mpanions at the village
hotel after a hard day's work in the court-room and spend the evening
with these old friends and companions of his humbler days. On one
occasion, when urged not to go, he replied, "Why, Aunt's heart would be
broken if I should leave town without calling upon her,"--yet he was
obliged to walk several miles to make the call. As his fortunes improved
he often sent money and presents to his father and step-mother, bought
land for them, and tried in every way to make them comfortable and
happy. The father was gratified at these marks of affection, and felt
great pride in the rising prosperity of his son. Mr. Herndon says that
"for years Lincoln supported or helped to support his aged father and
mother. It is to his honor that he dearly loved his step-mother, and it
is equally true that she idolized her step-son. He purchased a piece of
property in Coles County as a home for his father and mother, and had
it deeded in trust for their use and benefit."

In 1851 Lincoln's father died, at the age of seventy-three. The
following letter, written a few days before this event, reveals the
affectionate solicitude of the son:

Springfield, Jan. 12,1851.

DEAR BROTHER:--On the day before yesterday I received a letter from
Harriet, written at Greenup. She says she has just returned from
your house, and that father is very low and will hardly recover.
She also says that you have written me two letters, and that,
although you do not expect me to come now, you wonder that I do not
write. I received both your letters; and although I have not
answered them, it is not because I have forgotten them, or not been
interested about them, but because it appeared to me I could write
nothing which could do any good. You already know I desire that
neither father nor mother shall be in want of any comfort, either
in health or sickness, while they live; and I feel sure you have
not failed to use my name, if necessary, to procure a doctor or
anything else for father in his present sickness. My business is
such that I could hardly leave home now, if it were not, as it is,
that my wife is sick a-bed. I sincerely hope father may yet recover
his health; but, at all events, tell him to remember to call upon
and confide in our great and good and merciful Maker, who will not
turn away from him in any extremity. He notes the fall of a
sp