An instance of young Lincoln’s practical humanity at an early period of
his life is recorded in this way:
One evening, while returning from a “raising” in his wide neighborhood,
with a number of companions, he discovered a stray horse, with saddle
and bridle upon him. The horse was recognized as belonging to a man who
was accustomed to get drunk, and it was suspected at once that he was
not far off. A short search only was necessary to confirm the belief.
The poor drunkard was found in a perfectly helpless condition, upon the
chilly ground. Abraham’s companions urged the cowardly policy of leaving
him to his fate, but young Lincoln would not hear to the proposition.
At his request, the miserable sot was lifted on his shoulders, and he
actually carried him eighty rods to the nearest house.
Sending word to his father that he should not be back that night, with
the reason for his absence, he attended and nursed the man until the
morning, and had the pleasure of believing that he had saved his life.