How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
He would remember the rebuke to the end of his days. He would remember, and he would feel ashamed at the memory, but still, he would wonder. People—smart people, one would suppose since they printed newspaper and drew pictures for them—many of these people spoke of the President as "the baboon," "the ugly, ignorant, backwoods Lincoln," and other names as vicious and expressive of hate. To say, "Old Abe" was not mean or vicious; people from all around called Matthew Creighton "Old Matt." They meant no disrespect. Under no circumstances would he, Jethro Creighton, show disrespect to the President. (4.115)
And thus begins Jethro's veneration of Abraham Lincoln. Despite "Old Abe" not being intended as an insult, Shad's correction of Jethro's nickname for the President leaves an impression on young Jethro, and from this moment on, Jethro wants to be certain that he gives Lincoln the respect he deserves. This is a good rule of thumb to go by for everyone, even today.
Quote #5
Jethro studied the rough-hewn floor. "I set such great store by him," he said finally.
"I know," Shadrach answered. "So do I." (4.126-127)
If we weren't hip to Hunt's old-timey lingo, we might have missed this one. To set great store by someone is to think that they're the bee's knees. The cat's pajamas. The icing on the cake. And both Jethro and Shad have loads of respect and admiration for Bill, despite the whole going-to-the-dark-side ordeal.
Quote #6
"My pa don't teach me one way or the other. He knows that I think more of my brother than anybody else in the world—no matter where he is. And that's all I've got to say to you." He looked directly at the man with an anger that dissipated his weakness. (5.88)
Bam—Jethro lays down the law. Nobody is going to tell him how to feel about his favorite brother. Not Matt and certainly not Wortman.