In fording swollen streams, Lincoln was frequently sent forward as a scout or pioneer.

His extremely long legs enabled him, by taking off his boots and stockings, and by rolling up or otherwise disposing of his trousers, to test the depth of the stream, find the most shallow water, and thus to pilot the party through the current without wetting his garments." A gentleman who lived in one of the judicial circuits of Illinois in which Lincoln had an extensive though not very lucrative practice gives some graphic and interesting reminiscences.

"The terms of the court were held quarterly and usually lasted about two weeks.

They were always seasons of great importance and much gayety in the little town that had the honor of being the county seat.

Distinguished members of the bar from surrounding and even from distant counties, ex-judges and ex-Members of Congress, attended and were personally and many of them popularly known to almost every adult, male and female, of the limited population.