There Was A Man: Abe Lincoln Licks Jack Armstrong. 13 1/4" X 18" Color Print.

HAROLD VON SCHMIDT

Publication: Esquire, 1971, New York

Full-color print by Harold Von Schmidt of Abe Lincoln fighting a man named Jack Armstrong. Inscribed by Von Schmidt, "For John, With best of luck, Harold Von Schmidt, 1971." Von Schmidt was an American illustrator, who specialized in magazine interior illustrations. This print taken from an issue of Esquire Magazine "There was a big fellow named Jack Armstrong, strong as a Russian bear, that I could not put down; nor could he get me on the ground, " Mr. Lincoln once recalled. "I suppose you have heard of Lincoln'a wrestling match with Jack Armstrong. I saw part of that. [Jack] Armstrong was one of the Clary Grove gang and it was their habit to initiate newcomers into town. Lincoln was tall, ungainly, awkward, and was bantered by this crowd," recalled New Salem resident Daniel Green Burner. "These fellows would come into New Salem, get drunk, and would handle a novice roughly. Lincoln finally wagered Armstrong $10 that he could find a man who could throw him. The challenge was accepted and the next Saturday was set for the time. When the Armstrong gang arrived Lincoln told them that his man had not yet come. They waited around and became impatient and finally Armstrong demanded of Lincoln the $10. Lincoln replied: 'Look here, Jack, my man isn't here yet, but rather than lose that $10 I will wrestle with you myself.'" Burner continued: "They went at it, and Lincoln just fooled with Armstrong until he had tired him completely out. Then he swung his long leg over Armstrong's neck and made Armstrong run around holding him up in that position. Jack finally begged off, admitting he was beaten and offered Lincoln the $10, which Lincoln refused to take. The two were ever afterward warm friends." Fine copy, suitable for framing.

Inventory Number: 18628