The court circuit in those days was the scene of many a story-telling
joust, in which Lincoln was always the chief. Frequently he would sit up
until after midnight reeling off story after story, each one followed
by roars of laughter that could be heard all over the country tavern,
in which the story-telling group was gathered. Every type of character
would be represented in these groups, from the learned judge on the
bench down to the village loafer.
Lincoln’s favorite attitude was to sit with his long legs propped up on
the rail of the stove, or with his feet against the wall, and thus he
would sit for hours entertaining a crowd, or being entertained.
One circuit judge was so fond of Lincoln’s stories that he often would
sit up until midnight listening to them, and then declare that he had
laughed so much he believed his ribs were shaken loose.
The great success of Abraham Lincoln as a trial lawyer was due to a
number of facts. He would not take a case if he believed that the law
and justice were on the other side. When he addressed a jury he made
them feel that he only wanted fair play and justice. He did not talk
over their heads, but got right down to a friendly tone such as we use
in ordinary conversation, and talked at them, appealing to their honesty
and common sense.
And making his argument plain by telling a story or two that brought the
matter clearly within their understanding.
When he did not know the law in a particular case he never pretended to
know it. If there were no precedents to cover a case he would state his
side plainly and fairly; he would tell the jury what he believed was
right for them to do, and then conclude with his favorite expression,
“it seems to me that this ought to be the law.”
Some time before the repeal of the Missouri Compromise a lawyer friend
said to him: “Lincoln, the time is near at hand when we shall have to be
all Abolitionists or all Democrats.”
“When that time comes my mind is made up,” he replied, “for I believe
the slavery question never can be compromised.”