Abe Lincoln:
[
cross-examining John Cass] Well, I guess I'll just call you Jack-ass.
[
Roar of laughter from spectators]
[
last lines]
Efe Turner:
Ain't you goin' back, Abe?
Abe Lincoln:
[
as the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" begins playing softly in the background] No, I think I might go on a piece... maybe to the top of that hill.
[
Lincoln and Felder are picking jurors for the trial of Matt and Adam Clay]
Prosecutor John Felder:
Mr. Lincoln should know that the mere fact that a prospective juror knows counsel for the state does not disqualify him.
Abe Lincoln:
I know that, John. What I'm afraid of is that some of the jurors might NOT know you... and that'd put me at a great disadvantage.
Abe Lincoln:
[
to John Felder] I may not know much of law Mr. Felder, but I know what's right and what's wrong. And I know what you're asking is wrong.
Abe Lincoln:
[
questioning Cass about Scrub's death] What were you and Scrub arguing about?
John Palmer Cass:
I'd rather not say.
Abe Lincoln:
Oh, you'd rather not say. Well, Jack, I'd rather you did say.
John Palmer Cass:
All right. We was arguin' about politics.
Abe Lincoln:
Well, that's something new to argue about.
John Palmer Cass:
I've learned some since, but I told Scrub I thought you had at least as much political sense in you as Stephen Douglas. Scrub got as mad as a wet hen and said you didn't!
Abe Lincoln:
[
cross-examining Cass] J. Palmer Cass.
John Palmer Cass:
Yes, sir.
Abe Lincoln:
What's the "J" stand for?
John Palmer Cass:
John.
Abe Lincoln:
Anyone ever call you Jack?
John Palmer Cass:
Yeah, but...
Abe Lincoln:
Why "J. Palmer Cass?" Why not "John P. Cass?"
John Palmer Cass:
Well, I...
Abe Lincoln:
Does "J. Palmer Cass" have something to hide?
John Palmer Cass:
No.
Abe Lincoln:
Then what do you part your name in the middle for?
John Palmer Cass:
I got a right to call myself anything I want as long as it's my own name!
Abe Lincoln:
Well then if it's all the same to you, I'll call you Jack Cass.
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