The National tribune., 1900-01-25

hdI preserved aU alteGtIOnate interest Ill lile
welfare of IFS vafiou$ members. He paid
them visits whichever he could find oppor-
tunity, and never failed to extend his aid
and sympathy WHENEVER needed. He had
risen to success in his profession, was
widely known throughout his section, and,
though still a P2or pan, had good pros
poets and considerable influence; yet he
ever retained a considerate regard and
remembrance for the poor and obscure rela-
tives he had left plodding i'll the humble
ways OF life. He never assumed the slight
est superiority 70 them. Whenever, upon
his circuit, he fOiind tIme. he always visited
them. Countless times he was known to
leave his companions at the village hotel,
after a hard days work in the courtroom,
and spend the evening these old friends
and companions of his humber days. On
one occasion, wf1en urged not to go, he re-
piled, Why, Aunt's heart would be broken
if | should leave town without calling upon
her; yet he, was Obliged to walk several
miles 10 make the call AS his fortunes
improved, he often sent money and presents
to his father and Stepmother, bought land
for them, and tried in every way to make
them comfortable and happy. The father
was gratified at these marks Of affection,
and felt great pride in the rising prosperity
Of his son. "Mr. Lincoln" Mr.. Herndon
says, Tor years supported, or helped to sup
port, his aged father and mother; it is to his
honor that he dearly loved his step-mother,
and it is equally true that she idolized her
step-son. He purchased a piece of property
IN Coles County aS home for his father and
mother. and had it decided in trust for their
use and benefit. This was true and genu-
inc comfort and material aid. 1t was not
all gush, sympathy, and tears on paper; it
was real, solid, genuine comfort and sup
port, such as we can live upon
DEATH OF LTNCoLN'S FATHER.
III 1851 his father died. at the age of 49,
The following letter, written few days
before this event. reveals the affectionate
solicitude of the son:
Spring FIELD, Jan. IL, 1851.
DEAR BROTHER: On the day before
yesterday received a letter from Harriet,
written at Greenup. She says she has just
returned from your house. and that father
is very low. and will hardly recover. She
also says that you have written me two
letters, and that, although you 90 not ex-
pect me to come now, you wonder that do
not write received both your letters; and
although / have not answered them, it is
not because l have forgotten them. or not
been interested about them, but because it
appeared 10 me could write nothing which
could do any good You already know |
desire that neither father nor mother shall
be i'll want of any comfort, either in health
or sickness, while they live; and | feel sure
you have not failed to use my name, if neceS-
sary, to procure doctor or anything else
for father in his present sickness. My
business is such that could hardly leave
home now, if it We're not, as it is, that my
wife is sick a-bed. sincerely hope father
| may yet recover his health; but, at all
events, tell him to remember to call upon
and confide in our great and good and
merciful Maker, who will not turn away
from him in any extremity. He notes the
fall of a sparrow, and numbers the hairs of
our heads; and He will not forget the dying
man who puts his trust III Him. Say to
him, that, if we could meet now, it is doubt
ful whether it would not be more painful
than pleasant; but that, if it be his lot to go
now, he will soon have a joyous meeting
with loved ones gone before, and where the
rest of us, through the help of God, hope ere
long to join them"
"Affectionately,, A. LINCOLN"