CHAPTER III.

Abe's return from New Orleans.--Sawing planks for a new house.--The milk-sickness.--Removal to Illinois.--Settles near Decatur.--Abe leaves home.--Subsequent removals and death of Thomas Lincoln.--Abe's relations to the family.--Works with John Hanks after leaving home.--Splitting rails.--Makes a speech on the improvement of the Sangamon River.--Second voyage to New Orleans.--Loading and departure of the boat.--"Sticks" on New Salem dam.--Abe's contrivance to get her off.--Model in the Patent Office.--Arrival at New Orleans.--Negroes chained.--Abe touched by the sight.--Returns on a steamboat.--Wrestles with Daniel Needham.........73