Young Mr. Lincoln

[Lincoln and Felder are picking jurors for the trial of Matt and Adam Clay]

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:
[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.

[Spectators laugh]

Abe Lincoln:
[questioning Cass about Scrub's death] What were you and Scrub arguing about?

John Cass:
I'd rather not say.

Abe Lincoln:
Oh, you'd rather not say. Well, Jack, I'd rather you did say.

John Cass:
All right. We was arguin' about politics.

Abe Lincoln:
Well, that's something new to argue about.

John 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:
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.