CHAPTER VIII.
Lincoln as a Lawyer--His Appearance in Court--Reminiscences of a Law-Student in Lincoln's Office--An "Office Copy" of Byron--Novel way of Keeping Partnership Accounts--Charges for Legal Services--Trial of Bill Armstrong--Lincoln before a Jury--Kindness toward Unfortunate Clients--Refusing to Defend Guilty Men--Courtroom Anecdotes--Anecdotes of Lincoln at the Bar--Some Striking Opinions of Lincoln as a Lawyer.
The ten years following the close of Lincoln's Congressional service, in 1849, were given to the uninterrupted practice of the law, to which he devoted himself laboriously and successfully, though not with great pecuniary gains.

His legal fees were regarded by his brethren at the bar as "ridiculously small." His practice had extended to the Supreme Court of his State and to the United States District and Circuit Courts, and he was occasionally retained for cases in other States.

With greater love of money and less sympathy for his fellows, he might have acquired a fortune in his profession.
Lincoln never speculated.

Apparently he had no great desire to acquire wealth.

He had many opportunities in the days of the State's early growth to make good and safe investments, but he never took advantage of them.