At that time it was the universal custom to keep some whiskey in the house for private use and to treat friends.

The subject was always mentioned as a matter of politeness, but with the usual remark to Mr.Lincoln, 'We know you never drink, but maybe your friend would like to take a little.' I never saw Mr.Lincoln drink.

He often told me he never drank; had no desire for drink, nor for the companionship of drinking men." The result of this canvass was that Lincoln was elected to the Legislature for the session of 1838-39.

The next year he was elected for the session of 1840-41.

This ended his legislative service, which comprised eight consecutive years, from 1834 to 1841.