Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

This scene takes place in the Rutledge Tavern in New Salem. It is noon on the Fourth of July. A Revolutionary War veteran named Ben Mattling is sitting at the back of the room when three important looking men enter - Judge Bowling Green, Ninian Edwards, and Joshua Speed.

Judge Green is introducing Mr. Edwards to the people in the tavern, but they have come specifically to see Abe Lincoln. Mr. Edwards is the governor's son and has to be back in Springfield by sundown so they are in a bit of a hurry. Ann Rutledge, the daughter of the proprietor serves them their whisky and tea. When she leaves the room, the judge tells them that Ann had promised herself to a man named McNiel whose real name is McNamar and who had made some money and left town. Now...