Preponderance of the Evidence in a Civil Trial

[Gene C]

Thanks Steve, that's a lot to take in and sort through.

In my opinion, considering how much Herndon discounted Thomas Lincoln's work ethic, lack of ambition, and other parts of his character,
I would not be too surprised he might over exaggerate something about Lincoln's mother. Many Lincoln biographers seem to think Herndon like to stretch the truth in showing how far Lincoln had overcome his humble beginnings.
Lewis Montgomery in "Legends That Libel Lincoln, and David Herbert Donald in "Lincoln's Herndon" do a nice job discussing that