The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1909-02-11

ia1d MT Lincoln was taken In dt-
recton and Mr. Shields in the other.
They were given seats logs left themselves
while seconds and peacemakers discussed the situation
In short time serious defect in the proceedings on
the part of Shields to light The challenge had
been sent prematurey The mistake is explained quite
clearly In the Alton traditions Lincoln had amused
himself and had entertained the Wings by writing funny
letters to Springfield about the Democrats and
signing his episte Aunt Rebecca Mary Todd who aft
erwards became Mrs Lincoln. Julia Jayne conspred
to add TO the gayety of the community by getting
"Aunt Rebecca" letter composition send
ing IL to the along with which they
signed "Cathleen" The letter which the girls wrote
went outside of politics and contained burlesque pro-
posal OF marriage Auditor Shields Now the auditor,
afterward United States senator from three states,
and brave general Of two wars fiery young man
While Springfield laughed Shields began investiga-
ton He demanded of the editor the real name Of Aunt
Rebecca." The girls became frightened Bum. the
Banker went over to Mr.. Lincon's ONCE and said:
"We've got into an awful FIX
whats the natter" asked Lincoln.
"The girls have written some poetry Shields said
Bum. Didn't you see it in the paper? Well Shields
says he won't stand 1t. What shall we do about it?
"You back and when you meet Shields tell him
4 wrote It," said Lincoln
Shields accepted this without verihcation and sent the
challenge. Shields the of proceeding further
when learned that Lincoln not the writer. For
hour more the writing and exchanging of notes
went on Meantime the population of Alton stood in
dense mass the river bank looking the chan
mel and having a good view of all of the movements.
"Bl Souher good reporter that he kept his eyes
on the principals He told that for time after the
Lincoln said nothing. and Souher thought he looked
serious After a while something happened and South
err said that when he it. he nearly blew up" The
bundle of had been laid down the log where
Lincoln sitting Lincoln reached out and took
of the weapons. He drew the blade slowly from the
scabbard Souther said 1T looked long fence
rail"
Holding the blade by the back Lincoln looked closely
at the edge then after the manner Of who has
been grinding scythe knife he began to feel
gngerIy edge with the ball of his thumb. BY this
time "Dl' Souther tremendously interested Hold
ing the sabre by the handle Lincoln stood and looked
about him. He evidently what he was looking for
in willow tree several feet away. Raising the mighty
weapon who long Lincoln reached and clipped
one of the topmost twigs of the willow. When he had
thoroughly satisfied himself the efficiency OF the
broadsword he down A few minutes later the cor
respondence closed honorable to both par
ties"
AS the boat put back Alton the spectators on the
bank were Mortified TO see lying prone upon the deck
figure covered with blood while a wellknown Atonian
leaned over the figure plying fan vigorously Not un
Ill the boat was in shore it that the figure
was a log of wood and that the bloody" covering was
a red flannel shirt Wentworth dropped the fan. stood
and grnned
Lincoln story which will never die is the reply the
-cgidout made 20 the criticism of Grants habits Lin