One of these clubs held its meetings at an old store-house in New Salem, and the first speech young Lincoln ever made was made there.

He used to call the exercising "practicing polemics." As these clubs were composed principally of men of no education whatever, some of their "polemics" are remembered as the most laughable of farces.
Lincoln's favorite newspaper at this time was the "Louisville Journal." He received it regularly by mail, and paid for it during a number of years when he had not money enough to dress decently.

He liked its politics, and was particularly delighted with its wit and humor, of which he had the keenest appreciation.
At this era Lincoln was as famous for his skill in athletic sports as he was for his love of books.

Mr.Offutt, who had a strong regard for him, according to Mr.Arnold, "often declared that his clerk, or salesman, knew more than any man in the United States, and that he could out-run, whip, or throw any man in the county.

These boasts came to the ears of the 'Clary Grove Boys,' a set of rude, roystering, good-natured fellows, who lived in and around Clary's Grove, a settlement near New Salem.