The most celebrated case in which Mr. Lincoln figured was the Armstrong case, in 1858. All the Lincoln biographers refer to it, and as I have some unpublished facts in reference to it and some of the parties connected with the case, it is here presented at length.
There was near New Salem a band of young men known as the "Clary Grove Boys." The special tie that united them was physical courage and strength. Every newcomer of any great strength had to be tested. So Lincoln was required to go through the ordeal of a wrestling match. Seeing that he could not be easily floored, Jack Armstrong, their champion, was chosen to lay Lincoln on his back. Many gathered to witness the contest, and a number of bets were made. After quite a spirited engagement, Lincoln won, and was invited to become one of the company. Jack Armstrong declared, "Abe Lincoln is the best man that ever broke into the settlement," and he became a lifelong, warm friend of Lincoln.
Some time after the scuffle, Lincoln found a home, for a time, with Jack Armstrong, where he read and studied. Armstrong was a farmer, and a poor man, but he saw genius struggling in the young student, and welcomed him to his cabin home and rough fare. Mrs. Armstrong, a most excellent woman, learned to respect Mr. Lincoln, and befriended him in many ways.
About twenty years after Lincoln's stay in the Armstrong home, William D. Armstrong, commonly called "Duff," a son of Jack and Hannah Armstrong, became involved in a difficulty. He was somewhat wild, and was often in bad company. One night, in August, 1857, in company with a wild crowd, he went to a camp-meeting, where a row ensued, in which a man named Metzker received injuries from which he died three days later. Young Armstrong and another young man, Norris, were arrested, charged with murder, and put in jail. The community was greatly stirred over the matter and demanded the speedy punishment of the prisoners. A short time after "Duff" was placed in jail, his father, Jack Armstrong, died, and his last request was for his wife to sell everything she had to clear "Duff." Mrs. Armstrong engaged two lawyers at Havana, Illinois, and Lincoln, hearing of her troubles, wrote her the following letter: