CHAPTER IV.
Lincoln's Removal to Springfield--A Lawyer without Clients or Money--Early Discouragements--Proposes to Become a Carpenter--"Stuart & Lincoln, Attorneys at Law"-- "Riding the Circuit"-- Incidents of a Trip Round the Circuit--Pen Pictures of Lincoln--Humane Traits--Kindness to Animals--Defending Fugitive Slaves--Incidents in Lincoln's Life as a Lawyer--His Fondness for Jokes and Stories.
Lincoln's removal from New Salem to Springfield, where his more active life as a lawyer began, occurred in April, 1837, soon after the completion of his survey work at Petersburg.

The event was closely connected with the removal of the State capital from Vandalia to Springfield, the law for which was passed at the legislative session of 1836-7.

As has been stated, Lincoln was a member of that Legislature and was active in procuring the passage of the bill.

The citizens of Springfield were very desirous of the removal of the capital to their town, and many of them were present at the session when the measure was up for discussion.

They had thus become acquainted with Lincoln; they were favorably impressed as to his abilities and character, and pleased with his efforts in the matter in which they were so greatly interested.
Through their influence and encouragement he chose Springfield as his future home.
Lincoln's first interview, after his arrival in Springfield, was with Mr.Joshua F.Speed, with whom he already had a slight acquaintance, and who details the circumstances of their meeting.