“Lincoln was Hired to Pilot the Vessel Through to the Illinois River.”
A few days after the election Lincoln found employment with one Dr. Nelson, who after the style of dignitaries of later days started with his family and effects in his “private” conveyance-which in this instance was a flat-boat-for Texas. Lincoln was hired to pilot the vessel through to the Illinois river. Arriving at Beardstown the pilot was discharged, and returned on foot across the sand and hills to New Salem.
By William H. Herndon，Jesse W. Weik “Herndon’s Lincoln: A True Story of a Great Life”