Lincoln's stature and strength, his intelligence and ambition - in short, all the elements which gave him popularity among men in New Salem, rendered him equally attractive to the fair sex of that village.

In this quote, John George Nicolay highlights the stature, strength, intelligence, and ambition of Abraham Lincoln, suggesting that these traits contributed significantly to his popularity in New Salem. Nicolay points out that it wasn't just Lincoln's character and abilities that made him well-liked by the men in the village, but also the qualities that made him attractive to the fair sex or the women of the community. These attributes made him a well-rounded and admired figure, beloved by people of all genders.

The mention of intelligence and ambition emphasizes Lincoln's early signs of leadership and determination, traits that would later define his presidency. His strength and stature likely contributed to his physical presence, which, combined with his intellectual qualities, made him a standout individual in New Salem. Nicolay’s choice of words paints a picture of Lincoln as not just a man of intellect, but also one of charisma and appeal.

The origin of this quote comes from Nicolay's detailed work on Lincoln's life, where he sought to capture the essence of the future president during his formative years in New Salem. Nicolay, who was a close aide and biographer of Lincoln, often emphasized the importance of these early experiences in shaping Lincoln’s character and leadership. This quote underscores Lincoln’s ability to inspire respect and affection from a wide range of people, foreshadowing his political rise and success.

In essence, Nicolay reflects on the combination of traits that made Lincoln an exceptional figure in his early years, illustrating how his personal qualities contributed to his success not only as a political leader but also as a man admired by all.