During the Douglas-Lincoln series of debates, the former made a jest
counting upon his being President some day. He said that his father was
a cooper, yet, with prescience, had not taught him the paternal craft,
but made him a _cabinet_-maker. His adherents who counted on office if
he won loudly applauded. Douglas was a thick-set, rotund man, whose
florid gills revealed that he was a host for boon companions. Lincoln
was his antithesis, as tall, long-drawn, and somber as the cold-water
man he was rated. He rose, and at once shot his shaft:
"I was not aware that Mr. Douglas' father was a cooper, but I doubt it
not, or that he was a good one. In fact, I am certain that he has made
one of the best whisky-casks I have ever seen!"
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