One of the most beautiful traits of Mr. Lincoln’s character was his
considerate regard for the poor and obscure relatives he had left,
plodding along in their humble ways of life. Wherever upon his circuit
he found them, he always went to their dwellings, ate with them, and,
when convenient, made their houses his home. He never assumed in their
presence the slightest superiority to them. He gave them money when
they needed it and he had it. Countless times he was known to leave
his companions at the village hotel, after a hard day’s work in the
court-room, and spend the evening with these old friends and companions
of his humbler days. On one occasion, when urged not to go, he replied,
“Why, Aunt’s heart would be broken if I should leave town without
calling upon her;” yet, he was obliged to walk several miles to make the
call.