Lincoln was a candidate for the place of captain, and in opposition to him was one William Kirkpatrick.

The mode of election was novel.

By agreement, each candidate walked off to some distance and took position by himself.

The men were then to form, and those who voted for Kirkpatrick were to range on a line with their candidate.

When the lines were formed, Lincoln's was three times as long as that of Kirkpatrick, and so Lincoln was declared elected.