strings: I This lampoon-letter of Lincoln's was shortly followed by another of the same sort written by Miss Mary Todd and her friend, Miss Julia M. Jayne. The three merry conspirators sent their effusions to the Springfield " Journal." Their target was a Democrat, James Shields, a " gallant, hot-headed bachelor from Tyrone," then Auditor of the State of Illinois. The attack was particularly effective, as the financial resources of the State had become limited and the State offcers had issued an edict refusing to receive any more State banknotes. Shields in great dudgeon demanded the name of the writer of the offensive articles. Lincoln claimed authorship and Shields promptly challenged him to a duel. Lincoln had choice of weapons and chose broad swords. The encounter never actually took place, due to the great difference in the size of the opponents and the absurdity of the whole situation. This farcical duel was used against Lincoln politically. On the other hand, it brought Miss Todd and him together again and their marriage followed shortly after.