 1852 Lincoln had acquired a reputation for story
telling. When not busy during the session of the court he was “habitually
whispering stories to his neighbors, frequently to the annoyance of
Judge Davis, who presided over the Eighth circuit.” If Lincoln persisted
too long the judge would rap on the chair and exclaim: “Come, come, Mr.
Lincoln; I can’t stand this! There is no use trying to carry on two
courts. I must adjourn mine or yours, and I think you will have to be the
one.” As soon as the group had scattered the judge would call one of the
men to him and ask: “What was that Lincoln was telling?”
In his law practice Lincoln seems to have been singularly conscientious,
his first effort being to try to arrange matters so as to avoid
litigation. Nor would he assume a case that he felt was not founded upon
right and justice.