Manners were rude, but genial, kind, and friendly.

Each was always ready to assist his fellows, and selfishness was not tolerated.

The relations between the bench and bar were familiar, free and easy.

Flashes of wit and humor and repartee were constantly exchanged.

Such was the life upon which Lincoln now entered; and there gathered with him around those pine tables of the frontier court-house a very remarkable combination of men, men who would have been leaders of the bar at Boston or New York, Philadelphia or Washington; men who would have made their mark in Westminster Hall, or upon any English circuit.