Lincoln's Broadsword Reach Stopped Duel

In 1842, Illinois legislator Abraham Lincoln mocked state auditor James Shields in a newspaper letter, prompting Shields to challenge him to a duel. Lincoln, who stood 6 feet 4 inches, chose the largest cavalry broadswords and met Shields on Bloody Island near Alton, Illinois. Before they fought, Lincoln swung his sword overhead and cut a high tree branch to demonstrate his reach. Shields reconsidered, and the men called a truce.

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