It is reported that Lincoln was one day crossing a field in which a bull was pastured. The bull, espying Lincoln, gave chase. Lincoln, seeing that he could not reach the other side in safety, commenced to run around a hay stack and soon had the bull in front of him. Seizing the bull by the tail he now became the aggressor. The frightened animal then took across the pasture with Lincoln kicking him in the sides, first with one foot and then the other. Giving him a parting kick, he exclaimed: "You son of a cow, who began this fight anyhow?"

Transcribed by:Brenda Hamilton Johnson