While he was a lumberer, Lincoln was in the employ of one Kirkpatrick,
who "ran" a sawmill. In hiring the new man, the employer had promised
to buy him a dog, or cant-hook, of sufficient size to suit a man of
uncommon stature. But he failed in his pledge and would not give him
the two dollars of its value for his working without the necessary
tool. Though far from a grudging disposition, Lincoln cherished this in
memory. When the Black Hawk War broke out and the governor called out
volunteers, Sangamon County straightway responded and raised a company
of rangers. This Kirkpatrick wished and strove to be elected captain,
but Lincoln recited his grievance to the men, and said to his friend
William Green (or Greene):
"Bill, I believe I can now make even with Kirkpatrick for the two
dollars he owes me for the cant-hook."
Setting himself up for candidate, he won the post. It was a triumph of
popularity which rejoiced him. As late as 1860, he said he had not met
since that success any to give him so much satisfaction.
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