Whenever he went out, the letters were placed in his hat.

When an anxious looker for a letter met the postmaster he found also the post-office, and the public official, taking off his hat, looked over and delivered the mail wherever the public might find him.

He kept the office until it was discontinued, or was removed to Petersburg." A small balance due the government remained in the hands of Lincoln at the discontinuance of the office.

Time passed on, and he had removed to Springfield and was practicing law, having his place of business in Dr.
Henry's office.

Meanwhile his struggle with poverty was unabated, and he had often been obliged to borrow money from his friends to purchase the barest necessities.