Lincoln’s indebtedness, in consequence of the closing out of his general
store at New Salem, was such that it took him many years to extinguish
all. There was one man among his creditors who would not wait, but
secured a judgment against Lincoln and his personal effects were levied
upon. Among them was his surveying instrument on which he depended for
his living. At the sale a farmer friend of Lincoln’s named James Short
bought the horse and surveying instruments for $120 and generously
turned them over to their former owner. This kindness deeply touched the
future President of the United States, who, some years later, repaid with
interest the money so kindly advanced by Mr. Short.
Thirty years later, while Lincoln was President, he heard that James
Short was living in California. Financial reverses had overtaken him some
years previously and he left his home near New Salem and emigrated with
his family to the State on the Pacific Ocean. One day Mr. Short received
a letter from Washington informing him that he had been appointed an
Indian agent. It will thus be seen that Lincoln never forgot a benefactor.