Lincoln’s wrestling match with Jack Armstrong

[RJNorton]

Dave, personally I think it's hard to tell if there was a clear winner. There are many different accounts, some of which are almost assuredly embellished to some extent.

A book entitled Honor's Voice: The Transformation of Abraham Lincoln by Douglas Wilson devotes an entire chapter to the wrestling match. This chapter includes a lot of eyewitness accounts (as well as accounts by various authors, Lincoln acquaintances, etc.). If you have access to the book please see chapter one.

Wilson writes, "Probably the most accurate story of what took place is that of Rowan Herndon, an eye - witness, who says that after striving a long time without either man prevailing, Lincoln said, 'Jack, let's quit. I can't throw you - you can't throw me.' Armstrong agreed and the matter was ended in fun."