Great were the shouts and the laughter of the crowd; and these increased, when Lincoln, surveying the Judge's animal, set down his saw-horse, and exclaimed: "Well, Judge, this is the first time I ever _got the worst of it_ in a horse-trade!" There has been much discussion as to Lincoln's rank and ability as a lawyer.

Opinion among his contemporaries seems to have been somewhat divided.

Mr.Herndon felt warranted in saying that he was at the same time a very great and a very insignificant lawyer.

His mind was logical and direct.

Generalities and platitudes had no charm for him.