The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1860-06-30
Gul,lorous.
Rev. DR.. Cartwright, the Methodist
Preacher who Whipped Abe Lincoln.


Preacher who Whipped Abe Lincoln.
Our con,empory, the Democrat the other
day. in announcing the fact that pr. Cart
wright, the pioneer Methodist clergyman OF
;he West, was to lecture here, gave the follow
ing anccdote, as related by him. and added
that it would d" bear repetition" In view
Of certain fact We think :. it will bear repe-
ttion," and here it is from the Democrat,
as DR.. G. related it.
The first time ran for office in Sangamon
county, was on the north side of the San.
Canon River, as we say in the West, election.
eering, or rather, trying to get acquainted
with the people, for was at that early day a
great stranger to many Of them Passing
through bushv point of underground. near
a ferry, where intended to cross the river,
heard. just before me, Some one talking very
loud.
| reigncd my horse to listen. l heard
some one say that Peter Cartwright was
id rascal and so were all Methodist
preachers they would all steal horses, and
that it was a scandal to the country that such
man as Cartwright should offer himself as
representative Of the county. and that the
first time he saw him he intended to whip
him for his impotence. This surprised Inc
little. and looked around for some way to
pass the company, but there was no path that
could see. and the brush was so thick that
could not get through. So summoned all
my courage and rode boldly up and spoke to
to the men. There were six of them, and as
learned, none Of them had ever seen NE
So said
Gentlemen, who is it among you that IS
going to whip Cartwright the first time
you see him z"
The man who had threatened spoke out and
said am the lark that is going to thrash
him we'll"
Said | :" Cartwright is known to he much
of man. and it will take man to whip
him. mind YOU"
20, no !" said lie, II can whip any
Methodist preacher the Lord ever made'
"Well, SIR" said |, "you cannot do it ::
and now, tell you, my name is Cartwright {:
and | never like to live in dread: if you
really intend to whip me come and do it now ="
lie looked little confused, and said. 80 I!
you cant fool me that way; you are not
Cartwright"
"Wcll." said I. "that is my name, and
am candidate for the Legislature and now
is your time; fyou must whip me, do it
now"
lie said, " No, no, you are not Cartwright
at all; you only want to fool me"
by this time we had moved slowly to the
boat. and when he got on it. he broke out in
fresh volley of curses on Cartwright
said to gentleman on the boat, Here, hold
my horse:" and stepping up to this cursing
disciple, said. stern'y, to him, Now, sir,
You have to whip me, as you threatened or
quit cursns me- or l will put you in the
river, and baptise you in the name Of the
devil, for snrely you belong to him"
This settled MIN, and strange to say, when
the election came off, he went to the polls and
voted for me, and remained ever aflerwatd
my warm and constant friend.
The fact which makes this story worthy Of
repetition, is that the man who ran against
MIR. Cartwright for Representative of Sanga-
mon county, and was beaten, was Abe Lin.
coin, the Republican candidate for the Prcsi-
dency. Rochester Un,on