Abraham Lincoln in his Times Chapter 1 The Lincoln Tree Part 2

Abraham Lincoln in his Times Chapter 1 The Lincoln Tree Part 2

Virginia planter showed his interest in the Cavalier type. In his words, “my mother . . . was the daughter of a nobleman—so called of Virginia.” 21  Dennis Hanks recalled that the young Lincoln was cheered by his mother’s assurances that “Abe had jist as good Virginny blood in him as Washington.” 22  Lincoln described his planter grandsire as “a Virginia aristocrat” and his mother as “a great noble woman—a woman of a very fine cast of mind—was broad-minded—liberal—generous-hearted—quickly sympathetic woman.” 23  These qualities—nobility, generosity, geniality, a “liberal” nature—are ones that were typically associated with the Cavalier bloodline. Also, Lincoln exhibited what was considered a defining Cavalier trait: honor. 24  An Indiana neighbor declared, “Men would Swear on his Simple word—[he] had a high & manly sense of honor.” 25  He displayed honor throughout his life, as when he accepted a duel challenge from the politician James Shields or when he kept true to his promise to wed Mary…