Stories of Abraham Lincoln

I thought it would be fun to post a short little narrative about Abraham Lincoln from time to time. We Central Illinoisans are immersed in Abraham Lincoln, but I'm not sure we all get a balanced picture of him. I feel like most of what I read/see/hear about Lincoln is so serious and doomed. I think we often lose sight of the fact that he was an incredibly witty and humorous man who loved to tell stories.

Hopefully, we can throw a little balance into your Lincoln life by showcasing his wit and humor.

LINCOLN ASKED TO BE SHOT.

Lincoln was, naturally enough, much surprised one day,

when a man of rather forbidding countenance drew a

revolver and thrust the weapon almost into his face.

In such circumstances "Abe" at once concluded that

any attempt at debate or argument was a waste of

time and words.



"What seems to be the matter?" inquired Lincoln with

all the calmness and selfpossession he could muster.



"Well," replied the stranger, who did not appear at

all excited, "some years ago I swore an oath that if

I ever came across an uglier man than myself I'd shoot

him on the spot."



A feeling of relief evidently took possession of Lincoln

at this rejoinder, as the expression upon his

countenance lost all suggestion of anxiety.



"Shoot me," he said to the stranger; "for if I am an

uglier man than you I don't want to live."

from Lincoln's Yarns and Stories by Col. Alexander McClure (public domain)