Lincoln, the unknown

LINCOLN THE UNKNOWN • 49But that wasn't Lincoln's way. Instead, he went to his creditorsand promised to pay them every dollar with interest, ifthey would only give him time. They all agreed, except one,Peter Van Bergen. He brought suit immediately, obtained ajudgment, and had Lincoln's horse and surveying instrumentssold at public auction. The others waited, however, and Lincolnscraped and saved and denied himself for fourteen yearsin order to keep faith with them. Even as late as 1848, when hewas a member of Congress, he sent part of his salary home topay off the last remnant of this old grocery debt.The morning that Lincoln arrived in Springfield, he tied hishorse in front of Joshua F. Speed's general store at the northwestcorner of the public square; and here is the remainder ofthe story told in Speed's own words:He had ridden into town on a borrowed horse, and engagedfrom the only cabinet-maker in the village a singlebedstead. He came into my store, set his saddle-bags onthe counter, and enquired what the furniture for a singlebedstead would cost. I took slate and pencil, made a calculation,and found the sum for furniture complete wouldamount to seventeen dollars in all. Said he: "It is probablycheap enough; but I want to say that, cheap as it is, Ihave not the money to pay. But if you will credit me untilChristmas and my experiment here as a lawyer is a success,I will pay you then. If I fail in that I will probablynever pay you at all." The tone of his voice was so melancholythat I felt for him. I looked up at him and I thoughtthen, as I think now, that I never saw so gloomy andmelancholy a face in my life. I said to him, "So small adebt seems to affect you so deeply, I think I can suggesta plan by which you will be able to attain your end withoutincurring any debt. I have a very large room and avery large double bed in it, which you are perfectly welcometo share with me if you choose." "Where is yourroom?" he asked. "Upstairs," said I, pointing to the stairsleading from the store to my room. Without saying a wordhe took his saddle-bags on his arm, went upstairs, set themdown on the floor, came down again, and with a face beamingwith pleasure and smiles, exclaimed, "Well, Speed, I'mmoved."