Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>CONVICTION THROUGH A THRASHING.</h3> <p>In 1831, Abraham Lincoln, returning from a voyage to New Orleans, paid the usual filial visit to his father, living in Coles County. A famous wrestler, one Needham, hearing of the newcomer's prowess in wrestling, more general than pugilism on the border, called to try their strength. As the professional was in practise, and as the other, from his amiable disposition and his forbidding appearance was not so, the latter declined the honor of a hug and the forced repose of lying on the back. Nevertheless, taunted into the trial, he met the champion and defeated him in two goes. The beaten one was chagrined, and vented his vexation in this defiance:</p> <p>"You have thrown me twice, Lincoln, but you cannot <i>whip</i> me!"</p> <p>"I do not want to, and I don't want to get whipped myself," was the simple reply.</p> <p>"Well, I 'stump' you to lick me!" went on Needham, thinking he was gaining ground. "Throwing a man is one thing and licking him another!"</p> <p>"Look here, Needham," said the badgered man, at last, "if you are not satisfied that I can throw you every time, and want to be convinced through a thrashing, I will do that, too, for your sake!"</p> <p>The man "backed out." But he was ever afterward one of the champion's warmest friends. <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />