authenticated yarns & tall tales of abrahan lincoln
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8/2/2019 Authenticated Yarns & Tall Tales of Abrahan Lincoln
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AuthenticatedYarnsandStoriesOfPresidentAbrahamLincoln
EditedbyJohnNicolay,SecretarytothePresident
THEPRESIDENTIAL"CHIN-FLY."
SomeofMr.Lincoln'sintimatefriendsoncecalledhisattentiontoacertainmemberofhisCabinetwhowasquietlyworkingtosecureanominationforthePresidency,althoughknowingthatMr.Lincolnwastobeacandidateforre-election.HisfriendsinsistedthattheCabinetofficeroughttobemadetogiveuphisPresidentialaspirationsorberemovedfromoffice.ThesituationremindedMr.Lincolnofastory:
"MybrotherandI,"hesaid,"wereonceplowingcorn,Idrivingthehorseandheholdingtheplow.Thehorsewaslazy,butononeoccasionherushedacrossthefieldsothatI,withmylonglegs,couldscarcelykeeppacewithhim.Onreachingtheendofthefurrow,Ifoundanenormouschin-flyfasteneduponhim,andknockedhimoff.MybrotheraskedmewhatIdidthatfor.ItoldhimIdidn'twanttheoldhorsebitteninthatway.'Why,'saidmybrother,'that'sallthatmadehimgo.'Now,"saidMr.Lincoln,"ifMr.----hasaPresidentialchin-flybitin
ghim,I'mnotgoingtoknockhimoff,ifitwillonlymakehisdepartmentgo."
'SQUIREBAGLY'SPRECEDENT.
Mr.T.W.S.Kidd,ofSpringfield,saysthatheonceheardalawyeropposedtoLincolntryingtoconvinceajurythatprecedentwassuperiortolaw,andthatcustommadethingslegalinallcases.WhenLincolnarosetoanswerhimhetoldthejuryhewouldarguehiscaseinthesameway.
"Old'SquireBagly,fromMenard,cameintomyofficeandsaid,'Lincoln,Iwantyouradviceasalawyer.Hasamanwhat'sbeenelectedjusticeofthepeacear
ighttoissueamarriagelicense?'Itoldhimhehadnot;whentheold'squirethrewhimselfbackinhischairveryindignantly,andsaid,'Lincoln,Ithoughtyouwasalawyer.NowBobThomasandmehadabetonthisthing,andweagreedtoletyoudecide;butifthisisyouropinionIdon'twantit,forIknowathunderin'sightbetter,forIhavebeen'squirenowforeightyearsandhavedoneitallthetime.'"
HE'DNEEDHISGUN.
WhenthePresident,earlyintheWar,wasanxiousaboutthedefensesofWashington,hetoldastoryillustratinghisfeelingsinthecase.GeneralScott,then
Commander-in-ChiefoftheUnitedStatesArmy,hadbut1,500men,twogunsandanoldsloopofwar,thelatteranchoredinthePotomac,withwhichtoprotecttheNationalCapital,andthePresidentwasuneasy.
TooneofhisqueriesastothesafetyofWashington,GeneralScotthadreplied,"Ithasbeenordained,Mr.President,thatthecityshallnotbecapturedbytheConfederates."
"Butweoughttohavemoremenandgunshere,"wastheChiefExecutive'sanswer."TheConfederatesarenotsuchfoolsastoletagoodchancetocaptureWashin
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gtongoby,andevenifithasbeenordainedthatthecityissafe,I'dfeeleasierifitwerebetterprotected.AllthisremindsmeoftheoldtrapperoutintheWestwhohadbeenassuredbysome'cityfolks'whohadhiredhimasaguidethatallmattersregardinglifeanddeathwereprearranged.
"'Itisordained,'saidoneofthepartytotheoldtrapper,'thatyouaretodieatacertaintime,andnoonecankillyoubeforethattime.IfyoumetathousandIndians,andyourdeathhadnotbeenordainedforthatday,youwouldcertainlyescape.'
"'Idon'texactlyunderstandthis"ordained"business,'wasthetrapper'sreply.'Idon'tcaretorunnorisks.Ialwayshavemygunwithme,sothatifIcomeacrosssomeredsIcanfeelsurethatIwon'tcrosstheJordan'thouttakingsomeof'emwithme.Now,forinstance,ifImetanIndianinthewoods;hedrewabeadonme--sayin',too,thathewasn'tmore'ntenfeetaway--an'Ididn'thavenothingtoprotectmyself;sayitwasasbadasthat,theredskinbein'deadreadytokillme;now,evenifithadbeenordainedthattheIndian(sayin'hewasagoodshot),wastodiethatveryminute,an'Iwasn't,whatwouldIdo'thoutmygun?'
"Thereyouare,"thePresidentremarked;"evenifithasbeenordainedthatthecityofWashingtonwillneverbetakenbytheSoutherners,whatwouldwedoincasetheymadeanattackupontheplace,withoutmenandheavyguns?"
KEPTUPTHEARGUMENT.
JudgeT.LyleDickeyofIllinoisrelatedthatwhentheexcitementovertheKansasNebraskabillfirstbrokeout,hewaswithLincolnandseveralfriendsattendingcourt.Oneeveningseveralpersons,includinghimselfandLincoln,werediscussingtheslaveryquestion.JudgeDickeycontendedthatslaverywasaninstitutionwhichtheConstitutionrecognized,andwhichcouldnotbedisturbed.Lincolnarguedthatultimatelyslaverymustbecomeextinct."Afterawhile,"saidJudgeDickey,"wewentupstairstobed.Thereweretwobedsinourroom,andIrememberthatLincolnsatupinhisnightshirtontheedgeofthebedarguingthepointwithme.Atlastwewenttosleep.EarlyinthemorningIwokeupandtherewa
sLincolnhalfsittingupinbed.'Dickey,'saidhe,'Itellyouthisnationcannotexisthalfslaveandhalffree.''Oh,Lincoln,'saidI,'gotosleep."'
EQUINEINGRATITUDE.
PresidentLincoln,whileeagerthattheUnitedStatestroopsshouldbesuppliedwiththemostmodernandserviceableweapons,oftentookoccasiontoputhisfootdownuponthemaniaforexperimentingwithwhichsomeofhisgeneralswereafflicted.Whileengagedintheseexperimentsmuchvaluabletimewaswasted,theenemywaslefttodoashethoughtbest,nobattleswerefought,andopportunitiesforwinningvictoriesallowedtopass.
ThePresidentwasanexceedinglypracticalman,andwhenaninvention,ideaordiscoverywassubmittedtohim,hisfirststepwastoascertainhowanyorallofthemcouldbeappliedinawaytobeofbenefittothearmy.Astoexperimentingwith"contrivances"which,tohismind,couldneverbeputtopracticaluse,hehadlittlepatience.
"Someofthesegenerals,"saidhe,"experimentsolongandsomuchwithnewfangled,fancynotionsthatwhentheyarefinallybroughttoaheadtheyareuseless.Eitherthetimetousethemhasgoneby,orthemachine,whenputinoperation
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,killsmorethanitcures.
"Oneofthesegenerals,whohasaschemefor'condensing'rations,iswillingtoswearhislifeawaythathisidea,whencarriedtoperfection,willreducethecostoffeedingtheUniontroopstoalmostnothing,whilethesoldiersthemselveswillgetsofatthatthey'll'bustout'oftheiruniforms.Ofcourse,uniformscostnothing,andrealfatmenaremoreactiveandvigorousthanlean,skinnyones,butthatisgettingawayfrommystory.
"TherewasonceanIrishman--acabman--whohadanotionthathecouldinducehishorsetoliveentirelyonshavings.Thelatterhecouldgetfornothing,whilecornandoatswereprettyhigh-priced.Sohedailylessenedtheamountoffoodtothehorse,substitutingshavingsforthecornandoatsabstracted,sothatthehorsewouldn'tknowhisrationswerebeingcutdown.
"However,justashehadachievedsuccessinhisexperiment,andthehorsehadbeentaughttolivewithoutotherfoodthanshavings,theungratefulanimal'upanddied,'andhehadtobuyanother.
"Sofarasthisgeneralreferredtoisconcerned,I'mafraidthesoldierswillallbedeadatthetimewhenhisexperimentisdemonstratedasthoroughlysuccessful."
'TWAS"MOVINGDAY."
Speed,whowasaprosperousyoungmerchantofSpringfield,reportsthatLincoln'spersonaleffectsconsistedofapairofsaddle-bags,containingtwoorthreelawbooks,andafewpiecesofclothing.Ridingonaborrowedhorse,hethusmadehisappearanceinSpringfield.Whenhediscoveredthatasinglebedsteadwouldcostseventeendollarshesaid,"Itisprobablycheapenough,butIhavenotenoughmoneytopayforit."WhenSpeedofferedtotrusthim,hesaid:"IfIfailhereasalawyer,Iwillprobablyneverpayyouatall."ThenSpeedofferedtosharelargedoublebedwithhim.
"Whereisyourroom?"Lincolnasked.
"Upstairs,"saidSpeed,pointingfromthestoreleadingtohisroom.
Withoutsayingaword,hetookhissaddle-bagsonhisarm,wentupstairs,setthemdownonthefloor,camedownagain,andwithafacebeamingwithpleasureandsmiles,exclaimed:"Well,Speed,I'mmoved."
"ABE'S"HAIRNEEDEDCOMBING.
"Bytheway,"remarkedPresidentLincolnonedaytoColonelCannon,aclosepersonalfriend,"Icantellyouagoodstoryaboutmyhair.WhenIwasnominateda
tChicago,anenterprisingfellowthoughtthatagreatmanypeoplewouldliketoseehow'Abe'Lincolnlooked,and,asIhadnotlongbeforesatforaphotograph,thefellow,havingseenit,rushedoverandboughtthenegative.
"Heatoncegotnoendofwood-cuts,andsoactivewastheircirculationtheyweresoonsellinginallpartsofthecountry.
"SoonaftertheyreachedSpringfield,Iheardaboycryingthemforsaleonthestreets.'Here'syourlikenessof"Abe"Lincoln!'heshouted.'Buyone;priceonlytwoshillings!Willlookagreatdealbetterwhenhegetshishaircombed!"'
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WOULD"TAKETOTHEWOODS."
SecretaryofStateSewardwasbotheredconsiderablyregardingthecomplicationintowhichSpainhadinvolvedtheUnitedStatesgovernmentinconnectionwithSanDomingo,andrelatedhistroublestothePresident.Negotiationswerenotproceedingsatisfactorily,andthingsweremixedgenerally.WewishedtoconciliateSpain,whilethenegroeshadappealedagainstSpanishoppression.
ThePresidentdidnot,toallappearances,lookatthematterseriously,but,insteadoftreatingthesituationasagraveone,remarkedthatSeward'sdilemmaremindedhimofaninterviewbetweentwonegroesinTennessee.
Onewasapreacher,who,withthecrudeandstrangenotionsofhisignorantrace,wasendeavoringtoadmonishandenlightenhisbrotherAfricanoftheimportanceofreligionandthedangerofthefuture.
"Darare,"saidJosh,thepreacher,"tworoadsbefo'you,Joe;beca'fulwhichobdeseyoutake.Narrowamdewaydatleadsstraighttodestruction;butbroadamdewaydatleadsrighttodamnation."
Joeopenedhiseyeswithaffright,andunderthespelloftheawfuldangerbefo
rehim,exclaimed,"Josh,takewhichroadyouplease;Ishallgotroodewoods."
"Iamnotwilling,"concludedthePresident,"toassumeanynewtroublesorresponsibilitiesatthistime,andshallthereforeavoidgoingtotheoneplacewithSpain,orwiththenegrototheother,butshall'taketothewoods.'Wewillmaintainanhonestandstrictneutrality."
LINCOLNCARRIEDHERTRUNK.
"MyfirststrongimpressionofMr.Lincoln,"saysaladyofSpringfield,"wasmadebyoneofhiskinddeeds.Iwasgoingwithalittlefriendformyfirsttrip
aloneontherailroadcars.Itwasanepochofmylife.Ihadplannedforitanddreamedofitforweeks.ThedayIwastogocame,butasthehourofthetrainapproached,thehackman,throughsomeneglect,failedtocallformytrunk.Astheminuteswenton,Irealized,inapanicofgrief,thatIshouldmissthetrain.Iwasstandingbythegate,myhatandgloveson,sobbingasifmyheartwouldbreak,whenMr.Lincolncameby.
"'Why,what'sthematter?'heasked,andIpouredoutallmystory.
"'Howbig'sthetrunk?There'sstilltime,ifitisn'ttoobig.'Andhepushedthroughthegateanduptothedoor.MymotherandItookhimuptomyroom,wheremylittleold-fashionedtrunkstood,lockedandtied.'Oh,ho,'hecried,'wipeyoureyesandcomeonquick.'AndbeforeIknewwhathewasgoingtodo,heh
adshoulderedthetrunk,wasdownstairs,andstridingoutoftheyard.Downthestreethewentfastashislonglegscouldcarryhim,Itrottingbehind,dryingmytearsasIwent.Wereachedthestationintime.Mr.Lincolnputmeonthetrain,kissedmegood-bye,andtoldmetohaveagoodtime.Itwasjustlikehim."
BOATHADTOSTOP.
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LincolnneverfailedtotakepartinallpoliticalcampaignsinIllinois,ashisreputationasaspeakercausedhisservicestobeingreatdemand.Aswasnatural,hewasoftenthetargetatwhichmanyofthe"SmartAlecks"ofthatperiodshottheirfeeblebolts,butLincolnwassoreadywithhisanswersthatfewofthemcaredtoengagehimasecondtime.
InonecampaignLincolnwasfrequentlyannoyedbyayoungmanwhoentertainedtheideathathewasabornorator.Hehadaloudvoice,wasfulloflanguage,andsoconceitedthathecouldnotunderstandwhythepeopledidnotrecognizeandappreciatehisabilities.
Thiscallowpoliticiandelightedininterruptingpublicspeakers,andatlastLincolndeterminedtosquelchhim.OnenightwhileaddressingalargemeetingatSpringfield,thefellowbecamesooffensivethat"Abe"droppedthethreadsofhisspeechandturnedhisattentiontothetormentor.
"Idon'tobject,"saidLincoln,"tobeinginterruptedwithsensiblequestions,butImustsaythatmyboisterousfrienddoesnotalwaysmakeinquirieswhichproperlycomeunderthathead.Hesaysheisafflictedwithheadaches,atwhichIdon'twonder,asitisawell-knownfactthatnatureabhorsavacuum,andtakesherownwayofdemonstratingit.
"ThisnoisyfriendremindsmeofacertainsteamboatthatusedtorunontheIllinoisriver.Itwasanenergeticboat,wasalwaysbusy.Whentheybuiltit,how
ever,theymadeoneseriousmistake,thiserrorbeingintherelativesizesoftheboilerandthewhistle.Thelatterwasusuallybusy,too,andpeoplewereawarethatitwasinexistence.
"ThisparticularboilertowhichIhavereferencewasasix-footone,anddidallthatwasrequiredofitinthewayofpushingtheboatalong;butasthebuildersofthevesselhadmadethewhistleasix-footone,theconsequencewasthateverytimethewhistleblewtheboathadtostop."
MCCLELLAN'S"SPECIALTALENT."
PresidentLincolnonedayremarkedtoanumberofpersonalfriendswhohadcalleduponhimattheWhiteHouse:
"GeneralMcClellan'stardinessandunwillingnesstofighttheenemyorfollowupadvantagesgained,remindsmeofamanbackinIllinoiswhoknewafewlawphrasesbutwhoselawyerlackedaggressiveness.Themanfinallylostallpatienceandspringingtohisfeetvociferated,'Whydon'tyougoathimwithafi.fa.,ademurrer,acapias,asurrebutter,oraneexeat,orsomething;oranundampactumoranonest?'
"IwishMcClellanwouldgoattheenemywithsomething--Idon'tcarewhat.GeneralMcClellanisapleasantandscholarlygentleman.Heisanadmirableengineer,butheseemstohaveaspecialtalentforastationaryengine."
HOW"JAKE"GOTAWAY.
Oneofthelast,ifnottheverylaststorytoldbyPresidentLincoln,wastooneofhisCabinetwhocametoseehim,toaskifitwouldbepropertopermit"Jake"ThompsontoslipthroughMaineindisguiseandembarkforPortland.
ThePresident,asusual,wasdisposedtobemerciful,andtopermitthearch-re
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beltopassunmolested,butSecretaryStantonurgedthatheshouldbearrestedasatraitor.
"Bypermittinghimtoescapethepenaltiesoftreason,"persistedtheWarSecretary,"yousanctionit."
"Well,"repliedMr.Lincoln,"letmetellyouastory.TherewasanIrishsoldierherelastsummer,whowantedsomethingtodrinkstrongerthanwater,andstoppedatadrug-shop,whereheespiedasoda-fountain.'Mr.Doctor,'saidhe,'giveme,plase,aglassofsoda-wather,an'ifyezcanputinafewdropsofwhiskeyunbeknowntoanyone,I'llbeobleeged.'Now,"continuedMr.Lincoln,"if'Jake'ThompsonispermittedtogothroughMaineunbeknowntoanyone,what'stheharm?Sodon'thavehimarrested."
MORELIGHTANDLESSNOISE.
ThePresidentwasbotheredtodeathbythosepersonswhoboisterouslydemandedthattheWarbepushedvigorously;also,thosewhoshoutedtheiradviceandopinionsintohiswearyears,butwhoneversuggestedanythingpractical.Thesefellowswerenotinthearmy,nordidtheyevertakeanyinterest,inapersonalway,inmilitarymatters,exceptwhenengagedindodgingdrafts.
"Thatremindsme,"remarkedMr.Lincolnoneday,"ofafarmerwholosthiswayontheWesternfrontier.Nightcameon,andtheembarrassmentsofhispositionw
ereincreasedbyafurioustempestwhichsuddenlyburstuponhim.Toaddtohisdiscomfort,hishorsehadgivenout,leavinghimexposedtoallthedangersofthepitilessstorm.
"Thepealsofthunderwereterrific,thefrequentflashesoflightningaffordingtheonlyguideontheroadasheresolutelytrudgedonward,leadinghisjadedsteed.Theearthseemedfairlytotremblebeneathhiminthewarofelements.Oneboltthrewhimsuddenlyuponhisknees.
"Ourtravelerwasnotaprayerfulman,butfindinghimselfinvoluntarilybroughttoanattitudeofdevotion,headdressedhimselftotheThroneofGraceinthefollowingprayerforhisdeliverance:
"'OGod!hearmyprayerthistime,forThouknowestitisnotoftenthatIcalluponThee.And,OLord!ifitisallthesametoThee,giveusalittlemorelightandalittlelessnoise.'
"Iwish,"thePresidentsaid,sadly,"therewasastrongerdispositionmanifestedonthepartofourcivilianwarriorstouniteinsuppressingtherebellion,andalittlelessnoiseastohowandbywhomthechiefexecutiveofficeshallbeadministered."
ONEBULLETANDAHATFUL.
Lincolnmadethebestofeverything,andifhecouldn'tgetwhathewantedhetookwhathecouldget.Inmattersofpolicy,whilePresidentheactedaccordingtothisrule.Hewouldtakeperilouschances,evenwhentheresultwas,tothemindsofhisfriends,notworththeriskhehadrun.
OnedayatameetingoftheCabinet,itbeingatthetimewhenitseemedasthoughwarwithEnglandandFrancecouldnotbeavoided,SecretaryofStateSewardandSecretaryofWarStantonwarmlyadvocatedthattheUnitedStatesmaintainanattitude,theresultofwhichwouldhavebeenadeclarationofhostilitiesbytheEuropeanPowersmentioned.
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"Whytakeanymorechancesthanareabsolutelynecessary?"askedthePresident.
"Wemustmaintainourhonoratanycost,"insistedSecretarySeward.
"Wewouldbebrandedascowardsbeforetheentireworld,"SecretaryStantonsaid.
"Butwhyrunthegreaterriskwhenwecantakeasmallerone?"queriedthePresidentcalmly."Thelessriskwerunthebetterforus.ThatremindsmeofastoryIheardadayortwoago,theheroofwhichwasonthefiringlineduringarecentbattle,wherethebulletswereflyingthick.
"Finallyhiscouragegavewayentirely,andthrowingdownhisgun,heranfordearlife.
"Ashewasflyingalongattopspeedhecameacrossanofficerwhodrewhisrevolverandshouted,'GobacktoyourregimentatonceorIwillshootyou!'
"'Shootandbehanged,'theracerexclaimed.'What'sonebullettoawholehatful?'"
LINCOLN'SSTORYTOPEACECOMMISSIONERS.
AmongthereminiscencesofLincolnleftbyEditorHenryJ.Raymond,isthefollowing:
AmongthestoriestoldbyLincoln,whichisfreshestinmymind,onewhichherelatedtomeshortlyafteritsoccurrence,belongstothehistoryofthefamousinterviewonboardtheRiverQueen,atHamptonRoads,betweenhimselfandSecretarySewardandtherebelPeaceCommissioners.ItwasreportedatthetimethatthePresidenttolda"littlestory"onthatoccasion,andtheinquirywentaroundamongthenewspapers,"Whatwasit?"
TheNewYorkHeraldpublishedwhatpurportedtobeaversionofit,butthe"po
int"wasentirelylost,anditattractednoattention.BeinginWashingtonafewdayssubsequenttotheinterviewwiththeCommissioners(myprevioussojourntherehavingterminatedaboutthefirstoflastAugust),IaskedMr.LincolnonedayifitwastruethathetoldStephens,HunterandCampbellastory.
"Why,yes,"hereplied,manifestingsomesurprise,"buthasitleakedout?Iwasinhopesnothingwouldbesaidaboutit,lestsomeover-sensitivepeopleshouldimaginetherewasadegreeoflevityintheintercoursebetweenus."Hethenwentontorelatethecircumstanceswhichcalleditout.
"Yousee,"saidhe,"wehadreachedandwerediscussingtheslaveryquestion.Mr.Huntersaid,substantially,thattheslaves,alwaysaccustomedtoanoverseer,andtoworkuponcompulsion,suddenlyfreed,astheywouldbeiftheSouthsho
uldconsenttopeaceonthebasisofthe'EmancipationProclamation,'wouldprecipitatenotonlythemselves,buttheentireSouthernsociety,intoirremediableruin.Noworkwouldbedone,nothingwouldbecultivated,andbothblacksandwhiteswouldstarve!"
SaidthePresident:"IwaitedforSewardtoanswerthatargument,butashewassilent,Iatlengthsaid:'Mr.Hunter,yououghttoknowagreatdealbetteraboutthisargumentthanI,foryouhavealwayslivedundertheslavesystem.Icanonlysay,inreplytoyourstatementofthecase,thatitremindsmeofamanoutinIllinois,bythenameofCase,whoundertook,afewyearsago,toraisea
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verylargeherdofhogs.Itwasagreattroubletofeedthem,andhowtogetaroundthiswasapuzzletohim.Atlengthhehitontheplanofplantinganimmensefieldofpotatoes,and,whentheyweresufficientlygrown,heturnedthewholeherdintothefield,andletthemhavefullswing,thussavingnotonlythelaboroffeedingthehogs,butalsothatofdiggingthepotatoes.Charmedwithhissagacity,hestoodonedayleaningagainstthefence,countinghishogs,whenaneighborcamealong.
"'Well,well,'saidhe,'Mr.Case,thisisallveryfine.Yourhogsaredoingverywelljustnow,butyouknowouthereinIllinoisthefrostcomesearly,andthegroundfreezesforafootdeep.Thenwhatyougoingtodo?'
"ThiswasaviewofthematterwhichMr.Casehadnottakenintoaccount.Butcheringtimeforhogswas'wayoninDecemberorJanuary!Hescratchedhishead,andatlengthstammered:'Well,itmaycomeprettyhardontheirsnouts,butIdon'tseebutthatitwillbe"root,hog,ordie."'"
"ABE"GOTTHEWORSTOFIT.
WhenLincolnwasayounglawyerinIllinois,heandacertainJudgeoncegottobanteringoneanotherabouttradinghorses;anditwasagreedthatthenextmorningatnineo'clocktheyshouldmakeatrade,thehorsestobeunseenuptotha
thour,andnobackingout,underaforfeitureof$25.Atthehourappointed,theJudgecameup,leadingthesorriest-lookingspecimenofahorseeverseeninthoseparts.InafewminutesMr.Lincolnwasseenapproachingwithawoodensaw-horseuponhisshoulders.
Greatweretheshoutsandlaughterofthecrowd,andbothweregreatlyincreasedwhenLincoln,onsurveyingtheJudge'sanimal,setdownhissaw-horse,andexclaimed:
"Well,Judge,thisisthefirsttimeIevergottheworstofitinahorsetrade."
ITDEPENDEDUPONHISCONDITION.
ThePresidenthadmadearrangementstovisitNewYork,andwastoldthatPresidentGarrett,oftheBaltimoreandOhioRailroad,wouldbegladtofurnishaspecialtrain.
"Idon'tdoubtitabit,"remarkedthePresident,"forIknowMr.Garrett,andlikehimverywell,andifIbelieved--whichIdon't,byanymeans--allthethingssomepeoplesayabouthis'secesh'principles,hemightsaytoyouaswassaidbytheSuperintendentofacertainrailroadtoasonofonemypredecessorsinoffice.SometwoyearsafterthedeathofPresidentHarrison,thesonofhissuccessorinthisofficewantedtotakehisfatheronanexcursionsomewhereorot
her,andwenttotheSuperintendent'sofficetoorderaspecialtrain.
"ThisSuperintendentwasaWhigofthemostuncompromisingsort,whohatedaDemocratmorethanallotherthingsontheearth,andpromptlyrefusedtheyoungman'srequest,hislanguagebeingtotheeffectthatthisparticularrailroadwasnotrunningspecialtrainsfortheaccommodationofPresidentsoftheUnitedStatesjustatthatseason.
"ThesonofthePresidentwasmuchsurprisedandexceedinglyannoyed.'Why,'hesaid,'youhaverunspecialPresidentialtrains,andIknowit.Didn'tyoufurn
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ishaspecialtrainforthefuneralofPresidentHarrison?'
"'Certainlywedid,'calmlyrepliedtheSuperintendent,withnorelaxationofhisfeatures,'andifyouwillonlybringyourfatherhereinthesameshapeasGeneralHarrisonwas,youshallhavethebesttrainontheroad."'
Whenthelaughterhadsubsided,thePresidentsaid:"IshalltakepleasureinacceptingMr.Garrett'soffer,asIhavenodoubtswhateverastohisloyaltytotheUnitedStatesgovernmentorhisrespectfortheoccupantofthePresidentialoffice."
"GOTDOWNTOTHERAISINS."
A.B.Chandler,chiefofthetelegraphofficeattheWarDepartment,occupiedthreerooms,oneofwhichwascalled"thePresident'sroom,"somuchofhistimedidMr.Lincolnspendthere.Herehewouldreadoverthetelegramsreceivedfortheseveralheadsofdepartments.Threecopiesofallmessagesreceivedweremade--oneforthePresident,onefortheWarDepartmentrecordsandoneforSecretaryStanton.
Mr.ChandlertoldastoryastothemannerinwhichthePresidentreadthedespatches:
"PresidentLincoln'scopieswerekeptinwhatwecalledthe'President'sdrawer'ofthe'cipherdesk.'Hewouldcomeinatanytimeofthenightorday,andgoatoncetothisdrawer,andtakeoutafileoftelegrams,andbeginatthetoptoreadthem.Hispositioninrunningoverthesetelegramswassometimesverycurious.
"Hehadahabitofsittingfrequentlyontheedgeofhischair,withhisrightkneedraggeddowntothefloor.Irememberacuriousexpressionofhiswhenhegottothebottomofthenewtelegramsandbeganonthosethathehadreadbefore.Itwas,'Well,IguessIhavegotdowntotheraisins.'
"Thefirsttwoorthreetimeshesaidthishemadenoexplanation,andIdidno
taskone.Butoneday,afterhehadmadetheremark,helookedupunderhiseyebrowsatmewithafunnytwinkleinhiseyes,andsaid:'IusedtoknowalittlegirloutWestwhosometimeswasinclinedtoeattoomuch.Onedaysheateagoodmanymoreraisinsthansheoughtto,andfollowedthemupwithaquantityofothergoodies.Theymadeherverysick.Afteratimetheraisinsbegantocome.
"Shegaspedandlookedathermotherandsaid:'Well,IwillbebetternowIguess,forIhavegotdowntotheraisins.'"
"HONESTABE"SWALLOWSHISENEMIES.
"'HonestAbe'TakingThemontheHalf-Shell"wasoneofthecartoonspublishedin1860byoneoftheillustratedperiodicals.Asmaybeseen,itrepresentsLincolnina"PoliticalOysterHouse,"preparingtoswallowtwoofhisDemocraticopponentsforthePresidency--DouglasandBreckinridge.HeperformedthefeatattheNovemberelection.TheDemocraticpartywashopelesslysplitin1860TheNorthernwingnominatedStephenA.Douglas,ofIllinois,astheircandidate,theSouthernwingnamingJohnC.Breckinridge,ofKentucky;theConstitutionalUnionists(theoldAmericanofKnow-Nothingparty)placedJohnBell,ofTennessee,inthefield,andagainstthesewasputAbrahamLincoln,whoreceivedthesupportoftheAbolitionists.
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Lincolnmadeshortworkofhisantagonistswhentheelectioncamearound.HereceivedalargemajorityintheElectoralCollege,whilenearlyeveryNorthernStatevotedmajoritiesforhimatthepolls.DouglashadbuttwelvevotesintheElectoralCollege,whileBellhadthirty-nine.ThevotesoftheSouthernStates,thenpreparingtosecede,were,forthemostpart,thrownforBreckinridge.Thepopularvotewas:Lincoln,1,857,610;Douglas,1,365,976;Breckinridge,847,953;Bell,590,631;totalvote,4,662,170.IntheElectoralCollegeLincolnreceived180;Douglas,12;Breckinridge,72;Bell,39;Lincoln'smajorityoverall,57.
SAVINGHISWIND.
JudgeH.W.BeckwithofDanville,Ill.,saidthatsoonaftertheOttawadebatebetweenLincolnandDouglashepassedtheCheneryHouse,thentheprincipalhotelinSpringfield.Thelobbywascrowdedwithpartisanleadersfromvarioussectionsofthestate,andMr.Lincoln,fromhisgreaterheight,wasseenabovethesurgingmassthatclungabouthimlikeaswarmofbeestotheirruler.Thedaywaswarm,andatthefirstchancehebrokeawayandcameoutforalittlefreshair,wipingthesweatfromhisface.
"Ashepassedthedoorhesawme,"saidJudgeBeckwith,"and,takingmyhand,inquiredforthehealthandviewsofhis'friendsoverinVermillioncounty.'He
wasassuredtheywerewideawake,andfurthertoldthattheylookedforwardtothedebatebetweenhimandSenatorDouglaswithdeepconcern.Fromtheshadowthatwentquicklyoverhisface,thepainedlookthatcametogivewayquicklytoablazeofeyesandquiveroflips,IfeltthatMr.Lincolnhadgonebeneathmymerewordsandcaughtmyinnerandcurrentfearsastotheresult.Andthen,inaforgiving,jocularwaypeculiartohim,hesaid:'Sitdown;Ihaveamomenttospare,andwilltellyouastory.'Havingbeenonhisfeetforsometime,hesatontheendofthestonestepleadingintothehoteldoor,whileIstoodcloselyfrontinghim.
"'Youhave,'hecontinued,'seentwomenabouttofight?'
"'Yes,manytimes.'
"'Well,oneofthembragsaboutwhathemeanstodo.Hejumpshighintheair,crackinghisheelstogether,smiteshisfists,andwasteshiswreathtryingtoscaresomebody.Youseetheotherfellow,hesaysnotaword,'--hereMr.Lincoln'svoiceandmannerchangedtogreatearnestness,andrepeating--'youseetheothermansaysnotaword.Hisarmsareathissides,hisfistsarecloselydoubledup,hisheadisdrawntotheshoulder,andhisteetharesetfirmtogether.Heissavinghiswindforthefight,andassureasitcomesoffhewillwinit,ordiea-trying.'"
RIGHTFOR,ONCE,ANYHOW.
Wheremenbredincourts,accustomedtotheworld,orversedindiplomacy,wouldusesomesubterfuge,orwouldmakeapolitespeech,orgiveashrugoftheshoulders,asthemeansofgettingoutofanembarrassingposition,Lincolnraisedalaughbysomeboldwest-countryanecdote,andmovedoffinthecloudofmerrimentproducedbythejoke.WhenAttorney-GeneralBateswasremonstratingapparentlyagainsttheappointmentofsomeindifferentlawyertoaplaceofjudicialimportance,thePresidentinterposedwith:"Comenow,Bates,he'snothalfasbadasyouthink.Besidesthat,Imusttellyou,hedidmeagoodturnlongago.WhenItooktothelaw,Iwasgoingtocourtonemorning,withsometenortwelvemi
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lesofbadroadbeforeme,andIhadnohorse.
"Thejudgeovertookmeinhiscarriage.
"'Hallo,Lincoln!areyounotgoingtothecourt-house?ComeinandIwillgiveyouaseat!'
"Well,Igotin,andtheJudgewentonreadinghispapers.Presentlythecarriagestruckastumpononesideoftheroad,thenithoppedofftotheother.Ilookedout,andIsawthedriverwasjerkingfromsidetosideinhisseat,soIsays:
"'Judge,Ithinkyourcoachmanhasbeentakingalittletoomuchthismorning.'
"'Well,Ideclare,Lincoln,'saidhe,'Ishouldnotmuchwonderifyouwereright,forhehasnearlyupsetmehalfadozentimessincestarting.'
"So,puttinghisheadoutofthewindow,heshouted,'Why,youinfernalscoundrel,youaredrunk!'
"Uponwhich,pullinguphishorses,andturningroundwithgreatgravity,thecoachmansaid:
"'Begorra!that'sthefirstrightfuldecisionthatyouhavegivenforthelast
twelvemonth.'"
Whilethecompanywerelaughing,thePresidentbeataquietretreatfromtheneighborhood.
"PITYTHEPOORORPHAN."
AftertheWarwaswellon,andseveralbattleshadbeenfought,aladyfromAlexandriaaskedthePresidentforanordertoreleaseacertainchurchwhichhadbeentakenforaFederalhospital.ThePresidentsaidhecoulddonothing,asthepostsurgeonatAlexandriawasimmovable,andthenaskedtheladywhyshedidn
otdonatemoneytobuildahospital.
"Wehavebeenverymuchembarrassedbythewar,"shereplied,"andourestatesaremuchhampered."
"Youarenotruined?"askedthePresident.
"No,sir,butwedonotfeelthatweshouldgiveupanythingwehaveleft."
ThePresident,aftersomereflection,thensaid:"Therearemorebattlesyettobefought,andIthinkGodwouldpreferthatyourchurchbedevotedtothecareandalleviationofthesufferingsofourpoorfellows.So,madam,youwillexcuseme.Icandonothingforyou."
Afterward,inspeakingofthisincident,PresidentLincolnsaidthatthelady,asarepresentativeofherclassinAlexandria,remindedhimofthestoryoftheyoungmanwhohadanagedfatherandmotherowningconsiderableproperty.Theyoungmanbeinganonlyson,andbelievingthattheoldpeoplehadoutlivedtheirusefulness,assassinatedthemboth.Hewasaccused,triedandconvictedofthemurder.Whenthejudgecametopasssentenceuponhim,andcalleduponhimtogiveanyreasonhemighthavewhythesentenceofdeathshouldnotbepasseduponhim,hewithgreatpromptnessrepliedthathehopedthecourtwouldbelenientuponhimbecausehewasapoororphan!
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"BAP."McNABB'SBOOSTER.
ItistruethatLincolndidnotdrink,neverswore,wasastrangertosmokingandlivedamorallifegenerally,buthedidlikehorse-racingandchickenfighting.NewSalem,Illinois,whereLincolnwas"clerking,"wasknowntheneighborhoodaroundasa"fast"town,andtheaverageyoungmanmadenoverydesperateresistancewhentemptedtojoininthedrinkingandgamblingbouts.
"Bap."McNabbwasfamousforhisabilityinboththeraisingandthepurchaseofroostersofprimefightingquality,andwhenhisbirdsfoughttheattendancewaslarge.Itwasbecauseofthe"flunking"ofoneof"Bap.'s"roostersthatLincolnwasenabledtomakeapointwhencriticisingMcClellan'sunreadinessandlackofenergy.
Onenighttherewasafightontheschedule,oneof"Bap."McNabb'sbirdsbeingacontestant."Bap."broughtalittleredrooster,whosefightingqualitieshadbeenwelladvertisedfordaysinadvance,andmuchinterestwasmanifestedintheoutcome.Astheresultofthesecontestswasgenerallyaquarrel,inwhicheachman,chargingfoulplay,seizedhisvictim,theychoseLincolnumpire,relyingnotonlyonhisfairnessbuthisabilitytoenforcehisdecisions.JudgeHerndon,inhis"AbrahamLincoln,"saysofthisnotableevent:
"IcannotimproveonthedescriptionfurnishedmeinFebruary,1865,byonewho
waspresent.
"Theyformedaring,andthetimehavingarrived,Lincoln,withonehandoneachhipandinasquattingposition,cried,'Ready.'Intotheringtheytosstheirfowls,'Bap.'s'redroosteralongwiththerest.Butnosoonerhadthelittlebeautydiscoveredwhatwastobedonethanhedroppedhistailandran.
"Thecrowdcheered,while'Bap.,'indisappointment,pickedhimupandstartedaway,losinghisquarter(entrancefee)andcarryinghomehisdishonoredfowl.Oncearrivedatthelatterplacehethrewhispetdownwithafeelingofindignationandchagrin.
"Thelittlefellow,outofsightofallrivals,mountedawoodpileandproudly
flirtingouthisfeathers,crowedwithallhismight.'Bap.'lookedonindisgust.
"'Yes,youlittlecuss,'heexclaimed,irreverently,'you'regreatondressparade,butnotworthadarninafight."'
Itissaid,accordingtoJudgeHerndon,thatLincolnconsideredMcClellanas"greatondressparade,"butnotsomuchinafight.
ALOW-DOWNTRICK.
WhenLincolnwasacandidateoftheKnowNothingsfortheStateLegislature,thepartywasover-confident,andtheDemocratspursuedastill-hunt.Lincolnwasdefeated.Hecomparedthesituationtooneofthecamp-followersofGeneralTaylor'sarmy,whohadsecuredabarrelofcider,erectedatent,andcommencedsellingittothethirstysoldiersattwenty-fivecentsadrink,buthehadsoldbutlittlebeforeanothersharponesetupatentathisback,andtappedthebarrelsoastoflowonhisside,andpeddledoutNo.1cideratfivecentsadrink,ofcourse,gettingthelatter'sentiretradeontheborrowedcapital.
"TheDemocrats,"saidMr.Lincoln,"hadplayedKnownothingonacheaperscalet
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hanhadtherealdevoteesofSam,andhadrakeddownhispilewithhisowncider!"
ENDFOREND.
JudgeH.W.Beckwith,ofDanville,Ill.,inhis"PersonalRecollectionsofLincoln,"tellsastorywhichisagoodexampleofLincoln'swayofcondensingthelawandthefactsofanissueinastory:"Aman,byvilewords,firstprovokedandthenmadeabodilyattackuponanother.Thelatter,indefendinghimself,gavetheothermuchtheworstoftheencounter.Theaggressor,togeteven,hadtheonewhothrashedhimtriedinourCircuitCourtonachargeofanassaultandbattery.Mr.Lincolndefended,andtoldthejurythathisclientwasinthefixofamanwho,ingoingalongthehighwaywithapitchforkonhisshoulder,wasattackedbyafiercedogthatranoutathimfromafarmer'sdooryard.Inparryingoffthebrutewiththefork,itsprongsstuckintothebruteandkilledhim.
"'Whatmadeyoukillmydog?'saidthefarmer.
"'Whatmadehimtrytobiteme?'
"'Butwhydidyounotgoathimwiththeotherendofthepitchfork?'
"'Whydidhenotcomeaftermewithhisotherend?'
"AtthisMr.Lincolnwhirledaboutinhislongarmsanimaginarydog,andpusheditstailendtowardthejury.Thiswasthedefensivepleaof'sonassaultdemesne'--loosely,that'theotherfellowbroughtonthefight,'--quicklytold,andinawaythedullestmindwouldgraspandretain."
LETSIXSKUNKSGO.
ThePresidenthaddecidedtoselectanewWarMinister,andtheLeadingRepublicanSenatorsthoughttheoccasionwasopportunetochangethewholesevenCabine
tministers.They,therefore,earnestlyadvisedhimtomakeacleansweep,andselectsevennewmen,andsorestorethewaningconfidenceofthecountry.
ThePresidentlistenedwithpatientcourtesy,andwhentheSenatorshadconcluded,hesaid,withacharacteristicgleamofhumorinhiseye:
"Gentlemen,yourrequestforachangeofthewholeCabinetbecauseIhavemadeonechangeremindsmeofastoryIonceheardinIllinois,ofafarmerwhowasmuchtroubledbyskunks.Hiswifeinsistedonhistryingtogetridofthem.
"Heloadedhisshotgunonemoonlightnightandawaiteddevelopments.Aftersometimethewifeheardtheshotgungooff,andinafewminutesthefarmerenteredthehouse.
"'Whatluckhaveyou?'askedshe.
"'Ihidmyselfbehindthewood-pile,'saidtheoldman,'withtheshotgunpointedtowardsthehenroost,andbeforelongthereappearednotoneskunk,butseven.Itookaim,blazedaway,killedone,andheraisedsuchafearfulsmellthatIconcludeditwasbesttolettheothersixgo."'
TheSenatorslaughedandretired.
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HOWHEGOTBLACKSTONE.
ThefollowingstorywastoldbyMr.LincolntoMr.A.J.Conant,theartist,whopaintedhisportraitinSpringfieldin1860:
"OnedayamanwhowasmigratingtotheWestdroveupinfrontofmystorewithawagonwhichcontainedhisfamilyandhouseholdplunder.HeaskedmeifIwouldbuyanoldbarrelforwhichhehadnoroominhiswagon,andwhichhesaidcontainednothingofspecialvalue.Ididnotwantit,buttoobligehimIboughtit,andpaidhim,Ithink,halfadollarforit.Withoutfurtherexamination,Iputitawayinthestoreandforgotallaboutit.Sometimeafter,inoverhaulingthings,Icameuponthebarrel,and,emptyingituponthefloortoseewhatitcontained,IfoundatthebottomoftherubbishacompleteeditionofBlackstone'sCommentaries.Ibegantoreadthosefamousworks,andIhadplentyoftime;forduringthelongsummerdays,whenthefarmerswerebusywiththeircrops,mycustomerswerefewandfarbetween.ThemoreIread"--thishesaidwithunusualemphasis--"themoreintenselyinterestedIbecame.Neverinmywholelifewasmymindsothoroughlyabsorbed.IreaduntilIdevouredthem."
AJOBFORTHENEWCABINETMAKER.
Thiscartoon,labeled"AJobfortheNewCabinetmaker,"wasprintedin"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper"onFebruary2d,1861,amonthandtwodaysbeforeAbrahamLincolnwasinauguratedPresidentoftheUnitedStates.TheSouthernstateshadsecededfromtheUnion,theConfederacywasestablished,withJeffersonDavisasitsPresident,theUnionhadbeensplitintwo,andthetaskLincolnhadbeforehimwastogluethetwopartsoftheRepublictogether.Inhisfamousspeech,deliveredashorttimebeforehisnominationforthePresidencybytheRepublicanNationalConventionatChicago,in1860,Lincolnhadsaid:"Ahousedividedagainstitselfcannotstand;thisnationcannotexisthalfslaveandhalffree."AfterhisinaugurationasPresident,Mr.Lincolnwenttoworktogluethetwopiecestogether,andafterfouryearsofbloodywar,andatimmensecost,thejobwasfinished;thehouseoftheGreatAmericanRepublicwasnolongerdivi
ded;theseveredsections--theNorthandtheSouth--werecementedtightly;theslaveswerefreed,peacewasfirmlyestablished,andtheUnionofstateswasgluedtogethersowellthatthenationisstrongernowthaneverbefore.Lincolnwasjustthemanforthatjob,andtheworkhedidwilllastforalltime."TheNewCabinetmaker"knewhisbusinessthoroughly,andfinishedhistaskofglueinginaworkmanlikemanner.Attheverymomentofitscompletion,fivedaysafterthesurrenderofLeetoGrantatAppomattox,theMartyrPresidentfellatthehandsoftheassassin,J.WilkesBooth.
"ICANSTANDITIFTHEYCAN."
UnitedStatesSenatorBenjaminWade,ofOhio,HenryWinterDavis,ofMaryland,andWendellPhillipswerestronglyopposedtoPresidentLincoln'sre-election,andWadeandDavisissuedamanifesto.PhillipsmadeseveralwarmspeechesagainstLincolnandhispolicy.
WhenaskedifhehadreadthemanifestooranyofPhillips'speeches,thePresidentreplied:
"Ihavenotseenthem,nordoIcaretoseethem.IhaveseenenoughtosatisfymethatIamafailure,notonlyintheopinionofthepeopleinrebellion,but
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ofmanydistinguishedpoliticiansofmyownparty.ButtimewillshowwhetherIamrightortheyareright,andIamcontenttoabideitsdecision.
"Ihaveenoughtolookafterwithoutgivingmuchofmytimetotheconsiderationofthesubjectofwhoshallbemysuccessorinoffice.Thepositionisnotaneasyone;andtheoccupant,whoeverhemaybe,forthenextfouryears,willhavelittleleisuretopluckathornorplantaroseinhisownpathway."
ItwasurgedthatthisoppositionmustbeembarrassingtohisAdministration,aswellasdamagingtotheparty.Hereplied:"Yes,thatistrue;butourfriends,Wade,Davis,Phillips,andothersarehardtoplease.Iamnotcapableofdoingso.Icannotpleasethemwithoutwantonlyviolatingnotonlymyoath,butthemostvitalprinciplesuponwhichourgovernmentwasfounded.
"Astothosewho,likeWadeandtherest,seefittodepreciatemypolicyandcavilatmyofficialacts,Ishallnotcomplainofthem.Iaccordthemtheutmostfreedomofspeechandlibertyofthepress,butshallnotchangethepolicyIhaveadoptedinthefullbeliefthatIamright.
"IfeelonthissubjectasanoldIllinoisfarmeronceexpressedhimselfwhileeatingcheese.Hewasinterruptedinthemidstofhisrepastbytheentranceofhisson,whoexclaimed,'Holdon,dad!there'sskippersinthatcheeseyou'reeating!'
"'Nevermind,Tom,'saidhe,ashekeptonmunchinghischeese,'iftheycanstanditIcan.'"
LINCOLNMISTAKENFORONCE.
PresidentLincolnwascompelledtoacknowledgethathemadeatleastonemistakein"sizingup"men.OnedayaverydignifiedmancalledattheWhiteHouse,andLincoln'sheartfellwhenhisvisitorapproached.Thelatterwasportly,hisfacewasfullofapparentanxiety,andLincolnwaswillingtowagerayear'ssalarythatherepresentedsomeSocietyfortheEasyandSpeedyRepressionofRebellions.
Thecallertalkedfluently,butatnotimedidhegiveadviceorsuggestawaytoputdowntheConfederacy.Hewasfullofhumor,toldacleverstoryortwo,andwasentirelyself-possessed.
AtlengththePresidentinquired,"Youareaclergyman,areyounot,sir?"
"Notbyajugfull,"returnedthestrangerheartily.
GraspinghimbythehandLincolnshookituntilthevisitorsquirmed."Youmustlunchwithus.Iamgladtoseeyou.Iwasafraidyouwereapreacher."
"IwenttotheChicagoConvention,"thecallersaid,"asafriendofMr.Seward
.Ihavewatchedyounarrowlyeversinceyourinauguration,andIcalledmerelytopaymyrespects.WhatIwanttosayisthis:Ithinkyouaredoingeverythingforthegoodofthecountrythatisinthepowerofmantodo.Youareontherighttrack.AsoneofyourconstituentsInowsaytoyou,doinfutureasyoud----please,andIwillsupportyou!"
Thiswasspokenwithtremendouseffect.
"Why,"saidMr.Lincolningreatastonishment,"Itookyoutobeapreacher.IthoughtyouhadcomeheretotellmehowtotakeRichmond,"andheagaingrasped
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thehandofhisstrangevisitor.
AccurateandpenetratingasMr.Lincoln'sjudgmentwasconcerningmen,foroncehehadbeenwhollymistaken.Thescenewascomicalintheextreme.Thetwomenstoodgazingateachother.Asmilebrokefromthelipsofthesolemnwagandrippledoverthewideexpanseofhishomelyfacelikesunlightoverspreadingacontinent,andMr.Lincolnwasconvulsedwithlaughter.
Hestayedtolunch.
FORGOTEVERYTHINGHEKNEW.
PresidentLincoln,whileentertainingafewfriends,issaidtohaverelatedthefollowinganecdoteofamanwhoknewtoomuch:
DuringtheadministrationofPresidentJacksontherewasasingularyounggentlemanemployedinthePublicPostofficeinWashington.
HisnamewasG.;hewasfromTennessee,thesonofawidow,aneighborofthePresident,onwhichaccounttheoldherohadakindfeelingforhim,andalwaysgothimoutofdifficultieswithsomeofthehigherofficials,towhomhissingularinterferencewasdistasteful.
Amongotherthings,itissaidofhimthatwhileemployedintheGeneralPostoffice,ononeoccasionhehadtocopyalettertoMajorH.,ahighofficial,inanswertoanapplicationmadebyanoldgentlemaninVirginiaorPennsylvania,fortheestablishmentofanewpostoffice.
Thewriterofthelettersaidtheapplicationcouldnotbegranted,inconsequenceoftheapplicant's"proximity"toanotheroffice.
WhenthelettercameintoG.'shandtocopy,beingagreatsticklerforplainness,healtered"proximity"to"nearnessto."
MajorH.observedit,andaskedG.whyhealteredhisletter.
"Why,"repliedG.,"becauseIdon'tthinkthemanwouldunderstandwhatyoumeanbyproximity."
"Well,"saidMajorH.,"tryhim;putinthe'proximity'again."
Inafewdaysaletterwasreceivedfromtheapplicant,inwhichheveryindignantlysaidthathisfatherhadfoughtforlibertyinthesecondwarforindependence,andheshouldliketohavethenameofthescoundrelwhobroughtthechargeofproximityoranythingelsewrongagainsthim.
"There,"saidG.,"didInotsayso?"
G.carriedhisimprovementssofarthatMr.Berry,thePostmaster-General,saidtohim:"Idon'twantyouanylonger;youknowtoomuch."
PoorG.wentout,buthisoldfriendgothimanotherplace.
ThistimeG.'sideasunderwentachange.Hewasonedayverybusywriting,whenastrangercalledinandaskedhimwherethePatentOfficewas.
"Idon'tknow,"saidG.
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"CanyoutellmewheretheTreasuryDepartmentis?"saidthestranger.
"No,"saidG.
"NorthePresident'shouse?"
"No."
ThestrangerfinallyaskedhimifheknewwheretheCapitolwas.
"No,"repliedG.
"DoyouliveinWashington,sir."
"Yes,sir,"saidG.
"GoodLord!anddon'tyouknowwherethePatentOffice,Treasury,President'sHouseandCapitolare?"
"Stranger,"saidG.,"Iwasturnedoutofthepostofficeforknowingtoomuch.Idon'tmeantooffendinthatwayagain.
"Iampaidforkeepingthisbook.
"IbelieveIknowthatmuch;butifyoufindmeknowinganythingmoreyoumaytakemyhead."
"Goodmorning,"saidthestranger.
HELOVEDAGOODSTORY.
JudgeBreese,oftheSupremebench,oneofthemostdistinguishedofAmericanjurists,andamanofgreatpersonaldignity,wasabouttoopencourtatSpringfield,whenLincolncalledoutinhisheartyway:"Holdon,Breese!Don'topencourtyet!Here'sBobBlackwelljustgoingtotellastory!"Thejudgepassedonwi
thoutreplying,evidentlyregardingitasbeneaththedignityoftheSupremeCourttodelayproceedingsforthesakeofastory.
HEELSRANAWAYWITHTHEM.
Inanargumentagainsttheoppositepoliticalpartyatonetimeduringacampaign,Lincolnsaid:"Myopponentusesafigurativeexpressiontotheeffectthat'theDemocratsarevulnerableintheheel,buttheyaresoundintheheartandhead.'Thefirstbranchofthefigure--thatistheDemocratsarevulnerableintheheel--Iadmitisnotmerelyfigurativelybutliterallytrue.Whothatlooksbutforamomentattheirhundredsofofficialsscamperingawaywiththepublicmon
eytoTexas,toEurope,andtoeveryspotoftheearthwhereavillainmayhopetofindrefugefromjustice,canatalldoubtthattheyaremostdistressinglyaffectedintheirheelswithaspeciesofrunningitch?
"Itseemsthatthismaladyoftheirheelsoperatesonthesound-headedandhonest-heartedcreaturesverymuchasthecorkleginthecomicsongdidonitsowner,which,whenheoncegotstartedonit,themorehetriedtostopit,themoreitwouldrunaway.
"Atthehazardofwearingthispointthreadbare,Iwillrelateananecdotethe
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situationcallstomymind,whichseemstobetoostrikinglyinpointtobeomitted.AwittyIrishsoldier,whowasalwaysboastingofhisbraverywhennodangerwasnear,butwhoinvariablyretreatedwithoutordersatthefirstchargeoftheengagement,beingaskedbyhiscaptainwhyhedidso,replied,'Captain,IhaveasbraveaheartasJuliusCaesareverhad,butsomehoworother,wheneverdangerapproaches,mycowardlylegswillrunawaywithit.'
"Sowiththeoppositeparty--theytakethepublicmoneyintotheirhandsforthemostlaudablepurposethatwiseheadsandhonestheartscandictate;butbeforetheycanpossiblygetitoutagain,theirrascally,vulnerableheelswillrunawaywiththem."
WANTEDTOBURNHIMDOWNTOTHESTUMP.
PrestonKingonceintroducedA.J.BleekertothePresident,andthelatter,beinganapplicantforoffice,wasabouttohandMr.Lincolnhisvouchers,whenhewasaskedtoreadthem.BleekerhadnotreadveryfarwhenthePresidentdisconcertedhimbytheexclamation,"Stopaminute!Youremindmeexactlyofthemanwhokilledthedog;infact,youarejustlikehim."
"Inwhatrespect?"askedBleeker,notfeelinghehadreceivedacompliment.
"Well,"repliedthePresident,"thismanhadmadeuphismindtokillhisdog,anuglybrute,andproceededtoknockouthisbrainswithaclub.Hecontinuedstrikingthedogafterthelatterwasdeaduntilafriendprotested,exclaiming,'Youneedn'tstrikehimanymore;thedogisdead;youkilledhimatthefirstblow.'
"'Oh,yes,'saidhe,'Iknowthat;butIbelieveinpunishmentafterdeath.'So,Isee,youdo."
Bleekeracknowledgeditwaspossibletooverdoagoodthing,andthencamebackatthePresidentwithananecdoteofagoodpriestwhoconvertedanIndianfromheathenismtoChristianity;theonlydifficultyhehadwithhimwastogethimtoprayforhisenemies."ThisIndianhadbeentaughttoovercomeanddestroyal
lhisfriendshedidn'tlike,"saidBleeker,"butthepriesttoldhimthatwhilethatmightbetheIndianmethod,itwasnotthedoctrineofChristianityortheBible.'SaintPauldistinctlysays,'thepriesttoldhim,'Ifthineenemyhunger,feedhim;ifhethirst,givehimdrink.'
"TheIndianshookhisheadatthis,butwhenthepriestadded,'Forinsodoingthoushaltheapcoalsoffireonhishead,'PoorLowasovercomewithemotion,fellonhisknees,andwithoutstretchedhandsandupliftedeyesinvokedallsortsofblessingsontheheadsofallhisenemies,supplicatingforpleasanthunting-grounds,alargesupplyofsquaws,lotsofpapooses,andallotherIndiancomforts.
"Finallythegoodpriestinterruptedhim(asyoudidme,Mr.President),exclai
ming,'Stop,myson!YouhavedischargedyourChristianduty,andhavedonemorethanenough.'
"'Oh,no,father,'repliedtheIndian;'letmepray!Iwanttoburnhimdowntothestump!"
HADA"KICK"COMING.
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Duringthewar,oneoftheNorthernGovernors,whowasable,earnestanduntiringinaidingtheadministration,butalwayscomplaining,sentdispatchafterdispatchtotheWarOffice,protestingagainstthemethodsusedinraisingtroops.Afterreadingallhispapers,thePresidentsaid,inacheerfulandreassuringtonetotheAdjutant-General:
"Nevermind,nevermind;thosedispatchesdon'tmeananything.Justgorightahead.TheGovernorislikeaboyIoncesawatalaunching.Wheneverythingwasready,theypickedoutaboyandsenthimundertheshiptoknockawaythetriggerandlethergo.
"Atthecriticalmomenteverythingdependedontheboy.Hehadtodothejobwellbyadirect,vigorousblow,andthenlieflatandkeepstillwhiletheboatslidoverhim.
"Theboydideverythingright,butheyelledasifhewerebeingmurderedfromthetimehegotunderthekeeluntilhegotout.Ithoughtthehidewasallscrapedoffhisback,buthewasn'thurtatall.
"Themasteroftheyardtoldmethatthisboywasalwayschosenforthatjob;thathedidhisworkwell;thatheneverhadbeenhurt,butthathealwayssquealedinthatway.
"That'sjustthewaywithGovernor--.Makeupyourmindthatheisnothurt,an
dthatheisdoingtheworkright,andpaynoattentiontohissquealing.Heonlywantstomakeyouunderstandhowhardhistaskis,andthatheisonhandperformingit."
THECASEOFBETSYANNDOUGHERTY.
ManyrequestsandpetitionsmadetoMr.LincolnwhenhewasPresidentwereludicrousandtrifling,buthealwaysenteredintothemwiththathumor-lovingspiritthatwassucharelieffromthegravedutiesofhisgreatoffice.
OnceapartyofSouthernerscalledonhiminbehalfofoneBetsyAnnDougherty.
Thespokesman,whowasanex-Governor,said:
"Mr.President,BetsyAnnDoughertyisagoodwoman.Shelivedinmycountyanddidmywashingforalongtime.Herhusbandwentoffandjoinedtherebelarmy,andIwishyouwouldgiveheraprotectionpaper."ThesolemnityofthisappealstruckMr.Lincolnasuncommonlyridiculous.
Thetwomenlookedateachother--theGovernordesperatelyearnest,andthePresidentmaskinghishumorbehindthegravestexterior.AtlastMr.Lincolnasked,withinimitablegravity,"WasBetsyAnnagoodwasherwoman?""Oh,yes,sir,shewas,indeed."
"WasyourBetsyAnnanobligingwoman?""Yes,shewascertainlyverykind,"res
pondedtheGovernor,soberly."Couldshedootherthingsthanwash?"continuedMr.Lincolnwiththesameportentousgravity.
"Oh,yes;shewasverykind--very."
"WhereisBetsyAnn?"
"SheisnowinNewYork,andwantstocomebacktoMissouri,butsheisafraidofbanishment."
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TheblacksdidnotbotherPresident"Abe"intheleastasheknewhewouldbeenabledtogivethemtheirfreedomwhenthepropertimecame.HehadtheprojectoffreeingtheminhismindlongbeforeheissuedhisEmancipationProclamation,thedelayinpromulgatingthatdocumentbeingduetothefactthathedidnotwishtoestrangethehundredsofthousandsofpatriotsoftheborderstateswhowerefightingforthepreservationoftheUnion,andnotforthefreedomofthenegroslaves.President"Abe"hadpatience,andeverythingcameoutallrightintheend.
GETTINGRIDOFANELEPHANT.
CharlesA.Dana,whowasAssistantSecretaryofWarunderMr.Stanton,relatesthefollowing:AcertainThompsonhadbeengivingthegovernmentconsiderabletrouble.DanareceivedinformationthatThompsonwasabouttoescapetoLiverpool.
CallinguponStanton,DanawasreferredtoMr.Lincoln.
"ThePresidentwasattheWhiteHouse,businesshourswereover,Lincolnwaswashinghishands.'Hallo,Dana,'saidhe,asIopenedthedoor,'whatisitnow?''Well,sir,'Isaid,'hereistheProvostMarshalofPortland,whoreportsthatJacobThompsonistobeintownto-night,andinquireswhatorderswehavetogive.''WhatdoesStantonsay?'heasked.'Arresthim,'Ireplied.'Well,'hecon
tinued,drawlinghiswords,'Iratherguessnot.Whenyouhaveanelephantonyourhands,andhewantstorunaway,betterlethimrun.'"
GROTESQUE,YETFRIGHTFUL.
ThenearestLincolnevercametoafightwaswhenhewasinthevicinityoftheskirmishatKellogg'sGrove,intheBlackHawkWar.Therangersarrivedatthespotaftertheengagementandhelpedburythefivemenwhowerekilled.
LincolntoldNoahBrooks,oneofhisbiographers,thathe"rememberedjusthowthosemenlookedaswerodeupthelittlehillwheretheircampwas.Theredlig
htofthemorningsunwasstreaminguponthemastheylay,headstowardus,ontheground.Andeverymanhadaround,redspotonthetopofhisheadaboutasbigasadollar,wheretheredskinshadtakenhisscalp.Itwasfrightful,butitwasgrotesque;andtheredsunlightseemedtopainteverythingallover."
Lincolnpaused,asifrecallingthevividpicture,andadded,somewhatirrelevantly,"Irememberthatonemanhadonbuckskinbreeches."
"ABE"WASNODUDE.
Alwaysindifferentinmattersofdress,Lincolncutbutsmallfigureinsocial
circles,evenintheearliestdaysofIllinois.Histrousersweretooshort,hishattoosmall,and,asarule,thebuttonsonthebackofhiscoatwerenearerhisshoulderbladesthanhiswaist.
Nomanwasricherthanhisfellows,andtherewasnoaristocracy;thewomenworelinsey-woolseyofhomemanufacture,anddyedtheminaccordancewiththetastesofthewearers;calicowasrarelyseen,andawomanwearingadressofthatmaterialwastheenvyofhersisters.
Therebeingnoshoemakersthewomenworemoccasins,andthemenmadetheirown
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boots.Ahuntingshirt,leggingsmadeofskins,buckskinbreeches,dyedgreen,constitutedanapparelnomaidencouldwithstand.
CHARACTERISTICOFLINCOLN.
OnemanwhoknewLincolnatNewSalem,saysthefirsttimehesawhimhewaslyingonatrundle-bedcoveredwithbooksandpapersandrockingacradlewithhisfoot.
Thewholescenewasentirelycharacteristic--Lincolnreadingandstudying,andatthesametimehelpinghislandladybyquietingherchild.
AgentlemanwhoknewMr.Lincolnwellinearlymanhoodsays:"Lincolnatthisperiodhadnothingbutplentyoffriends."
Afterthecustomaryhand-shakingononeoccasionintheWhiteHouseatWashingtonseveralgentlemencameforwardandaskedthePresidentforhisautograph.Oneofthemgavehisnameas"Cruikshank.""Thatremindsme,"saidMr.Lincoln,"ofwhatIusedtobecalledwhenayoungman--'Long-shanks!'"
"PLOUGHALL'ROUNDHIM."
GovernorBlankwenttotheWarDepartmentonedayinatoweringrage:
"Isupposeyoufounditnecessarytomakelargeconcessionstohim,ashereturnedfromyouperfectlysatisfied,"suggestedafriend.
"Oh,no,"thePresidentreplied,"Ididnotconcedeanything.YouhaveheardhowthatIllinoisfarmergotridofabiglogthatwastoobigtohaulout,tooknottytosplit,andtoowetandsoggytoburn.
"'Well,now,'saidhe,inresponsetotheinquiriesofhisneighborsoneSunday,astohowhegotridofit,'well,now,boys,ifyouwon'tdivulgethesecret,
I'lltellyouhowIgotridofit--Iploughedaroundit.'
"Now,"remarkedLincoln,inconclusion,"don'ttellanybody,butthat'sthewayIgotridofGovernorBlank.Iploughedallroundhim,butittookmethreemortalhourstodoit,andIwasafraideveryminutehe'dseewhatIwasat."
"I'VELOSTMYAPPLE."
Duringapublic"reception,"afarmerfromoneofthebordercountiesofVirginiatoldthePresidentthattheUnionsoldiers,inpassinghisfarm,hadhelpedthemselvesnotonlytohay,buthishorse,andhehopedthePresidentwouldurge
theproperofficertoconsiderhisclaimimmediately.
Mr.Lincolnsaidthatthisremindedhimofanoldacquaintanceofhis,"Jack"Chase,alumbermanontheIllinois,asteady,soberman,andthebestraftsmanontheriver.Itwasquiteatricktotakethelogsovertherapids;buthewasskilfulwitharaft,andalwayskeptherstraightinthechannel.Finallyasteamerwasputon,and"Jack"wasmadecaptainofher.Healwaysusedtotakethewheel,goingthroughtherapids.Onedaywhentheboatwasplungingandwallowingalongtheboilingcurrent,and"Jack's"utmostvigilancewasbeingexercisedtokeepherinthenarrowchannel,aboypulledhiscoat-tailandhailedhimwith:
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"Say,MisterCaptain!Iwishyouwouldjuststopyourboataminute--I'velostmyappleoverboard!"
LOSTHISCERTIFICATEOFCHARACTER.
Mr.LincolnpreparedhisfirstinauguraladdressinaroomoverastoreinSpringfield.HisonlyreferenceworkswereHenryClay'sgreatcompromisespeechof1850,AndrewJackson'sProclamationagainstNullification,Webster'sgreatreplytoHayne,andacopyoftheConstitution.
WhenMr.LincolnstartedforWashington,tobeinaugurated,theinauguraladdresswasplacedinaspecialsatchelandguardedwithspecialcare.AtHarrisburgthesatchelwasgiveninchargeofRobertT.Lincoln,whoaccompaniedhisfather.BeforethetrainstartedfromHarrisburgtheprecioussatchelwasmissing.Robertthoughthehadgivenittoawaiteratthehotel,butalongsearchfailedtorevealthemissingsatchelwithitspreciousdocument.Lincolnwasannoyed,angry,andfinallyindespair.Hefeltcertainthattheaddresswaslostbeyondrecovery,and,asitonlylackedtendaysuntiltheinauguration,hehadnotimetoprepareanother.Hehadnotevenpreservedthenotesfromwhichtheoriginalcopyhadbeenwritten.
Mr.LincolnwenttoWardLamon,hisformerlawpartner,thenoneofhisbodyguards,andinformedhimofthelossinthefollowingwords:
"Lamon,IguessIhavelostmycertificateofmoralcharacter,writtenbymyself.Bobhaslostmygripsackcontainingmyinauguraladdress."Ofcourse,themisfortuneremindedhimofastory.
"Ifeel,"saidMr.Lincoln,"agooddealastheoldmemberoftheMethodistChurchdidwhenhelosthiswifeatthecampmeeting,andwentuptoanoldelderofthechurchandaskedhimifhecouldtellhimwhereaboutsinh--lhiswifewas.Infact,IaminaworsefixthanmyMethodistfriend,forifitwereonlyawifethatweremissing,minewouldbesuretobobupsomewhere."
TheclerkatthehoteltoldMr.Lincolnthathewouldprobablyfindhismissingsatchelinthebaggage-room.Arrivingthere,Mr.Lincolnsawasatchelwhichhethoughtwashis,anditwaspassedouttohim.Hiskeyfittedthelock,butalas!whenitwasopenedthesatchelcontainedonlyasoiledshirt,somepapercollars,apackofcardsandabottleofwhisky.Afewminuteslaterthesatchelcontainingtheinauguraladdresswasfoundamongthepileofbaggage.
TherecoveryoftheaddressalsoremindedMr.Lincolnofastory,whichisthusnarratedbyWardLamoninhis"RecollectionsofAbrahamLincoln":
Thelossoftheaddressandthesearchforitwasthesubjectofagreatdealofamusement.Mr.Lincolnsaidmanyfunnythingsinconnectionwiththeincident.Oneofthemwasthatheknewafellowoncewhohadsavedupfifteenhundreddol
lars,andhadplaceditinaprivatebankingestablishment.Thebanksoonfailed,andheafterwardreceivedtenpercentofhisinvestment.Hethentookhisonehundredandfiftydollarsanddepositeditinasavingsbank,wherehewassureitwouldbesafe.Inashorttimethisbankalsofailed,andhereceivedatthefinalsettlementtenpercentontheamountdeposited.Whenthefifteendollarswaspaidovertohim,hehelditinhishandandlookedatitthoughtfully;thenhesaid,"Now,darnyou,Ihavegotyoureducedtoaportableshape,soI'llputyouinmypocket."Suitingtheactiontotheword,Mr.Lincolntookhisaddressfromthebagandcarefullyplaceditintheinsidepocketofhisvest,butheldontothesatchelwithasmuchinterestasifitstillcontainedhis"certifi
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cateofmoralcharacter."
NOTEPRESENTEDFORPAYMENT.
ThegreatEnglishfunnypaper,London"Punch,"printedthiscartoononSeptember27th,1862.ItisintendedtoconveytheideathatLincoln,havingassertedthatthewarwouldbeoverinninetydays,hadnotredeemedhisword:ThetextundertheCartooninPunchwas:
MR.SOUTHTOMR.NORTH:"Your'ninety-day'promissorynoteisn'ttakenupyet,sirree!"
Thetoneofthecartoonisdecidedlyunfriendly.TheNorthfinallytookupthenote,buttheSouthhadtopayit."Punch"wasnotpleasedwiththeresult,but"Mr.North"didnotcareparticularlywhatthisperiodicalthoughtaboutit.TheUnitedStates,sincethen,hasbeenpreparedtotakeupallofitsobligationswhendue,butitmustbeacknowledgedthatatthetimethiscartoonwaspublishedtheoutlookwasratherdarkandgloomy.Lincolndidnotdespair,however;butalthoughbusinesswasinratherbadshapeforatime,thefinancialskiesfinallycleared,businesswasresumedattheoldstand,andUncleSam'screditisnowasgood,orbetter,thanothernations'cashinhand.
DOGWASA"LEETLEBITAHEAD."
LincolncouldnotsympathizewiththoseUniongeneralswhowerepronetoindulgeinhigh-soundingpromises,butwhoseperformancesdidnotbyanymeanscomeuptotheirpredictionsastowhattheywoulddoiftheyevermettheenemyfacetoface.Hesaidoneday,justafteroneofthesebraggartshadbeensoundlythrashedbytheConfederates:
"Thesefellowsremindmeofthefellowwhoownedadogwhich,sohesaid,justhungeredandthirstedtocombatandeatupwolves.Itwasadifficultmatter,sotheownerdeclared,tokeepthatdogfromdevotingtheentiretwenty-fourhours
ofeachdaytothedestructionofhisenemies.Hejust'hankered'togetatthem.
"Onedayapartyofthisdog-owner'sfriendsthoughttohavesomesport.Thesefriendsheartilydislikedwolves,andwereanxioustoseethedogeatupafewthousand.Sotheyorganizedahuntingpartyandinvitedthedog-ownerandthedogtogowiththem.Theydesiredtobepersonallypresentwhenthewolf-killingwasinprogress.
"Itwasnoticedthatthedog-ownerwasnotover-enthusiasticinthematter;hepleadeda'businessengagement,'butashewasthemostnotoriousandtorpidofthetownloafers,andwouldn'thaverecognizeda'businessengagement'hadhemetitfacetoface,hisexcusewastreatedwithcontempt.Thereforehehadtogo.
"Thedog,however,wasgladenoughtogo,andsothepartystartedout.Wolveswereinplenty,andsoonapackwasdiscovered,butwhenthe'wolf-hound'sawtheferociousanimalshelostheart,and,puttinghistailbetweenhislegs,endeavoredtoslinkaway.Atlast--aftermanytrials--hewasenticedintothesmallgrowthofunderbrushwherethewolveshadsecretedthemselves,andyelpsofterrorbetrayedthefactthatthebattlewason.
"Awayflewthewolves,thedogamongthem,thehuntingpartyfollowingonhorseback.Thewolvesseemedfrightened,andthedogwasrestoredtopublicfavor.It
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reallylookedasifhehadthesavagecreaturesontherun,ashewasfightingheroicallywhenlastsighted.
"Wolvesanddogsoondisappeared,anditwasnotuntilthepartyarrivedatadistantfarmhousethatnewsofthecombatantswasgleaned.
"'Haveyouseenanythingofawolf-dogandapackofwolvesaroundhere?'wasthequestionanxiouslyputtothemaleoccupantofthehouse,whostoodidlyleaninguponthegate.
"'Yep,'wastheshortanswer.
"'Howweretheygoing?'
"'Purtyfast.'
"'Whatwastheirpositionwhenyousawthem?'
"'Well,'repliedthefarmer,inamostexasperatinglydeliberateway,'thedogwasaleetlebitahead.'
"Now,gentlemen,"concludedthePresident,"that'sthepositioninwhichyou'llfindmostofthesebragginggeneralswhentheygetintoafightwiththeenemy.That'swhyIdon'tlikemilitaryorators."
"ABE'S"FIGHTWITHNEGROES.
WhenLincolnwasnineteenyearsofage,hewenttoworkforaMr.Gentry,and,incompanywithGentry'sson,tookaflatboatloadofprovisionstoNewOrleans.AtaplantationsixmilesbelowBatonRouge,whiletheboatwastieduptotheshoreinthedeadhoursofthenight,andAbeandAllenwerefastasleepinthebed,theywerestartledbyfootstepsonboard.Theyknewinstantlythatitwasagangofnegroescometorobandperhapsmurderthem.Allen,thinkingtofrightenthenegroes,calledout,"Bringguns,Lincoln,andshootthem!"Abecamewithouttheguns,butfellamongthenegroeswithahugebludgeonandbelaboredthem
mostcruelly,followingthemontothebank.Theyrushedbacktotheirboatandhastilyputoutintothestream.ItissaidthatLincolnreceivedascarinthistusslewhichhecarriedwithhimtohisgrave.Itwasonthistripthathesawtheworkingsofslaveryforthefirsttime.ThesightofNewOrleanswaslikeawonderfulpanoramatohiseyes,forneverbeforehadheseenwealth,beauty,fashionandculture.Hereturnedhomewithnewandlargerideasandstrongeropinionsofrightandjustice.
NOISELIKEATURNIP.
"Everymanhashisownpeculiarandparticularwayofgettingatanddoingthin
gs,"saidPresidentLincolnoneday,"andheisoftencriticisedbecausethatwayisnottheoneadoptedbyothers.Thegreatideaistoaccomplishwhatyousetouttodo.Whenamanissuccessfulinwhateverheattempts,hehasmanyimitators,andthemethodsusedarenotsocloselyscrutinized,althoughnomanwhoisofgoodintentwillresorttomean,underhanded,scurvytricks.
"ThatremindsmeofafellowoutinIllinois,whohadbetterluckingettingprairiechickensthananyoneintheneighborhood.Hehadarustyoldgunnoothermandaredtohandle;heneverseemedtoexerthimself,beinglistlessandindifferentwhenoutaftergame,buthealwaysbroughthomeallthechickenshecould
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carry,whilesomeoftheothers,withtheirfinelytraineddogsandlatestimprovedfowling-pieces,camehomealone.
"'Howisit,Jake?'inquiredonesportsman,who,althoughagoodshot,andknewsomethingabouthunting,wasoftenunfortunate,'thatyounevercomehomewithoutalotofbirds?'
"Jakegrinned,halfclosedhiseyes,andreplied:'Oh,Idon'tknowthatthere'sanythingqueeraboutit.Ijes'goaheadan'git'em.'
"'Yes,Iknowyoudo;buthowdoyoudoit?'
"'You'lltell.'
"'Honest,Jake,Iwon'tsayaword.Hopetodropdeadthisminute.'
"'Neversaynothing,ifItellyou?'
"'Crossmyheartthreetimes.'
"ThisreassuredJake,whoputhismouthclosetotheearofhiseagerquestioner,andsaid,inawhisper:
"'Allyougottodoisjes'tohideinafencecorneran'makeanoiselikeat
urnip.That'llbringthechickenseverytime.'"
WARDINGOFFGOD'SVENGEANCE.
WhenLincolnwasacandidateforre-electiontotheIllinoisLegislaturein1836,ameetingwasadvertisedtobeheldinthecourt-houseinSpringfield,atwhichcandidatesofopposingpartiesweretospeak.Thisgavemenofspiritandcapacityafineopportunitytoshowthestuffofwhichtheyweremade.
GeorgeForquerwasoneofthemostprominentcitizens;hehadbeenaWhig,butbecameaDemocrat--possiblyforthereasonthatbymeansofthechangehesecure
dthepositionofGovernmentlandregister,fromPresidentAndrewJackson.Hehadthelargestandfinesthouseinthecity,andtherewasanewandstrikingappendagetoit,calledalightning-rod!Themeetingwasverylarge.SevenWhigandsevenDemocraticcandidatesspoke.
Lincolnclosedthediscussion.AKentuckian(JoshuaF.Speed),whohadheardHenryClayandotherdistinguishedKentuckyorators,stoodnearLincoln,andstatedafterwardthathe"neverheardamoreeffectivespeaker;...thecrowdseemedtobeswayedbyhimashepleased."Whatoccurredduringtheclosingportionofthismeetingmustbegiveninfull,fromJudgeArnold'sbook:
"Forquer,althoughnotacandidate,askedtobeheardfortheDemocrats,inreplytoLincoln.Hewasagoodspeaker,andwellknownthroughoutthecounty.His
specialtaskthatdaywastoattackandridiculetheyoungcountrymanfromSalem.
"TurningtoLincoln,whostoodwithinafewfeetofhim,hesaid:'Thisyoungmanmustbetakendown,andIamtrulysorrythatthetaskdevolvesuponme.'Hethenproceeded,inaveryoverbearingway,andwithanassumptionofgreatsuperiority,toattackLincolnandhisspeech.Hewasfluentandreadywiththeroughsarcasmofthestump,andhewentontoridiculetheperson,dressandargumentsofLincolnwithsomuchsuccessthatLincoln'sfriendsfearedthathewouldbeembarrassedandoverthrown."
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"TheClary'sGroveboyswerepresent,andwererestrainedwithdifficultyfrom'gettingupafight'inbehalfoftheirfavorite(Lincoln),theyandallhisfriendsfeelingthattheattackwasungenerousandunmanly.
"Lincoln,however,stoodcalm,buthisflashingeyeandpalecheekindicatedhisindignation.AssoonasForquerhadclosedhetookthestand,andfirstansweredhisopponent'sargumentsfullyandtriumphantly.Soimpressivewerehiswordsandmannerthatahearer(JoshuaF.Speed)believesthathecanremembertothisdayandrepeatsomeoftheexpressions.
"Amongotherthingshesaid:'Thegentlemancommencedhisspeechbysayingthat"thisyoungman,"alludingtome,"mustbetakendown."IamnotsoyounginyearsasIaminthetricksandthetradesofapolitician,but,'saidhe,pointingtoForquer,'livelongordieyoung,Iwouldratherdienowthan,likethegentleman,changemypolitics,andwiththechangereceiveanofficeworth$3,000ayear,andthen,'continuedhe,'feelobligedtoerectalightning-rodovermyhouse,toprotectaguiltyconsciencefromanoffendedGod!'"
JEFFDAVISANDCHARLESTHEFIRST.
JeffersonDavisinsistedonbeingrecognizedbyhisofficialtitleascommander
orPresidentintheregularnegotiationwiththeGovernment.ThisMr.Lincolnwouldnotconsentto.
Mr.HunterthereuponreferredtothecorrespondencebetweenKingCharlestheFirstandhisParliamentasaprecedentforanegotiationbetweenaconstitutionalrulerandrebels.Mr.Lincoln'sfacethenworethatindescribableexpressionwhichgenerallyprecededhishardesthits,andheremarked:"Uponquestionsofhistory,ImustreferyoutoMr.Seward,forheispostedinsuchthings,andIdon'tprofesstobe;butmyonlydistinctrecollectionofthematteris,thatCharleslosthishead."
LOVEDSOLDIERS'HUMOR.
Lincolnlovedanythingthatsavoredofwitorhumoramongthesoldiers.Heusedtorelatetwostoriestoshow,hesaid,thatneitherdeathnordangercouldquenchthegrimhumoroftheAmericansoldier:
"AsoldieroftheArmyofthePotomacwasbeingcarriedtotherearofbattlewithbothlegsshotoff,who,seeingapie-woman,calledout,'Say,oldlady,arethempiessewedorpegged?'
"AndtherewasanotheroneofthesoldiersatthebattleofChancellorsville,whoseregiment,waitingtobecalledintothefight,wastakingcoffee.Theheroofthestoryputtohislipsacrockerymugwhichhehadcarriedwithcarethrou
ghseveralcampaigns.Astraybullet,justmissingthetinker'shead,dashedthemugintofragmentsandleftonlythehandleonhisfinger.Turninghisheadinthatdirection,hescowled,'Johnny,youcan'tdothatagain!'"
BADTIMEFORABARBECUE.
CaptainT.W.S.KiddofSpringfieldwasthecrierofthecourtinthedayswhenMr.Lincolnusedtoridethecircuit.
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"Iwasyoungerthanhe,"saysCaptainKidd,"buthehadasortofadmirationforme,andneverfailedtogetmeintohisstories.Iwasastory-tellermyselfinthosedays,andheusedtolaughveryheartilyatsomeofthestoriesItoldhim.
"Nowandthenhegotmeintoagooddealoftrouble.IwasaDemocrat,andwasinpoliticsmoreorless.AgoodmanyofourDemocraticvotersatthattimewereIrishmen.TheycametoIllinoisinthedaysoftheoldcanal,anddidtheirhonestshareinmakingthatpieceofinternalimprovementanaccomplishedfact.
"OnetimeMr.Lincolntoldthestoryofoneofthoseimportantyoungfellows--notanIrishman--wholivedineverytown,andhavethecaresofstateontheirshoulders.ThisyoungfellowmetanIrishmanonthestreet,andcalledtohim,officiously:'Oh,Mike,I'mawfulgladImetyou.We'vegottodosomethingtowakeuptheboys.Thecampaigniscomingon,andwe'vegottogetoutvoters.We'vejusthadameetinguphere,andwe'regoingtohavethebiggestbarbecuethateverwasheardofinIllinois.Wearegoingtoroasttwowholeoxen,andwe'regoingtohaveDouglasandGovernorCassandsomeonefromKentucky,andallthebigDemocraticguns,andwe'regoingtohaveagreatbigtime.'
"'Bydad,that'sgood!'saystheIrishman.'Thebyesneedstirrin'up.'
"'Yes,andyou'reononeofthecommittees,andyouwanttohustlearoundandg
etthemwakedup,Mike.'
"'Whenisthebarbecuetobe?'askedMike.
"'Friday,twoweeks.'
"'Friday,isit?Well,I'llmakeanicecommitteeman,settin'thebarbecueonadaywithhalfoftheDimocraticpartyofSangamoncountycan'tateabiteofmate.Goonwidye.'
"Lincolntoldthatstoryinoneofhispoliticalspeeches,andwhenthelaughwasoverhesaid:'Now,gentlemen,Iknowthatstoryistrue,forTomKiddtoldittome.'AndthentheDemocratswouldmaketroubleformeforaweekafterward,
andI'dhavetoexplain."
HE'DSEEITAGAIN.
AbouttwoyearsbeforeLincolnwasnominatedforthePresidencyhewenttoBloomington,Illinois,totryacaseofsomeimportance.Hisopponent--whoafterwardreachedahighplaceinhisprofession--wasayoungmanofability,sensiblebutsensitive,andonetowhomthelossofacasewasagreatblow.Hethereforestudiedhardandmademuchpreparation.
Thisparticularcasewassubmittedtothejurylateatnight,and,althoughant
icipatingafavorableverdict,theyoungattorneyspentasleeplessnightinanxiety.Earlynextmorninghelearned,tohisgreatchagrin,thathehadlostthecase.
Lincolnmethimatthecourt-housesometimeafterthejuryhadcomein,andaskedhimwhathadbecomeofhiscase.
Withlugubriouscountenanceandinamelancholytonetheyoungmanreplied,"It'sgonetohell."
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"Oh,well,"repliedLincoln,"thenyouwillseeitagain."
CALLANOTHERWITNESS.
Whenarguingacaseincourt,Mr.Lincolnneverusedawordwhichthedullestjurymancouldnotunderstand.Rarely,ifever,didaLatintermcreepintohisarguments.Alawyer,quotingalegalmaximonedayincourt,turnedtoLincoln,andsaid:"Thatisso,isitnot,Mr.Lincoln?"
"Ifthat'sLatin."Lincolnreplied,"youhadbettercallanotherwitness."
ACONTESTWITHLITTLE"TAD."
Mr.Carpenter,theartist,relatesthefollowingincident:"SomephotographerscameuptotheWhiteHousetomakesomestereoscopicstudiesformeofthePresident'soffice.Theyrequestedadarkclosetinwhichtodevelopthepictures,and,withoutathoughtthatIwasinfringinguponanybody'srights,Itookthemtoanunoccupiedroomofwhichlittle'Tad'hadtakenpossessionafewdaysbefore,and,withtheaidofacoupleofservants,hadfittedupaminiaturetheater,withstage,curtains,orchestra,stalls,parquetteandall.Knowingthattheuse
requiredwouldinterferewithnoneofhisarrangements,Iledthewaytothisapartment.
"Everythingwentonwell,andoneortwopictureshadbeentaken,whensuddenlytherewasanuproar.Theoperatorcamebacktotheofficeandsaidthat'Tad'hadtakengreatoffenseattheoccupationofhisroomwithouthisconsent,andhadlockedthedoor,refusingalladmission.
"Thechemicalshadbeentakeninside,andtherewasnowayofgettingatthem,hehavingcarriedoffthekey.Inthemidstofthisconversation'Tad'burstin,inafearfulpassion.Helaidalltheblameuponme--saidthatIhadnorighttousehisroom,andthemenshouldnotgoineventogettheirthings.Hehadlockedthedoorandtheyshouldnotgothereagain--'theyhadnobusinessinhisr
oom!'
"Mr.Lincolnwassittingforaphotograph,andwasstillinthechair.Hesaid,verymildly,'Tad,goandunlockthedoor.'Tadwentoffmutteringintohismother'sroom,refusingtoobey.Ifollowedhimintothepassage,butnocoaxingwouldpacifyhim.UponmyreturntothePresident,Ifoundhimstillpatientlyinthechair,fromwhichhehadnotrisen.Hesaid:'Hasnottheboyopenedthedoor?'Irepliedthatwecoulddonothingwithhim--hehadgoneoffinagreatpet.Mr.Lincoln'slipscametogetherfirmly,andthen,suddenlyrising,hestrodeacrossthepassagewiththeairofonebentonpunishment,anddisappearedinthedomesticapartments.Directlyhereturnedwiththekeytothetheater,whichheunlockedhimself.
"'Tad,'saidhe,halfapologetically,'isapeculiarchild.HewasviolentlyexcitedwhenIwenttohim.Isaid,"Tad,doyouknowthatyouaremakingyourfatheragreatdealoftrouble?"Heburstintotears,instantlygivingmeupthekey.'"
REMINDEDHIMOF"ALITTLESTORY."
WhenLincoln'sattentionwascalledtothefactthat,atonetimeinhisboyhoo
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d,hehadspelledthenameoftheDeitywithasmall"g,"hereplied:
"Thatremindsmeofalittlestory.ItcameaboutthatalotofConfederatemailwascapturedbytheUnionforces,and,whileitwasnotexactlytheproperthingtodo,someofoursoldiersopenedseveralletterswrittenbytheSouthernersatthefronttotheirpeopleathome.
"Inoneofthesemissivesthewriter,inapostscript,jotteddownthisassertion:
"'We'lllicktheYankstermorrer,ifgoddlemity(GodAlmighty)sparesourlives.'
"Thatfellowwasinearnest,too,astheletterwaswrittenthedaybeforethesecondbattleofManassas."
"FETCHEDSEVERALSHORTONES."
"ThefirsttimeIeverrememberseeing'Abe'Lincoln,"isthetestimonyofoneofhisneighbors,"waswhenIwasasmallboyandhadgonewithmyfathertoattendsomekindofanelection.Oneoftheneighbors,JamesLarkins,wasthere.
"Larkinswasagreathandtobragonanythingheowned.Thistimeitwashishorse.Hesteppedupbefore'Abe,'whowasinacrowd,andcommencedtalkingtohim,boastingallthewhileofhisanimal.
"'Ihavegotthebesthorseinthecountry,'heshoutedtohisyounglistener.'Iranhimninemilesinexactlythreeminutes,andheneverfetchedalongbreath.'
"'Ipresume,'said'Abe,'ratherdryly,'hefetchedagoodmanyshortones,though.'"
LINCOLNLUGSTHEOLDMAN.
OnMay3rd,1862,"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper"printedthiscartoon,overthetitleof"SandbagLincolnandtheOldManoftheSea,SecretaryoftheNavyWelles."ItwasintendedtodemonstratethattheheadoftheNavyDepartmentwasincompetenttomanagetheaffairsoftheNavy;alsothattheNavywasnotdoingasgoodworkasitmight.
Whenthiscartoonwaspublished,theUnitedStatesNavyhadclearedandhadundercontroltheMississippiRiverasfarsouthasMemphis;hadblockadedallthecottonportsoftheSouth;hadassistedinthereductionofanumberofConfederateforts;hadaidedGrantatFortDonelsonandthebattleofShiloh;theMonitorhadwhippedtheironcladterror,Merrimac(theConfederatescalledhertheVir
ginia);AdmiralFarragut'sfleethadcompelledthesurrenderofthecityofNewOrleans,thegreatfortswhichhaddefendedit,andtheFederalGovernmentobtainedcontrolofthelowerMississippi.
"TheOldManoftheSea"wastherefore,notadragoraweightuponPresidentLincoln,andtheNavywasnotsofarbehindinmakingagoodrecordasthepicturewouldhavethepeopleoftheworldbelieve.ItwasnotlongaftertheMonitor'svictorythattheUnitedStatesNavywasthefinestthateverplowedtheseas.ThebuildingoftheMonitoralsorevolutionizednavalwarfare.
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McCLELLANWAS"INTRENCHING."
AboutaweekaftertheChicagoConvention,agentlemanfromNewYorkcalleduponthePresident,incompanywiththeAssistantSecretaryofWar,Mr.Dana.
Inthecourseofconversation,thegentlemansaid:"Whatdoyouthink,Mr.President,isthereasonGeneralMcClellandoesnotreplytotheletterfromtheChicagoConvention?"
"Oh!"repliedMr.Lincoln,withacharacteristictwinkleoftheeye,"heisintrenching!"
MAKESOMETHINGOUTOFIT,ANYWAY.
FromthedayofhisnominationbytheChicagoconvention,giftspouredinuponLincoln.Manyofthesecameintheformofwearingapparel.Mr.GeorgeLincoln,ofBrooklyn,whobroughttoSpringfield,inJanuary,1861,ahandsomesilkhattothePresident-elect,thegiftofaNewYorkhatter,toldsomefriendsthatinreceivingthehatLincolnlaughedheartilyoverthegiftsofclothing,andremarkedtoMrs.Lincoln:"Well,wife,ifnothingelsecomesoutofthisscrape,wea
regoingtohavesomenewclothes,arewenot?"
VICIOUSOXENHAVESHORTHORNS.
InspeakingofthemanymeanandpettyactsofcertainmembersofCongress,thePresident,whiletalkingonthesubjectonedaywithfriends,said:
"Ihavegreatsympathyforthesemen,becauseoftheirtemperandtheirweakness;butIamthankfulthatthegoodLordhasgiventotheviciousoxshorthorns,foriftheirphysicalcouragewereequaltotheirviciousdisposition,someofusinthisneckofthewoodswouldgethurt."
LINCOLN'SNAMEFOR"WEEPINGWATER."
"IwasspeakingonetimetoMr.Lincoln,"saidGovernorSaunders,"ofNebraska,ofalittleNebraskansettlementontheWeepingWater,astreaminourState."
"'WeepingWater!'saidhe.
"Thenwithatwinkleinhiseye,hecontinued.
"'IsupposetheIndiansouttherecallMinneboohoo,don'tthey?Theyoughtto,
ifLaughingWaterisMinnehahaintheirlanguage.'"
PETERCARTWRIGHT'SDESCRIPTIONOFLINCOLN.
PeterCartwright,thefamousandeccentricoldMethodistpreacher,whousedtorideachurchcircuit,asMr.Lincolnandothersdidthecourtcircuit,didnotlikeLincolnverywell,probablybecauseMr.Lincolnwasnotamemberofhisflock,andoncedefeatedthepreacherforCongress.ThiswasCartwright'sdescripti
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onofLincoln:"ThisLincolnisamansixfeetfourinchestall,butsoangularthatifyoushoulddropaplummetfromthecenterofhisheaditwouldcuthimthreetimesbeforeittouchedhisfeet."
NODEATHSINHISHOUSE.
AgentlemanwasrelatingtothePresidenthowafriendofhishadbeendrivenawayfromNewOrleansasaUnionist,andhow,onhisexpulsion,whenheaskedtoseethewritbywhichhewasexpelled,thedeputationwhichcalledonhimtoldhimtheGovernmentwoulddonothingillegal,andsotheyhadissuednoillegalwrits,andsimplymeanttomakehimgoofhisownfreewill.
"Well,"saidMr.Lincoln,"thatremindsmeofahotel-keeperdownatSt.Louis,whoboastedthatheneverhadadeathinhishotel,forwheneveraguestwasdyinginhishousehecarriedhimouttodieinthegutter."
PAINTEDHISPRINCIPLES.
ThedayfollowingtheadjournmentoftheBaltimoreConvention,atwhichPresidentLincolnwasrenominated,variouspoliticalorganizationscalledtopaytheir
respectstothePresident.WhilethePhiladelphiadelegationwasbeingpresented,thechairmanofthatbody,inintroducingoneofthemembers,said:
"Mr.President,thisisMr.S.,oftheseconddistrictofourState,--amostactiveandearnestfriendofyoursandthecause.Hehas,amongotherthings,beengoodenoughtopaint,andpresenttoourleaguerooms,amostbeautifulportraitofyourself."
PresidentLincolntookthegentleman'shandinhis,andshakingitcordiallysaid,withamerryvoice,"Ipresume,sir,inpaintingyourbeautifulportrait,youtookyourideaofmefrommyprinciplesandnotfrommyperson."
DIGNIFYINGTHESTATUTE.
Lincolnwasmarried--hebalkedatthefirstdatesetfortheceremonyanddidnotshowupatall--November4,1842,undermosthappyauspices.Theofficiatingclergyman,theRev.Mr.Dresser,usedtheEpiscopalchurchserviceformarriage.Lincolnplacedtheringuponthebride'sfinger,andsaid,"WiththisringInowtheewed,andwithallmyworldlygoodsItheeendow."
JudgeThomasC.Browne,whowaspresent,exclaimed,"Goodgracious,Lincoln!thestatutefixesallthat!"
"Oh,well,"drawledLincoln,"IjustthoughtI'daddalittledignitytothest
atute."
LINCOLNCAMPAIGNMOTTOES.
ThejointdebatesbetweenLincolnandDouglaswereattendedbycrowdsofpeople,andthearrivalofbothattheplacesofspeakingwereinthenatureofatriumphalprocession.Intheseprocessionsthereweremanybannersbearingcatch-phrasesandmottoesexpressingthesentimentofthepeopleonthecandidatesandth
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eissues.
ThefollowingweresomeofthemottoesontheLincolnbanners:
+----------------------------------------------------------+|Westwardthestarofempiretakesitsway;||ThegirlslinkontoLincoln,theirmotherswereforClay.|+----------------------------------------------------------+
+----------------------+|Abe,theGiant-Killer.|+----------------------+
+---------------------------------+|EdgarCountyfortheTallSucker.|+---------------------------------+
+----------------------------------+|FreeTerritoriesandFreeMen,||FreePulpitsandFreePreachers,||FreePressandaFreePen,||FreeSchoolsandFreeTeachers.|+----------------------------------+
GIVINGAWAYTHECASE.
BetweenthefirstelectionandinaugurationofMr.LincolnthedisunionsentimentgrewrapidlyintheSouth,andPresidentBuchanan'sfailuretostoptheopenactsofsecessiongrievedMr.Lincolnsorely.Mr.Lincolnhadalongtalkwithh
isfriend,JudgeGillespie,overthestateofaffairs.OneincidentoftheconversationisthusnarratedbytheJudge:
"WhenIretired,itwasthemasterofthehouseandchosenrulerofthecountrywhosawmetomyroom.'Joe,'hesaid,ashewasabouttoleaveme,'IamremindedandIsupposeyouwillneverforgetthattrialdowninMontgomerycounty,wherethelawyerassociatedwithyougaveawaythewholecaseinhisopeningspeech.Isawyousignalingtohim,butyoucouldn'tstophim.
"'Now,that'sjustthewaywithmeandBuchanan.Heisgivingawaythecase,andIhavenothingtosay,andcan'tstophim.Good-night.'"
POSINGWITHABROOMSTICK.
Mr.LeonardVolk,theartist,relatesthat,beinginSpringfieldwhenLincoln'snominationforPresidentwasannounced,hecalleduponMr.Lincoln,whomhefoundlookingsmilingandhappy."Iexclaimed,'IamthefirstmanfromChicago,Ibelieve,whohashadthehonorofcongratulatingyouonyournominationforPresident.'Thenthosetwogreathandstookbothofminewithagraspnevertobeforgotten,andwhileshaking,Isaid,'NowthatyouwilldoubtlessbethenextPresidentoftheUnitedStates,Iwanttomakeastatueofyou,andshalltrymybesttodoyoujustice.'
"Saidhe,'Idon'tdoubtit,forIhavecometotheconclusionthatyouarean
honestman,'andwiththatgreeting,Ithoughtmyhandsinafairwayofbeingcrushed.
"OntheSundayfollowing,byagreement,IcalledtomakeacastofMr.Lincoln'shands.Iaskedhimtoholdsomethinginhishands,andtoldhimastickwoulddo.Thereuponhewenttothewoodshed,andIheardthesawgo,andhesoonreturnedtothedining-room,whittlingofftheendofapieceofbroomhandle.Iremarkedtohimthatheneednotwhittleofftheedges.'Oh,well,'saidhe,'IthoughtIwouldliketohaveitnice.'"
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"BOTHLENGTHANDBREADTH."
DuringLincoln'sfirstandonlyterminCongress--hewaselectedin1846--heformedquiteacordialfriendshipwithStephenA.Douglas,amemberoftheUnitedStatesSenatefromIllinois,andthebeatenoneinthecontestastowhoshouldsecurethehandofMissMaryTodd.Lincolnwasthewinner;DouglasafterwardsbeathimfortheUnitedStatesSenate,butLincolnwenttotheWhiteHouse.
Duringallofthetimethattheywererivalsinloveandinpoliticstheyremainedthebestoffriendspersonally.Theywerealwaysgladtoseeeachother,andwerefrequentlytogether.Thedisparityintheirsizewasalwaysthemorenoticeableuponsuchoccasions,andtheywelldeservedtheirnicknamesof"LongAbe"andthe"LittleGiant."LincolnwasthetallestmanintheNationalHouseofRepresentatives,andDouglastheshortest(andperhapsbroadest)mantheSenate,andwhentheyappearedonthestreetstogethermuchmerrimentwascreated.Lincoln,whenjokedaboutthematter,replied,inaveryserioustone,"Yes,that'saboutthelengthandbreadthofit."
"ABE"RECITESASONG.
Lincolncouldn'tsing,andhealsolackedthefacultyofmusicaladaptation.Hehadalikingforcertainballadsandsongs,andwhilehememorizedandrecitedtheirlines,someoneelsedidthesinging.Lincolnoftenrecitedforthedelectationofhisfriends,thefollowing,theauthorshipofwhichisunknown:
ThefirstfactionalfightinoldIreland,theysay,WasallonaccountofSt.Patrick'sbirthday;Itwassomewhereaboutmidnightwithoutanydoubt,Andcertainitis,itmadeagreatrout.
OntheeighthdayofMarch,assomepeoplesay,St.Patrickatmidnighthefirstsawtheday;Whileothersassert'twastheninthhewasborn--'Twasallamistake--betweenmidnightandmorn.
Someblamedthebaby,someblamedtheclock;Someblamedthedoctor,somethecrowingcock.Withalltheseclosequestionssurenoonecouldknow,Whetherthebabewastoofastortheclockwastooslow.
Somefoughtfortheeighth,fortheninthsomewoulddie;Hewhowouldn'tseerightwouldhaveablackeye.Atlengththesetwofactionssopositivegrew,Theyeachhadabirthday,andPathehadtwo.
TillFatherMulcahaywhoshowedthemtheirsins,Hesaidnonecouldhavetwobirthdaysbutastwins."Nowboys,don'tbefightingfortheeightorthenine;Don'tquarrelsoalways,nowwhynotcombine."
Combineeightwithnine.Itisthemark;Letthatbethebirthday.Amen!saidt
heclerk.Soallgotblinddrunk,whichcompletedtheirbliss,Andthey'vekeptupthepracticefromthatdaytothis.
"MANAGETOKEEPHOUSE."
SenatorJohnSherman,ofOhio,introducedhisbrother,WilliamT.Sherman(thenacivilian)toPresidentLincolninMarch,1861.Shermanhadofferedhisservices,but,asinthecaseofGrant,theyhadbeenrefused.
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AftertheSenatorhadtransactedhisbusinesswiththePresident,hesaid:"Mr.President,thisismybrother,ColonelSherman,whoisjustupfromLouisiana;hemaygiveyousomeinformationyouwant."
TothisLincolnreplied,asreportedbySenatorShermanhimself:"Ah!Howaretheygettingalongdownthere?"
Shermananswered:"Theythinktheyaregettingalongswimmingly;theyarepreparedforwar."
TowhichLincolnresponded:"Oh,well,Iguesswe'llmanagetokeepthehouse."
"Tecump,"whosetemperwasnotthemildest,brokeouton"BrotherJohn"assoonastheywereoutoftheWhiteHouse,cursedthepoliticiansroundly,andwoundupwith,"Youhavegotthingsinah--lofafix,andyoumaygetoutasbestyoucan."
ShermanwasoneoftheveryfewgeneralswhogaveLincolnlittleornoworry.
GRANT"TUMBLED"RIGHTAWAY.
GeneralGranttoldthisstoryaboutLincolnsomeyearsaftertheWar:
"Justafterreceivingmycommissionaslieutenant-generalthePresidentcalledmeasidetospeaktomeprivately.Afterabriefreferencetothemilitarysituation,hesaidhethoughthecouldillustratewhathewantedtosaybyastory.Saidhe:
"'Atonetimetherewasagreatwaramongtheanimals,andonesidehadgreatdifficultyingettingacommanderwhohadsufficientconfidenceinhimself.FinallytheyfoundamonkeybythenameofJocko,whosaidhethoughthecouldcommandtheirarmyifhistailcouldbemadealittlelonger.Sotheygotmoretailandspliceditontohiscaudalappendage.
"'Helookedatitadmiringly,andthensaidhethoughtheoughttohavestillmoretail.Thiswasadded,andagainhecalledformore.ThesplicingprocesswasrepeatedmanytimesuntiltheyhadcoiledJocko'stailaroundtheroom,fillingallthespace.
"'Stillhecalledformoretail,and,therebeingnootherplacetocoilit,theybeganwrappingitaroundhisshoulders.Hecontinuedhiscallformore,andtheykeptonwindingtheadditionaltailaroundhimuntilitsweightbrokehimdown.'
"Isawthepoint,and,risingfrommychair,replied,'Mr.President,IwillnotcallforanymoreassistanceunlessIfinditimpossibletodowithwhatIalreadyhave.'"
"DON'TKILLHIMWITHYOURFIST."
WardLamon,MarshaloftheDistrictofColumbiaduringLincoln'stimeinWashington,wasapowerfulman;hisstrengthwasphenomenal,andablowfromhisfistwaslikeuntothatcomingfromthebusinessendofasledge.
Lamontellsthisstory,theheroofwhichisnotmentionedbyname,butinall
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probabilityhisidentitycanbeguessed:
"Ononeoccasion,whenthefearsoftheloyalelementofthecity(Washington)wereexcitedtofever-heat,afreefightneartheoldNationalTheatreoccurredabouteleveno'clockonenight.Anofficer,inpassingtheplace,observedwhatwasgoingon,andseeingthegreatnumberofpersonsengaged,hefeltittobehisdutytocommandthepeace.
"Theimperativetoneofhisvoicestoppedthefightingforamoment,buttheleader,agreatbully,roughlypushedbacktheofficerandtoldhimtogoawayorhewouldwhiphim.Theofficeragainadvancedandsaid,'Iarrestyou,'attemptingtoplacehishandontheman'sshoulder,whenthebullystruckafearfulblowattheofficer'sface.
"Thiswasparried,andinstantlyfollowedbyablowfromthefistoftheofficer,strikingthefellowunderthechinandknockinghimsenseless.Bloodissuedfromhismouth,noseandears.Itwasbelievedthattheman'sneckwasbroken.Asurgeonwascalled,whopronouncedthecaseacriticalone,andthewoundedmanwashurriedawayonalittertothehospital.
"Therethephysicianssaidtherewasconcussionofthebrain,andthatthemanwoulddie.Allthemedicalskillthattheofficercouldprocurewasemployedinthehopeofsavingthelifeoftheman.Hisconsciencesmotehimforhaving,ashebelieved,takenthelifeofafellow-creature,andhewasinconsolable.
"BeingontermsofintimacywiththePresident,abouttwoo'clockthatnighttheofficerwenttotheWhiteHouse,wokeupMr.Lincoln,andrequestedhimtocomeintohisoffice,wherehetoldhimhisstory.Mr.Lincolnlistenedwithgreatinterestuntilthenarrativewascompleted,andthenaskedafewquestions,afterwhichheremarked:
"'Iamsorryyouhadtokilltheman,butthesearetimesofwar,andagreatmanymendeservekilling.Thisone,accordingtoyourstory,isoneofthem;sogiveyourselfnouneasinessaboutthematter.Iwillstandbyyou.'
"'ThatisnotwhyIcametoyou.IknewIdidmyduty,andhadnofearsofyourdisapprovalofwhatIdid,'repliedtheofficer;andthenheadded:'WhyIcame
toyouwas,Ifeltgreatgriefovertheunfortunateaffair,andIwantedtotalktoyouaboutit.'
"Mr.Lincolnthensaid,withasmile,placinghishandontheofficer'shoulder:'Yougohomenowandgetsomesleep;butletmegiveyouthispieceofadvice--hereafter,whenyouhaveoccasiontostrikeaman,don'thithimwithyourfist;strikehimwithaclub,acrowbar,orwithsomethingthatwon'tkillhim.'"
COULDBEARBITRARY.
Lincolncouldbearbitrarywhenoccasionrequired.Thisistheletterhewrote
tooneoftheDepartmentheads:
"Youmustmakeajobofit,andprovideaplaceforthebearerofthis,EliasWampole.Makeajobofitwiththecollectorandhaveitdone.Youcandoitforme,andyoumust."
Therewasnodelayintakingactioninthismatter.Mr.Wampole,or"Eli,"ashewasthereafterknown,"gotthere."
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AGENERALBUSTIFICATION.
ManyamusingstoriesaretoldofPresidentLincolnandhisgloves.Ataboutthetimeofhisthirdreceptionhehadonatight-fittingpairofwhitekids,whichhehadwithdifficultygoton.HesawapproachinginthedistanceanoldIllinoisfriendnamedSimpson,whomhewelcomedwithagenuineSangamoncounty(Illeenoy)shake,whichresultedinburstinghiswhitekidglove,withanaudiblesound.Then,raisinghisbrawnyhandupbeforehim,lookingatitwithanindescribableexpression,hesaid,whilethewholeprocessionwaschecked,witnessingthisscene:
"Well,myoldfriend,thisisageneralbustification.YouandIwereneverintendedtowearthesethings.Iftheywerestrongertheymightdowellenoughtokeepoutthecold,buttheyareafailuretoshakehandswithbetweenoldfriendslikeus.Standaside,Captain,andI'llseeyoushortly."
Simpsonstoodaside,andaftertheunwelcomeceremonywasterminatedherejoinedhisoldIllinoisfriendinfamiliarintercourse.
MAKINGQUARTERMASTERS.
H.C.Whitneywrotein1866:"IwasinWashingtonintheIndianserviceforafewdaysbeforeAugust,1861,andImerelysaidtoPresidentLincolnoneday:'Everythingisdriftingintothewar,andIguessyouwillhavetoputmeinthearmy.'
"ThePresidentlookedupfromhisworkandsaid,good-humoredly:'I'mmakinggeneralsnow;inafewdaysIwillbemakingquartermasters,andthenI'llfixyou.'"
NOPOSTMASTERSINHISPOCKET.
Inthe"DiaryofaPublicMan"appearsthisjocoseanecdote:
"Mr.Lincolnwalkedintothecorridorwithus;and,ashebadeusgood-byandthankedBlankforwhathehadtoldhim,heagainbrightenedupforamomentandaskedhiminanabruptkindofway,layinghishandashespokewithaqueerbutnotuncivilfamiliarityonhisshoulder,'Youhaven'tsuchathingasapostmasterinyourpocket,haveyou?'
"Blankstaredathiminastonishment,andIthoughtalittleinalarm,asifhesuspectedasuddenattackofinsanity;thenMr.Lincolnwenton:
'Youseeitseemstomekindofunnaturalthatyoushouldn'thaveatleastapostmasterinyourpocket.EverybodyI'veseenfordayspasthashadforeignminis
tersandcollectors,andallkinds,andIthoughtyoucouldn'thavegotinherewithouthavingatleastapostmastergetintoyourpocket!'"
HE"SKEWED"THELINE.
Whenasurveyor,Mr.LincolnfirstplattedthetownofPetersburg,Ill.Sometwentyorthirtyyearsafterwardtheproperty-ownersalongoneoftheoutlyingstreetshadtroubleinfixingtheirboundaries.Theyconsultedtheofficialplatan
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dgotnorelief.AcommitteewassenttoSpringfieldtoconsultthedistinguishedsurveyor,buthefailedtorecallanythingthatwouldgivethemaid,andcouldonlyreferthemtotherecord.Thedisputethereforewentintothecourts.Whilethetrialwaspending,anoldIrishmannamedMcGuire,whohadworkedforsomefarmerduringthesummer,returnedtotownforthewinter.Thecasebeingmentionedinhispresence,hepromptlysaid:"Icantellyouallaboutit.IhelpedcarrythechainwhenAbeLincolnlaidoutthistown.Overtherewheretheyarequarrelingaboutthelines,whenhewaslocatingthestreet,hestraightenedupfromhisinstrumentandsaid:'IfIrunthatstreetrightthrough,itwillcutthreeorfourfeetofftheendof----'shouse.It'sallhe'sgotintheworldandhenevercouldgetanother.Ireckonitwon'thurtanythingouthereifIskewthelinealittleandmisshim."'
Thelinewas"skewed,"andhencethetrouble,andmoretestimonyfurnishedastoLincoln'saboundingkindnessofheart,thatwouldnotwillinglyharmanyhumanbeing.
"WHEREAS,"HESTOLENOTHING.
Oneofthemostcelebratedcourts-martialduringtheWarwasthatofFranklinW.Smithandhisbrother,chargedwithdefraudingthegovernment.Thesemenboreahighcharacterforintegrity.Atthistime,however,courts-martialwereseldo
minvokedforanyotherpurposethantoconvicttheaccused,andtheSmithssharedtheusualfateofpersonswhosecasesweresubmittedtosucharbitrament.Theywerekeptinprison,theirpapersseized,theirbusinessdestroyed,andtheirreputationsruined,allofwhichwasfollowedbyaconviction.
ThefindingofthecourtwassubmittedtothePresident,who,afteracarefulinvestigation,disapprovedthejudgment,andwrotethefollowingendorsementuponthepapers:
"Whereas,FranklinW.SmithhadtransactionswiththeNavyDepartmenttotheamountofamillionandaquarterofdollars;and:
"Whereas,hehadachancetostealatleastaquarterofamillionandwasonly
chargedwithstealingtwenty-twohundreddollars,andthequestionnowisabouthisstealingonehundred,Idon'tbelievehestoleanythingatall.
"Therefore,therecordandthefindingsaredisapproved,declarednullandvoid,andthedefendantsarefullydischarged."
NOTLIKETHEPOPE'SBULL.
PresidentLincoln,afterlisteningtotheargumentsandappealsofacommitteewhichcalleduponhimattheWhiteHousenotlongbeforetheEmancipationProclamationwasissued,said:
"Idonotwanttoissueadocumentthatthewholeworldwillseemustnecessarilybeinoperative,likethePope'sbullagainstthecomet."
COULDHETELL?
A"high"privateoftheOneHundredandFortiethInfantryRegiment,PennsylvaniaVolunteers,woundedatChancellorsville,wastakentoWashington.Oneday,as
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hewasbecomingconvalescent,awhisperrandownthelongrowofcotsthatthePresidentwasinthebuildingandwouldsoonpassby.Instantlyeveryboyinbluewhowasablearose,stooderect,handstotheside,readytosalutehisCommander-in-Chief.
ThePennsylvanianstoodsixfeetseveninchesinhisstockings.Lincolnwassixfeetfour.AsthePresidentapproachedthisgianttoweringabovehim,hestoppedinamazement,andcastinghiseyesfromheadtofootandfromfoottohead,asifcontemplatingtheimmensedistancefromoneextremitytotheother,hestoodforamomentspeechless.
Atlength,extendinghishand,heexclaimed,"Hello,comrade,doyouknowwhenyourfeetgetcold?"
DARNEDUNCOMFORTABLESITTING.
"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper"ofMarch2nd,1861,twodaysprevioustotheinaugurationofPresident-electLincoln,containedthecaricaturereproducedhere.ItwasintendedtoconveytheideathattheNationalAdministrationwouldthereafterdependuponthesupportofbayonetstoupholdit,andthetextunderneaththepictureranasfollows:
OLDABE:"Oh,it'sallwellenoughtosaythatImustsupportthedignityofmyhighofficebyforce--butit'sdarneduncomfortablesitting,Icantellyer."
ThisjournalwasnotentirelyfriendlytothenewChiefMagistrate,butitcouldnotseeintothefuture.ManyoftheleadingpublicationsoftheEast,amongthemsomeofthosewhichcondemnedslaveryandwereopposedtosecession,didnotbelieveLincolnwasthemanfortheemergency,butinsteadofdoingwhattheycoulddotohelphimalong,theyattackedhimmostviciously.Noman,saveWashington,wasmorebrutallyliedaboutthanLincoln,butheborealltheslursandthrusts,nottomentiontheopen,cruelantagonismofthosewhoshouldhavebeenhiswarmestfriends,withafortitudeandpatiencefewmenhaveevershown.Hewasontherightroad,andawaitedthetimewhenhiscourseshouldreceivetheapprovalitmerited.
"WHAT'S-HIS-NAME"GOTTHERE.
GeneralJamesB.FrytoldagoodoneonSecretaryofWarStanton,whowasworstedinacontentionwiththePresident.Severalbrigadier-generalsweretobeselected,andLincolnmaintainedthat"somethingmustbedoneintheinterestoftheDutch."Manycomplaintshadcomefromprominentmen,bornintheFatherland,butwhowerefightingfortheUnion.
"Now,IwantSchimmelpfenniggivenoneofthosebrigadierships."
Stantonwasstubbornandheadstrong,asusual,buthismannerandtoneindicatedthatthePresidentwouldhavehisownwayintheend.However,hewasnottobebeatenwithouthavingmadeafight.
"But,Mr.President,"insistedtheIronWarSecretary,"itmaybethatthisMr.Schim--what's-his-name--hasnorecommendationsshowinghisfitness.Perhapshecan'tspeakEnglish."
"Thatdoesn'tmatterabit,Stanton,"retortedLincoln,"hemaybedeafanddumbforallIknow,butwhateverlanguagehespeaks,ifany,wecanfurnishtroops
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whowillunderstandwhathesays.Thatnameofhiswillmakeupforanydifferencesinreligion,politicsorunderstanding,andI'lltaketheriskofhiscomingoutallright."
Then,slamminghisgreathandupontheSecretary'sdesk,hesaid,"Schim-mel-fen-nigmustbeappointed."
Andhewas,thereandthen.
AREALLYGREATGENERAL.
"DoyouknowGeneralA--?"queriedthePresidentonedaytoafriendwhohad"droppedin"attheWhiteHouse.
"Certainly;butyouarenotwastinganytimethinkingabouthim,areyou?"wastherejoinder.
"Youwronghim,"respondedthePresident,"heisareallygreatman,aphilosopher."
"Howdoyoumakethatout?Heisn'tworththepowderandballnecessarytokillhimsoIhaveheardmilitarymensay,"thefriendremarked.
"Heisamightythinker,"thePresidentreturned,"becausehehasmasteredthatancientandwiseadmonition,'Knowthyself;'hehasformedanintimateacquaintancewithhimself,knowsaswellforwhatheisfittedandunfittedasanymanliving.Withoutdoubtheisaremarkableman.ThisWarhasnotproducedanotherlikehim."
"HowisityouaresohighlypleasedwithGeneralA----allatonce?"
"Forthereason,"repliedMr.Lincoln,withamerrytwinkleoftheeye,"greatlytomyrelief,andtotheinterestsofthecountry,hehasresigned.Thecountryshouldexpressitsgratitudeinsomesubstantialway."
"SHRUNKUPNORTH."
TherewasnomemberoftheCabinetfromtheSouthwhenAttorney-GeneralBateshandedinhisresignation,andPresidentLincolnhadagreatdealoftroubleinmakingaselection.FinallyTitianF.Coffeyconsentedtofillthevacantplaceforatime,anddidsountiltheappointmentofMr.Speed.
InconversationwithMr.CoffeythePresidentquaintlyremarked:
"MyCabinethasshrunkupNorth,andImustfindaSouthernman.IsupposeifthetwelveApostlesweretobechosennowadays,theshrieksoflocalitywouldhav
etobeheeded."
LINCOLNADOPTEDTHESUGGESTION.
ItisnotgenerallyknownthatPresidentLincolnadoptedasuggestionmadebySecretaryoftheTreasurySalmonP.ChaseinregardtotheEmancipationProclamation,andincorporateditinthatfamousdocument.
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interested,wemadeapplicationtoMr.Stanton,theSecretaryofWar.Weobtainedanaudience,andwereusheredintothepresenceofthemostpompousmanIevermet.AsIenteredhewavedhishandformetostopatagivendistancefromhim,andthenputthesequestions,viz.:
"'Didyouservethreeyearsinthearmy?'
"'Idid,sir.'
"'Wereyouhonorablydischarged?'
"'Iwas,sir.'
"'Letmeseeyourdischarge.'
"Igaveittohim.Helookeditover,thensaid:
'Wereyoueverwounded?'Itoldhimyes,atthebattleofWilliamsburg,May5,1861.
"Hethensaid:'Ithinkwecangivethispositiontoasoldierwhohaslostanarmorleg,hebeingmoredeserving;andhethensaidIlookedheartyandhealthyenoughtoservethreeyearsmore.Hewouldnotgivemeachancetoarguemycase.
"Theaudiencewasatanend.Hewavedhishandtome.IwasthendismissedfromtheaugustpresenceoftheHonorableSecretaryofWar.
"Myfatherwaswaitingformeinthehallway,whosawbymycountenancethatIwasnotsuccessful.Isaidtomyfather:
"'LetusgoovertoMr.Lincoln;hemaygiveusmoresatisfaction.'
"Hesaiditwoulddomenogood,butwewentover.Mr.Lincoln'sreceptionroomwasfullofladiesandgentlemenwhenweentered.
"Myturnsooncame.Lincolnturnedtomyfatherandsaid:
"'Now,gentlemen,bepleasedtobeasquickaspossiblewithyourbusiness,asitisgrowinglate.'
"MyfatherthensteppeduptoLincolnandintroducedmetohim.Lincolnthensaid:
"'Takeaseat,gentlemen,andstateyourbusinessasquicklyaspossible.'
"TherewasbutonechairbyLincoln,sohemotionedmyfathertosit,whileIstood.Myfatherstatedthebusinesstohimasstatedabove.Hethensaid:
"'HaveyouseenMr.Stanton?'
"Wetoldhimyes,thathehadrefused.He(Mr.Lincoln)thensaid:
"'Gentlemen,thisisMr.Stanton'sbusiness;Icannotinterferewithhim;heattendstoallthesemattersandIamsorryIcannothelpyou.'
"Hesawthatweweredisappointed,anddidhisbesttoreviveourspirits.Hesucceededwellwithmyfather,whowasaLincolnman,andwhowasastaunchRepublican.
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"Mr.Lincolnthensaid:
"'Now,gentlemen,Iwilltellyou,whatitis;Ihavethousandsofapplicationslikethiseveryday,butwecannotsatisfyallforthisreason,thatthesepositionsarelikeofficeseekers--therearetoomanypigsfortheteats.'
"Theladieswhowerelisteningtotheconversationplacedtheirhandkerchiefstotheirfacesandturnedaway.Butthejokeof'OldAbe'putusallinagoodhumor.WethenleftthepresenceofthegreatestandmostjustmanwhoeverlivedtofillthePresidentialchair.'"
GREELEYCARRIESLINCOLNTOTHELUNATICASYLUM.
NosoonerwasAbrahamLincolnmadethecandidateforthePresidencyoftheRepublicanParty,in1860,thantheoppositionbegantolampoonandcaricaturehim.Inthecartoonherereproduced,whichisgiventhetitleof:
"TheRepublicanPartyGoingtotheRightHouse,"LincolnisrepresentedasenteringtheLunaticAsylum,ridingonarail,carriedbyHoraceGreeley,thegreatAbolitionist;Lincoln,followedbyhis"fellow-cranks,"isassuringthelatterthatthemillenniumis"goingtobegin,"andthatallrequestswillbegranted.
Lincoln'sfollowersaredepictedasthosemenandwomencomposingthe"freelove"element;thosewhowantreligionabolished;negroes,whowantitunderstoodthatthewhitemanhasnorightshisblackbrotherisboundtorespect;womensuffragists,whodemandthatmenbemadesubjecttofemaleauthority;tramps,whoinsistuponfreelodging-houses;criminals,whodemandtherighttostealfromalltheymeet;andtoughs,whowantthepoliceforcesabolished,sothat"theb'hoys"can"runwiddemasheen,"andhave"amuss"whenevertheyfeellikeit,withoutinterferencebytheauthorities.
THELASTTIMEHESAWDOUGLAS.
SpeakingofhislastmeetingwithJudgeDouglas,Mr.Lincolnsaid:"OnedayDouglascamerushinginandsaidhehadjustgotatelegraphdispatchfromsomefriendsinIllinoisurginghimtocomeoutandhelpsetthingsrightinEgypt,andthathewouldgo,orstayinWashington,justwhereIthoughthecoulddothemostgood.
"Itoldhimtodoashechose,butthatprobablyhecoulddobestinIllinois.Uponthatheshookhandswithme,andhurriedawaytocatchthenexttrain.Ineversawhimagain."
HURTHISLEGSLESS.
Lincolnwasoneoftheattorneysinacaseofconsiderableimportance,courtbeingheldinaverysmallanddilapidatedschoolhouseoutinthecountry;Lincolnwascompelledtostoopverymuchinordertoenterthedoor,andtheseatsweresolowthathedoubleduphislegslikeajackknife.
Lincolnwasobligedtosituponaschoolbench,andjustinfrontofhimwasanother,makingthedistancebetweenhimandtheseatinfrontofhimverynarrowanduncomfortable.
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Hispositionwasalmostunbearable,andinordertocarryouthispreferencewhichhesecuredasoftenaspossible,andthatwas"tositasneartothejuryasconvenient,"hetookadvantageofhisdiscomfortandfinallysaidtotheJudgeonthe"bench":
"YourHonor,withyourpermission,I'llsitupnearertothegentlemenofthejury,forithurtsmylegslesstorubmycalvesagainstthebenchthanitdoestoskinmyshins."
ALITTLESHYORGRAMMAR.
WhenMr.LincolnhadpreparedhisbriefletteracceptingthePresidentialnominationhetookittoDr.NewtonBateman,theStateSuperintendentofEducation.
"Mr.Schoolmaster,"hesaid,"hereismyletterofacceptance.IamnotverystrongongrammarandIwishyoutoseeifitisallright.Iwouldn'tliketohaveanymistakesinit.".
Thedoctortooktheletterandafterreadingit,said:
"ThereisonlyonechangeIshouldsuggest,Mr.Lincoln,youhavewritten'Itshallbemycaretonotviolateordisregarditinanypart,'youshouldhavewri
tten'nottoviolate.'Neversplitaninfinitive,istherule."
Mr.Lincolntookthemanuscript,regardingitamomentwithapuzzledair,"SoyouthinkIbetterputthosetwolittlefellowsendtoend,doyou?"hesaidashemadethechange.
HISFIRSTSATIRICALWRITING.
ReubenandCharlesGrigsbyweremarriedinSpencercounty,Indiana,onthesamedaytoElizabethRayandMatildaHawkins,respectively.TheymetthenextdayatthehomeofReubenGrigsby,Sr.,andheldadoubleinfare,towhichmostofth
ecountywasinvited,withtheexceptionoftheLincolns.ThisAbrahamdulyresented,anditresultedinhisfirstattemptatsatiricalwriting,whichhecalled"TheChroniclesofReuben."
Themanuscriptwaslost,andnotrecovereduntil1865,whenahousebelongingtooneoftheGrigsbyswastorndown.Intheloftaboyfoundarollofmustyoldpapers,andwasintentlyreadingthem,whenhewasaskedwhathewasdoing.
"ReadingaportionoftheScripturesthathaven'tbeenrevealedyet,"wastheresponse.ThiswasLincoln's"Chronicles,"whichisherewithgiven:
"THECHRONICLESOFREUBEN."
"Now,therewasamanwhosenamewasReuben,andthesamewasverygreatinsubstance,inhorsesandcattleandswine,andaverygreathousehold.
"ItcametopasswhenthesonsofReubengrewupthattheyweredesirousoftakingtothemselveswives,and,beingtoowellknownastohonorintheirowncountry,theytookajourneyintoafarcountryandthereprocuredforthemselveswives.
"Itcametopassalsothatwhentheywereabouttomakethereturnhometheysentamessengerbeforethemtobearthetidingstotheirparents.
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"These,inquiringofthemessengerwhattimetheirsonsandwiveswouldcome,madeagreatfeastandcalledalltheirkinsmenandneighborsin,andmadegreatpreparation.
"Whenthetimedrewnigh,theysentouttwomentomeetthegroomsandtheirbrides,withatrumpettowelcomethem,andtoaccompanythem.
"WhentheycamenearuntothehouseofReuben,thefather,themessengercamebeforethemandgaveashout,andthewholemultituderanoutwithshoutsofjoyandmusic,playingonallkindsofinstruments.
"Somewereplayingonharps,someonviols,andsomeblowingonrams'horns.
"SomealsowerecastingdustandashestowardHeaven,andchiefamongthemallwasJosiah,blowinghisbugleandmakingsoundssogreattheneighboringhillsandvalleysechoedwiththeresoundingacclamation.
"Whentheyhadplayedandtheirharpshadsoundedtillthegroomsandbridesapproachedthegates,Reuben,thefather,metthemandwelcomedthemtohishouse.
"Theweddingfeastbeingnowready,theywereallinvitedtositdownandeat,placingthebridegroomsandtheirbridesateachendofthetable.
"Waiterswerethenappointedtoserveandwaitontheguests.Whenallhadeatenandwerefullandmerry,theywentoutagainandplayedandsungtillnight.
"Andwhentheyhadmadeanendoffeastingandrejoicingthemultitudedispersed,eachgoingtohisownhome.
"Thefamilythentookseatswiththeirwaiterstoconversewhilepreparationswerebeingmadeintwoupperchambersforthebridesandgrooms.
"Thisbeingdone,thewaiterstookthetwobridesupstairs,placingoneinaroomattherighthandofthestairsandtheotherontheleft.
"Thewaiterscamedown,andNancy,themother,thengavedirectionstothewait
ersofthebridegrooms,andtheytookthemupstairs,butplacedtheminthewrongrooms.
"Thewaitersthenallcamedownstairs.
"Butthemother,beingfearfulofamistake,madeinquiryofthewaiters,andlearningthetruefacts,tookthelightandsprangupstairs.
"Itcametopasssherantooneoftheroomsandexclaimed,'OLord,Reuben,youarewiththewrongwife.'
"Theyoungmen,bothalarmedatthis,ranoutwithsuchviolenceagainsteachother,theycamenearknockingeachotherdown.
"Thetumultgaveevidencetothosebelowthatthemistakewascertain.
"Atlasttheyallcamedownandhadalongconversationaboutwhomadethemistake,butitcouldnotbedecided.
"Soendedthechapter."
Theoriginalmanuscriptof"TheChroniclesofReuben"waslastinthepossessionofRedmondGrigsby,ofRockport,Indiana.Anewspaperwhichhadobtainedacop
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yofthe"Chronicles,"sentareportertointerviewElizabethGrigsby,orAuntBetsy,asshewascalled,andaskedheraboutthefamousmanuscriptandthemistakemadeatthedoublewedding.
"Yes,theydidhaveajokeonus,"saidAuntBetsy."TheysaidmymangotintothewrongroomandCharlesgotintomyroom.Butitwasn'tso.Lincolnjustwrotethatformischief.Abeandmymanoftenlaughedaboutthat."
LIKELYTODOIT.
Anofficer,havinghadsometroublewithGeneralSherman,beingveryangry,presentedhimselfbeforeMr.Lincoln,whowasvisitingthecamp,andsaid,"Mr.President,Ihaveacauseofgrievance.ThismorningIwenttoGeneralShermanandhethreatenedtoshootme."
"Threatenedtoshootyou?"askedMr.Lincoln."Well,(inastagewhisper)ifIwereyouIwouldkeepawayfromhim;ifhethreatenstoshoot,Iwouldnottrusthim,forIbelievehewoulddoit."
"THEENEMYARE'OURN'"
EarlyinthePresidentialcampaignof1864,PresidentLincolnsaidonenighttoalatecallerattheWhiteHouse:
"Wehavemettheenemyandtheyare'ourn!'Ithinkthecabalofobstructionists'ambusted.'Ifeelcertainthat,ifIlive,Iamgoingtobere-elected.WhetherIdeservetobeornot,itisnotformetosay;butonthescoreevenofremunerativechancesforspeculativeservice,Inowaminspiredwiththehopethatourdisturbedcountryfurtherrequiresthevaluableservicesofyourhumbleservant.'Jordanhasbeenahardroadtotravel,'butIfeelnowthat,notwithstandingtheenemiesIhavemadeandthefaultsIhavecommitted,I'llbedumpedontherightsideofthatstream.
"Ihope,however,thatImayneverhaveanotherfouryearsofsuchanxiety,tribulationandabuse.Myonlyambitionisandhasbeentoputdowntherebellionandrestorepeace,afterwhichIwanttoresignmyoffice,goabroad,takesomerest,studyforeigngovernments,seesomethingofforeignlife,andinmyoldagedieinpeacewithallofthegoodofGod'screatures."
"AND--HEREIAM!"
AnoldacquaintanceofthePresidentvisitedhiminWashington.Lincolndesiredtogivehimaplace.Thusencouraged,thevisitor,whowasanhonestman,butwhollyinexperiencedinpublicaffairsorbusiness,askedforahighoffice,Supe
rintendentoftheMint.
ThePresidentwasaghast,andsaid:"Goodgracious!Whydidn'theasktobeSecretaryoftheTreasury,andhavedonewithit?"
Afterward,hesaid:"Well,now,IneverthoughtMr.----hadanythingmorethanaverageability,whenwewereyoungmentogether.But,then,Isupposehethoughtthesamethingaboutme,and--hereIam!"
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SAFEASLONGASTHEYWEREGOOD.
AtthecelebratedPeaceConference,whereattherewasmuch"pow-wow"andnoresult,PresidentLincoln,inresponsetocertainremarksbytheConfederatecommissioners,commentedwithsomeseverityupontheconductoftheConfederateleaders,sayingtheyhadplainlyforfeitedallrighttoimmunityfrompunishmentfortheirtreason.
Beingpositiveandunequivocalinstatinghisviewsconcerningindividualtreason,hiswordswereofominousimport.Therewasapause,duringwhichCommissionerHunterregardedthespeakerwithasteady,searchinglook.Atlength,carefullymeasuringhiswords,Mr.Huntersaid:
"Then,Mr.President,ifweunderstandyoucorrectly,youthinkthatweoftheConfederacyhavecommittedtreason;aretraitorstoyourGovernment;haveforfeitedourrights,andarepropersubjectsforthehangman.Isnotthataboutwhatyourwordsimply?"
"Yes,"repliedPresidentLincoln,"youhavestatedthepropositionbetterthanIdid.Thatisaboutthesizeofit!"
Anotherpause,andapainfulonesucceeded,andthenHunter,withapleasantsmileremarked:
"Well,Mr.Lincoln,wehaveaboutconcludedthatweshallnotbehangedaslongasyouarePresident--ifwebehaveourselves."
AndHuntermeantwhathesaid.
"SMELTNOROYALTYINOURCARRIAGE."
Ononeoccasion,ingoingtomeetanappointmentinthesouthernpartoftheSuckerState--thatsectionofIllinoiscalledEgypt--Lincoln,withotherfriends,wastravelinginthe"caboose"ofafreighttrain,whenthefreightwasswitched
offthemaintracktoallowaspecialtraintopass.
Lincoln'smorearistocraticrival(StephenA.Douglas)wasbeingconveyedtothesametowninthisspecial.Thepassingtrainwasdecoratedwithbannersandflags,andcarriedabandofmusic,whichwasplaying"HailtotheChief."
Asthetrainwhistledpast,Lincolnbrokeoutinafitoflaughter,andsaid:"Boys,thegentlemaninthatcarevidentlysmeltnoroyaltyinourcarriage."
HELLAMILEFROMTHEWHITEHOUSE.
WardLamontoldthisstoryofPresidentLincoln,whomhefoundonedayinaparticularlygloomyframeofmind.Lamonsaid:
"ThePresidentremarked,asIcamein,'IfearIhavemadeSenatorWade,ofOhio,myenemyforlife.'
"'How?'Iasked.
"'Well,'continuedthePresident,'WadewasherejustnowurgingmetodismissGrant,and,inresponsetosomethinghesaid,Iremarked,"Senator,thatreminds
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meofastory."'
"'WhatdidWadesay?'IinquiredofthePresident.
"'Hesaid,inapetulantway,'thePresidentresponded,'"Itiswithyou,sir,allstory,story!Youarethefatherofeverymilitaryblunderthathasbeenmadeduringthewar.Youareonyourroadtohell,sir,withthisgovernment,byyourobstinacy,andyouarenotamileoffthisminute."'
"'Whatdidyousaythen?'
"Igood-naturedlysaidtohim,'thePresidentreplied,'"Senator,thatisjustaboutfromheretotheCapitol,isitnot?"Hewasveryangry,grabbeduphishatandcane,andwentaway.'"
HIS"GLASSHACK"
PresidentLincolnhadnotbeenintheWhiteHouseverylongbeforeMrs.Lincolnbecameseizedwiththeideathatafinenewbarouchewasabouttheproperthingfor"thefirstladyintheland."ThePresidentdidnotcareparticularlyaboutitonewayortheother,andtoldhiswifetoorderwhatevershewanted.
Lincolnforgotallaboutthenewvehicle,andwasovercomewithastonishmentoneafternoonwhen,havingaccededtoMrs.Lincoln'sdesiretogodriving,hefoundabeautifulbarouchestandinginfrontofthedooroftheWhiteHouse.
Hiswifewatchedhimwithanamusedsmile,buttheonlyremarkhemadewas,"Well,Mary,that'sabouttheslickest'glasshack'intown,isn'tit?"
LEAVEHIMKICKING.
Lincoln,inthedaysofhisyouth,wasoftenunfaithfultohisQuakertraditions.Onthedayofelectionin1840,wordcametohimthatoneRadford,aDemocrat
iccontractor,hadtakenpossessionofoneofthepollingplaceswithhisworkmen,andwaspreventingtheWhigsfromvoting.Lincolnstartedoffatagaitwhichshowedhisinterestinthematterinhand.
HewentuptoRadfordandpersuadedhimtoleavethepolls,remarkingatthesametime:"Radford,you'llspoilandblow,ifyoulivemuchlonger."
Radford'sprudencepreventedanactualcollision,which,itissaid,Lincolnregretted.HetoldhisfriendSpeedhewantedRadfordtoshowfightsothathemight"knockhimdownandleavehimkicking."
"WHOCOMMENCEDTHISFUSS?"
PresidentLincolnwasatalltimesanadvocateofpeace,provideditcouldbeobtainedhonorablyandwithcredittotheUnitedStates.AstothecauseoftheCivilWar,whichsideofMasonandDixon'slinewasresponsibleforit,whofiredthefirstshots,whoweretheaggressors,etc.,Lincolndidnotseemtobotherabout;hewantedtopreservetheUnion,aboveallthings.Slavery,hewasassured,wasdead,buthethoughttheformerslaveholdersshouldberecompensed.
Toillustratehisfeelingsinthematterhetoldthisstory:
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"SomeofthesupportersoftheUnioncauseareopposedtoaccommodateoryieldtotheSouthinanymannerorwaybecausetheConfederatesbeganthewar;weredeterminedtotaketheirStatesoutoftheUnion,and,consequently,shouldbeheldresponsibletothelaststageforwhatevermaycomeinthefuture.NowthisremindsmeofagoodstoryIheardonce,whenIlivedinIllinois.
"Aviciousbullinapasturetookaftereverybodywhotriedtocrossthelot,andonedayaneighboroftheownerwasthevictim.Thismanwasaspeedyfellowandgottoafriendlytreeaheadofthebull,butnotintimetoclimbthetree.Soheledtheenragedanimalamerryracearoundthetree,finallysucceedinginseizingthebullbythetail.
"Thebull,beingatadisadvantage,notabletoeithercatchthemanorreleasehistail,wasmadenoughtoeatnails;heduguptheearthwithhisfeet,scatteredgravelallaround,belloweduntilyoucouldhearhimfortwomilesormore,andatlengthbrokeintoadeadrun,themanhangingontohistailallthetime.
"Whilethebull,muchoutoftemper,wasleggingittothebestofhisability,histormentor,stillclingingtothetail,asked,'Darnyou,whocommencedthisfuss?'
"It'sourdutytosettlethisfussattheearliestpossiblemoment,nomatterw
hocommencedit.That'smyideaofit."
"ABE'S"LITTLEJOKE.
WhenGeneralW.T.Sherman,November12th,1864,severedallcommunicationwiththeNorthandstartedforSavannahwithhismagnificentarmyofsixtythousandmen,therewasmuchanxietyforamonthastohiswhereabouts.PresidentLincoln,inresponsetoaninquiry,said:"IknowwhatholeShermanwentinat,butIdon'tknowwhatholehe'llcomeoutat."
ColonelMcClurehadbeeninconsultationwiththePresidentoneday,abouttwo
weeksafterSherman'sdisappearance,andinthisconnectionrelatedthisincident:
"Iwasleavingtheroom,andjustasIreachedthedoorthePresidentturnedaround,and,withamerrytwinklingoftheeye,inquired,'McClure,wouldn'tyouliketohearsomethingfromSherman?'
"Theinquiryelectrifiedmeattheinstant,asitseemedtoimplythatLincolnhadsomeinformationonthesubject.Iimmediatelyanswered,'Yes,mostofall,IshouldliketohearfromSherman.'
"TothisPresidentLincolnanswered,withaheartylaugh:'Well,I'llbehangedifIwouldn'tmyself.'"
WHATSUMMERTHOUGHT.
Althoughhimselfamostpolished,evenafastidious,gentleman,SenatorSumnerneverallowedLincoln'shomelywaystohidehisgreatqualities.Hegavehimarespectandesteematthestartwhichothersaccordedonlyafterexperience.TheSenatorwasmosttactful,too,inhisdealingswithMrs.Lincoln,andsoonhadafirmfootinginthehousehold.Thathewasproudofthis,perhapsalittleboas
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tful,thereisnodoubt.
Lincolnhimselfappreciatedthis."Sumnerthinksherunsme,"hesaid,withanamusedtwinkle,oneday.
AUSELESSDOG.
WhenHood'sarmyhadbeenscatteredintofragments,PresidentLincoln,elatedbythedefeatofwhathadsolongbeenamenacingforceonthebordersofTennesseewasremindedbyitscollapseofthefateofasavagedogbelongingtooneofhisneighborsinthefrontiersettlementsinwhichhelivedinhisyouth."Thedog,"hesaid,"wastheterroroftheneighborhood,anditsowner,achurlishandquarrelsomefellow,tookpleasureinthebrute'sforcibleattitude.
"Finally,allothermeanshavingfailedtosubduethecreature,amanloadedalumpofmeatwithachargeofpowder,towhichwasattachedaslowfuse;thiswasdroppedwherethedreadeddogwouldfindit,andtheanimalgulpeddownthetemptingbait.
"Therewasadullrumbling,amuffledexplosion,andfragmentsofthedogwereseenflyingineverydirection.Thegrievedowner,pickinguptheshatteredremainsofhiscruelfavorite,said:'Hewasagooddog,butasadog,hisdaysofu
sefulnessareover.'Hood'sarmywasagoodarmy,"saidLincoln,bywayofcomment,"andwewereallafraidofit,butasanarmy,itsusefulnessisgone."
ORIGINOFTHE"INFLUENCE"STORY.
JudgeBaldwin,ofCalifornia,beinginWashington,calledonedayonGeneralHalleck,thenCommander-in-ChiefoftheUnionforces,and,presuminguponafamiliaracquaintanceinCaliforniaafewyearssince,solicitedapassoutsideofourlinestoseeabrotherinVirginia,notthinkingthathewouldmeetwitharefusal,asbothhisbrotherandhimselfweregoodUnionmen.
"Wehavebeendeceivedtoooften,"saidGeneralHalleck,"andIregretIcan'tgrantit."
JudgeB.thenwenttoStanton,andwasverybrieflydisposedofwiththesameresult.Finally,heobtainedaninterviewwithMr.Lincoln,andstatedhiscase.
"HaveyouappliedtoGeneralHalleck?"inquiredthePresident.
"Yes,andmetwithaflatrefusal,"saidJudgeB.
"ThenyoumustseeStanton,"continuedthePresident.
"Ihave,andwiththesameresult,"wasthereply.
"Well,then,"saidMr.Lincoln,withasmile,"Icandonothing;foryoumustknowthatIhaveverylittleinfluencewiththisAdministration,althoughIhopetohavemorewiththenext."
FELTSORRYFORBOTH.
ManyladiesattendedthefamousdebatesbetweenLincolnandDouglas,andtheyw
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erethemostunprejudicedlisteners."Icanrecallonlyonefactofthedebates,"saysMrs.WilliamCrotty,ofSeneca,Illinois,"thatIfeltsosorryforLincolnwhileDouglaswasspeaking,andthentomysurpriseIfeltsosorryforDouglaswhenLincolnreplied."
Thedisinterestedtowhomitwasanintellectualgame,feltthepowerandcharmofbothmen.
WHEREDIDITCOMEFROM?
"Whatmadethedeepestimpressionuponyou?"inquiredafriendoneday,"whenyoustoodinthepresenceoftheFallsofNiagara,thegreatestofnaturalwonders?"
"ThethingthatstruckmemostforciblywhenIsawtheFalls,"Lincolnresponded,withcharacteristicdeliberation,"was,whereintheworlddidallthatwatercomefrom?"
"LONGABE"FOURYEARSLONGER.
ThesecondelectionofAbrahamLincolntothePresidencyoftheUnitedStateswastherewardofhiscourageandgeniusbestoweduponhimbythepeopleoftheUnionStates.GeneralGeorgeB.McClellanwashisopponentin1864upontheplatformthat"theWarisafailure,"andcarriedbutthreeStates--NewJersey,DelawareandKentucky.TheStateswhichdidnotthinktheWarwasafailurewerethoseinNewEngland,NewYork,Pennsylvania,alltheWesterncommonwealths,WestVirginia,Tennessee,Louisiana,ArkansasandthenewStateofNevada,admittedintotheUniononOctober31st.PresidentLincoln'spopularmajorityoverMcClellan,whoneverdidmuchtowardmakingtheWarasuccess,wasmorethanfourhundredthousand.Underneaththecartoonreproducedhere,from"Harper'sWeekly"ofNovember26th,1864,werethewords,"LongAbrahamLincolnaLittleLonger."
ButthebelovedPresident'stimeuponearthwasnottobemuchlonger,ashewa
sassassinatedjustonemonthandtendaysafterhissecondinauguration.Indeed,thewords,"alittlelonger,"printedbelowthecartoon,werestrangelyprophetic,althoughnotintendedtobesuch.
ThepeopleoftheUnitedStateshadlearnedtolove"LongAbe,"theiraffectionbeingofapurelypersonalnature,inthemain.NootherChiefExecutivewasregardedassosincerelythefriendofthegreatmassoftheinhabitantsoftheRepublicasLincoln.Hewas,intruth,oneof"thecommonpeople,"havingbeenbornamongthem,andlivedasoneofthem.
Lincoln'sgreatheightmadehimaneasysubjectforthecartoonist,andtheyuseditinhisfavoraswellasagainsthim.
"ALLSICKER'NYOURMAN."
ACommissionertotheHawaiianIslandswastobeappointed,andeightapplicantshadfiledtheirpapers,whenadelegationfromtheSouthappearedattheWhiteHouseonbehalfofaninth.Notonlywastheirmanfit--sothedelegationurged--butwasalsoinbadhealth,andaresidenceinthatbalmyclimatewouldbeofgreatbenefittohim.
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ThePresidentwasratherimpatientthatday,andbeforethemembersofthedelegationhadfairlystartedin,suddenlyclosedtheinterviewwiththisremark:
"Gentlemen,Iamsorrytosaythatthereareeightotherapplicantsforthatplace,andtheyareall'sicker'n'yourman."
EASIERTOEMPTYTHEPOTOMAC.
Anofficeroflowvolunteerrankpersistedintellingandre-tellinghistroublestothePresidentonasummerafternoonwhenLincolnwastiredandcareworn.
Afterlisteningpatiently,hefinallyturnedupontheman,and,lookingwearilyoutuponthebroadPotomacinthedistance,saidinaperemptorytonethatendedtheinterview:
"Now,myman,goaway,goaway.Icannotmeddleinyourcase.IcouldaseasilybailoutthePotomacRiverwithateaspoonasattendtoallthedetailsofthearmy."
HEWANTEDASTEADYHAND.
WhentheEmancipationProclamationwastakentoMr.LincolnbySecretarySeward,forthePresident'ssignature,Mr.Lincolntookapen,dippeditintheink,movedhishandtotheplaceforthesignature,helditamoment,thenremovedhishandanddroppedthepen.Afteralittlehesitation,heagaintookupthepenandwentthroughthesamemovementasbefore.Mr.LincolnthenturnedtoMr.Sewardandsaid:
"Ihavebeenshakinghandssincenineo'clockthismorning,andmyrightarmisalmostparalyzed.Ifmynameevergoesintohistory,itwillbeforthisact,andmywholesoulisinit.IfmyhandtrembleswhenIsigntheProclamation,allwhoexaminethedocumenthereafterwillsay,'Hehesitated.'"
Hethenturnedtothetable,tookupthepenagain,andslowly,firmlywrote"AbrahamLincoln,"withwhichthewholeworldisnowfamiliar.
Hethenlookedup,smiled,andsaid,"Thatwilldo."
LINCOLNSAWSTANTONABOUTIT.
Mr.Lovejoy,headingacommitteeofWesternmen,discussedanimportantschemewiththePresident,andthegentlemenwerethendirectedtoexplainittoSecretaryofWarStanton.
UponpresentingthemselvestotheSecretary,andshowingthePresident'sorder,theSecretarysaid:"DidLincolngiveyouanorderofthatkind?"
"Hedid,sir."
"Thenheisad--dfool,"saidtheangrySecretary.
"DoyoumeantosaythatthePresidentisad--dfool?"askedLovejoy,inamazement.
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"Yes,sir,ifhegaveyousuchanorderasthat."
ThebewilderedIllinoisanbetookhimselfatoncetothePresidentandrelatedtheresultoftheconference.
"DidStantonsayIwasad--dfool?"askedLincolnatthecloseoftherecital.
"Hedid,sir,andrepeatedit."
Afteramoment'spause,andlookingup,thePresidentsaid:"IfStantonsaidIwasad--dfool,thenImustbeone,forheisnearlyalwaysright,andgenerallysayswhathemeans.Iwillslipoverandseehim."
MRS.LINCOLN'SSURPRISE.
AgoodstoryistoldofhowMrs.Lincolnmadealittlesurpriseforherhusband.
Intheearlydaysitwascustomaryforlawyerstogofromonecountytoanotheronhorseback,ajourneywhichoftenrequiredseveralweeks.Onreturningfromoneofthesetrips,lateonenight,Mr.Lincolndismountedfromhishorseatthefamiliarcornerandthenturnedtogointothehouse,butstopped;aperfectlyu
nknownstructurewasbeforehim.Surprised,andthinkingtheremustbesomemistake,hewentacrossthewayandknockedataneighbor'sdoor.Thefamilyhadretired,andsocalledout:
"Who'sthere?"
"AbeLincoln,"wasthereply."Iamlookingformyhouse.Ithoughtitwasacrosstheway,butwhenIwentawayafewweeksagotherewasonlyaone-storyhousethereandnowthereisatwo-storyhouseinitsplace.IthinkImustbelost."
TheneighborsthenexplainedthatMrs.Lincolnhadaddedanotherstoryduringhisabsence.AndMr.Lincolnlaughedandwenttohisremodeledhouse.
MENACETOTHEGOVERNMENT.
Thepersistenceofoffice-seekersnearlydrovePresidentLincolnwild.Theyslippedinthroughthehalf-openeddoorsoftheExecutiveMansion;theydoggedhisstepsifhewalked;theyedgedtheirwaythroughthecrowdsandthrusttheirpapersinhishandswhenherode;and,takingitallinall,theywell-nighworriedhimtodeath.
HeoncesaidthatiftheGovernmentpassedthroughtheRebellionwithoutdismembermenttherewasthestrongestdangerofitsfallingapreytotherapacityof
theoffice-seekingclass.
"Thishumanstruggleandscrambleforoffice,forawaytolivewithoutwork,willfinallytestthestrengthofourinstitutions,"werethewordsheused.
TROOPSCOULDN'TFLYOVERIT.
OnApril20thadelegationfromBaltimoreappearedattheWhiteHouseandbegge
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dthePresidentthattroopsforWashingtonbesentaroundandnotthroughBaltimore.
PresidentLincolnreplied,laughingly:"IfIgrantthisconcession,youwillbebacktomorrowaskingthatnotroopsbemarched'around'it."
ThePresidentwasright.Thatafternoon,andagainonSundayandMonday,committeessoughthim,protestingthatMarylandsoilshouldnotbe"polluted"bythefeetofsoldiersmarchingagainsttheSouth.
ThePresidenthadbutonereply:"Wemusthavetroops,andastheycanneithercrawlunderMarylandnorflyoverit,theymustcomeacrossit."
PATWAS"FORNINSTTHEGOVERNMENT."
TheGovernor-GeneralofCanada,withsomeofhisprincipalofficers,visitedPresidentLincolninthesummerof1864.
Theyhadbeenverytroublesomeinharboringblockaderunners,andtheyweresaidtohavecarriedonalargetradefromtheirportswiththeConfederates.Lincolntreatedhisguestswithgreatcourtesy.
Afterapleasantinterview,theGovernor,alludingtothecomingPresidentialelectionsaid,jokingly,butwithagrainofsarcasm:"IunderstandMr.President,thateverybodyvotesinthiscountry.IfweremainuntilNovember,canwevote?"
"Youremindme,"repliedthePresident,"ofacountrymanofyours,agreenemigrantfromIreland.Patarrivedonelectionday,andperhapswasaseagerasyourExcellencytovote,andtovoteearly,andlateandoften.
"So,uponlandingatCastleGarden,hehastenedtothenearestvotingplace,andasheapproached,thejudgewhoreceivedtheballotsinquired,'Whodoyouwanttovotefor?Onwhichsideareyou?'PoorPatwasembarrassed;hedidnotknowwhowerethecandidates.Hestopped,scratchedhishead,then,withthereadine
ssofhiscountrymen,hesaid:
"'IamforninsttheGovernment,anyhow.Tellme,ifyourHonorplase:whichistherebellionside,andI'lltellyouhawIwanttovote.InouldIreland,Iwasalwaysontherebellionside,and,bySaintPatrick,I'lldothatsameinAmerica.'YourExcellency,"saidMr.Lincoln,"would,Ishouldthink,notbeatallatalossonwhichsidetovote!"
"CAN'TSPARETHISMAN."
Onenight,abouteleveno'clock,ColonelA.K.McClure,whoseintimacywithPre
sidentLincolnwassogreatthathecouldobtainadmittancetotheExecutiveMansionatanyandallhours,calledattheWhiteHousetourgeMr.LincolntoremoveGeneralGrantfromcommand.
Afterlisteningpatientlyforalongtime,thePresident,gatheringhimselfupinhischair,said,withtheutmostearnestness:
"Ican'tsparethisman;hefights!"
Inrelatingtheparticularsofthisinterview,ColonelMcCluresaid:
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"Thatwasallhesaid,butIknewthatitwasenough,andthatGrantwassafeinLincoln'shandsagainsthiscountlesshostsofenemies.TheonlymaninallthenationwhohadthepowertosaveGrantwasLincoln,andhehaddecidedtodoit.HewasnotinfluencedbyanypersonalpartialityforGrant,fortheyhadnevermet.
"ItwasnotuntilafterthebattleofShiloh,foughtonthe6thand7thofApril,1862,thatLincolnwasplacedinapositiontoexerciseacontrollinginfluenceinshapingthedestinyofGrant.ThefirstreportsfromtheShilohbattle-fieldcreatedprofoundalarmthroughouttheentirecountry,andthewildestexaggerationswerespreadinafloodtideofvituperationagainstGrant.
"Thefewofto-daywhocanrecalltheinflamedconditionofpublicsentimentagainstGrantcausedbythedisastrousfirstday'sbattleatShilohwillrememberthathewasdenouncedasincompetentforhiscommandbythepublicjournalsofallpartiesintheNorth,andwithalmostentireunanimitybySenatorsandCongressmen,regardlessofpoliticalaffinities.
"IappealedtoLincolnforhisownsaketoremoveGrantatonce,andingivingmyreasonsforitIsimplyvoicedtheadmittedlyoverwhelmingprotestfromtheloyalpeopleofthelandagainstGrant'scontinuanceincommand.
"IdidnotforgetthatLincolnwastheonemanwhoneverallowedhimselftoapp
earaswantonlydefyingpublicsentiment.ItseemedtomeimpossibleforhimtosaveGrantwithouttakingacrushingloadofcondemnationuponhimself;butLincolnwaswiserthanallthosearoundhim,andhenotonlysavedGrant,buthesavedhimbysuchwell-concertedeffortthathesoonwonpopularapplausefromthosewhoweremostviolentindemandingGrant'sdismissal."
HISTEETHCHATTERED.
DuringtheLincoln-Douglasjointdebatesof1858,thelatteraccusedLincolnofhaving,wheninCongress,votedagainsttheappropriationforsuppliestobesenttheUnitedStatessoldiersinMexico.Inreply,Lincolnsaid:"Thisisaperv
ersionofthefacts.IwasopposedtothepolicyoftheadministrationindeclaringwaragainstMexico;butwhenwarwasdeclaredIneverfailedtovoteforthesupportofanypropositionlookingtothecomfortofourpoorfellowswhoweremaintainingthedignityofourflaginawarthatIthoughtunnecessaryandunjust."
Hegraduallybecamemoreandmoreexcited;hisvoicethrilledandhiswholeframeshook.SittingonthestandwasO.B.Ficklin,whohadservedinCongresswithLincolnin1847.Lincolnreachedback,tookFicklinbythecoat-collar,backofhisneck,andinnogentlemannerliftedhimfromhisseatasifhehadbeenakitten,androared:"Fellow-citizens,hereisFicklin,whowasatthattimeinCongresswithme,andheknowsitisalie."
HeshookFicklinuntilhisteethchattered.FearinghewouldshakeFicklin'sheadoff,WardLamongraspedLincoln'shandandbrokehisgrip.
Afterthespeakingwasover,Ficklin,whohadwarmpersonalfriendshipwithhim,said:"Lincoln,younearlyshookalltheDemocracyoutofmeto-day."
"AARONGOTHISCOMMISSION."
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PresidentLincolnwascensuredforappointingonethathadzealouslyopposedhissecondterm.
Hereplied:"Well,IsupposeJudgeE.,havingbeendisappointedbefore,didbehaveprettyugly,butthatwouldn'tmakehimanylessfitfortheplace;andIthinkIhaveScripturalauthorityforappointinghim.
"YourememberwhentheLordwasonMountSinaigettingoutacommissionforAaron,thatsameAaronwasatthefootofthemountainmakingafalsegodforthepeopletoworship.YetAarongothiscommission,youknow."
LINCOLNANDTHEMINISTERS.
AtthetimeofLincoln'snomination,atChicago,Mr.NewtonBateman,SuperintendentofPublicInstructionfortheStateofIllinois,occupiedaroomadjoiningandopeningintotheExecutiveChamberatSpringfield.FrequentlythisdoorwasopenduringMr.Lincoln'sreceptions,andthroughoutthesevenmonthsormoreofhisoccupationhesawhimnearlyeveryday.Often,whenMr.Lincolnwastired,heclosedthedooragainstallintruders,andcalledMr.Batemanintohisroomforaquiettalk.Ononeoftheseoccasions,Mr.LincolntookupabookcontainingcanvassofthecityofSpringfield,inwhichhelived,showingthecandidateforwhomeachcitizenhaddeclaredithisintentiontovoteintheapproachingel
ection.Mr.Lincoln'sfriendshad,doubtlessathisownrequest,placedtheresultofthecanvassinhishands.ThiswastowardsthecloseofOctober,andonlyafewdaysbeforeelection.CallingMr.Batemantoaseatbyhisside,havingpreviouslylockedallthedoors,hesaid:
"Letuslookoverthisbook;IwishparticularlytoseehowtheministersifSpringfieldaregoingtovote."Theleaveswereturned,onebyone,andasthenameswereexaminedMr.Lincolnfrequentlyaskedifthisoneandthatonewasnotaminister,oranelder,oramemberofsuchandsuchachurch,andsadlyexpressedhissurpriseonreceivinganaffirmativeanswer.Inthatmannerhewentthroughthebook,andthenheclosedit,andsatsilentlyforsomeminutesregardingamemoranduminpencilwhichlaybeforehim.AtlengthheturnedtoMr.Bateman,withafacefullofsadness,andsaid:
"Herearetwenty-threeministersofdifferentdenominations,andallofthemareagainstmebutthree,andhereareagreatmanyprominentmembersofchurches,averylargemajorityareagainstme.Mr.Bateman,IamnotaChristian--GodknowsIwouldbeone--butIhavecarefullyreadtheBible,andIdonotsounderstandthisbook,"andhedrewforthapocketNewTestament.
"Thesemenwellknow,"hecontinued,"thatIamforfreedomintheTerritories,freedomeverywhere,asfreeastheConstitutionandthelawswillpermit,andthatmyopponentsareforslavery.Theyknowthis,andyet,withthisbookintheirhands,inthelightofwhichhumanbondagecannotliveamoment,theyaregoingtovoteagainstme;Idonotunderstanditatall."
HereMr.Lincolnpaused--pausedforlongminutes,hisfeaturessurchargedwithemotion.Thenheroseandwalkedupanddownthereception-roomintheefforttoretainorregainhisself-possession.Stoppingatlast,hesaid,withatremblingvoiceandcheekswetwithtears:
"IknowthereisaGod,andthatHehatesinjusticeandslavery.Iseethestormcoming,andIknowthatHishandisinit.IfHehasaplaceandworkforme,andIthinkHehas,IbelieveIamready.Iamnothing,butTruthiseverything.IknowIamright,becauseIknowthatlibertyisright,forChristteachesit,andChristisGod.Ihavetoldthemthatahousedividedagainstitselfcannot
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stand;andChristandReasonsaythesame,andtheywillfinditso.
"Douglasdoesn'tcarewhetherslaveryisvotedupordown,butGodcares,andhumanitycares,andIcare;andwithGod'shelpIshallnotfail.Imaynotseetheend,butitwillcome,andIshallbevindicated;andthesemenwillfindtheyhavenotreadtheirBibleright."
Muchofthiswasutteredasifhewerespeakingtohimself,andwithasad,earnestsolemnityofmannerimpossibletobedescribed.Afterapauseheresumed:
"Doesn'titseemstrangethatmencanignorethemoralaspectofthiscontest?NorevelationcouldmakeitplainertomethatslaveryortheGovernmentmustbedestroyed.Thefuturewouldbesomethingawful,asIlookatit,butforthisrockonwhichIstand"(alludingtotheTestamentwhichhestillheldinhishand),"especiallywiththeknowledgeofhowtheseministersaregoingtovote.ItseemsasifGodhadbornewiththisthing(slavery)untiltheteachersofreligionhavecometodefenditfromtheBible,andtoclaimforitadivinecharacterandsanction;andnowthecupofiniquityisfull,andthevialsofwrathwillbepouredout."
Everythinghesaidwasofapeculiarlydeep,tender,andreligioustone,andallwastingedwithatouchingmelancholy.Herepeatedlyreferredtohisconvictionthatthedayofwrathwasathand,andthathewastobeanactorintheterriblestrugglewhichwouldissueintheoverthrowofslavery,althoughhemightno
tlivetoseetheend.
AfterfurtherreferencetoabeliefintheDivineProvidenceandthefactofGodinhistory,theconversationturneduponprayer.Hefreelystatedhisbeliefintheduty,privilege,andefficacyofprayer,andintimated,innounmistakableterms,thathehadsoughtinthatwayDivineguidanceandfavor.TheeffectofthisconversationuponthemindofMr.Bateman,aChristiangentlemanwhomMr.Lincolnprofoundlyrespected,wastoconvincehimthatMr.Lincolnhad,inaquietway,foundapathtotheChristianstandpoint--thathehadfoundGod,andrestedontheeternaltruthofGod.Asthetwomenwereabouttoseparate,Mr.Batemanremarked:
"Ihavenotsupposedthatyouwereaccustomedtothinksomuchuponthisclass
ofsubjects;certainlyyourfriendsgenerallyareignorantofthesentimentsyouhaveexpressedtome."
Herepliedquickly:"Iknowtheyare,butIthinkmoreonthesesubjectsthanuponallothers,andIhavedonesoforyears;andIamwillingyoushouldknowit."
HARDTACKBETTERTHANGENERALS.
SecretaryofWarStantontoldthePresidentthefollowingstory,whichgreatlyamusedthelatter,ashewasespeciallyfondofajokeattheexpenseofsomehi
ghmilitaryorcivildignitary.
Stantonhadlittleornosenseofhumor.
WhenSecretaryStantonwasmakingatripuptheBroadRiverinNorthCarolina,inatugboat,aFederalpicketyelledout,"Whathaveyougotonboardofthattug?"
Thesevereanddignifiedanswerwas,"TheSecretaryofWarandMajor-GeneralFoster."
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Instantlythepicketroaredback,"We'vegotMajor-Generalsenoughuphere.Whydon'tyoubringusupsomehardtack?"
GOTTHEPREACHER.
AstorytoldbyaCabinetmembertendedtoshowhowaccuratelyLincolncouldcalculatepoliticalresultsinadvance--afacultywhichremainedwithhimallhislife.
"Afriend,whowasaDemocrat,hadcometohimearlyinthecanvassandtoldhimhewantedtoseehimelected,butdidnotliketovoteagainsthisparty;stillhewouldvoteforhim,ifthecontestwastobesoclosethateveryvotewasneeded.
"AshorttimebeforetheelectionLincolnsaidtohim:'Ihavegotthepreacher,andIdon'twantyourvote.'"
BIGJOKEONHALLECK.
WhenGeneralHalleckwasCommander-in-ChiefoftheUnionforces,withheadquartersatWashington,PresidentLincolnunconsciouslyplayedabigpracticaljokeuponthatdignifiedofficer.ThePresidenthadspentthenightattheSoldiers'Home,andthenextmorningaskedCaptainDerickson,commandingthecompanyofPennsylvaniasoldiers,whichwasthePresidentialguardattheWhiteHouseandtheHome--whereverthePresidenthappenedtobe--togototownwithhim.
CaptainDericksontoldthestoryinamostentertainingway:
"Whenweenteredthecity,Mr.LincolnsaidhewouldcallatGeneralHalleck'sheadquartersandgetwhatnewshadbeenreceivedfromthearmyduringthenight.IinformedhimthatGeneralCullum,chiefaidtoGeneralHalleck,wasraisedinMeadville,andthatIknewhimwhenIwasaboy.
"Hereplied,'Thenwemustseeboththegentlemen.'Whenthecarriagestopped,herequestedmetoremainseated,andsaidhewouldbringthegentlemendowntoseeme,theofficebeingonthesecondfloor.InashorttimethePresidentcamedown,followedbytheothergentlemen.Whenheintroducedthemtome,GeneralCullumrecognizedandseemedpleasedtoseeme.
"InGeneralHalleckIthoughtIdiscoveredakindofquizzicallook,asmuchastosay,'Isn'tthisratherabigjoketoasktheCommander-in-Chiefofthearmydowntothestreettobeintroducedtoacountrycaptain?'"
STORIESBETTERTHANDOCTORS.
Agentleman,visitingahospitalatWashington,heardanoccupantofoneofthebedslaughingandtalkingaboutthePresident,whohadbeenthereashorttimebeforeandgladdenedthewoundedwithsomeofhisstories.Thesoldierseemedinsuchgoodspiritsthatthegentlemaninquired:
"Youmustbeveryslightlywounded?"
"Yes,"repliedthebravefellow,"veryslightly--Ihaveonlylostoneleg,and
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I'dbegladenoughtolosetheother,ifIcouldhearsomemoreof'OldAbe's'stories."
SHORT,BUTEXCITING.
WilliamB.Wilson,employedinthetelegraphofficeattheWarDepartment,ranovertotheWhiteHouseonedaytosummonMr.Lincoln.HedescribedthetripbacktotheWarDepartmentinthismanner:
"Callingoneofhistwoyoungerboystojoinhim,wethenstartedfromtheWhiteHouse,betweenstatelytrees,alongagravelpathwhichledtotherearoftheoldWarDepartmentbuilding.Itwasawarmday,andMr.Lincolnworeaspartofhiscostumeafadedgraylinendusterwhichhunglooselyaroundhislonggauntframe;hiskindlyeyewasbeamingwithgoodnature,andhisever-thoughtfulbrowwasunruffled.
"Wehadbarelyreachedthegravelwalkbeforehestoopedover,pickeduparoundsmoothpebble,andshootingitoffhisthumb,challengedustoagameof'followings,'whichweaccepted.Eachinturntriedtohittheoutlyingstone,whichwasbeingconstantlyprojectedonwardbythePresident.Thegamewasshort,butexciting;thecheerfulnessofchildhood,theambitionofyoungmanhood,andthegravityofthestatesmanwereallinjectedintoit.
"ThegamewasnotwonuntilthestepsoftheWarDepartmentwerereached.Everyinchofprogressionwastoughlycontested,andwhenthePresidentwasdeclaredvictor,itwasonlybyahandspan.Heappearedtobeasmuchpleasedasifhehadwonabattle."
MR.BULLDIDN'TGETHISCOTTON.
Becauseoftheblockade,bytheUnionfleets,oftheSoutherncottonports,Englandwasdeprivedofhersupplyofcotton,andscoresofthousandsofBritishoperativeswerethrownoutofemploymentbytheclosingofthecottonmillsatMan
chesterandothercitiesinGreatBritain.England(JohnBull)feltsobadlyaboutthisthattheBritishwantedtogotowaronaccountofit,butwhentheUnitedStateseagleruffledupitswingstheEnglishthoughtoverthebusinessandconcludednottofight.
"Harper'sWeekly"ofMay16th,1863,containedthecartoonwereproduce,whichshowsJohnBullasmanifestingmuchanxietyregardingthecottonhehadboughtfromtheSouthernplanters,butwhichthelattercouldnotdeliver.BeneaththecartoonisthisbitofdialoguebetweenJohnBullandPresidentLincoln:MR.BULL(confidingcreature):"Hiwantmycotton,boughtatfi'penceapound."
MR.LINCOLN:"Don'tknowanythingaboutit,mydearsir.Yourfriends,therebels,areburningallthecottontheycanfind,andIconfiscatetherest.Good-mo
rning,John!"
AsPresidentLincolnhasabigfifteen-inchgunathisside,theblackmuzzleofwhichispressedtightlyagainstMr.Bull'swaistcoat,thePresident,toallappearances,hasthebestoftheargument"byalongshot."Anyhow,Mr.Bullhadnothingmoretosay,butgavethecottonmatterupasabadpieceofbusiness,andpocketedtheloss.
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STICKTOAMERICANPRINCIPLES.
PresidentLincoln'sfirstconclusion(thatMasonandSlidellshouldbereleased)wastherealgroundonwhichtheAdministrationsubmitted."WemuststicktoAmericanprinciplesconcerningtherightsofneutrals."Itwastomany,asSecretaryoftheTreasuryChasedeclareditwastohim,"gallandwormwood."JamesRussellLowell'sverseexpressedbestthepopularfeeling:
Wegivethecrittersback,John,CosAbramthought'twasright;Itwarn'tyourbullyin'clack,John,Provokin'ustofight.
ThedecisionraisedMr.Lincolnimmeasurablyintheviewofthoughtfulmen,especiallyinEngland.
USED"RUDETACT."
GeneralJohnC.Fremont,withheadquartersatSt.Louis,astonishedthecountrybyissuingaproclamationdeclaring,amongotherthings,thattheproperty,realandpersonal,ofallthepersonsintheStateofMissouriwhoshouldtakeuparmsagainsttheUnitedStates,orwhoshouldbedirectlyprovedtohavetakenanactivepartwithitsenemiesinthefield,wouldbeconfiscatedtopublicuseandtheirslaves,iftheyhadany,declaredfreemen.
ThePresidentwasdismayed;hemodifiedthatpartoftheproclamationreferringtoslaves,andfinallyreplacedFremontwithGeneralHunter.
Mrs.Fremont(daughterofSenatorT.H.Benton),herhusband'srealchiefofstaff,flewtoWashingtonandsoughtMr.Lincoln.Itwasmidnight,butthePresidentgaveheranaudience.Withoutwaitingforanexplanation,sheviolentlychargedhimwithsendinganenemytoMissouritolookintoFremont'scase,andthreateningthatifFremontdesiredtohecouldsetupagovernmentforhimself.
"IhadtoexercisealltherudetactIhavetoavoidquarrelingwithher,"saidMr.Lincolnafterwards.
"ABE"ONAWOODPILE.
Lincoln'sattempttomakealawyerofhimselfunderadverseandunpromisingcircumstances--hewasabare-footedfarm-hand--excitedcomment.Anditwasnottobewondered.Oneoldman,whowasyetaliveaslateas1901,hadoftenemployedLincolntodofarmworkforhim,andwassurprisedtofindhimonedaysittingbarefootonthesummitofawoodpileandattentivelyreadingabook.
"Thisbeinganunusualthingforfarm-handsinthatearlydaytodo,"saidtheoldman,whenrelatingthestory,"Iaskedhimwhathewasreading.
"'I'mnotreading,'heanswered.'I'mstudying.'
"'Studyingwhat?'Iinquired.
"'Law,sir,'wastheemphaticresponse.
"Itwasreallytoomuchforme,asIlookedathimsittingthereproudasCicero.'GreatGodAlmighty!'Iexclaimed,andpassedon."Lincolnmerelylaughedandresumedhis"studies."
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TAKINGDOWNADANDY.
Inapoliticalcampaign,LincolnoncerepliedtoColonelRichardTaylor,aself-conceited,dandifiedman,whoworeagoldchainandruffledshirt.Hispartyatthattimewasposingasthehard-workingboneandsinewoftheland,whiletheWhigswerestigmatizedasaristocrats,ruffled-shirtgentry.Taylormakingasweepinggesture,hisovercoatbecametornopen,displayinghisfinery.Lincolninreplysaid,layinghishandonhisjeans-cladbreast:
"Hereisyouraristocrat,oneofyoursilk-stockinggentry,atyourservice."Then,spreadingouthishands,bronzedandgauntwithtoil:"Hereisyourrag-basinwithlily-whitehands.Yes,Isuppose,accordingtomyfriendTaylor,Iamabloatedaristocrat."
WHENOLDABEGOTMAD.
SoonafterhostilitiesbrokeoutbetweentheNorthandSouth,CongressappointedaCommitteeontheConductoftheWar.ThiscommitteebesetMr.Lincolnandurgedallsortsofmeasures.Itsmemberswereaggressiveandpatriotic,andonethingtheydetermineduponwasthattheArmyofthePotomacshouldmove.Butitwa
snotuntilMarchthattheybecameconvincedthatanythingwouldbedone.
Onedayearlyinthatmonth,SenatorChandler,ofMichigan,amemberofthecommittee,metGeorgeW.Julian.Hewasinhighglee."'Old'Abeismad,"saidJulian,"andtheWarwillnowgoon."
WANTEDTO"BORROW"THEARMY.
Duringoneoftheperiodswhenthingswereatastandstill,theWashingtonauthorities,beingunabletoforceGeneralMcClellantoassumeanaggressiveattitude,PresidentLincolnwenttothegeneral'sheadquarterstohaveatalkwithhim,
butforsomereasonhewasunabletogetanaudience.
Mr.LincolnreturnedtotheWhiteHousemuchdisturbedathisfailuretoseethecommanderoftheUnionforces,andimmediatelysentfortwogeneralofficers,tohaveaconsultation.Ontheirarrival,hetoldthemhemusthavesomeonetotalktoaboutthesituation,andashehadfailedtoseeGeneralMcClellan,hewishedtheirviewsastothepossibilityorprobabilityofcommencingactiveoperationswiththeArmyofthePotomac.
"Something'sgottobedone,"saidthePresident,emphatically,"anddonerightaway,orthebottomwillfalloutofthewholething.Now,ifMcClellandoesn'twanttousethearmyforawhile,I'dliketoborrowitfromhimandseeifIcan'tdosomethingorotherwithit.
"IfMcClellancan'tfish,heoughtatleasttobecuttingbaitatatimelikethis."
YOUNG"SUCKER"VISITORS.
AfterMr.Lincoln'snominationforthePresidency,theExecutiveChamber,alarge,fineroomintheStateHouseatSpringfield,wassetapartforhim,wherehe
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Thegentlemanmadetheyoungwomanaccompanyhimintotheoffice,andwhentheywereseated,saidtoher:"Now,mygoodgirl,Iwantyoutomusterallthecourageyouhaveintheworld.WhenthePresidentcomesback,hewillsitdowninthatarmchair.Ishallgetuptospeaktohim,andasIdosoyoumustforceyourselfbetweenus,andinsistuponhisexaminationofyourpapers,tellinghimitisacaseoflifeanddeath,andadmitsofnodelay."Theseinstructionswerecarriedouttotheletter.Mr.Lincolnwasatfirstsomewhatsurprisedattheapparentforwardnessoftheyoungwoman,butobservingherdistressedappearance,heceasedconversationwithhisfriend,andcommencedanexaminationofthedocumentshehadplacedinhishands.
Glancingfromittothefaceofthepetitioner,whosetearshadbrokenforthafresh,hestudieditsexpressionforamoment,andthenhiseyefelluponherscantybutneatdress.Instantlyhisfacelightedup.
"Mypoorgirl,"saidhe,"youhavecomeherewithnoGovernor,orSenator,ormemberofCongresstopleadyourcause.Youseemhonestandtruthful;andyoudon'twearhoopskirts--andIwillbewhippedbutIwillpardonyourbrother."Andhedid.
LIEUTENANTTADLINCOLN'SSENTINELS.
PresidentLincoln'sfavoriteson,Tad,havingbeensportivelycommissionedalieutenantintheUnitedStatesArmybySecretaryStanton,procuredseveralmusketsanddrilledthemen-servantsofthehouseinthemanualofarmswithoutattractingtheattentionofhisfather.Andonenight,tohisconsternation,heputthemallonduty,andrelievedtheregularsentries,who,seeingtheladinfulluniform,orperhapsappreciatingthejoke,gladlywenttotheirquarters.Hisbrotherobjected;butTadinsisteduponhisrightsasanofficer.ThePresidentlaughedbutdeclinedtointerfere,butwhentheladhadlosthislittleauthorityinhisboyishsleep,theCommander-in-ChiefoftheArmyandNavyoftheUnitedStateswentdownandpersonallydischargedthesentrieshissonhadputonthepost.
DOUGLASHELDLINCOLN'SHAT.
WhenMr.Lincolndeliveredhisfirstinauguralhewasintroducedbyhisfriend,UnitedStatesSenatorE.D.Baker,ofOregon.Hecarriedacaneandalittleroll--themanuscriptofhisinauguraladdress.Therewasmoment'spauseaftertheintroduction,ashevainlylookedforaspotwherehemightplacehishighsilkhat.
StephenA.Douglas,thepoliticalantagonistofhiswholepubliclife,themanwhohadpressedhimhardestinthecampaignof1860,wasseatedjustbehindhim.Douglassteppedforwardquickly,andtookthehatwhichMr.Lincolnheldhelplesslyinhishand.
"IfIcan'tbePresident,"DouglaswhisperedsmilinglytoMrs.Brown,acousinofMrs.LincolnandamemberofthePresident'sparty,"Iatleastcanholdhishat."
THEDEADMANSPOKE.
Mr.Lincolnoncesaidinaspeech:"Fellow-citizens,myfriend,Mr.Douglas,ma
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dethestartlingannouncementto-daythattheWhigsarealldead.
"Ifthatbeso,fellow-citizens,youwillnowexperiencethenoveltyofhearingaspeechfromadeadman;andIsupposeyoumightproperlysay,inthelanguageoftheoldhymn:
"'Hark!fromthetombsadolefulsound.'"
MILITARYSNAILSNOTSPEEDY.
PresidentLincoln--ashehimselfputitinconversationonedaywithafriend--"fairlyached"forhisgeneralsto"getdowntobusiness."Theseslowgeneralshetermed"snails."
Grant,ShermanandSheridanwerehisfavorites,fortheywereaggressive.Theydidnotwaitfortheenemytoattack.Toomanyoftheotherswere"lingerers,"asLincolncalledthem.Theyweremagnificentindefense,andstubbornandbrave,buttheirnamesfiguredtoomuchonthe"waitinglist."
ThegreatestfaultLincolnfoundwithsomanyofthecommandersontheUnionsidewastheirunwillingnesstomoveuntileverythingwasexactlytotheirliking.
LincolncouldnotunderstandwhytheseleadersofNorthernarmieshesitated.
OUTRANTHEJACK-RABBIT.
WhentheUnionforceswereroutedinthefirstbattleofBullRun,thereweremanycivilianspresent,whohadgoneoutfromWashingtontowitnessthebattle.AmongthenumberwereseveralCongressmen.Oneofthesewasatall,long-leggedfellow,whoworealong-tailedcoatandahighplughat.Whentheretreatbegan,thisCongressmanwasintheleadoftheentirecrowdfleeingtowardWashington.Heoutranalltherest,andwasthefirstmantoarriveinthecity.NopersonevermadesuchgooduseoflonglegsasthisCongressman.Hisimmensestridecarr
iedhimyardsateverybound.Hewentoverditchesandgulliesatasingleleap,andclearedasix-footfencewithafoottospare.Ashewentoverthefencehisplughatblewoff,buthedidnotpause.Withhislongcoat-tailsflyinginthewind,hecontinuedstraightaheadforWashington.
Manyofthosebehindhimwerescaredalmosttodeath,buttheflyingCongressmanwassuchacomicalfigurethattheyhadtolaughinspiteoftheirterror.
Mr.LincolnenjoyedthedescriptionofhowthisCongressmanledtheracefromBull'sRun,andlaughedatitheartily.
"Ineverknewbutonefellowwhocouldrunlikethat,"hesaid,"andhewasayoungmanoutinIllinois.Hehadbeensparkingagirl,muchagainstthewisheso
fherfather.Infact,theoldmantooksuchadisliketohimthathethreatenedtoshoothimifheevercaughthimaroundhispremisesagain.
"Oneeveningtheyoungmanlearnedthatthegirl'sfatherhadgonetothecity,andheventuredouttothehouse.Hewassittingintheparlor,withhisarmaroundBetsy'swaist,whenhesuddenlyspiedtheoldmancomingaroundthecornerofthehousewithashotgun.Leapingthroughawindowintothegarden,hestarteddownapathatthetopofhisspeed.Hewasalong-leggedfellow,andcouldrunlikegreasedlightning.Justthenajack-rabbitjumpedupinthepathinfrontofhim.Inabouttwoleapsheovertooktherabbit.Givingitakickthatsenti
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thighintheair,heexclaimed:'Gitoutoftheroad,goshdernyou,andletsomebodyrunthatknowshow.'
"Ireckon,"saidMr.Lincoln,"thatthelong-leggedCongressman,whenhesawtherebelmuskets,musthavefeltagooddeallikethatyoungfellowdidwhenhesawtheoldman'sshot-gun."
"FOOLING"THEPEOPLE.
Lincolnwasastrongbelieverinthevirtueofdealinghonestlywiththepeople.
"Ifyouonceforfeittheconfidenceofyourfellow-citizens,"hesaidtoacallerattheWhiteHouse,"youcanneverregaintheirrespectandesteem.
"Itistruethatyoumayfoolallthepeoplesomeofthetime;youcanevenfoolsomeofthepeopleallthetime;butyoucan'tfoolallofthepeopleallthetime."
"ABE,YOUCAN'TPLAYTHATONME."
ThenightPresident-electLincolnarrivedatWashington,onemanwasobservedw
atchingLincolnverycloselyashewalkedoutoftherailroadstation.Standingalittletooneside,themanlookedverysharplyatLincoln,and,asthelatterpassed,seizedholdofhishand,andsaidinaloudtoneofvoice,"Abe,youcan'tplaythatonme!"
WardLamonandtheotherswithLincolnwereinstantlyalarmed,andwouldhavestruckthestrangerhadnotLincolnhastilysaid,"Don'tstrikehim!ItisWashburne.Don'tyouknowhim?"
Mr.SewardhadgivenCongressmanWashburneahintofthetimethetrainwouldarrive,andhehadtherighttobeatthestationwhenthetrainsteamedin,buthisindiscreetmannerofloudlyaddressingthePresident-electmighthaveledtoseriousconsequencestothelatter.
HIS"BROAD"STORIES.
Mrs.RoseLinderWilkinson,whooftenaccompaniedherfather,JudgeLinder,inthedayswhenherodecircuitwithMr.Lincoln,tellsthefollowingstory:
"Atnight,asarule,thelawyersspentawhileintheparlor,andpermittedthewomenwhohappenedtobealongtositwiththem.Butafterhalfanhourorsowewouldnoticeitwastimeforustoleavethem.Iremembertravelingthecircuitoneseasonwhentheyoungwifeofoneofthelawyerswaswithhim.TheplacewassocrowdedthatsheandIweremadetosleeptogether.Whenthetimecamefor
banishingusfromtheparlor,wewentuptoourroomandsattheretillbed-time,listeningtotheroarsthatfollowedeachetherswiftlywhilethoselawyersdown-stairstoldstoriesandlaughedtilltheraftersrang.
"InthemorningMr.Lincolnsaidtome:'Rose,didwedisturbyoursleeplastnight?'Ianswered,'No,Ihadnosleep'--whichwasnotentirelytruebuttheretortamusedhim.Thentheyounglawyer'swifecomplainedtohimthatwewerenotfairlyused.Wecamealongwiththem,youngwomen,andwhentheywerehavingthebesttimeweweresentawaylikechildrentogotobedinthedark.
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"'But,Madame,'saidMr.Lincoln,'youwouldnotenjoythethingswelaughat.'Andthenheenteredintoadiscussiononwhathavebeentermedhis'broad'stories.Hedeploredthefactthatmenseemedtorememberthemlongerandwithlesseffortthananyothers.
"Myfathersaid:'But,Lincoln,Idon'trememberthe"broad"partofyourstoriessomuchasIdothemoralthatisinthem,'anditwasathinginwhichtheywereallagreed."
SORRYFORTHEHORSES.
WhenPresidentLincolnheardoftheConfederateraidatFairfax,inwhichabrigadier-generalandanumberofvaluablehorseswerecaptured,hegravelyobserved:
"Well,Iamsorryforthehorses."
"Sorryforthehorses,Mr.President!"exclaimedtheSecretaryofWar,raisinghisspectaclesandthrowinghimselfbackinhischairinastonishment.
"Yes,"repliedMr.,Lincoln,"Icanmakeabrigadier-generalinfiveminutes,butitisnoteasytoreplaceahundredandtenhorses."
MILDREBUKETOADOCTOR.
Dr.JeromeWalker,ofBrooklyn,toldhowMr.Lincolnonceadministeredtohimamildrebuke.ThedoctorwasshowingMr.LincolnthroughthehospitalatCityPoint.
"Finally,aftervisitingthewardsoccupiedbyourinvalidandconvalescingsoldiers,"saidDr.Walker,"wecametothreewardsoccupiedbysickandwoundedSouthernprisoners.Withafeelingofpatrioticduty,Isaid:'Mr.President,youwon'twanttogointhere;theyareonlyrebels.'
"Iwillneverforgethowhestoppedandgentlylaidhislargehanduponmyshoulderandquietlyanswered,'YoumeanConfederates!'AndIhavemeantConfederateseversince.
"TherewasnothingleftformetodoafterthePresident'sremarkbuttogowithhimthroughthesethreewards;andIcouldnotseebutthathewasjustaskind,hishand-shakingsjustashearty,hisinterestjustasrealforthewelfareofthemen,aswhenhewasamongourownsoldiers."
COLDMOLASSESWASSWIFTER.
"OldPap,"asthesoldierscalledGeneralGeorgeH.Thomas,wasaggravatinglyslowatatimewhenthePresidentwantedhimto"getamoveon";infact,thegallant"RockofChickamauga"wasevidentlyenteredinasnail-race.
"Someofmygeneralsaresoslow,"regretfullyremarkedLincolnoneday,"thatmolassesinthecoldestdaysofwinterisaracehorsecomparedtothem.
"They'rebraveenough,butsomehoworothertheygetfastenedinafencecorner,andcan'tfiguretheirwayout."
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LINCOLNCALLSMEDILLACOWARD.
JosephMedill,formanyyearseditoroftheChicagoTribune,notlongbeforehisdeath,toldthefollowingstoryregardingthe"talkingto"PresidentLincolngavehimselfandtwootherChicagogentlemenwhowenttoWashingtontoseeaboutreducingChicago'squotaoftroopsafterthecallforextramenwasmadebythePresidentin1864:
"In1864,whenthecallforextratroopscame,Chicagorevolted.Shehadalreadysent22,000troopsuptothattime,andwasdrained.Whenthecallcametherewerenoyoungmentogo,andnoaliensexceptwhatwerebought.Thecitizensheldamassmeetingandappointedthreepersons,ofwhomIwasone,togotoWashingtonandaskStantontogiveCookCountyanewenrollment.OnreachingWashington,wewenttoStantonwithourstatement.Herefusedentirelytogiveusthedesiredaid.ThenwewenttoLincoln.'Icannotdoit,'hesaid,'butIwillgowithyoutotheWarDepartment,andStantonandIwillhearbothsides.'
"SoweallwentovertotheWarDepartmenttogether.StantonandGeneralFryewerethere,andthey,ofcourse,contendedthatthequotashouldnotbechanged.Theargumentwentonforsometime,andwasfinallyreferredtoLincoln,whohadbeensittingsilentlylistening.
"Ishallneverforgethowhesuddenlyliftedhisheadandturnedonusablackandfrowningface.
"'Gentlemen,'hesaid,inavoicefullofbitterness,'afterBoston,Chicagohasbeenthechiefinstrumentinbringingwaronthiscountry.TheNorthwesthasopposedtheSouthasNewEnglandhasopposedtheSouth.Itisyouwhoarelargelyresponsibleformakingbloodflowasithas.
"'Youcalledforwaruntilwehadit.YoucalledforEmancipation,andIhavegivenittoyou.Whateveryouhaveasked,youhavehad.Nowyoucomeherebeggingtobeletofffromthecallformen,whichIhavemadetocarryoutthewarwhichyoudemanded.Yououghttobeashamedofyourselves.Ihavearighttoexpect
betterthingsofyou.
"'Gohomeandraiseyoursixthousandextramen.Andyou,Medill,youareactinglikeacoward.YouandyourTribunehavehadmoreinfluencethananypaperintheNorthwestinmakingthiswar.Youcaninfluencegreatmasses,andyetyoucrytobesparedatamomentwhenyourcauseissuffering.Gohomeandsendusthosemen!'
"Icouldn'tsayanything.ItwasthefirsttimeIeverwaswhipped,andIdidn'thaveananswer.Weallgotupandwentout,andwhenthedoorclosedoneofmycolleaguessaid:
"'Well,gentlemen,theoldmanisright.Weoughttobeashamedofourselves.L
etusneversayanythingaboutthis,butgohomeandraisethemen.'
"Andwedid--sixthousandmen--makingtwenty-eightthousandintheWarfromacityofonehundredandfifty-sixthousand.Buttheremighthavebeencrapeoneverydoor,almost,inChicago,foreveryfamilyhadlostasonorahusband.Ilosttwobrothers.Itwashardforthemothers."
THEYDIDN'TBUILDIT.
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In1862adelegationofNewYorkmillionaireswaiteduponPresidentLincolntorequestthathefurnishagunboatfortheprotectionofNewYorkharbor.
Mr.Lincoln,afterlisteningpatiently,said:"Gentlemen,thecreditoftheGovernmentisataverylowebb;greenbacksarenotworthmorethanfortyorfiftycentsonthedollar;itisimpossibleforme,inthepresentconditionofthings,tofurnishyouagunboat,and,inthisconditionofthings,ifIwasworthhalfasmuchasyou,gentlemen,arerepresentedtobe,andasbadlyfrightenedasyouseemtobe,IwouldbuildagunboatandgiveittotheGovernment."
STANTON'SABUSEOFLINCOLN.
PresidentLincoln'ssenseofdutytothecountry,togetherwithhiskeenjudgmentofmen,oftenledtotheappointmentofpersonsunfriendlytohim.Someoftheseappointeeswere,aswell,notloyaltotheNationalGovernment,forthatmatter.
RegardingSecretaryofWarStanton'sattitudetowardLincoln,ColonelA.K.McClure,whowasveryclosetoPresidentLincoln,said:
"AfterStanton'sretirementfromtheBuchananCabinetwhenLincolnwasinaugura
ted,hemaintainedtheclosestconfidentialrelationswithBuchanan,andwrotehimmanylettersexpressingtheutmostcontemptforLincoln,theCabinet,theRepublicanCongress,andthegeneralpolicyoftheAdministration.
"Theselettersspeakfreelyofthe'painfulimbecilityofLincoln,'ofthe'venalityandcorruption'whichranriotinthegovernment,andexpressedthebeliefthatnobetterconditionofthingswaspossible'untilJeffDavisturnsoutthewholeconcern.'
"HewasfirmlyimpressedforsomeweeksafterthebattleofBullRunthatthegovernmentwasutterlyoverthrown,asherepeatedlyreferstothecomingofDavisintotheNationalCapital.
"Inoneletterhesaysthat'inlessthanthirtydaysDaviswillbeinpossessionofWashington;'anditisanopensecretthatStantonadvisedtherevolutionaryoverthrowoftheLincolngovernment,tobereplacedbyGeneralMcClellanasmilitarydictator.Theseletters,badastheyare,arenottheworstletterswrittenbyStantontoBuchanan.SomeofthemweresoviolentintheirexpressionsagainstLincolnandtheadministrationthattheyhavebeencharitablywithheldfromthepublic,buttheyremaininthepossessionofthesurvivingrelativesofPresidentBuchanan.
"Ofcourse,LincolnhadnoknowledgeofthebitternessexhibitedbyStantontohimselfpersonallyandtohisadministration,butifhehadknowntheworstthatStantoneversaidorwroteabouthim,IdoubtnotthathewouldhavecalledhimtotheCabinetinJanuary,1862.ThedisastersthearmysufferedmadeLincolnf
orgetfulofeverythingbutthesingledutyofsuppressingtherebellion.
"LincolnwasnotlongindiscoveringthatinhisnewSecretaryofWarhehadaninvaluablebutmosttroublesomeCabinetofficer,buthesawonlythegreatandgoodofficesthatStantonwasperformingfortheimperilledRepublic.
"ConfidencewasrestoredinfinancialcirclesbytheappointmentofStanton,andhisnameasWarMinisterdidmoretostrengthenthefaithofthepeopleinthegovernmentcreditthanwouldhavebeenprobablefromtheappointmentofanyothermanofthatday.
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"Hewasaterrortoallthehordesofjobbersandspeculatorsandcamp-followerswhoseappetiteshadbeenwhettedbyagreatwar,andheenforcedthestrictestdisciplinethroughoutourarmies.
"Hewasseldomcapableofbeingciviltoanyofficerawayfromthearmyonleaveofabsenceunlesshehadbeensummonedbythegovernmentforconferenceorspecialduty,andheissuedthestrictestordersfromtimetotimetodrivethethrongofmilitaryidlersfromthecapitalandkeepthemattheirposts.Hewassterntosavageryinhisenforcementofmilitarylaw.TheweariedsentinelwhosleptathispostfoundnomercyintheheartofStanton,andmanytimesdidLincoln'shumanityoverrulehisfieryminister.
"Anyneglectofmilitarydutywassureoftheswiftestpunishment,andseldomdidhemakeevenjustallowanceforinevitablemilitarydisaster.Hehadprofound,unfalteringfaithintheUnioncause,and,aboveall,hehadunfalteringfaithinhimself.
"HebelievedthathewasinallthingsexceptinnameCommander-in-Chiefofthearmiesandthenavyofthenation,anditwaswithunconcealedreluctancethatheattimesdeferredtotheauthorityofthePresident."
THENEGROANDTHECROCODILE.
Inoneofhispoliticalspeeches,JudgeDouglasmadeuseofthefollowingfigureofspeech:"Asbetweenthecrocodileandthenegro,Itakethesideofthenegro;butasbetweenthenegroandthewhiteman--Iwouldgoforthewhitemaneverytime."
Lincoln,athome,notedthat;andafterwards,whenhehadoccasiontorefertotheremark,hesaid:"Ibelievethatthisisasortofpropositioninproportion,whichmaybestatedthus:'Asthenegroistothewhiteman,soisthecrocodiletothenegro;andasthenegromayrightfullytreatthecrocodileasabeastorreptile,sothewhitemanmayrightfullytreatthenegroasabeastorreptile.'"
LINCOLNWASREADYTOFIGHT.
Ononeoccasion,ColonelBakerwasspeakinginacourt-house,whichhadbeenastorehouse,and,onmakingsomeremarksthatwereoffensivetocertainpoliticalrowdiesinthecrowd,theycried:"Takehimoffthestand!"
Immediateconfusionfollowed,andtherewasanattempttocarrythedemandintoexecution.Directlyoverthespeaker'sheadwasanoldskylight,atwhichitappearedMr.Lincolnhadbeenlisteningtothespeech.Inaninstant,Mr.Lincoln'sfeetcamethroughtheskylight,followedbyhistallandsinewyframe,andhe
wasstandingbyColonelBaker'sside.Heraisedhishandandtheassemblysubsidedintosilence."Gentlemen,"saidMr.Lincoln,"letusnotdisgracetheageandcountryinwhichwelive.Thisisalandwherefreedomofspeechisguaranteed.Mr.Bakerhasarighttospeak,andoughttobepermittedtodoso.Iamheretoprotecthim,andnomanshalltakehimfromthisstandifIcanpreventit."Thesuddennessofhisappearance,hisperfectcalmnessandfairness,andtheknowledgethathewoulddowhathehadpromisedtodo,quietedalldisturbance,andthespeakerconcludedhisremarkswithoutdifficulty.
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ITWASUP-HILLWORK.
TwoyoungmencalledonthePresidentfromSpringfield,Illinois.Lincolnshookhandswiththem,andaskedaboutthecrops,theweather,etc.
Finallyoneoftheyoungmensaid,"Motherisnotwell,andshesentmeuptoinquireofyouhowthesuitabouttheWellspropertyisgettingon."
Lincoln,inthesameeventonewithwhichhehadaskedthequestion,said:"Givemybestwishesandrespectstoyourmother,andtellherIhavesomanyoutsidematterstoattendtonowthatIhaveputthatcase,andothers,inthehandsofalawyerfriendofmine,andifyouwillcallonhim(givingnameandaddress)hewillgiveyoutheinformationyouwant."
Aftertheyhadgone,afriend,whowaspresent,said:"Mr.Lincoln,youdidnotseemtoknowtheyoungmen?"
Helaughedandreplied:"No,Ihadneverseenthembefore,andIhadtobeataroundthebushuntilIfoundwhotheywere.Itwasup-hillwork,butItoppeditatlast."
LEE'SSLIMANIMAL.
PresidentLincolnwrotetoGeneralHookeronJune5,1863,warningHookernottorunanyriskofbeingentangledontheRappahannock"likeanoxjumpedhalfoverafenceandliabletobetornbydogs,frontandrear,withoutafairchancetogiveonewayorkicktheother."Onthe10thhewarnedHookernottogosouthoftheRappahannockuponLee'smovingnorthofit."IthinkLee'sarmyandnotRichmondisyourtrueobjectivepower.IfhecomestowardtheupperPotomac,followonhisflank,andontheinsidetrack,shorteningyourlineswhilehelengthenshis.Fighthim,too,whenopportunityoffers.Ifhestaywhereheis,frethim,andfrethim."
Onthe14thagainhesays:"Sofaraswecanmakeouthere,theenemyhaveMilr
oysurroundedatWinchester,andTyleratMartinsburg.Iftheycouldholdoutforafewdays,couldyouhelpthem?IftheheadofLee'sarmyisatMartinsburg,andthetailofitontheflankroadbetweenFredericksburgandChancellorsville,theanimalmustbeveryslimsomewhere;couldyounotbreakhim?"
"MRS.NORTHANDHERATTORNEY."
IntheissueofLondon"Punch"ofSeptember24th,1864,PresidentLincolnispicturedassittingatatableinhislawoffice,whileinachairtohisrightisaclient,Mrs.North.Thelatterisafineclientforanyattorneytohaveonhislist,beingwealthyandliberal,butastheladyisgivinghercounsel,whoh
asrepresentedherinalegalwayforfouryears,noticethatsheproposestoputherlegalbusinessinthehandsofanotherlawyer,thedejectedlookuponthefaceofAttorneyLincolniseasilyaccountedfor."Punch"putsthesewordsinthelady'smouth:
MRS.NORTH:"Yousee,Mr.Lincoln,wehavefailedutterlyinourcourseofaction;Iwantpeace,andso,ifyoucannoteffectanamicablearrangement,Imustputthecaseintootherhands."
Inthiscartoon,"Punch"merelyreflectedtheidea,orsentiment,currentinEn
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glandin1864,thattheNorthwasmuchdissatisfiedwiththeWarpolicyofPresidentLincoln;andwouldsurelyelectGeneralMcClellantosucceedtheWesternerintheWhiteHouse.AttheelectionMcClellancarriedbutoneNorthernState--NewJersey,wherehewasborn--PresidentLincolnsweepingthecountrylikeaprairiefire.
"Punch"hadevidentlybeendeceivedbysomebold,badman,whowantedalittlespendingmoney,andsoldthepredictiontothefunnyjournalwithacertificateofcharacterattached,writtenby--possibly--amemberoftheHorseMarines."Punch,"wasverymuchdisgustedtofindthatitscredulityandfaithinmankindhadbeensoimposedupon,especiallywhentheelectionreturnsshowedthat"the-War-is-a-failure"candidateransoslowlythatLincolnpassedhimaseasilyasthoughtheDemocraticnomineewastiedtoapost.
SATISFACTIONTOTHESOUL.
Inthefar-awaydayswhen"Abe"wenttoschoolinIndiana,theyhadexercises,exhibitionsandspeaking-meetingsintheschoolhouseorthechurch,and"Abe"wasthe"star."HisfatherwasaDemocrat,andatthattime"Abe"agreedwithhisparent.Hewouldfrequentlymakepoliticalandotherspeechestotheboysandexplaintangledquestions.
BoonevillewasthecountyseatofWarrickcounty,situatedaboutfifteenmilesfromGentryville.Thither"Abe"walkedtobepresentatthesittingsofthecourt,andlistenedattentivelytothetrialsandthespeechesofthelawyers.
Oneofthetrialswasthatofamurderer.HewasdefendedbyMr.JohnBreckinridge,andattheconclusionofhisspeech"Abe"wassoenthusiasticthatheventuredtocomplimenthim.Breckinridgelookedattheshabbyboy,thankedhim,andpassedonhisway.
Manyyearsafterwards,in1862,BreckinridgecalledonthePresident,andhewastold,"ItwasthebestspeechthatI,uptothattime,hadeverheard.IfIcould,asIthenthought,makeasgoodaspeechasthat,mysoulwouldbesatisfied."
WITHDREWTHECOLT.
Mr.Alcott,ofElgin,Ill.,tellsofseeingMr.LincolncomingawayfromchurchunusuallyearlyoneSundaymorning."Thesermoncouldnothavebeenmorethanhalfwaythrough,"saysMr.Alcott."'Tad'wasslungacrosshisleftarmlikeapairofsaddlebags,andMr.Lincolnwasstridingalongwithlong,deliberatestepstowardhishome.Ononeofthestreetcornersheencounteredagroupofhisfellow-townsmen.Mr.Lincolnanticipatedthequestionwhichwasabouttobeputbythegroup,and,takinghisfigureofspeechfrompracticeswithwhichtheywereonlytoofamiliar,said:'Gentlemen,Ienteredthiscolt,buthekickedaround
soIhadtowithdrawhim."'
"TAD"GOTHISDOLLAR.
NomatterwhowaswiththePresident,orhowintentlyabsorbed,hislittleson"Tad"wasalwayswelcome.Healmostalwaysaccompaniedhisfather.
Once,onthewaytoFortressMonroe,hebecameverytroublesome.ThePresident
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wasmuchengagedinconversationwiththepartywhoaccompaniedhim,andheatlengthsaid:
"'Tad,'ifyouwillbeagoodboy,andnotdisturbmeanymoreuntilwegettoFortressMonroe,Iwillgiveyouadollar."
Thehopeofrewardwaseffectualforawhileinsecuringsilence,but,boylike,"Tad"soonforgothispromise,andwasasnoisyasever.Uponreachingtheirdestination,however,hesaid,verypromptly:"Father,Iwantmydollar."Mr.Lincolnlookedathimhalf-reproachfullyforaninstant,andthen,takingfromhispocketbookadollarnote,hesaid"Well,myson,atanyrate,Iwillkeepmypartofthebargain."
TELLSANEDITORABOUTNASBY.
HenryJ.Raymond,thefamousNewYorkeditor,thustellsofMr.Lincoln'sfondnessfortheNasbyletters:
"IthasbeenwellsaidbyaprofoundcriticofShakespeare,anditoccurstomeasveryappropriateinthisconnection,thatthespiritwhichheldthewoeofLearandthetragedyof"Hamlet"wouldhavebrokenhaditnotalsohadthehumorofthe"MerryWivesofWindsor"andthemerrimentofthe"MidsummerNight'sDrea
m."
"ThisisastrueofMr.LincolnasitwasofShakespeare.Thecapacitytotellandenjoyagoodanecdotenodoubtprolongedhislife.
"TheSaturdayeveningbeforeheleftWashingtontogotothefront,justprevioustothecaptureofRichmond,Iwaswithhimfromseveno'clocktillnearlytwelve.Ithadbeenoneofhismosttryingdays.Thepressureofoffice-seekerswasgreateratthisjuncturethanIeverknewittobe,andhewasalmostwornout.
"AmongthecallersthateveningwasapartycomposedoftwoSenators,aRepresentative,anex-Lieutenant-GovernorofaWesternState,andseveralprivatecitizens.Theyhadbusinessofgreatimportance,involvingthenecessityofthePresi
dent'sexaminationofvoluminousdocuments.Pushingeverythingaside,hesaidtooneoftheparty:
"'HaveyouseentheNasbypapers?'
"'No,Ihavenot,'wasthereply;'whoisNasby?'
"'ThereisachapoutinOhio,'returnedthePresident,'whohasbeenwritingaseriesoflettersinthenewspapersoverthesignatureofPetroleumV.Nasby.Someonesentmeapamphletcollectionofthemtheotherday.Iamgoingtowriteto"Petroleum"tocomedownhere,andIintendtotellhimifhewillcommunicatehistalenttome,Iwillswapplaceswithhim!'
"Thereuponhearose,wenttoadrawerinhisdesk,and,takingoutthe'Letters,'satdownandreadonetothecompany,findingintheirenjoymentofitthetemporaryexcitementandreliefwhichanothermanwouldhavefoundinaglassofwine.Theinstanthehadceased,thebookwasthrownaside,hiscountenancerelapsedintoitshabitualseriousexpression,andthebusinesswasentereduponwiththeutmostearnestness."
LONGANDSHORTOFIT.
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Ontheoccasionofaserenade,thePresidentwascalledforbythecrowdassembled.Heappearedatawindowwithhiswife(whowassomewhatbelowthemediumheight),andmadethefollowing"briefremarks":
"HereIam,andhereisMrs.Lincoln.That'sthelongandtheshortofit."
MOREPEGSTHANHOLES.
SomegentlemenwereoncefindingfaultwiththePresidentbecausecertaingeneralswerenotgivencommands.
"Thefactis,"repliedPresidentLincoln,"IhavegotmorepegsthanIhaveholestoputthemin."
"WEBSTERCOULDN'THAVEDONEMORE."
Lincoln"goteven"withtheIllinoisCentralRailroadCompany,in1855,inamostsubstantialway,atthesametimesecuredsweetrevengeforaninsult,unwarrantedineveryway,putuponhimbyoneoftheofficialsofthatcorporation.
LincolnandHerndondefendedtheIllinoisCentralRailroadinanactionbroughtbyMcLeanCounty,Illinois,inAugust,1853,torecovertaxesallegedtobeduethecountyfromtheroad.TheLegislaturehadgrantedtheroadimmunityfromtaxation,andthiswasacaseintendedtotesttheconstitutionalityofthelaw.Theroadsentaretainerfeeof$250.
Inthelowercourtthecasewasdecidedinfavoroftherailroad.AnappealtotheSupremeCourtfollowed,wasarguedtwice,andfinallydecidedinfavoroftheroad.Thislastdecisionwasrenderedsometimein1855.LincolnthenwenttoChicagoandpresentedthebillforlegalservices.LincolnandHerndononlyaskedfor$2,000more.
Theofficialtowhomhewasreferred,afterlookingatthebill,expressedgreatsurprise.
"Why,sir,"heexclaimed,"thisisasmuchasDanielWebsterhimselfwouldhavecharged.Wecannotallowsuchaclaim."
"Whynot?"askedLincoln.
"Wecouldhavehiredfirst-classlawyersatthatfigure,"wastheresponse.
"Wewonthecase,didn'twe?"queriedLincoln.
"Certainly,"repliedtheofficial.
"DanielWebster,then,"retortedLincolninnoamiabletone,"couldn'thavedonemore,"and"Abe"walkedoutoftheofficial'soffice.
Lincolnwithdrewthebill,andstartedforhome.OnthewayhestoppedatBloomington,wherehemetGrantGoodrich,ArchibaldWilliams,NormanB.Judd,O.H.Browning,andotherattorneys,who,onlearningofhismodestchargeforthevaluableservicesrenderedtherailroad,inducedhimtoincreasethedemandto$5,000,andtobringsuitforthatsum.
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Thiswasdoneatonce.Onthetrialsixlawyerscertifiedthatthebillwasreasonable,andjudgmentforthatsumwentbydefault;thejudgmentwaspromptlypaid,and,ofcourse,hispartner,Herndon,got"yourhalfBilly,"withoutdelay.
LINCOLNMETCLAY.
WhenamemberofCongress,LincolnwenttoLexington,Kentucky,tohearHenryClayspeak.TheWesterner,aKentuckianbybirth,anddestinedtoreachthegreatgoalClayhadsooftensought,wantedtomeetthe"MillboyoftheSlashes."Theaddresswasatameaffair,aswasthepersonalgreetingwhenLincolnmadehimselfknown.Claywascourteous,butcold.Hemayneverhaveheardoftheman,theninhispresence,whowastosecure,withoutsolicitation,theprizewhichheformanyyearshadunsuccessfullysought.Lincolnwasdisenchanted;hisidealwasshattered.OnereasonwhyClayhadnotrealizedhisambitionhadbecomeapparent.
Claywascoolanddignified;Lincolnwascordialandhearty.Clay'shandwasbloodlessandfrosty,withnovigorousgripinit;Lincoln'swaswarm,anditsclaspwasexpressiveofkindlinessandsympathy.
REMINDED"ABE"OFALITTLEJOKE.
PresidentLincolnhadalittlejokeattheexpenseofGeneralGeorgeB.McClellan,theDemocraticcandidateforthePresidencyinoppositiontotheWesternerin1864.McClellanwasnominatedbytheDemocraticNationalConvention,whichassembledatChicago,butafterhehadbeennamed,andalsoduringthecampaign,themilitarycandidatewascharacteristicallyslowincomingtothefront.
PresidentLincolnhadhiseyeuponeverymovemadebyGeneralMcClellanduringthecampaign,andwhenreferencewasmadeoneday,inhispresence,tothedeliberationandcautionoftheNewJerseyite,Mr.Lincolnremarked,withatwinkleinhiseye,"Perhapsheisintrenching."
Thecartoonwereproduceappearedin"Harper'sWeekly,"September17th,1864,andshowsGeneralMcClellan,withhislittlespadeinhand,beingsubjectedtothescrutinyofthePresident--themanwhogaveMcClellan,whenthelatterwasCommander-in-ChiefoftheUnionforces,everyopportunityintheworldtodistinguishhimself.Thereisasmileonthefaceof"HonestAbe,"whichshowsconclusivelythathedoesnotregardhispoliticalopponentaslikelytoproveformidableinanyway.PresidentLincoln"sizedup"McClellanin1861-2,andknew,toafraction,howmuchofamanhewas,whathecoulddo,andhowhewentaboutdoingit.McClellanwasnopolitician,whilethePresidentwastheshrewdestofpoliticaldiplomats.
HISDIGNITYSAVEDHIM.
WhenWashingtonhadbecomeanarmedcamp,andfullofsoldiers,PresidentLincolnandhisCabinetofficersdrovedailytooneoranotherofthesecamps.Veryoftenhisoutingforthedaywasattendingsomeceremonyincidenttocamplife:amilitaryfuneral,acampwedding,areview,aflag-raising.Hedidnotoftenmakespeeches."Ihavemadeagreatmanypoorspeeches,"hesaidoneday,inexcusinghimself,"andInowfeelrelievedthatmydignitydoesnotpermitmetobeapublicspeaker."
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THEMANHEWASLOOKINGFOR
JudgeKelly,ofPennsylvania,whowasoneofthecommitteetoadviseLincolnofhisnomination,andwhowashimselfagreatmanyfeethigh,hadbeeneyeingLincoln'sloftyformwithamixtureofadmirationandpossiblyjealousy.
ThishadnotescapedLincoln,andasheshookhandswiththejudgeheinquired,"Whatisyourheight?"
"Sixfeetthree.Whatisyours,Mr.Lincoln?"
"Sixfeetfour."
"Then,"saidthejudge,"PennsylvaniabowstoIllinois.Mydearman,foryearsmyhearthasbeenachingforaPresidentthatIcouldlookupto,andI'veatlastfoundhim."
HISCABINETCHANCESPOOR.
Mr.JeriahBonham,indescribingavisithepaidLincolnathisroomintheSta
teHouseatSpringfield,wherehefoundhimquitealone,exceptthattwoofhischildren,oneofwhomwas"Tad,"werewithhim.
"Thedoorwasopen.
"Wewalkedinandwereatoncerecognizedandseated--thetwoboysstillcontinuingtheirplayabouttheroom."Tad"wasspinninghistop;andLincoln,asweentered,hadjustfinishedadjustingthestringforhimsoastogivethetopthegreatestdegreeofforce.Heremarkedthathewashavingalittlefunwiththeboys."
Atanothertime,atLincoln'sresidence,"Tad"cameintotheroom,and,puttinghishandtohismouth,andhismouthtohisfather'sear,said,inaboy'swhis
per:"Masayscometosupper."
Allheardtheannouncement;andLincoln,perceivingthis,said:"Youhaveheard,gentlemen,theannouncementconcerningtheinterestingstateofthingsinthedining-room.Itwillneverdoforme,ifelected,tomakethisyoungmanamemberofmyCabinet,foritisplainhecannotbetrustedwithsecretsofstate."
THEGENERALWAS"HEADEDIN"
AUniongeneral,operatingwithhiscommandinWestVirginia,allowedhimselfandhismentobetrapped,anditwasfearedhisforcewouldbecapturedbytheConfederates.ThePresidentheardthereportreadbytheoperator,asitcameoverthewire,andremarked:
"OncetherewasamanoutWestwhowas'heading'abarrel,astheyusedtocallit.Heworkedlikeagoodfellowindrivingdownthehoops,butjustaboutthetimehethoughthehadthejobdone,theheadwouldfallin.Thenhehadtodotheworkalloveragain.
"Allatonceabrightideaenteredhisbrain,andhewonderedhowitwashehadn'tfigureditoutbefore.Hisboy,abright,smartlad,wasstandingby,verymuchinterestedinthebusiness,and,liftingtheyoungoneup,heputhiminsidethebarrel,tellinghimtoholdtheheadinitsproperplace,whilehepounded
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downthehoopsonthesides.Thisworkedlikeacharm,andhesoonhadthe'heading'done.
"Thenherealizedthathisboywasinsidethebarrel,andhowtogethimouthecouldn'tforhislifefigureout.GeneralBlankisnowinsidethebarrel,'headedin,'andthejobnowistogethimout."
SUGAR-COATED.
GovernmentPrinterDefrees,whenoneofthePresident'smessageswasbeingprinted,wasagooddealdisturbedbytheuseoftheterm"sugar-coated,"andfinallywenttoMr.Lincolnaboutit.
Theirrelationstoeachotherbeingofthemostintimatecharacter,hetoldthePresidentfranklythatheoughttorememberthatamessagetoCongresswasadifferentaffairfromaspeechatamassmeetinginIllinois;thatthemessagesbecameapartofhistory,andshouldbewrittenaccordingly.
"Whatisthematternow?"inquiredthePresident.
"Why,"saidDefrees,"youhaveusedanundignifiedexpressioninthemessage";and,readingtheparagraphaloud,headded,"Iwouldalterthestructureofthat
,ifIwereyou."
"Defrees,"repliedthePresident,"thatwordexpressesexactlymyidea,andIamnotgoingtochangeit.Thetimewillnevercomeinthiscountrywhenpeoplewon'tknowexactlywhat'sugar-coated'means."
COULDMAKE"RABBIT-TRACKS."
WhenagroceryclerkatNewSalem,theannualelectioncamearound.AMr.Grahamwasclerk,buthisassistantwasabsent,anditwasnecessarytofindamantofillhisplace.Lincoln,a"tallyoungman,"hadalreadyconcentratedonhimsel
ftheattentionofthepeopleofthetown,andGrahameasilydiscoveredhim.Askinghimifhecouldwrite,"Abe"modestlyreplied,"Icanmakeafewrabbit-tracks."Hisrabbit-tracksprovingtobelegibleandevengraceful,hewasemployed.
Thevoterssoondiscoveredthatthenewassistantclerkwashonestandfair,andperformedhisdutiessatisfactorily,andwhen,theworkdone,hebeganto"entertainthemwithstories,"theyfoundthattheirtownhadmadeavaluablepersonalandsocialacquisition.
LINCOLNPROTECTEDCURRENCYISSUES.
MarshalWardLamonwasinPresidentLincoln'sofficeintheWhiteHouseoneday,andcasuallyaskedthePresidentifheknewhowthecurrencyofthecountrywasmade.Greenbackswerethenunderfullheadwayofcirculation,thesebitsofpaperbeingtherepresentativesofUnitedStatemoney.
"Ourcurrency,"wasthePresident'sanswer,"ismade,asthelawyerswouldputit,intheirlegalway,inthefollowingmanner,to-wit:Theofficialengraverstrikesoffthesheets,passesthemovertotheRegisteroftheCurrency,who,afterplacinghisearmarksuponthem,signsthesame;theRegisterturnsthemovertooldFatherSpinner,whoproceedstoembellishthemwithhiswonderfulsignat
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ureatthebottom;FatherSpinnersendsthemtoSecretaryoftheTreasuryChase,andhe,asafinalactinthematter,issuesthemtothepublicasmoney--andmaythegoodLordhelpanyfellowthatdoesn'ttakeallhecanhonestlygetofthem!"
Takingfromhispocketa$5greenback,withatwinkleinhiseye,thePresidentthensaid:"LookatSpinner'ssignature!Wasthereeveranythinglikeitonearth?Yetitisunmistakable;noonewilleverbeabletocounterfeitit!"
Lamonthengoesontosay:
"'But,'Isaid,'youcertainlydon'tsupposethatSpinneractuallywrotehisnameonthatbill,doyou?'
"'Certainly,Ido;whynot?'queriedMr.Lincoln.
"Ithenasked,'Howmuchofthiscurrencyhaveweafloat?'
"Heremainedthoughtfulforamoment,andthenstatedtheamount.
"Icontinued:'HowmanytimesdoyouthinkamancanwriteasignaturelikeSpinner'sinthecourseoftwenty-fourhours?'
"ThebeamofhilarityleftthecountenanceofthePresidentatonce.Heputthe
greenbackintohisvestpocket,andwalkedthefloor;afterawhilehestopped,heavedalongbreathandsaid:'Thisthingfrightensme!'HethenrangforamessengerandtoldhimtoasktheSecretaryoftheTreasurytopleasecomeovertoseehim.
"Mr.Chasesoonputinanappearance;PresidentLincolnstatedthecauseofhisalarm,andaskedMr.Chasetoexplainindetailtheoperations,methods,systemofchecks,etc.,inhisoffice,andalengthydiscussionfollowed,PresidentLincolncontendingtherewerenotsufficientsafeguardsaffordedinanydegreeinthemoney-makingdepartment,andSecretaryChaseinsistingthateveryprotectionwasaffordedhecoulddevise."
AfterwardthePresidentcalledtheattentionofCongresstothisimportantques
tion,anddeviceswereadoptedwherebyacheckwasputupontheissueofgreenbacksthatnospuriousonesevercameoutoftheTreasuryDepartment,atleast.Counterfeiterswerebusy,though,butthiswasnotthefaultoftheTreasury.
LINCOLN'SAPOLOGYTOGRANT.
"GeneralGrantisacopiousworkerandfighter,"PresidentLincolnwrotetoGeneralBurnsideinJuly,1863,"butameagrewriterortelegrapher."
Grantneverwroteareportuntilthebattlewasover.
PresidentLincolnwrotealettertoGeneralGrantonJuly13th,1863,whichindicatedthestrengthoftheholdthesuccessfulfighterhaduponthemanintheWhiteHouse.
Itranasfollows:
"IdonotrememberthatyouandIevermetpersonally.
"Iwritethisnowasagratefulacknowledgmentforthealmostinestimableserviceyouhavedonethecountry.
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"Iwritetosayawordfurther.
"WhenyoufirstreachedthevicinityofVicksburg,Ithoughtyoushoulddowhatyoufinallydid--marchthetroopsacrosstheneck,runthebatterieswiththetransports,andthusgobelow;andIneverhadanyfaith,exceptageneralhope,thatyouknewbetterthanI,thattheYazooPassexpedition,andthelike,couldsucceed.
"WhenyougotbelowandtookPortGibson,GrandGulfandvicinity,IthoughtyoushouldgodowntheriverandjoinGeneralBanks;andwhenyouturnednorthward,eastofBigBlack,Ifeareditwasamistake.
"InowwishtomakethepersonalacknowledgmentthatyouwererightandIwaswrong."
LINCOLNSAID"BYJING."
Lincolnneverusedprofanity,exceptwhenhequotedittoillustrateapointinastory.Hisfavoriteexpressionswhenhespokewithemphasiswere"Bydear!"a
nd"Byjing!"
JustprecedingtheCivilWarhesentWardLamononaticklishmissiontoSouthCarolina.
WhentheproposedtripwasmentionedtoSecretarySeward,heopposedit,saying,"Mr.President,IfearyouaresendingLamontohisgrave.IamafraidtheywillkillhiminCharleston,wherethepeopleareexcitedanddesperate.Wecan'tspareLamon,andweshallfeelbadlyifanythinghappenstohim."
Mr.Lincolnsaidinreply:"IhaveknownLamontobeinmanyacloseplace,andhehasnever,beeninonethathedidn'tgetoutof,somehow.Byjing!I'llriskhim.Goahead,Lamon,andGodblessyou!Ifyoucan'tbringbackanygoodnews
,bringapalmetto."Lamonbroughtbackapalmettobranch,butnopromiseofpeace.
ITTICKLEDTHELITTLEWOMAN.
LincolnhadbeeninthetelegraphofficeatSpringfieldduringthecastingofthefirstandsecondballotsintheRepublicanNationalConventionatChicago,andthenleftandwentovertotheofficeoftheStateJournal,wherehewassittingconversingwithfriendswhilethethirdballotwasbeingtaken.
Inafewmomentscameacrossthewirestheannouncementoftheresult.Thesupe
rintendentofthetelegraphcompanywroteonascrapofpaper:"Mr.Lincoln,youarenominatedonthethirdballot,"andaboyranwiththemessagetoLincoln.
Helookedatitinsilence,amidtheshoutsofthosearoundhim;thenrisingandputtingitinhispocket,hesaidquietly:"There'salittlewomandownatourhousewouldliketohearthis;I'llgodownandtellher."
"SHALLALLFALLTOGETHER."
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AfterLincolnhadfinishedthatcelebratedspeechin"Egypt"(asasectionofSouthernIllinoiswasformerlydesignated),inthecourseofwhichheseizedCongressmanFicklinbythecoatcollarandshookhimfiercely,heapologized.Inreturn,FicklinsaidLincolnhad"nearlyshakentheDemocracyoutofhim."TothisLincolnreplied:
"ThatremindsmeofwhatPaulsaidtoAgrippa,which,inlanguageandsubstance,wasaboutthis:'IwouldtoGodthatsuchDemocracyasyoufolkshereinEgypthavewerenotonlyalmost,butaltogether,shakenoutof,notonlyyou,butallthatheardmethisday,andthatyouwouldalljoininassistinginshakingofftheshacklesofthebondmenbyalllegitimatemeans,sothatthiscountrymaybemadefreeasthegoodLordintendedit.'"
SaidFicklininrejoinder:"Lincoln,IrememberofreadingsomewhereinthesamebookfromwhichyougetyourAgrippastory,thatPaul,whomyouseemtodesiretopersonate,admonishedallservants(slaves)tobeobedienttothemthataretheirmastersaccordingtotheflesh,infearandtrembling.
"ItwouldseemthatneitherourSaviornorPaulsawtheiniquityofslaveryasyouandyourpartydo.Butyoumustnotthinkthatwhereyoufailbyargumenttoconvinceanoldfriendlikemyselfandwinhimovertoyourheterodoxabolitionopinions,youarejustifiedinresortingtoviolencesuchasyoupracticedonmeto-day.
"Why,Ineverhadsuchashakingupinthewholecourseofmylife.Recollectthatthatgoodoldbookthatyouquotefromsomewheresaysineffectthis:'WoebeuntohimwhogoethtoEgyptforhelp,forheshallfall.Theholpenshallfall,andtheyshallallfalltogether.'"
DEADDOGNOCURE.
Lincoln'squarrelwithShieldswashislastpersonalencounter.Inlateryearsitbecamehisdutytogiveanofficialreprimandtoayoungofficerwhohadbeencourt-martialedforaquarrelwithoneofhisassociates.Thereprimandisprob
ablythegentlestonrecord:
"Quarrelnotatall.Nomanresolvedtomakethemostofhimselfcansparetimeforpersonalcontention.Stilllesscanheaffordtotakealltheconsequences,includingthevitiatingofhistemperandthelossofself-control.Yieldlargerthingstowhichyoucanshownomorethanequalright;andyieldlesserones,thoughclearlyyourown.
"Bettergiveyourpathtoadogthanbebittenbyhimincontestingfortheright.Evenkillingthedogwouldnotcurethebite."
"THOROUGH"ISAGOODWORD.
SomeonecametothePresidentwithastoryaboutaplottoaccomplishsomemischiefintheGovernment.Lincolnlistenedtowhatwasaverysuperficialandill-formedstory,andthensaid:"ThereisonethingthatIhavelearned,andthatyouhavenot.Itisonlyoneword--'thorough.'"
Then,bringinghishanddownonthetablewithathumptoemphasizehismeaning,headded,"thorough!"
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THECABINETWASA-SETTIN'.
BeinginWashingtononeday,theRev.RobertCollyerthoughthe'dtakealookaround.InpassingthroughthegroundssurroundingtheWhiteHouse,hecastaglancetowardthePresidentialresidence,andwasastonishedtoseethreepairsoffeetrestingontheledgeofanopenwindowinoneoftheapartmentsofthesecondstory.Thedivinepausedforamoment,calmlysurveyedtheuniquespectacle,andthenresumedhiswalktowardtheWarDepartment.
SeeingalaboreratworknotfarfromtheExecutiveMansion,Mr.Collyeraskedhimwhatitallmeant.Towhomdidthefeetbelong,and,particularly,themammothones?"Youoldfool,"answeredtheworkman,"that'stheCabinet,whichisa-settin',an'themtharbigfeetbelongsto'OldAbe.'"
ABULLETTHROUGHHISHAT.
AsoldiertellsthefollowingstoryofanattemptuponthelifeofMr.Lincoln"OnenightIwasdoingsentineldutyattheentrancetotheSoldiers'Home.ThiswasaboutthemiddleofAugust,1864.Abouteleveno'clockIheardarifleshot,inthedirectionofthecity,andshortlyafterwardsIheardapproachinghoof-
beats.Intwoorthreeminutesahorsecamedashingup.IrecognizedthebelatedPresident.ThePresidentwasbareheaded.ThePresidentsimplythoughtthathishorsehadtakenfrightatthedischargeofthefirearms.
"Ongoingbacktotheplacewheretheshothadbeenheard,wefoundthePresident'shat.Itwasaplainsilkhat,anduponexaminationwediscoveredabulletholethroughthecrown.
"Thenextday,uponreceivingthehat,thePresidentremarkedthatitwasmadebysomefoolishmarksman,andwasnotintendedforhim;butaddedthathewishednothingsaidaboutthematter.
"ThePresidentsaid,philosophically:'Ilongagomadeupmymindthatifanybo
dywantstokillme,hewilldoit.Besides,inthiscase,itseemstome,themanwhowouldsucceedmewouldbejustasobjectionabletomyenemies--ifIhaveany.'
"Onedarknight,ashewasgoingoutwithafriend,hetookalongaheavycane,remarking,good-naturedly:'Mother(Mrs.Lincoln)hasgotanotionintoherheadthatIshallbeassassinated,andtopleaseherItakeacanewhenIgoovertotheWarDepartmentatnight--whenIdon'tforgetit.'"
NOKINDTOGETTOHEAVENON.
TwoladiesfromTennesseecalledattheWhiteHouseonedayandbeggedMr.Lincolntoreleasetheirhusbands,whowererebelprisonersatJohnson'sIsland.Oneofthefairpetitionersurgedasareasonfortheliberationofherhusbandthathewasaveryreligiousman,andrangthechangesonthispiousplea.
"Madam,"saidMr.Lincoln,"yousayyourhusbandisareligiousman.PerhapsIamnotagoodjudgeofsuchmatters,butinmyopinionthereligionthatmakesmenrebelandfightagainsttheirgovernmentisnotthegenuinearticle;noristhereligiontherightsortwhichreconcilesthemtotheideaofeatingtheirbreadinthesweatofothermen'sfaces.Itisnotthekindtogettoheavenon."
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hewasgladtoarrangewithNancyMillertomakehimapairoftrousers,hetosplitfourhundredfencerailsforeachyardofcloth--fourteenhundredrailsinall."Abe"gottheclothesafterawhile.
Itwasthreemilesfromhisfather'scabintoherwood-lot,wherehemadetheforestringwiththesoundofhisax."Abe"hadhelpedhisfatherplowfifteenacresofland,andsplitenoughrailstofenceit,andhethenhelpedtoplowfiftyacresforanothersettler.
THEQUESTIONOFLEGS.
WheneverthepeopleofLincoln'sneighborhoodengagedindispute;wheneverabetwastobedecided;whentheydifferedonpointsofreligionorpolitics;whentheywantedtogetoutoftrouble,ordesiredadviceregardinganythingontheearth,belowit,aboveit,orunderthesea,theywentto"Abe."
Twofellows,afterahotdisputelastingsomehours,overtheproblemastohowlongaman'slegsshouldbeinproportiontothesizeofhisbody,stampedintoLincoln'sofficeonedayandputthequestiontohim.
Lincolnlistenedgravelytotheargumentsadvancedbybothcontestants,spentsometimein"reflecting"uponthematter,andthen,turningaroundinhischair
andfacingthedisputants,deliveredhisopinionwithallthegravityofajudgesentencingafellow-beingtodeath.
"Thisquestionhasbeenasourceofcontroversy,"hesaid,slowlyanddeliberately,"foruntoldages,anditisabouttimeitshouldbedefinitelydecided.Ithasledtobloodshedinthepast,andthereisnoreasontosupposeitwillnotleadtothesameinthefuture.
"Aftermuchthoughtandconsideration,nottomentionmentalworryandanxiety,itismyopinion,allsideissuesbeingsweptaside,thataman'slowerlimbs,inordertopreserveharmonyofproportion,shouldbeatleastlongenoughtoreachfromhisbodytotheground."
TOOMANYWIDOWSALREADY.
AUnionofficerinconversationonedaytoldthisstory:
"ThefirstweekIwaswithmycommandthereweretwenty-fourdeserterssentencedbycourt-martialtobeshot,andthewarrantsfortheirexecutionweresenttothePresidenttobesigned.Herefused.
"IwenttoWashingtonandhadaninterview.Isaid:
"'Mr.President,unlessthesemenaremadeanexampleof,thearmyitselfisin
danger.Mercytothefewiscrueltytothemany.'
"Hereplied:'Mr.General,therearealreadytoomanyweepingwidowsintheUnitedStates.ForGod'ssake,don'taskmetoaddtothenumber,forIwon'tdoit.'"
GODNEEDEDTHATCHURCH.
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Intheearlystagesofthewar,afterseveralbattleshadbeenfought,UniontroopsseizedachurchinAlexandria,Va.,anduseditasahospital.
AprominentladyofthecongregationwenttoWashingtontoseeMr.Lincolnandtrytogetanorderforitsrelease.
"HaveyouappliedtothesurgeoninchargeatAlexandria?"inquiredMr.Lincoln.
"Yes,sir,butIcandonothingwithhim,"wasthereply.
"Well,madam,"saidMr.Lincoln,"thatisanendofit,then.Weputhimtheretoattendtojustsuchbusiness,anditisreasonabletosupposethatheknowsbetterwhatshouldbedoneunderthecircumstancesthanIdo."
Thelady'sfaceshowedherkeendisappointment.Inordertolearnhersentiment,Mr.Lincolnasked:
"Howmuchwouldyoubewillingtosubscribetowardbuildingahospitalthere?"
ShesaidthatthewarhaddepreciatedSouthernpropertysomuchthatshecouldaffordtogivebutlittle.
"Thiswarisnotoveryet,"saidMr.Lincoln,"andtherewilllikelybeanother
fightverysoon.Thatchurchmaybeveryusefulinwhichtohouseourwoundedsoldiers.ItismycandidopinionthatGodneedsthatchurchforourwoundedfellows;so,madam,Icandonothingforyou."
THEMANDOWNSOUTH.
AnamusinginstanceofthePresident'spreoccupationofmindoccurredatoneofhislevees,whenhewasshakinghandswithahostofvisitorspassinghiminacontinuousstream.
Anintimateacquaintancereceivedtheusualconventionalhand-shakeandsalutat
ion,butperceivingthathewasnotrecognized,kepthisgroundinsteadofmovingon,andspokeagain,whenthePresident,rousedtoadimconsciousnessthatsomethingunusualhadhappened,perceivedwhostoodbeforehim,and,seizinghisfriend'shand,shookitagainheartily,saying:
"Howdoyoudo?Howdoyoudo?Excusemefornotnoticingyou.IwasthinkingofamandownSouth."
"ThemandownSouth"wasGeneralW.T.Sherman,thenonhismarchtothesea.
COULDN'TLETGOTHEHOG.
WhenGovernorCurtinofPennsylvaniadescribedtheterriblebutcheryatthebattleofFredericksburg,Mr.Lincolnwasalmostbroken-hearted.
TheGovernorregrettedthathisdescriptionhadsosadlyaffectedthePresident.Heremarked:"IwouldgiveallIpossesstoknowhowtorescueyoufromthisterriblewar."ThenMr.Lincoln'swonderfulrecuperativepowersassertedthemselvesandthismarvelousmanwashimself.
Lincoln'swholeaspectsuddenlychanged,andherelievedhismindbytellinga
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story.
"Thisremindsme,Governor,"hesaid,"ofanoldfarmeroutinIllinoisthatIusedtoknow.
"Hetookitintohisheadtogointohog-raising.HesentouttoEuropeandimportedthefinestbreedofhogshecouldbuy.
"Theprizehogwasputinapen,andthefarmer'stwomischievousboys,JamesandJohn,weretoldtobesurenottoletitout.ButJames,theworstofthetwo,letthebruteoutthenextday.Thehogwentstraightfortheboys,anddroveJohnupatree,thenthehogwentfortheseatofJames'trousers,andtheonlywaytheboycouldsavehimselfwasbyholdingontothehog'stail.
"Thehogwouldnotgiveuphishunt,northeboyhishold!Aftertheyhadmadeagoodmanycirclesaroundthetree,theboy'scouragebegantogiveout,andheshoutedtohisbrother,'Isay,John,comedown,quick,andhelpmeletgothishog!'
"Now,Governor,thatisexactlymycase.Iwishsomeonewouldcomeandhelpmetoletthehoggo."
THECABINETLINCOLNWANTED.
JudgeJosephGillespie,ofChicago,wasafirmfriendofMr.Lincoln,andwenttoSpringfieldtoseehimshortlybeforehisdeparturefortheinauguration.
"Itwas,"saidjudgeGillespie,"Lincoln'sGethsemane.Hefearedhewasnotthemanforthegreatpositionandthegreateventswhichconfrontedhim.Untriedinnationalaffairs,unversedininternationaldiplomacy,unacquaintedwiththemenwhowereforemostinthepoliticsofthenation,hegroanedwhenhesawtheinevitableWaroftheRebellioncomingon.ItwasinhumilityofspiritthathetoldmehebelievedthattheAmericanpeoplehadmadeamistakeinselectinghim.
"Inthecourseofourconversationhetoldmeifhecouldselecthiscabinetfr
omtheoldbarthathadtraveledthecircuitwithhimintheearlydays,hebelievedhecouldavoidwarorsettleitwithoutabattle,evenafterthefactofsecession.
"'But,Mr.Lincoln,'saidI,'thoseoldlawyersareallDemocrats.'
"'Iknowit,'washisreply.'ButIwouldratherhaveDemocratswhomIknowthanRepublicansIdon'tknow.'"
READYFOR"BUTCHER-DAY."
LeonardSwetttoldthiseminentlycharacteristicstory:
"IrememberonedaybeinginhisroomwhenLincolnwassittingathistablewithalargepileofpapersbeforehim,andafterapleasanttalkheturnedquiteabruptlyandsaid:'Getoutoftheway,Swett;to-morrowisbutcher-day,andImustgothroughthesepapersandseeifIcannotfindsomeexcusetoletthesepoorfellowsoff.'
"Thepileofpapershehadweretherecordsofcourts-martialofmenwhoonthefollowingdayweretobeshot."
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"THEBADBIRDANDTHEMUDSILL."
Ittookquitealongtime,aswellasthelivesofthousandsofmen,tosaynothingofthecostinmoney,totakeRichmond,theCapitalCityoftheConfederacy.Inthiscartoon,takenfrom"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper,"ofFebruary21,1863,JeffDavisissittingupontheSecessioneggsinthe"Richmond"nest,smilingdownuponPresidentLincoln,whoisuptohiswaistintheMudofDifficulties.
ThePresidentfinallywadedthroughthemorass,inwhichhehadbecomeimmersed,gottothetree,climbeditstrunk,reachedthelimb,uponwhichthe"badbird"hadbuiltitsnest,threwthemotherout,destroyedtheeggsofSecessionandthentookthenestawaywithhim,leavingthe"badbird"withoutanyhomeatall.
The"badbird"haditslaughfirst,butthelastlaughbelongedtothe"mudsill,"asthecartoonistwaspleasedtocallthePresidentoftheUnitedStates.ItistruethatthePresidentgothisclothesandhatallcoveredwithmud,butasthejobwasadirtyone,aswellasonethathadtobedone,thePresidentdidn'tcare.Hewasabletogetanothersuitofclothes,aswellasanotherhat,butthe"badbird"couldn't,anddidn't,getanothernest.
Thelaughwasonthe"badbird"afterall.
GAVETHESOLDIERHISFISH.
Once,whenaskedwhatherememberedaboutthewarwithGreatBritain,Lincolnreplied:"Nothingbutthis:Ihadbeenfishingonedayandcaughtalittlefish,whichIwastakinghome.Imetasoldierintheroad,and,havingbeenalwaystoldathomethatwemustbegoodtothesoldiers,Igavehimmyfish."
Thismusthavebeenabout1814,when"Abe"wasfiveyearsofage.
APECULIARLAWYER.
Lincolnwasonceassociatecounselforadefendantinamurdercase.Helistenedtothetestimonygivenbywitnessafterwitnessagainsthisclient,untilhishonestheartcouldstanditnolonger;then,turningtohisassociate,hesaid:"Themanisguilty;youdefendhim--Ican't,"andwhenhisassociatesecuredaverdictofacquittal,Lincolnrefusedtosharethefeetotheextentofonecent.
Lincolnwouldneveradviseclientstoenterintounwiseorunjustlawsuits,alwayspreferringtorefusearetainerratherthanbeapartytoacasewhichdidn
otcommenditselftohissenseofjustice.
IFTHEY'DONLY"SKIP."
GeneralCreswellcalledattheWhiteHousetoseethePresidentthedayofthelatter'sassassination.Anoldfriend,servingintheConfederateranks,hadbeencapturedbytheUniontroopsandsenttoprison.Hehaddrawnanaffidavitsettingforthwhatheknewabouttheman,particularlymentioningextenuatingcircu
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mstances.
CreswellfoundthePresidentveryhappy.Hewasgreetedwith:"Creswell,oldfellow,everythingisbrightthismorning.TheWarisover.Ithasbeenatoughtime,butwehaveliveditout,--orsomeofushave,"andhedroppedhisvoicealittleonthelastclauseofthesentence."Butitisover;wearegoingtohavegoodtimesnow,andaunitedcountry."
GeneralCreswelltoldhisstory,readhisaffidavit,andsaid,"Iknowthemanhasactedlikeafool,butheismyfriend,andagoodfellow;lethimout;givehimtome,andIwillberesponsiblethathewon'thaveanythingmoretodowiththerebs."
"Creswell,"repliedMr.Lincoln,"youmakemethinkofalotofyoungfolkswhooncestartedoutMaying.Toreachtheirdestination,theyhadtocrossashallowstream,anddidsobymeansofanoldflatboat.Whenthetimecametoreturn,theyfoundtotheirdismaythattheoldscowhaddisappeared.Theywereinsoretrouble,andthoughtoverallmannerofdevicesforgettingoverthewater,butwithoutavail.
"Afteratime,oneoftheboysproposedthateachfellowshouldpickupthegirlhelikedbestandwadeoverwithher.Themasterlypropositionwascarriedout,untilallthatwereleftupontheislandwasalittleshortchapandagreat,long,gothic-built,elderlylady.
"Now,Creswell,youaretryingtoleavemeinthesamepredicament.Youfellowsareallgettingyourownfriendsoutofthisscrape;andyouwillsucceedincarryingoffoneafteranother,untilnobodybutJeffDavisandmyselfwillbeleftontheisland,andthenIwon'tknowwhattodo.HowshouldIfeel?HowshouldIlook,lugginghimover?
"Iguessthewaytoavoidsuchanembarrassingsituationistoletthemalloutatonce."
HemadeasomewhatsimilarillustrationataninformalCabinetmeeting,atwhichthedispositionofJeffersonDavisandotherprominentConfederateswasdiscussed.EachmemberoftheCabinetgavehisopinion;mostofthemwereforhanging
thetraitors,orforsomeseverepunishment.PresidentLincolnsaidnothing.
Finally,JoshuaF.Speed,hisoldandconfidentialfriend,whohadbeeninvitedtothemeeting,said,"IhaveheardtheopinionofyourMinisters,andwouldliketohearyours."
"Well,Josh,"repliedPresidentLincoln,"whenIwasaboyinIndiana,Iwenttoaneighbor'shouseonemorningandfoundaboyofmyownsizeholdingacoonbyastring.Iaskedhimwhathehadandwhathewasdoing.
"Hesays,'It'sacoon.Dadcotchedsixlastnight,andkilledallbutthispoorlittlecuss.Dadtoldmetoholdhimuntilhecameback,andI'mafraidhe'sgoingtokillthisonetoo;andoh,"Abe,"Idowishhewouldgetaway!'
"'Well,whydon'tyoulethimloose?'
"'Thatwouldn'tberight;andifIlethimgo,Dadwouldgivemeh--.Butifhegotawayhimself,itwouldbeallright.'
"Now,"saidthePresident,"ifJeffDavisandthoseotherfellowswillonlygetaway,itwillbeallright.Butifweshouldcatchthem,andIshouldletthemgo,'Dadwouldgivemeh--!'"
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FATHEROFTHE"GREENBACK."
DonPiatt,anotedjournalistofWashington,toldthestoryofthefirstpropositiontoPresidentLincolntoissueinterest-bearingnotesascurrency,asfollows:
"AmasaWalker,adistinguishedfinancierofNewEngland,suggestedthatnotesissueddirectlyfromtheGovernmenttothepeople,ascurrency,shouldbearinterest.Thisforthepurpose,notonlyofmakingthenotespopular,butforthepurposeofpreventinginflation,byinducingpeopletohoardthenotesasaninvestmentwhenthedemandsoftradewouldfailtocallthemintocirculationasacurrency.
"ThisideastruckDavidTaylor,ofOhio,withsuchforcethathesoughtMr.Lincolnandurgedhimtoputtheprojectintoimmediateexecution.ThePresidentlistenedpatiently,andattheendsaid,'Thatisagoodidea,Taylor,butyoumustgotoChase.Heisrunningthatendofthemachine,andhastimetoconsideryourproposition.'
"TaylorsoughttheSecretaryoftheTreasury,andlaidbeforehimAmasaWalker'splan.SecretaryChaseheardhimthroughinacold,unpleasantmanner,andthensaid:'Thatisallverywell,Mr.Taylor;butthereisonelittleobstacleint
hewaythatmakestheplanimpracticable,andthatistheConstitution.'
"Sayingthis,heturnedtohisdesk,asifdismissingbothMr.Taylorandhispropositionatthesamemoment.
"Thepoorenthusiastfeltrebukedandhumiliated.HereturnedtothePresident,however,andreportedhisdefeat.Mr.Lincolnlookedatthewould-befinancierwiththeexpressionattimessopeculiartohishomelyface,thatleftoneindoubtwhetherhewasjestingorinearnest.'Taylor!'heexclaimed,'gobacktoChaseandtellhimnottobotherhimselfabouttheConstitution.SaythatIhavethatsacredinstrumenthereattheWhiteHouse,andIamguardingitwithgreatcare.'
"Taylordemurredtothis,onthegroundthatSecretaryChaseshowedbyhismannerthatheknewallaboutit,anddidn'twishtobeboredbyanysuggestion.
"'We'llseeaboutthat,'saidthePresident,andtakingacardfromthetable,hewroteuponit:
"'TheSecretaryoftheTreasurywillpleaseconsiderMr.Taylor'sproposition.Wemusthavemoney,andIthinkthisagoodwaytogetit.
"'A.LINCOLN.'"
MAJORANDERSON'SBADMEMORY.
AmongthemenwhomCaptainLincolnmetintheBlackHawkcampaignwereLieutenant-ColonelZacharyTaylor,LieutenantJeffersonDavis,PresidentoftheConfederacy,andLieutenantRobertAnderson,alloftheUnitedStatesArmy.
JudgeArnold,inhis"LifeofAbrahamLincoln,"relatesthatLincolnandAndersondidnotmeetagainuntilsometimein1861.AfterAndersonhadevacuatedFortSumter,onvisitingWashington,hecalledattheWhiteHousetopayhisrespectstothePresident.LincolnexpressedhisthankstoAndersonforhisconductat
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FortSumter,andthensaid:
"Major,doyourememberofevermeetingmebefore?"
"No,Mr.President,Ihavenorecollectionofeverhavinghadthatpleasure."
"Mymemoryisbetterthanyours,"saidLincoln;"youmusteredmeintotheserviceoftheUnitedStatesin1832,atDixon'sFerry,intheBlackHawkwar."
NOVANDERBILT.
InFebruary,1860,notlongbeforehisnominationforthePresidency,LincolnmadeseveralspeechesinEasterncities.ToanIllinoisacquaintance,whomhemetattheAstorHouse,inNewYork,hesaid:"IhavethecottageatSpringfield,andaboutthreethousanddollarsinmoney.IftheymakemeVice-PresidentwithSeward,assomesaytheywill,IhopeIshallbeabletoincreaseittotwentythousand,andthatisasmuchasanymanoughttowant."
SQUASHEDABRUTALLIE.
InSeptember,1864,aNewYorkpaperprintedthefollowingbrutalstory:
"AfewdaysafterthebattleofAntietam,thePresidentwasdrivingoverthefieldinanambulance,accompaniedbyMarshalLamon,GeneralMcClellanandanotherofficer.Heavydetailsofmenwereengagedinthetaskofburyingthedead.Theambulancehadjustreachedtheneighborhoodoftheoldstonebridge,wherethedeadwerepiledhighest,whenMr.Lincoln,suddenlyslappingMarshalLamonontheknee,exclaimed:'Come,Lamon,giveusthatsongabout"PicayuneButler";McClellanhasneverheardit.'
"'Notnow,ifyouplease,'saidGeneralMcClellan,withashudder;'Iwouldprefertohearitsomeotherplaceandtime.'"
PresidentLincolnrefusedtopayanyattentiontothestory,wouldnotreadthecommentsmadeuponitbythenewspapers,andwouldpermitneitherdenialnorexplanationtobemade.TheNationalelectionwascomingon,andthePresident'sfriendsappealedtohimtosettlethematterforonceandall.MarshalLamonwasparticularlyinsistent,butthePresidentmerelysaid:
"Letthethingalone.IfIhavenotestablishedcharacterenoughtogivethelietothischarge,IcanonlysaythatIammistakeninmyownestimateofmyself.Inpolitics,everymanmustskinhisownskunk.Thesefellowsarewelcometothehideofthisone.Itsbodyhasalreadygivenforthitsunsavoryodor."
ButLamonwouldnot"letthethingalone."HesubmittedtoLincolnadraftofwhatheconceivedtobeasuitableexplanation,afterreadingwhichthePresident
said:
"Lamon,your'explanation'isentirelytoobelligerentintoneforsograveamatter.Thereisaheapof'cussedness'mixedupwithyourusualamiability,andyouareattimestoofondofafight.IfIwereyou,Iwouldsimplystatethefactsastheywere.Iwouldgivethestatementasyouhavehere,withoutthepepperandsalt.Letmetrymyhandatit."
ThePresidentthentookupapenandwrotethefollowing,whichwascopiedandsentoutasMarshalLamon'srefutationoftheshamelessslander:
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"ThePresidenthasknownmeintimatelyfornearlytwentyyears,andhasoftenheardmesinglittleditties.ThebattleofAntietamwasfoughtonthe17thdayofSeptember,1862.OnthefirstdayofOctober,justtwoweeksafterthebattle,thePresident,withsomeothers,includingmyself,startedfromWashingtontovisittheArmy,reachingHarper'sFerryatnoonofthatday.
"InashortwhileGeneralMcClellancamefromhisheadquartersnearthebattleground,joinedthePresident,andwithhimreviewedthetroopsatBolivarHeightsthatafternoon,andatnightreturnedtohisheadquarters,leavingthePresidentatHarper'sFerry.
"Onthemorningofthesecond,thePresident,withGeneralSumner,reviewedthetroopsrespectivelyatLoudonHeightsandMarylandHeights,andataboutnoonstartedtoGeneralMcClellan'sheadquarters,reachingthereonlyintimetoseeverylittlebeforenight.
"OnthemorningofthethirdallstartedonareviewoftheThirdCorpsandthecavalry,inthevicinityoftheAntietambattle-ground.AftergettingthroughwithGeneralBurnside'scorps,atthesuggestionofGeneralMcClellan,heandthePresidentlefttheirhorsestobeled,andwentintoanambulancetogotoGeneralFitzJohnPorter'scorps,whichwastwoorthreemilesdistant.
"IamnotsurewhetherthePresidentandGeneralMcClellanwereinthesameamb
ulance,orindifferentones;butmyselfandsomeotherswereinthesamewiththePresident.Ontheway,andonnopartofthebattleground,andonwhatsuggestionsIdonotremember,thePresidentaskedmetosingthelittlesadsongthatfollows("TwentyYearsAgo,Tom"),whichhehadoftenheardmesing,andhadalwaysseemedtolikeverymuch.
"Afteritwasover,someoneoftheparty(IdonotthinkitwasthePresident)askedmetosingsomethingelse;andIsangtwoorthreelittlecomicthings,ofwhich'PicayuneButler'wasone.Porter'scorpswasreachedandreviewed;thenthebattle-groundwaspassedover,andthemostnotedpartsexamined;then,insuccession,thecavalryandFranklin'scorpswerereviewed,andthePresidentandpartyreturnedtoGeneralMcClellan'sheadquartersattheendofaveryhard,hotanddustyday'swork.
"Nextday(the4th),thePresidentandGeneralMcClellanvisitedsuchofthewoundedasstillremainedinthevicinity,includingthenowlamentedGeneralRichardson;thenproceededtoandexaminedtheSouth-Mountainbattle-ground,atwhichpointtheyparted,GeneralMcClellanreturningtohiscamp,andthePresidentreturningtoWashington,seeing,ontheway,GeneralHartsoff,wholaywoundedatFrederickTown.
"Thisisthewholestoryofthesinginganditssurroundings.NeitherGeneralMcClellannoranyoneelsemadeanyobjectionstothesinging;theplacewasnotonthebattle-field;thetimewassixteendaysafterthebattle;nodeadbodywasseenduringthewholetimethePresidentwasabsentfromWashington,norevenagravethathadnotbeenrainedonsincethetimeitwasmade."
"ONEWARATATIME."
NothinginLincoln'sentirecareerbetterillustratedthesurprisingresourcesofhismindthanhismannerofdealingwith"TheTrentAffair."Thereadinessandabilitywithwhichhemetthisperilousemergency,inafieldentirelynewtohisexperience,wasworthythemostaccomplisheddiplomatandstatesman.Admirable,also,washiscoolcourageandself-relianceinfollowingacourseradically
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opposedtotheprevailingsentimentthroughoutthecountryandinCongress,andcontrarytotheadviceofhisownCabinet.
SecretaryoftheNavyWelleshastenedtoapproveofficiallytheactofCaptainWilkesinapprehendingtheConfederateCommissionersMasonandSlidell,SecretaryStantonpubliclyapplauded,andevenSecretaryofStateSeward,whoselongpubliccareerhadmadehimespeciallyconservative,statedthathewasopposedtoanyconcessionorsurrenderofMasonandSlidell.
ButLincoln,withgreatsagacity,simplysaid,"Onewaratatime."
PRESIDENTLINCOLN'SLASTPUBLICADDRESS.
ThePresidentmadehislastpublicaddressontheeveningofApril11th,1865,toagatheringattheWhiteHouse.Saidhe:
"Wemeetthiseveningnotinsorrow,butingladnessofheart.
"TheevacuationofPetersburgandRichmond,andthesurrenderoftheprincipalinsurgentarmy,givehopeofarighteousandspeedypeace,whosejoyousexpressioncannotberestrained.
"Inthemidstofthis,however,Hefromwhomallblessingsflowmustnotbeforgotten.
"Normustthosewhoseharderpartgivesusthecauseofrejoicingbeoverlooked;theirhonorsmustnotbeparceledoutwithothers.
"Imyselfwasnearthefront,andhadthehighpleasureoftransmittingthegoodnewstoyou;butnopartofthehonor,forplanorexecution,ismine.
"ToGeneralGrant,hisskillfulofficersandbravemen,allbelongs."
NOOTHERSLIKETHEM.
OnedayanoldladyfromthecountrycalledonPresidentLincoln,hertannedfacepeeringuptohisthroughapairofspectacles.HererrandwastopresentMr.Lincolnapairofstockingsofherownmakeayardlong.Kindtearscametohiseyesasshespoketohim,andthen,holdingthestockingsoneineachhand,danglingwideapartforgeneralinspection,heassuredherthatheshouldtakethemwithhimtoWashington,where(andherehiseyestwinkled)hewassureheshouldnotbeabletofindanylikethem.
Quiteanumberofwell-knownmenwereintheroomwiththePresidentwhentheoldladymadeherpresentation.AmongthemwasGeorgeS.Boutwell,whoafterwardsbecameSecretaryoftheTreasury.
TheamusementofthecompanywasnotatalldiminishedbyMr.Boutwell'sremark,thattheladyhadevidentlymadeaverycorrectestimateofMr.Lincoln'slatitudeandlongitude.
CASHWASATHAND.
LincolnwasappointedpostmasteratNewSalembyPresidentJackson.Theoffice
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wasgivenhimbecauseeverybodylikedhim,andbecausehewastheonlymanwillingtotakeitwhocouldmakeoutthereturns.Lincolnwaspleased,becauseitgavehimachancetoreadeverynewspapertakeninthevicinity.Hehadneverbeenabletogethalfthenewspapershewantedbefore.
YearsafterthepostofficehadbeendiscontinuedandLincolnhadbecomeapracticinglawyeratSpringfield,anagentofthePostofficeDepartmententeredhisofficeandinquiredifAbrahamLincolnwaswithin.Lincolnrespondedtohisname,andwasinformedthattheagenthadcalledtocollectthebalanceduetheDepartmentsincethediscontinuanceoftheNewSalemoffice.
AshadeofperplexitypassedoverLincoln'sface,whichdidnotescapethenoticeoffriendspresent.Oneofthemsaidatonce:
"Lincoln,ifyouareinwantofmoney,letushelpyou."
Hemadenoreply,butsuddenlyrose,andpulledoutfromapileofbooksalittleoldtrunk,and,returningtothetable,askedtheagenthowmuchtheamountofhisdebtwas.
Thesumwasnamed,andthenLincolnopenedthetrunk,pulledoutalittlepackageofcoinwrappedinacottonrag,andcountedouttheexactsum,amountingtomorethanseventeendollars.
Aftertheagenthadlefttheroom,heremarkedquietlythathehadneverusedanyman'smoneybuthisown.Althoughthissumhadbeeninhishandsduringallthoseyears,hehadneverregardeditasavailable,evenforanytemporaryuseofhisown.
WELCOMEDTHELITTLEGIRLS.
AtaSaturdayafternoonreceptionattheWhiteHouse,manypersonsnoticedthreelittlegirls,poorlydressed,thechildrenofsomemechanicorlaboringman,whohadfollowedthevisitorsintotheWhiteHousetogratifytheircuriosity.Theypassedaroundfromroomtoroom,andwerehasteningthroughthereception-roo
m,withsometrepidation,whenthePresidentcalledtothem:
"Littlegirls,areyougoingtopassmewithoutshakinghands?"
Thenhebenthistall,awkwardformdown,andshookeachlittlegirlwarmlybythehand.Everybodyintheapartmentwasspellboundbytheincident,sosimpleinitself.
"DON'TSWAPHORSES"
UncleSamwasprettywellsatisfiedwithhishorse,"OldAbe,"and,asshownat
thePresidentialelectionof1864,madeuphismindtokeephim,andnot"swap"thetriedandtrueanimalforastrangeone."Harper'sWeekly"ofNovember12th,1864,hadacartoonwhichillustratedhowthepeopleoftheUnitedStatesfeltaboutthematterbetterthananythingpublishedatthetime.Wereproduceitonthispage.Beneaththepicturewasthistext:
JOHNBULL:"Whydon'tyouridetheotherhorseabit?He'sthebestanimal."(PointingtoMcClellaninthebushesattherear.)
BROTHERJONATHAN:"Well,thatmaybe;butthefactis,OLDABEisjustwhereI
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canputmyfingeronhim;andasfortheother--thoughtheysayhe'ssomewhenoutinthescrubyonder--Ineverknowwheretofindhim."
MOSTVALUABLEPOLITICALATTRIBUTE.
"OnetimeIrememberIaskedMr.Lincolnwhatattributeheconsideredmostvaluabletothesuccessfulpolitician,"saidCaptainT.W.S.Kidd,ofSpringfield.
"Helaidhishandonmyshoulderandsaid,veryearnestly:
"'Tobeabletoraiseacausewhichshallproduceaneffect,andthenfighttheeffect.'
"Themoreyouthinkaboutit,themoreprofounddoesitbecome."
"ABE"RESENTEDTHEINSULT.
Acashieredofficer,seekingtoberestoredthroughthepoweroftheexecutive,becameinsolent,becausethePresident,whobelievedthemanguilty,wouldnotaccedetohisrepeatedrequests,atlastsaid,"Well,Mr.President,Iseeyoua
refullydeterminednottodomejustice!"
ThiswastooaggravatingevenforMr.Lincoln;risinghesuddenlyseizedthedisgracedofficerbythecoatcollar,andmarchedhimforciblytothedoor,sayingasheejectedhimintothepassage:
"Sir,Igiveyoufairwarningnevertoshowyourfaceinthisroomagain.Icanbearcensure,butnotinsult.Ineverwishtoseeyourfaceagain."
ONEMANISN'TMISSED.
SalmonP.Chase,whenSecretaryoftheTreasury,hadadisagreementwithothermembersoftheCabinet,andresigned.
ThePresidentwasurgednottoacceptit,as"SecretaryChaseisto-dayanationalnecessity,"hisadviserssaid.
"Howmistakenyouare!"Lincolnquietlyobserved."Yetitisnotstrange;Iusedtohavesimilarnotions.No!Ifweshouldallbeturnedoutto-morrow,andcouldcomebackhereinaweek,weshouldfindourplacesfilledbyalotoffellowsdoingjustaswellaswedid,andinmanyinstancesbetter.
"Now,thisremindsmeofwhattheIrishmansaid.Hisverdictwasthat'inthiscountryonemanisasgoodasanother;and,forthematterofthat,veryoftena
greatdealbetter.'No;thisGovernmentdoesnotdependuponthelifeofanyman."
"STRETCHEDTHEFACTS."
GeorgeB.Lincoln,aprominentmerchantofBrooklyn,wastravelingthroughtheWestin1855-56,andfoundhimselfonenightinatownontheIllinoisRiver,bythenameofNaples.Theonlytavernoftheplacehadevidentlybeenconstructed
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withreferencetobusinessonasmallscale.Poorastheprospectseemed,Mr.Lincolnhadnoalternativebuttoputupattheplace.
Thesupper-roomwasalsousedasalodging-room.Mr.Lincolntoldhishostthathethoughthewould"gotobed."
"Bed!"echoedthelandlord."Thereisnobedforyouinthishouseunlessyousleepwiththatmanyonder.Hehastheonlyonewehavetospare."
"Well,"returnedMr.Lincoln,"thegentlemanhaspossession,andperhapswouldnotlikeabed-fellow."
Uponthisagrizzlyheadappearedoutofthepillows,andsaid:
"Whatisyourname?"
"TheycallmeLincolnathome,"wasthereply.
"Lincoln!"repeatedthestranger;"anyconnectionofourIllinoisAbraham?"
"No,"repliedMr.Lincoln."Ifearnot."
"Well,"saidtheoldgentleman,"Iwillletanymanbythenameof'Lincoln'sleepwithme,justforthesakeofthename.YouhaveheardofAbe?"heinquired.
"Oh,yes,veryoften,"repliedMr.Lincoln."NomancouldtravelfarinthisStatewithouthearingofhim,andIwouldbeverygladtoclaimconnectionifIcoulddosohonestly."
"Well,"saidtheoldgentleman,"mynameisSimmons.'Abe'andIusedtoliveandworktogetherwhenyoungmen.Manyajobofwoodcuttingandrail-splittinghaveIdoneupwithhim.AbeLincolnwasthelikeliestboyinGod'sworld.Hewouldworkalldayashardasanyofusandstudybyfirelightinthelog-househalfthenight;andinthiswayhemadehimselfathorough,practicalsurveyor.Once,duringthosedays,IwasintheupperpartoftheState,andImetGeneralEwing,whomPresidentJacksonhadsenttotheNorthwesttomakesurveys.ItoldhimaboutAbeLincoln,whatastudenthewas,andthatIwantedheshouldgivehim
ajob.Helookedoverhismemorandum,and,holdingoutapaper,said:
"'ThereisCountymustbesurveyed;ifyourfriendcandotheworkproperly,Ishallbegladtohavehimundertakeit--thecompensationwillbesixhundreddollars.'
"PleasedasIcouldbe,IhastenedtoAbe,afterIgothome,withanaccountofwhatIhadsecuredforhim.Hewassittingbeforethefireinthelog-cabinwhenItoldhim;andwhatdoyouthinkwashisanswer?WhenIfinished,helookedupveryquietly,andsaid:
"'Mr.Simmons,Ithankyouverysincerelyforyourkindness,butIdon'tthinkIwillundertakethejob.'
"'Inthenameofwonder,'saidI,'why?SixhundreddoesnotgrowuponeverybushouthereinIllinois.'
"'Iknowthat,'saidAbe,'andIneedthemoneybadenough,Simmons,asyouknow;butIhaveneverbeenunderobligationtoaDemocraticAdministration,andIneverintendtobesolongasIcangetmylivinganotherway.GeneralEwingmustfindanothermantodohiswork.'"
AfriendrelatedthisstorytothePresidentoneday,andaskedhimifitwere
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true.
"PollardSimmons!"saidLincoln."WelldoIrememberhim.Itiscorrectaboutourworkingtogether,buttheoldmanmusthavestretchedthefactssomewhataboutthesurveyofthecounty.IthinkIshouldhavebeenverygladofthejobatthetime,nomatterwhatAdministrationwasinpower."
ITLENGTHENEDTHEWAR.
PresidentLincolnsaid,longbeforetheNationalpoliticalcampaignof1864hadopened:
"Iftheunworthyambitionofpoliticiansandthejealousythatexistsinthearmycouldberepressed,andalluniteinacommonaimandacommonendeavor,therebellionwouldsoonbecrushed."
HISTHEORYOFTHEREBELLION.
ThePresidentonceexplainedtoafriendthetheoryoftheRebellionbytheaidofthemapsbeforehim.
Runninghislongfore-fingerdownthemap,hestoppedatVirginia.
"Wemustdrivethemawayfromhere"(ManassasGap),hesaid,"andclearthemoutofthispartoftheStatesothattheycannotthreatenushere(Washington)andgetintoMaryland.
"Wemustkeepupagoodandthoroughblockadeoftheirports.WemustmarchanarmyintoEastTennesseeandliberatetheUnionsentimentthere.Finallywemustrelyonthepeoplegrowingtiredandsayingtotheirleaders,'Wehavehadenoughofthisthing,wewillbearitnolonger.'"
SuchwasPresidentLincoln'splanforheadingofftheRebellioninthesummero
f1861.HowitenlargedastheWarprogressed,fromacallforseventythousandvolunteerstooneforfivehundredthousandmenand$500,000,000isamatterofwell-knownhistory.
RANAWAYWHENVICTORIOUS.
ThreeorfourdaysafterthebattleofBullRun,somegentlemenwhohadbeenonthefieldcalleduponthePresident.
Heinquiredveryminutelyregardingallthecircumstancesoftheaffair,and,afterlisteningwiththeutmostattention,said,withatouchofhumor:"Soitis
yournotionthatwewhippedtherebelsandthenranawayfromthem!"
WANTEDSTANTONSPANKED.
OldDennisHankswassenttoWashingtonatonetimebypersonsinterestedinsecuringthereleasefromjailofseveralmenaccusedofbeingcopperheads.ItwasthoughtOldDennismighthavesomeinfluencewiththePresident.
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ThelatterheardDennis'storyandthensaid:"IwillsendforMr.Stanton.Itishisbusiness."
SecretaryStantoncameintotheroom,stormedupanddown,andsaidthemenoughttobepunishedmorethantheywere.Mr.Lincolnsatquietlyinhischairandwaitedforthetempesttosubside,andthenquietlysaidtoStantonhewouldliketohavethepapersnextday.
Whenhehadgone,Dennissaid:
"'Abe,'ifIwasasbigandasuglyasyouare,Iwouldtakehimovermykneeandspankhim."
ThePresidentreplied:"No,StantonisanableandvaluablemanforthisNation,andIamgladtobearhisangerfortheservicehecangivetheNation."
STANTONWASOUTOFTOWN.
ThequaintremarkofthePresidenttoanapplicant,"Mydearsir,IhavenotmuchinfluencewiththeAdministration,"wasoneofLincoln'slittlejokes.
Mr.Stanton,SecretaryofWar,oncerepliedtoanorderfromthePresidenttog
iveacolonelacommissioninplaceoftheresigningbrigadier:
"Ishan'tdoit,sir!Ishan'tdoit!Itisn'tthewaytodoit,sir,andIshan'tdoit.Idon'tproposetoarguethequestionwithyou,sir."
Afewdaysafter,thefriendoftheapplicantwhohadpresentedtheordertoSecretaryStantoncalleduponthePresidentandrelatedhisreception.AlookofvexationcameoverthefaceofthePresident,andheseemedunwillingtotalkofit,anddesiredthefriendtoseehimanotherday.Hedidso,whenhegavehisvisitorapositiveorderforthepromotion.ThelattertoldhimhewouldnotspeaktoSecretaryStantonagainuntilheapologized.
"Oh,"saidthePresident,"StantonhasgonetoFortressMonroe,andDanaisact
ing.Hewillattendtoitforyou."
Thishesaidwithamannerofrelief,asifitwasapieceofgoodlucktofindamantherewhowouldobeyhisorders.
ThenominationwassenttotheSenateandconfirmed.
IDENTIFIEDTHECOLOREDMAN.
ManyapplicationsreachedLincolnashepassedtoandfromtheWhiteHouseandtheWarDepartment.Onedayashecrossedtheparkhewasstoppedbyanegro,wh
otoldhimapitifulstory.ThePresidentwrotehimoutacheck,whichread."Paytocoloredmanwithonelegfivedollars."
OFFICESEEKERSWORSETHANWAR.
WhentheRepublicanpartycameintopower,Washingtonswarmedwithoffice-seekers.TheyoverrantheWhiteHouseandgavethePresidentgreatannoyance.Theincongruityofamaninhisposition,andwiththeverylifeofthecountryatstak
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e,pausingtoappointpostmasters,struckMr.Lincolnforcibly."Whatisthematter,Mr.Lincoln,"saidafriendoneday,whenhesawhimlookingparticularlygraveanddispirited."Hasanythinggonewrongatthefront?""No,"saidthePresident,withatiredsmile."Itisn'tthewar;it'sthepostofficeatBrownsville,Missouri."
HE"SET'EMUP."
ImmediatelyafterMr.Lincoln'snominationforPresidentattheChicagoConvention,acommittee,ofwhichGovernorMorgan,ofNewYork,waschairman,visitedhiminSpringfield,Ill.,wherehewasofficiallyinformedofhisnomination.
Afterthisceremonyhadpassed,Mr.Lincolnremarkedtothecompanythatasafitendingtoaninterviewsoimportantandinterestingasthatwhichhadjusttakenplace,hesupposedgoodmannerswouldrequirethatheshouldtreatthecommitteewithsomethingtodrink;andopeningthedoorthatledintotherear,hecalledout,"Mary!Mary!"Agirlrespondedtothecall,towhomMr.Lincolnspokeafewwordsinanundertone,and,closingthedoor,returnedagainandtalkedwithhisguests.Inafewminutesthemaidentered,bearingalargewaiter,containingseveralglasstumblers,andalargepitcher,andplacedthemuponthecenter-table.Mr.Lincolnarose,and,gravelyaddressingthecompany,said:"Gentlemen,wemustpledgeourmutualhealthinthemosthealthybeveragethatGodhasgi
ventoman--itistheonlybeverageIhaveeverusedorallowedmyfamilytouse,andIcannotconscientiouslydepartfromitonthepresentoccasion.ItispureAdam'salefromthespring."And,takingthetumbler,hetouchedittohislips,andpledgedthemhishighestrespectsinacupofcoldwater.Ofcourse,allhisguestsadmiredhisconsistency,andjoinedinhisexample.
WASN'TSTANTON'SSAY.
AfewdaysbeforethePresident'sdeath,SecretaryStantontenderedhisresignationasSecretaryofWar.HeaccompaniedtheactwithamostheartfelttributetoMr.Lincoln'sconstantfriendshipandfaithfuldevotiontothecountry,saying
,also,thathe,asSecretary,hadacceptedthepositiontoholditonlyuntilthewarshouldend,andthatnowhefelthisworkwasdone,andhisdutywastoresign.
Mr.LincolnwasgreatlymovedbytheSecretary'swords,and,tearinginpiecesthepapercontainingtheresignation,andthrowinghisarmsabouttheSecretary,hesaid:
"Stanton,youhavebeenagoodfriendandafaithfulpublicservant,anditisnotforyoutosaywhenyouwillnolongerbeneededhere."
Severalfriendsofbothpartieswerepresentontheoccasion,andtherewasnotadryeyethatwitnessedthescene.
"JEFFY"THREWUPTHESPONGE.
WhentheWarwasfairlyon,manypeoplewereastonishedtofindthat"OldAbe"wasafighterfrom"wayback."NoonewasthevictimofgreateramazementthanJeffersonDavis,PresidentoftheConfederateStatesofAmerica.Davisfoundoutthat"Abe"wasnotonlyahardhitter,buthadstayingqualitiesofahighorder.Itwasafighttoa"finish"with"Abe,"nocompromisesbeingaccepted.Overt
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hetitle,"NorthandSouth,"theissueof"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper"ofDecember24th,1864,containedthecartoon,seereproduceonthispage.Underneaththepicturewerethelines:
"Now,Jeffy,whenyouthinkyouhavehadenoughofthis,sayso,andI'llleaveoff."(SeePresident'smessage.)InhismessagetoCongress,December6th,
PresidentLincolnsaid:"Noattemptatnegotiationwiththeinsurgentleadercouldresultinanygood.HewouldacceptofnothingshortoftheseveranceoftheUnion."
Therefore,FatherAbraham,getting"Jeffy's"head"inchancery,"proceededtochangetheappearanceandsizeofthesecessionist'scountenance,muchtothegriefanddiscomfortoftheSoutherner.ItwasLincoln'sideatore-establishtheUnion,andhecarriedouthispurposetotheveryletter.Buthedidn't"leaveoff"until"Jeffy"cried"enough."
DIDN'TKNOWGRANT'SPREFERENCE.
InOctober,1864,PresidentLincoln,whileheknewhisre-electiontotheWhiteHousewasinnosensedoubtful,knewthatifhelostNewYorkandwithitPennsylvaniaonthehomevote,themoraleffectofhistriumphwouldbebrokenandhi
spowertoprosecutethewarandmakepeacewouldbegreatlyimpaired.ColonelA.K.McClurewaswithLincolnagooddealofthetimeprevioustotheNovemberelection,andtellsthisstory:
"HisusuallysadfacewasdeeplyshadowedwithsorrowwhenItoldhimthatIsawnoreasonableprospectofcarryingPennsylvaniaonthehomevote,althoughwehadaboutheldourowninthehand-to-handconflictthroughwhichwewerepassing.
"'Well,whatistobedone?'wasLincoln'sinquiry,afterthewholesituationhadbeenpresentedtohim.Iansweredthatthesolutionoftheproblemwasaverysimpleandeasyone--thatGrantwasidleinfrontofPetersburg;thatSheridanhadwonallpossiblevictoriesintheValley;andthatiffivethousandPennsylv
aniasoldierscouldbefurloughedhomefromeacharmy,theelectioncouldbecarriedwithoutdoubt.
"Lincoln'sface'brightenedinstantlyatthesuggestion,andIsawthathewasquitereadytoexecuteit.Isaidtohim:'Ofcourse,youcantrustwanttomakethesuggestiontohimtofurloughfivethousandPennsylvaniatroopsfortwoweeks?'
"'Tomysurprise,Lincolnmadenoanswer,andthebrightfaceofafewmomentsbeforewasinstantlyshadowedagain.Iwasmuchdisconcerted,asIsupposedthatGrantwastheonemantowhomLincolncouldturnwithabsoluteconfidenceashisfriend.Ithensaid,withsomeearnestness:'Surely,Mr.President,youcantrustGrantwithaconfidentialsuggestiontofurloughPennsylvaniatroops?'
"LincolnremainedsilentandevidentlydistressedatthepropositionIwaspressinguponhim.Afterafewmoments,andspeakingwithemphasis,Isaid:'Itcan'tbepossiblethatGrantisnotyourfriend;hecan'tbesuchaningrate?'
"Lincolnhesitatedforsometime,andthenansweredinthesewords:'Well,McClure,IhavenoreasontobelievethatGrantprefersmyelectiontothatofMcClellan.'
"IbelieveLincolnwasmistakeninhisdistrustofGrant."
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JUSTICEvs.NUMBERS.
Lincolnwasconstantlybotheredbymembersofdelegationsof"goody-goodies,"whoknewallaboutrunningtheWar,buthadnoinsideinformationastowhatwasgoingon.Yet,theypouredouttheiradviceinstreams,untilthePresidentwasheartilysickofthewholebusiness,andwishedtheWarwouldfindsomewaytokilloffthesenuisances.
"HowmanymenhavetheConfederatesnowinthefield?"askedoneoftheseboresoneday.
"Aboutonemilliontwohundredthousand,"repliedthePresident.
"Oh,my!Notsomanyasthat,surely,Mr.Lincoln."
"Theyhavefullytwelvehundredthousand,nodoubtofit.Yousee,allofourgeneralswhentheygetwhippedsaytheenemyoutnumbersthemfromthreeorfivetoone,andImustbelievethem.Wehavefourhundredthousandmeninthefield,andthreetimesfourmaketwelve,--don'tyouseeit?Itisasplaintobeseenasthenoseonaman'sface;andattheratethingsarenowgoing,withthegreatamountofspeculationandthesmallcropoffighting,itwilltakealongtime
toovercometwelvehundredthousandrebelsinarms.
"Iftheycangetsubsistencetheyhaveeverythingelse,exceptajustcause.Yetitissaidthat'thriceishearmedthathathhisquarreljust.'Iamwilling,however,toriskouradvantageofthriceinjusticeagainsttheirthriceinnumbers."
NOFALSEPRIDEINLINCOLN.
GeneralMcClellanhadlittleornoconceptionofthegreatnessofAbrahamLincoln.Astimewenton,hebegantoshowplainlyhiscontemptofthePresident,fre
quentlyallowinghimtowaitintheante-roomofhishousewhilehetransactedbusinesswithothers.ThisdiscourtesywassoopenthatMcClellan'sstaffnoticedit,andnewspapercorrespondentscommentedonit.ThePresidentwastookeennottoseethesituation,buthewasstrongenoughtoignoreit.ItwasabattlehewantedfromMcClellan,notdeference.
"IwillholdMcClellan'shorse,ifhewillonlybringussuccess,"hesaidoneday.
EXTRAMEMBEROFTHECABINET.
G.H.GiddingswasselectedasthebearerofamessagefromthePresidenttoGovernorSamHouston,ofTexas.AconflicthadarisentherebetweentheSouthernpartyandtheGovernor,SamHouston,andonMarch18thelatterhadbeendeposed.WhenMr.Lincolnheardofthis,hedecidedtotrytogetamessagetotheGovernor,offeringUnitedStatessupportifhewouldputhimselfattheheadoftheUnionpartyoftheState.
Mr.GiddingsthustoldofhisinterviewwiththePresident:
"Hesaidtomethatthemessagewasofsuchimportancethat,beforehandingit
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tome,hewouldreadittome.Beforebeginningtoreadhesaid,'Thisisaconfidentialandsecretmessage.NoonebesidesmyCabinetandmyselfknowsanythingaboutit,andweareallsworntosecrecy.IamgoingtoswearyouinasoneofmyCabinet.'
"Andthenhesaidtomeinajocularway,'Holdupyourrighthand,'whichIdid.
"'Now,'saidhe,consideryourselfamemberofmyCabinet."'
HOWLINCOLNWASABUSED.
WiththepossibleexceptionofPresidentWashington,whosepoliticalopponentsdidnothesitatetorobthevocabularyofvulgarityandwickednesswhenevertheydesiredtovilifytheChiefMagistrate,Lincolnwasthemostand"best"abusedmanwhoeverheldofficeintheUnitedStates.Duringthefirsthalfofhisinitialtermtherewasnoepithetwhichwasnotappliedtohim.
OnenewspaperinNewYorkhabituallycharacterizedhimas"thathideousbaboonattheotherendoftheavenue,"anddeclaredthat"Barnumshouldbuyandexhibithimasazoologicalcuriosity."
AlthoughthePresidentdidnot,toallappearances,exhibitannoyancebecauseofthevariousdiatribesprintedandspoken,yetthefactisthathislifewassocruellyembitteredbytheseandotherexpressionsquiteasvirulent,thatheoftendeclaredtothosemostintimatewithhim,"Iwouldratherbedeadthan,asPresident,thusabusedinthehouseofmyfriends."
HOW"FIGHTINGJOE"WASAPPOINTED.
General"Joe"Hooker,thefourthcommanderofthenoblebutunfortunateArmyofthePotomac,wasappointedtothatpositionbyPresidentLincolninJanuary,1863.GeneralScott,forsomereason,dislikedHookerandwouldnotappointhim.H
ooker,aftersomemonthsofdiscouragingwaiting,decidedtoreturntoCalifornia,andcalledtopayhisrespectstoPresidentLincoln.HewasintroducedasCaptainHooker,andtothesurpriseofthePresidentbeganthefollowingspeech:
"Mr.President,myfriendmakesamistake.IamnotCaptainHooker,butwasonceLieutenant-ColonelHookeroftheregulararmy.IwaslatelyafarmerinCalifornia,butsincetheRebellionbrokeoutIhavebeentryingtogetintoservice,butIfindIamnotwanted.
"Iamabouttoreturnhome;butbeforegoing,Iwasanxioustopaymyrespectstoyou,andexpressmywishesforyourpersonalwelfareandsuccessinquellingthisRebellion.AndIwanttosaytoyouawordmore.
"IwasatBullRuntheotherday,Mr.President,anditisnovanityinmetosay,Iamadarnedsightbettergeneralthanyouhadonthefield."
Thiswassaid,notinthetoneofabraggart,butofamanwhoknewwhathewastalkingabout.HookerdidnotreturntoCalifornia,butinafewweeksCaptainHookerreceivedfromthePresidentacommissionasBrigadier-GeneralHooker.
KEPTHISCOURAGEUP.
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ThePresident,likeoldKingSaul,whenhistermwasabouttoexpire,wasinaquandaryconcerningafurtherleaseofthePresidentialoffice.Heconsultedagainthe"prophetess"ofGeorgetown,immortalizedbyhispatronage.
Sheretiredtoaninnerchamber,and,afterraisingandconsultingmorethanadozenofdistinguishedspiritsfromHades,shereturnedtothereception-parlor,wherethechiefmagistrateawaitedher,anddeclaredthatGeneralGrantwouldcaptureRichmond,andthat"HonestOldAbe"wouldbenextPresident.
She,however,asthereportgoes,toldhimtobewareofChase.
AFORTUNE-TELLER'SPREDICTION.
Lincolnhadbeenbornandrearedamongpeoplewhowerebelieversinpremonitionsandsupernaturalappearancesallhislife,andheoncedeclaredtohisfriendsthathewas"fromboyhoodsuperstitious."
HeatonetimesaidtoJudgeArnoldthat"thenearapproachoftheimportanteventsofhislifewereindicatedbyapresentimentorastrangedream,orinsomeothermysteriouswayitwasimpresseduponhimthatsomethingimportantwastooccur."Thiswasearlierthan1850.
ItissaidthatonhissecondvisittoNewOrleans,Lincolnandhiscompanion,JohnHanks,visitedanoldfortune-teller--avoodoonegress.Traditionsaysthat"duringtheinterviewshebecameverymuchexcited,andaftervariouspredictions,exclaimed:'YouwillbePresident,andallthenegroeswillbefree.'"
ThattheoldvoodoonegressshouldhaveforetoldthatthevisitorwouldbePresidentisnotatallincredible.Shedoubtlesstoldthistomanyaspiringlads,butLincoln,soitisavowedtooktheprophecyseriously.
TOOMUCHPOWDER.
SogreatwasLincoln'sanxietyforthesuccessoftheUnionarmsthatheconsiderednolaboronhisparttooarduous,andspentmuchofhistimeinlookingaftereventhesmalldetails.
AdmiralDahlgrenwassentforonemorningbythePresident,whosaid"Well,captain,here'saletteraboutsomenewpowder."
Afterreadingtheletterheshowedthesampleofpowder,andremarkedthathehadburnedsomeofit,anddidnotbelieveitwasagoodarticle--herewastoomuchresiduum.
"Iwillshowyou,"hesaid;andgettingasmallpieceofpaper,placedthereupo
nsomeofthepowder,thenwenttothefireandwiththetongspickedupacoal,whichheblew,clappeditonthepowder,andaftertheresultingexplosion,added,"Youseethereistoomuchleftthere."
SLEEPSTANDINGUP.
McClellanwasathorninLincoln'sside--"alwaysupintheair,"asthePresidentputit--andyethehesitatedtoremovehim."TheYoungNapoleon"wasagoodo
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rganizer,butnofighter.Lincolnsenthimeverythingnecessaryinthewayofmen,ammunition,artilleryandequipments,buthewasforeverunready.
Insteadofmakingaforwardmovementatthetimeexpected,hewouldnotifythePresidentthathemusthavemoremen.Theseweregivenhimasrapidlyaspossible,andthenwouldcomeademandformorehorses,morethisandthat,usuallywindingupwithademandforstill"moremen."
Lincolnboreitallinpatienceforalongtime,butoneday,whenhehadreceivedanotherrequestformoremen,hemadeavigorousprotest.
"IfIgaveMcClellanallthemenheasksfor,"saidthePresident,"theycouldn'tfindroomtoliedown.They'dhavetosleepstandingup."
SHOULDHAVEFOUGHTANOTHERBATTLE.
GeneralMeade,afterthegreatvictoryatGettysburg,wasagainfacetofacewithGeneralLeeshortlyafterwardsatWilliamsport,andeventheformer'swarmestfriendsagreethathemighthavewoninanotherbattle,buthetooknoaction.Hewasnota"pushing"manlikeGrant.ItwasthisnegligenceonthepartofMeadethatlosthimtherankofLieutenant-General,conferreduponGeneralSheridan.
AfriendofMeade's,speakingtoPresidentLincolnandintimatingthatMeadeshouldhave,afterthatbattle,beenmadeCommander-in-ChiefoftheUnionArmies,receivedthisreplyfromLincoln:
"Now,don'tmisunderstandmeaboutGeneralMeade.IamprofoundlygratefuldowntothebottomofmybootsforwhathedidatGettysburg,butIthinkthatifIhadbeenGeneralMeadeIwouldhavefoughtanotherbattle."
LINCOLNUPBRAIDEDLAMON.
InoneofhisreminiscencesofLincoln,WardLamontellshowkeenlythePresident-electalwaysregrettedthe"sneakinginact"whenhemadethecelebrated"midnightride,"whichhetookunderprotest,andlandedhiminWashingtonknowntobutafew.Lamonsays:
"ThePresidentwasconvincedthathecommittedagravemistakeinlisteningtothesolicitationsofa'professionalspy'andoffriendstooeasilyalarmed,andfrequentlyupbraidedmeforhavingaidedhimtodegradehimselfattheverymomentinallhislifewhenhisbehaviorshouldhaveexhibitedtheutmostdignityandcomposure.
"Neitherhenorthecountrygenerallythenunderstoodthetruefactsconcerningthedangerstohislife.Itisnowanacknowledgedfactthatthereneverwasa
momentfromthedayhecrossedtheMarylandline,uptothetimeofhisassassination,thathewasnotindangerofdeathbyviolence,andthathislifewasspareduntilthenightofthe14thofApril,1865,onlythroughtheceaselessandwatchfulcareoftheguardsthrownaroundhim."
MARKEDOUTAFEWWORDS.
PresidentLincolnwascalmandunmovedwhenEnglandandFrancewereblustering
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andthreateningwar.AtLincoln'sinstanceSecretaryofStateSewardnotifiedtheEnglishCabinetandtheFrenchEmperorthatasourswasmerelyafamilyquarrelofastrictlyprivateandconfidentialnature,therewasnocallformeddling;alsothattheywouldhaveawarontheirhandsinaveryfewminutesiftheydidn'tkeeptheirhandsoff.
ManyofSeward'snoteswerecouchedindecidedlypepperyterms,someexpressionsbeingsotartthatPresidentLincolnranhispenthroughthem.
LINCOLNSILENCESSEWARD.
GeneralFarnsworthtoldthewriternearlytwentyyearsagothat,beingintheWarOfficeoneday,SecretaryStantontoldhimthatatthelastCabinetmeetinghehadlearnedalessonheshouldneverforget,andthoughthehadobtainedaninsightintoMr.Lincoln'swonderfulpoweroverthemasses.TheSecretarysaidaCabinetmeetingwascalledtoconsiderourrelationswithEnglandinregardtotheMason-Slidellaffair.OneafteranotheroftheCabinetpresentedhisviews,andMr.Sewardreadanelaboratediplomaticdispatch,whichhehadprepared.
FinallyMr.Lincolnreadwhathetermed"afewbriefremarksuponthesubject,"andaskedtheopinionsofhisauditors.TheyunanimouslyagreedthatoursideofthequestionneedednomoreargumentthanwascontainedinthePresident's"fe
wbriefremarks."
Mr.Sewardsaidhewouldbegladtoadopttheremarks,and,givingthemmoreofthephraseologyusualindiplomaticcircles,sendthemtoLordPalmerston,theBritishpremier.
"Then,"saidSecretaryStanton,"camethedemonstration.ThePresident,halfwheelinginhisseat,threwonelegoverthechair-arm,and,holdingtheletterinhishand,said,'Seward,doyousupposePalmerstonwillunderstandourpositionfromthatletter,justasitis?'
"'Certainly,Mr.President.'
"'DoyousupposetheLondonTimeswill?'
"'Certainly.'
"'DoyousupposetheaverageEnglishmanofaffairswill?'
"'Certainly;itcannotbemistakeninEngland.'
"'Doyousupposethatahackmanoutonhisbox(pointingtothestreet)willunderstandit?'
"'Veryreadily,Mr.President.'
"'Verywell,Seward,Iguesswe'llletherslidejustassheis.'
"Andtheletterdid'slide,'andsettledthewholebusinessinamannerthatwaseffective."
BROUGHTTHEHUSBANDUP.
OnemorningPresidentLincolnaskedMajorEckert,ondutyattheWhiteHouse,"
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Whoisthatwomancryingoutinthehall?Whatisthematterwithher?"
Eckertsaiditwasawomanwhohadcomealongdistanceexpectingtogodowntothearmytoseeherhusband.Anorderhadgoneoutashorttimebeforetoallownowomeninthearmy,exceptinspecialcases.
Mr.Lincolnsatmoodilyforamomentafterhearingthisstory,andsuddenlylookingup,said,"Let'ssendherdown.Youwritetheorder,Major."
MajorEckerthesitatedamoment,andreplied,"WoulditnotbebetterforColonelHardietowritetheorder?"
"Yes,"saidMr.Lincoln,"thatisbetter;letHardiewriteit."
Themajorwentout,andsoonreturned,saying,"Mr.President,woulditnotbebetterinthiscasetoletthewoman'shusbandcometoWashington?"
Mr.Lincoln'sfacelightedupwithpleasure."Yes,yes,"wasthePresident'sanswerinarelievedtone;"that'sthebestway;bringhimup."
Theorderwaswritten,andthemanwassenttoWashington.
NOWARWITHOUTBLOOD-LETTING.
"Youcan'tcarryonwarwithoutblood-letting,"saidLincolnoneday.
ThePresident,althoughalmostfeminineinhiskind-heartedness,knewnotonlythis,butalsothatlargebodiesofsoldiersincampwereatthemercyofdiseasesofeverysort,theresultbeingaheavycasualtylist.
Ofthe(estimated)half-millionmenoftheUnionarmieswhogaveuptheirlivesintheWaroftheRebellion--1861-65--fullyseventy-fivepercentdiedofdisease.Thesoldierskilleduponthefieldofbattleconstitutedacomparativelysmallproportionofthecasualties.
LINCOLN'STWODIFFICULTIES.
London"Punch"caricaturedPresidentLincolnineverypossibleway,holdinghimandtheUnioncauseuptotheridiculeoftheworldsofarasitcould.OnAugust23rd,1862,itscartoonentitled"Lincoln'sTwoDifficulties"hadthetextunderneath:LINCOLN:"What?Nomoney!Nomen!""Punch"desiredtocreatetheimpressionthattheWashingtonGovernmentwasinabadway,lackingbothmoneyandmenforthepurposeofputtingdowntheRebellion;thattheUnitedStatesTreasurywasbankrupt,andthepeopleoftheNorthsodevoidofpatriotismthattheywouldnotsendmenforthearmytoassistindestroyingtheConfederacy.Thetruthis,thatwhenthiscartoonwasprintedtheNorthhadfivehundredthousandmeni
nthefield,and,beforetheWarclosed,hadprovidedfullytwomillionandahalftroops.ThereportoftheSecretaryoftheTreasurywhichshowedthefinancialaffairsandsituationoftheUnitedStatesuptoJuly,1862.ThereceiptsoftheNationalGovernmentfortheyearendingJune30th,1862,were$10,000,000inexcessoftheexpenditures,althoughtheWarwascostingthecountry$2,000,000perday;thecreditoftheUnitedStateswasgood,andbusinessmatterswereinasatisfactorystate.TheNavy,byAugust23rd,1862,hadreceivedeighteenthousandadditionalmen,andwasinfineshape;thepeopleoftheNorthstoodreadytosupplyanythingtheGovernmentneeded,sothat,allthingstakentogether,the"Punch"cartoonwasnotexactlytrue,asthefactsandfiguresabundantlyprov
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ed.
WHITEELEPHANTONHISHANDS.
AnoldandintimatefriendfromSpringfieldcalledonPresidentLincolnandfoundhimmuchdepressed.
ThePresidentwasrecliningonasofa,butrisingsuddenlyhesaidtohisfriend:
"YouknowbetterthananymanlivingthatfrommyboyhoodupmyambitionwastobePresident.IamPresidentofonepartofthisdividedcountryatleast;butlookatme!Oh,IwishIhadneverbeenborn!
"I'veawhiteelephantonmyhands--onehardtomanage.Withafireinmyfrontandreartocontendwith,thejealousiesofthemilitarycommanders,andnotreceivingthatcordialco-operativesupportfromCongressthatcouldreasonablybeexpectedwithanactiveandformidableenemyinthefieldthreateningtheverylife-bloodoftheGovernment,mypositionisanythingbutabedofroses."
WHENLINCOLNANDGRANTCLASHED.
WardLamon,oneofPresidentLincoln'slawpartners,andhismostintimatefriendinWashington,hasthistorelate:
"IamnotawarethattherewaseveraseriousdiscordormisunderstandingbetweenMr.LincolnandGeneralGrant,exceptonasingleoccasion.Fromthecommencementofthestruggle,Lincoln'spolicywastobreakthebackboneoftheConfederacybydeprivingitofitsprincipalmeansofsubsistence.
"Cottonwasitsvitalaliment;depriveitofthis,andtherebellionmustnecessarilycollapse.TheHon.ElihuB.WashburnefromtheoutsetwasopposedtoanycontrabandtrafficwiththeConfederates.
"Lincolnhadgivenpermitsandpassesthroughthelinestotwopersons--Mr.JosephMattoxofMarylandandGeneralSingletonofIllinois--toenablethemtobringcottonandotherSouthernproductsfromVirginia.Washburneheardofit,calledimmediatelyonMr.Lincoln,and,afterremonstratingwithhimontheimproprietyofsuchademarche,threatenedtohaveGeneralGrantcountermandthepermitsiftheywerenotrevoked.
"Naturally,bothbecameexcited.LincolndeclaredthathedidnotbelieveGeneralGrantwouldtakeuponhimselftheresponsibilityofsuchanact.'Iwillshowyou,sir;IwillshowyouwhetherGrantwilldoitornot,'respondedMr.Washburne,asheabruptlywithdrew.
"Bythenextboat,subsequenttothisinterview,theCongressmanleftWashingtonfortheheadquartersofGeneralGrant.Hereturnedshortlyafterwardtothecity,andsolikewisedidMattoxandSingleton.Granthadcountermandedthepermits.
"Underallthecircumstances,itwas,naturally,asourceofexultationtoMr.Washburneandhisfriends,andofcorrespondingsurpriseandmortificationtothePresident.Thelatter,however,saidnothingfurtherthanthis:
"'IwonderwhenGeneralGrantchangedhismindonthissubject?Hewasthefirs
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tman,afterthecommencementofthisWar,tograntapermitforthepassageofcottonthroughthelines,andthattohisownfather.'
"ThePresident,however,nevershowedanyresentmenttowardGeneralGrant.
"Inreferringafterwardstothesubject,thePresidentsaid:'Itmademefeelmyinsignificancekeenlyatthemoment;butifmyfriendsWashburne,HenryWilsonandothersderivepleasurefromsounworthyavictoryoverme,Ileavethemtoitsfullenjoyment.'
"ThisrippleontheotherwiseunruffledcurrentoftheirintercoursedidnotdisturbthepersonalrelationsbetweenLincolnandGrant;buttherewaslittlecordialitybetweenthePresidentandMessrs.WashburneandWilsonafterwards."
WONJAMESGORDONBENNETT'SSUPPORT.
ThestoryastohowPresidentLincolnwonthesupportofJamesGordonBennett,Sr.,founderoftheNewYorkHerald,isamostinterestingone.ItwasoneofLincoln'sshrewdestpoliticalacts,andwasbroughtaboutbythetender,inanautographletter,oftheFrenchMissiontoBennett.
TheNewYorkTimeswastheonlypaperinthemetropoliswhichsupportedhimhea
rtily,andPresidentLincolnknewhowimportantitwastohavethesupportoftheHerald.Hetherefore,accordingtothewayColonelMcCluretellsit,carefullystudiedhowtobringitseditorintoclosetouchwithhimself.
TheoutlookforLincoln'sre-electionwasnotpromising.BennetthadstronglyadvocatedthenominationofGeneralMcClellanbytheDemocrats,andthatwasominousofhostilitytoLincoln;andwhenMcClellanwasnominatedhewasacceptedonallsidesasamostformidablecandidate.
ItwasinthisemergencythatLincoln'spoliticalsagacityservedhimsufficientlytowintheHeraldtohiscause,anditwasdonebytheconfidentialtenderoftheFrenchMission.BennettdidnotbreakovertoLincolnatonce,buthewentbygradualapproaches.
Hisfirststepwastodeclareinfavorofanentirelynewcandidate,whichwasanutterimpossibility.Heopeneda"leader"intheHeraldonthesubjectinthisway:"Lincolnhasprovedafailure;McClellanhasprovedafailure;Fremonthasprovedafailure;letushaveanewcandidate."
Lincoln,McClellanandFremontwerethenallinthefieldasnominatedcandidates,andtheFremontdefectionwasaseriousthreattoLincoln.Ofcourse,neitherLincolnnorMcClellandeclined,andtheHerald,failingtogetthenewmanitknewtobeanimpossibility,squarelyadvocatedLincoln'sre-election.
Withoutconsultinganyone,andwithoutanypublicannouncement:whatever,LincolnwrotetoBennett,askinghimtoacceptthemissiontoFrance.Theofferwas
declined.Bennettvaluedtheofferverymuchmorethantheoffice,andfromthatdayuntilthedayofthePresident'sdeathhewasoneofLincoln'smostappreciativefriendsandheartysupportersonhisownindependentline.
STOODBYTHE"SILENTMAN."
Once,inreplytoadelegation,whichvisitedtheWhiteHouse,themembersofwhichwereunusuallyvociferousintheirdemandsthattheSilentMan(asGeneral
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Grantwascalled)shouldberelievedfromduty,thePresidentremarked:
"WhatIwantandwhatthepeoplewantisgeneralswhowillfightbattlesandwinvictories.
"Granthasdonethis,andIproposetostandbyhim."
Thisdeclarationfounditswayintothenewspapers,andLincolnwasupheldbythepeopleoftheNorth,who,also,wanted"generalswhowillfightbattlesandwinvictories."
AVERYBRAINYNUBBIN.
PresidentLincolnandSecretaryofStateSewardmetAlexanderH.Stephens,Vice-PresidentoftheConfederacy,onFebruary2nd,1865,ontheRiverQueen,atFortressMonroe.Stephenswasenvelopedinovercoatsandshawls,andhadtheappearanceofafair-sizedman.Hebegantotakeoffonewrappingafteranother,untilthesmall,shriveledoldmanstoodbeforethem.
LincolnquietlysaidtoSeward:"ThisisthelargestshuckingforsosmallanubbinthatIeversaw."
PresidentLincolnhadafriendlyconference,butpresentedhisultimatumthattheoneandonlyconditionofpeacewasthatConfederates"mustceasetheirresistance."
SENTTOHIS"FRIENDS."
DuringtheCivilWar,ClementL.Vallandigham,ofOhio,hadshownhimself,intheNationalHouseofRepresentativesandelsewhere,oneofthebitterestandmostoutspokenofallthemenofthatclasswhichinsistedthat"thewarwasafailure."Hedeclaredthatitwasthedesignof"thoseinpowertoestablishadespotism,"andthattheyhad"nointentionofrestoringtheUnion."Hedenouncedthe
conscriptionwhichhadbeenordered,anddeclaredthatmenwhosubmittedtobedraftedintothearmywere"unworthytobecalledfreemen."HespokeofthePresidentas"KingLincoln."
Suchutterancesatthistime,whentheGovernmentwasexertingitselftotheutmosttorecruitthearmies,weredangerous,andVallandighamwasarrested,triedbycourt-martialatCincinnati,andsentencedtobeplacedinconfinementduringthewar.
GeneralBurnside,incommandatCincinnati,approvedthesentence,andorderedthathebesenttoFortWarren,inBostonHarbor;butthePresidentorderedthathebesent"beyondourlinesintothoseofhisfriends."HewasthereforeescortedtotheConfederatelinesinTennessee,thencegoingtoRichmond.Hedidnot
meetwithaverycordialreceptionthere,andfinallysoughtrefugeinCanada.
VallandighamdiedinamostpeculiarwaysomeyearsafterthecloseoftheWar,anditwasthoughtbymanythathisdeathwastheresultofpremeditationuponhispart.
GODOWNWITHCOLORSFLYING.
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residentisthebestofus."
HOWLINCOLN"COMPOSED."
SuperintendentChandler,oftheTelegraphOfficeintheWarDepartment,oncetoldhowPresidentLincolnwrotetelegrams.Saidhe:
"Mr.Lincolnfrequentlywrotetelegramsinmyoffice.Hismethodofcompositionwasslowandlaborious.Itwasevidentthathethoughtoutwhathewasgoingtosaybeforehetouchedhispentothepaper.Hewouldsitlookingoutofthewindow,hisleftelbowonthetable,hishandscratchinghistemple,hislipsmoving,andfrequentlyhespokethesentencealoudorinahalfwhisper.
"Afterhewassatisfiedthathehadtheproperexpression,hewouldwriteitout.IfoneexaminestheoriginalsofMr.Lincoln'stelegramsandletters,hewillfindveryfewerasuresandverylittleinterlining.Thiswasbecausehehadthemdefinitelyinhismindbeforewritingthem.
"InthishewastheexactoppositeofMr.Stanton,whowrotewithfeverishhaste,oftenscratchingoutwords,andinterliningfrequently.Sometimeshewouldseizeasheetwhichhehadfilled,andimpatientlytearitintopieces."
HAMLINMIGHTDOIT.
SeveralUnitedStatesSenatorsurgedPresidentLincolntomusterSouthernslavesintotheUnionArmy.Lincolnreplied:
"Gentlemen,IhaveputthousandsofmusketsintothehandsofloyalcitizensofTennessee,Kentucky,andWesternNorthCarolina.Theyhavesaidtheycoulddefendthemselves,iftheyhadguns.Ihavegiventhemtheguns.Now,thesemendonotbelieveinmustering-inthenegro.IfIdoit,thesethousandsofmusketswillbeturnedagainstus.Weshouldlosemorethanweshouldgain."
Beingstillfurtherurged,PresidentLincolngavethemthisanswer:
"Gentlemen,"hesaid,"Ican'tdoit.Ican'tseeitasyoudo.Youmayberight,andImaybewrong;butI'lltellyouwhatIcando;IcanresigninfavorofMr.Hamlin.PerhapsMr.Hamlincoulddoit."
Thematterendedthere,forthetimebeing.
THEGUNSHOTBETTER.
ThePresidenttookalivelyinterestinallnewfirearmimprovementsandinvent
ions,anditsometimeshappenedthat,whenaninventorcouldgetnobodyelseintheGovernmenttolistentohim,thePresidentwouldpersonallytesthisgun.AformerclerkintheNavyDepartmenttellsanincidentillustrative.
Hehadstayedlateonenightathisdesk,whenheheardsomeonestridingupanddownthehallmuttering:"Idowonderiftheyhavegonealreadyandleftthebuildingallalone."Lookingout,theclerkwassurprisedtoseethePresident.
"Goodevening,"saidMr.Lincoln."Iwasjustlookingforthatmanwhogoesshootingwithmesometimes."
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TheclerkknewMr.LincolnreferredtoacertainmessengeroftheOrdnanceDepartmentwhohadbeenaccustomedtogoingwithhimtotestweapons,butasthismanhadgonehome,theclerkofferedhisservices.TogethertheywenttothelawnsouthoftheWhiteHouse,whereMr.LincolnfixedupatargetcutfromasheetofwhiteCongressionalnotepaper.
"Thenpacingoffadistanceofabouteightyorahundredfeet,"writestheclerk,"heraisedtherifletoalevel,tookaquickaim,anddrovetheroundofsevenshotsinquicksuccession,thebulletsshootingallaroundthetargetlikeaGatlinggunandonestrikingnearthecenter.
"'IbelieveIcanmakethisgunshootbetter,'saidMr.Lincoln,afterwehadlookedattheresultofthefirstfire.Withthishetookfromhisvestpocketasmallwoodensightwhichhehadwhittledfromapinestick,andadjusteditoverthesightofthecarbine.Hethenshottworounds,andofthefourteenbulletsnearlyadozenhitthepaper!"
LENIENTWITHMcCLELLAN.
GeneralMcClellan,asidefromhislackofaggressiveness,frettedthePresidentgreatlywithhiscomplaintsaboutmilitarymatters,hisobtrusivecriticismreg
ardingpoliticalmatters,andespeciallyathisinsultingdeclarationtotheSecretaryofWar,datedJune28th,1862,justafterhisretreattotheJamesRiver.
GeneralHalleckwasmadeCommander-in-ChiefoftheUnionforcesinJuly,1862,andSeptember1stMcClellanwascalledtoWashington.Thedaybeforehehadwrittenhiswifethat"asamatterofself-respect,Icannotgothere."PresidentLincolnandGeneralHalleckcalledatMcClellan'shouse,andthePresidentsaid:"Asafavortome,IwishyouwouldtakecommandofthefortificationsofWashingtonandallthetroopsforthedefenseofthecapital."
LincolnthoughthighlyofMcClellan'sabilityasanorganizerandhisstrengthindefense,yetanyotherPresidentwouldhavehadhimcourt-martialedforusingthislanguage,whichappearedinMcClellan'sletterofJune28th:
"IfIsavethisarmynow,ItellyouplainlythatIowenothankstoyouortoanyotherpersoninWashington.Youhavedoneyourbesttosacrificethisarmy."
Thisletter,althoughaddressedtotheSecretaryofWar,distinctlyembracedthePresidentinthegravechargeofconspiracytodefeatMcClellan'sarmyandsacrificethousandsofthelivesofhissoldiers.
DIDN'TWANTAMILITARYREPUTATION.
Lincolnwasaversetobeingputupasamilitaryhero.
WhenGeneralCasswasacandidateforthePresidencyhisfriendssoughttoendowhimwithamilitaryreputation.
Lincoln,atthattimearepresentativeinCongress,deliveredaspeechbeforetheHouse,which,initsallusiontoMr.Cass,wasexquisitelysarcasticandirresistiblyhumorous:
"Bytheway,Mr.Speaker,"saidLincoln,"doyouknowIamamilitaryhero?
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"Yes,sir,inthedaysoftheBlackHawkWar,Ifought,bled,andcameaway.
"SpeakingofGeneralCass'scareerremindsmeofmyown.
"IwasnotatStillman'sdefeat,butIwasaboutasnearitasCasstoHull'ssurrender;andlikehimIsawtheplaceverysoonafterwards.
"ItisquitecertainIdidnotbreakmysword,forIhadnonetobreak,butIbentmymusketprettybadlyononeoccasion.
"IfGeneralCasswentinadvanceofmepickingwhortleberries,IguessIsurpassedhimincharginguponthewildonion.
"Ifhesawanylive,fightingIndians,itwasmorethanIdid,butIhadagoodmanybloodystruggleswiththemosquitoes,andalthoughIneverfaintedfromlossofblood,IcantrulysaythatIwasoftenveryhungry."
LincolnconcludedbysayingthatifheeverturnedDemocratandshouldrunforthePresidency,hehopedtheywouldnotmakefunofhimbyattemptingtomakehimamilitaryhero.
"SURRENDERNOSLAVE."
AboutMarch,1862,GeneralBenjaminF.Butler,incommandatFortressMonroe,advisedPresidentLincolnthathehaddeterminedtoregardallslavescomingintohiscampsascontrabandofwar,andtoemploytheirlaborunderfaircompensation,andSecretaryofWarStantonrepliedtohim,inbehalfofthePresident,approvinghiscourse,andsaying,"Youarenottointerferebetweenmasterandslaveontheonehand,norsurrenderslaveswhomaycomewithinyourlines."
Thiswasasignificantmilestoneofprogresstothegreatendthatwasthereaftertobereached.
CONSCRIPTINGDEADMEN.
Mr.Lincolnbeingfoundfaultwithformakinganother"call,"saidthatifthecountryrequiredit,hewouldcontinuetodosountilthematterstoodasdescribedbyaWesternprovostmarshal,whosays:
"Ilistenedashorttimesincetoabutternut-cladindividual,whosucceededinmakinggoodhisescape,expatiatemosteloquentlyontherigidnesswithwhichtheconscriptionwasenforcedsouthoftheTennesseeRiver.Hisresponsetoaquestionpropoundedbyacitizenransomewhatinthiswise:
"'Dotheyconscriptcloseovertheriver?'
"'Stranger,Ishouldthinktheydid!Theytakeeverymanwhohasn'tbeendeadmorethantwodays!'
"Ifthisiscorrect,theConfederacyhasatleastaghostofachanceleft."
Andofanother,aMethodistministerinKansas,livingonasmallsalary,whowasgreatlytroubledtogethisquarterlyinstalment.Heatlasttoldthenon-payingtrusteesthathemusthavehismoney,ashewassufferingforthenecessariesoflife.
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"Money!"repliedthetrustees;"youpreachformoney?Wethoughtyoupreachedforthegoodofsouls!"
"Souls!"respondedthereverend;"Ican'teatsouls;andifIcoulditwouldtakeathousandsuchasyourstomakeameal!"
"Thatsoulisthepoint,sir,"saidthePresident.
LINCOLN'SREJECTEDMANUSCRIPT.
OnFebruary5th,1865,PresidentLincolnformulatedamessagetoCongress,proposingthepaymentof$400,000,000totheSouthascompensationforslaveslostbyemancipation,andsubmittedittohisCabinet,onlytobeunanimouslyrejected.
Lincolnsadlyacceptedthedecision,andfiledawaythemanuscriptmessage,togetherwiththisindorsementthereon,towhichhissignaturewasadded:"February5,1865.To-daythesepapers,whichexplainthemselves,weredrawnupandsubmittedtotheCabinetunanimouslydisapprovedbythem."
Whentheproposedmessagewasdisapproved,Lincolnsoberlyasked:"Howlongwillthewarlast?"
Tothisnonecouldmakeanswer,andheadded:"Wearespendingnow,incarryingonthewar,$3,000,000aday,whichwillamounttoallthismoney,besidesallthelives."
LINCOLNASASTORYWRITER.
Inhisyouth,Mr.Lincolnoncegotanideaforathrilling,romanticstory.Oneday,inSpringfield,hewassittingwithhisfeetonthewindowsill,chattingwithanacquaintance,whenhesuddenlychangedthedriftoftheconversationbysaying:"Didyoueverwriteoutastoryinyourmind?IdidwhenIwasalittle
codger.Onedayawagonwithaladyandtwogirlsandamanbrokedownnearus,andwhiletheywerefixingup,theycookedinourkitchen.Thewomanhadbooksandreadusstories,andtheywerethefirstIhadeverheard.Itookagreatfancytooneofthegirls;andwhentheyweregoneIthoughtofheragreatdeal,andonedaywhenIwassittingoutinthesunbythehouseIwroteoutastoryinmymind.IthoughtItookmyfather'shorseandfollowedthewagon,andfinallyIfoundit,andtheyweresurprisedtoseeme.Italkedwiththegirl,andpersuadedhertoelopewithme;andthatnightIputheronmyhorse,andwestartedoffacrosstheprairie.Afterseveralhourswecametoacamp;andwhenwerodeupwefounditwastheonewehadleftafewhoursbefore,andwentin.Thenextnightwetriedagain,andthesamethinghappened--thehorsecamebacktothesameplace;andthenweconcludedthatweoughtnottoelope.IstayeduntilIhadpersuadedherfathertogivehertome.Ialwaysmeanttowritethatstoryou
tandpublishit,andIbeganonce;butIconcludedthatitwasnotmuchofastory.ButIthinkthatwasthebeginningoflovewithme."
LINCOLN'SIDEASONCROSSINGARIVERWHENHEGOTTOIT.
Lincoln'sreplytoaSpringfield(Illinois)clergyman,whoaskedhimwhatwastobehispolicyontheslaveryquestionwasmostapt:
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"Well,yourquestionisratheracoolone,butIwillansweritbytellingyouastory:
"YouknowFatherB.,theoldMethodistpreacher?andyouknowFoxRiveranditsfreshets?
"Well,onceinthepresenceofFatherB.,ayoungMethodistwasworryingaboutFoxRiver,andexpressingfearsthatheshouldbepreventedfromfulfillingsomeofhisappointmentsbyafreshetintheriver.
"FatherB.checkedhiminhisgravestmanner.Saidhe:
"'Youngman,IhavealwaysmadeitaruleinmylifenottocrossFoxRivertillIgettoit.'
"And,"saidthePresident,"IamnotgoingtoworrymyselfovertheslaveryquestiontillIgettoit."
AfewdaysafterwardaMethodistministercalledonthePresident,andonbeingpresentedtohim,said,simply:
"Mr.President,IhavecometotellyouthatIthinkwehavegottoFoxRiver!"
Lincolnthankedtheclergyman,andlaughedheartily.
PRESIDENTNOMINATEDFIRST.
ThedayofLincoln'ssecondnominationforthePresidencyheforgotallabouttheRepublicanNationalConvention,sittingatBaltimore,andwanderedovertotheWarDepartment.Whilethere,atelegramcameannouncingthenominationofJohnsonasVice-President.
"What,"saidLincolntotheoperator,"dotheynominateaVice-PresidentbeforetheydoaPresident?"
"Why,"repliedtheastonishedofficial,"haveyounotheardofyourownnomination?ItwassenttotheWhiteHousetwohoursago."
"Itisallright,"repliedthePresident;"Ishallprobablyfinditonmyreturn."
"THEMGILLITEENS."
TheillustratednewspapersoftheUnitedStatesandEnglandhadagooddealoffun,notonlywithPresidentLincoln,butthelatter'sCabinetofficersandmilitarycommandersaswell.ItwassaidbythesefunnypublicationsthatthePresid
enthadsetupaguillotineinhis"back-yard,"whereallthosewhooffendedwerebeheadedwithbothneatness,anddespatch."Harper'sWeekly"ofJanuary3rd,1863,containedacartoonlabeled"ThoseGuillotines;aLittleIncidentattheWhiteHouse,"thepersonagesfiguringinthe"incident"beingSecretaryofWarStantonandaUniongeneralwhohadbeenunfortunateenoughtoloseabattletotheConfederates.Beneaththecartoonwasthefollowingdialogue:
SERVANT:"Ifyeplase,sir,themGilliteenshasarrove."MR.LINCOLN:"Allright,Michael.Now,gentlemen,willyoubekindenoughtostepoutintheback-yard?"
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ThehairandwhiskersofSecretaryofWarStantonareruffledandawry,andhisfeaturesarenotcalmandundisturbed,indicatingthathehasanideaofwhat'sthematterinthatback-yard;thecountenanceoftheofficerintherearoftheSecretaryofWarwearsratherananxious,orworried,look,andhishairisn'tcombedsmoothly,either.
PresidentLincoln'sfrequentchangesamongarmycommanders--beforehefoundGrant,ShermanandSheridan--affordedanopportunitythecaricaturistsdidnotneglect,andsomeveryclevercartoonsweretheconsequence.
"CONSIDERTHESYMPATHYOFLINCOLN."
ConsiderthesympathyofAbrahamLincoln.DoyouknowthestoryofWilliamScott,private?HewasaboyfromaVermontfarm.
Therehadbeenalongmarch,andthenightsucceedingithehadstoodonpicket.Thenextdaytherehadbeenanotherlongmarch,andthatnightWilliamScotthadvolunteeredtostandguardintheplaceofasickcomradewhohadbeendrawnfortheduty.
ItwastoomuchforWilliamScott.Hewastootired.Hehadbeenfoundsleeping
onhisbeat.
ThearmywasatChainBridge.Itwasinadangerousneighborhood.Disciplinemustbekept.
WilliamScottwasapprehended,triedbycourt-martial,sentencedtobeshot.NewsofthecasewascarriedtoLincoln.WilliamScottwasaprisonerinhistent,expectingtobeshotnextday.
Buttheflapsofhistentwereparted,andLincolnstoodbeforehim.Scottsaid:
"ThePresidentwasthekindestmanIhadeverseen;IknewhimatoncebyaLin
colnmedalIhadlongworn.
"Iwasscaredatfirst,forIhadneverbeforetalkedwithagreatman;butMr.Lincolnwassoeasywithme,sogentle,thatIsoonforgotmyfright.
"Heaskedmeallaboutthepeopleathome,theneighbors,thefarm,andwhereIwenttoschool,andwhomyschoolmateswere.Thenheaskedmeaboutmotherandhowshelooked;andIwasgladIcouldtakeherphotographfrommybosomandshowittohim.
"HesaidhowthankfulIoughttobethatmymotherstilllived,andhow,ifhewereinmyplace,hewouldtrytomakeheraproudmother,andnevercauseherasorroworatear.
"Icannotrememberitall,buteverywordwassokind.
"Hehadsaidnothingyetaboutthatdreadfulnextmorning;Ithoughtitmustbethathewassokind-heartedthathedidn'tliketospeakofit.
"Butwhydidhesaysomuchaboutmymother,andmynotcausingherasorroworatear,whenIknewthatImustdiethenextmorning?
"ButIsupposedthatwassomethingthatwouldhavetogounexplained;andsoI
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determinedtobraceupandtellhimthatIdidnotfeelabitguilty,andaskhimwouldn'thefixitsothatthefiringpartywouldnotbefromourregiment.
"Thatwasgoingtobethehardestofall--todiebythehandsofmycomrades.
"JustasIwasgoingtoaskhimthisfavor,hestoodup,andhesaystome:
"'Myboy,standuphereandlookmeintheface.'
"Ididashebademe.
"'Myboy,'hesaid,'youarenotgoingtobeshotto-morrow.Ibelieveyouwhenyoutellmethatyoucouldnotkeepawake.
"'Iamgoingtotrustyou,andsendyoubacktoyourregiment.
"'ButIhavebeenputtoagooddealoftroubleonyouraccount.
"'IhavehadtocomeupherefromWashingtonwhenIhavegotagreatdealtodo;andwhatIwanttoknowis,howareyougoingtopaymybill?'
"Therewasabiglumpinmythroat;Icouldscarcelyspeak.Ihadexpectedtodie,yousee,andhadkindofgotusedtothinkingthatway.
"Tohaveitallchangedinaminute!ButIgotitcrowdeddown,andmanagedtosay:
"'Iamgrateful,Mr.Lincoln!IhopeIamasgratefulaseveramancanbetoyouforsavingmylife.
"'Butitcomesuponmesuddenandunexpectedlike.Ididn'tlayoutforitatall;butthereissomewaytopayyou,andIwillfinditafteralittle.
"'Thereisthebountyinthesavingsbank;Iguesswecouldborrowsomemoneyonthemortgageofthefarm.'
"'Therewasmypaywassomething,andifhewouldwaituntilpay-dayIwassure
theboyswouldhelp;soIthoughtwecouldmakeitupifitwasn'tmorethanfiveorsixhundreddollars.
"'Butitisagreatdealmorethanthat,'hesaid.
"ThenIsaidIdidn'tjustseehow,butIwassureIwouldfindsomeway--ifIlived.
"ThenMr.Lincolnputhishandsonmyshoulders,andlookedintomyfaceasifhewassorry,andsaid;"'Myboy,mybillisaverylargeone.Yourfriendscannotpayit,noryourbounty,northefarm,norallyourcomrades!
"'Thereisonlyonemaninalltheworldwhocanpayit,andhisnameisWillia
mScott!
"'IffromthisdayWilliamScottdoeshisduty,sothat,ifIwastherewhenhecomestodie,hecanlookmeinthefaceashedoesnow,andsay,Ihavekeptmypromise,andIhavedonemydutyasasoldier,thenmydebtwillbepaid.
"'Willyoumakethatpromiseandtrytokeepit?"
Thepromisewasgiven.ThenceforwardthereneverwassuchasoldierasWilliamScott.
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HISPASSESTORICHMONDNOTHONORED.
AmancalleduponthePresidentandsolicitedapassforRichmond.
"Well,"saidthePresident,"Iwouldbeveryhappytooblige,ifmypasseswererespected;butthefactis,sir,Ihave,withinthepasttwoyears,givenpassestotwohundredandfiftythousandmentogotoRichmond,andnotonehasgotthereyet."
Theapplicantquietlyandrespectfullywithdrewonhistiptoes.
"PUBLICHANGMAN"FORTHEUNITEDSTATES.
AcertainUnitedStatesSenator,whobelievedthateverymanwhobelievedinsecessionshouldbehanged,askedthePresidentwhatheintendedtodowhentheWarwasover.
"ReconstructthemachineryofthisGovernment,"quicklyrepliedLincoln.
"Youarecertainlycrazy,"wastheSenator'sheatedresponse."Youtalkasiftreasonwasnothenceforthtobemadeodious,butthatthetraitors,cutthroatsandauthorsofthisWarshouldnotonlygounpunished,butreceiveencouragementtorepeattheirtreasonwithimpunity!TheyshouldbehangedhigherthanHaman,sir!Yes,higherthananymalefactortheworldhaseverknown!"
ThePresidentwasentirelyunmoved,but,afteramoment'spause,putaquestionwhichallbutdrovehisvisitorinsane.
"Now,Senator,supposethatwhenthishangingarrangementhasbeenagreedupon,youacceptthepostofChiefExecutioner.Ifyouwilltaketheoffice,IwillmakeyouabrigadiergeneralandPublicHangmanfortheUnitedStates.Thatwouldjustaboutsuityou,wouldn'tit?"
"Iamagentleman,sir,"returnedtheSenator,"andIcertainlythoughtyouknewmebetterthantobelievemecapableofdoingsuchdirtywork.Youarejesting,Mr.President."
ThePresidentwasextremelypatient,exhibitingnosignsofire,andtothisbitoftemperonthepartoftheSenatorresponded:
"Youspeakofbeingagentleman;yetyouforgetthatinthisfreecountryallmenareequal,thevagrantandthegentlemanstandingonthesamegroundwhenitcomestorightsandduties,particularlyintimeofwar.Therefore,beingagentleman,asyouclaim,andalaw-abidingcitizen,Itrust,youarenotexemptfromdoingeventhedirtyworkatwhichyourhighspiritrevolts."
ThiswastoomuchfortheSenator,whoquittedtheroomabruptly,andneveragainshowedhisfaceintheWhiteHousewhileLincolnoccupiedit.
"Hewon'tbothermeagain,"wasthePresident'sremarkashedeparted.
FEW,BUTBOISTEROUS.
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Lincolnwasaveryquietman,andwentabouthisbusinessinaquietway,makingtheleastnoisepossible.Heheartilydislikedthoseboisterouspeoplewhowereconstantlydeluginghimwithadvice,andshoutingatthetopsoftheirvoiceswhenevertheyappearedattheWhiteHouse."Thesenoisypeoplecreateagreatclamor,"saidheoneday,inconversationwithsomepersonalfriends,"andremindme,bytheway,ofagoodstoryIheardoutinIllinoiswhileIwaspracticing,ortryingtopractice,somelawthere.Iwillsay,though,thatIpracticedmorelawthanIevergotpaidfor.
"Afellowwholivedjustoutoftown,onthebankofalargemarsh,conceivedabigideainthemoney-makingline.Hetookittoaprominentmerchant,andbegantodevelophisplansandspecifications.'Thereareatleasttenmillionfrogsinthatmarshnearme,an'I'lljustarrestacoupleofcarloadsofthemandhandthemovertoyou.Youcansendthemtothebigcitiesandmakelotsofmoneyforbothofus.Frogs'legsaregreatdelicaciesinthebigtowns,an'notveryplentiful.Itwon'ttakememore'ntwoorthreedaystopick'em.Theymakesomuchnoisemyfamilycan'tsleep,andbythisdealI'llgetridofanuisanceandgatherinsomecash.'
"Themerchantagreedtotheproposition,promisedthefellowhewouldpayhimwellforthetwocarloads.Twodayspassed,thenthree,andfinallytwoweeksweregonebeforethefellowshowedupagain,carryingasmallbasket.Helookedwearyand'doneup,'andhewasn'ttalkativeabit.Hethrewthebasketonthecounterwiththeremark,'There'syourfrogs.'
"'Youhaven'ttwocarloadsinthatbasket,haveyou?'inquiredthemerchant.
"'No,'wasthereply,'andthereain'tnotwocarloadsinallthisblastedworld.'
"'Ithoughtyousaidtherewereatleasttenmillionsof'eminthatmarshnearyou,accordingtothenoisetheymade,'observedthemerchant.'Yourpeoplecouldn'tsleepbecauseof'em.'
"'Well,'saidthefellow,'accordin'tothenoisetheymade,therewas,Ithought,ahundredmillionof'em,butwhenIhadwadedandswumthattheremarshdayandnightfertwoblessedweeks,Icouldn'tharvestbutsix.There'stwoorthr
eeleftyet,an'themarshisasnoisyasitusterbe.Wehaven'tcatcheduponanyofourlostsleepyet.Now,youcanhavetheseheresix,an'Iwon'tchargeyouacentfer'em.'
"Youcanseebythislittleyarn,"remarkedthePresident,"thattheseboisterouspeoplemaketoomuchnoiseinproportiontotheirnumbers."
KEEPPEGGINGAWAY.
Beingaskedonetimebyan"anxious"visitorastowhathewoulddoincertaincontingencies--providedtherebellionwasnotsubduedafterthreeorfouryears
ofeffortonthepartoftheGovernment?
"Oh,"repliedthePresident,"thereisnoalternativebuttokeep'pegging'away!"
BEWAREOFTHETAIL.
AftertheissueoftheEmancipationProclamation,GovernorMorgan,ofNewYork,
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wasattheWhiteHouseoneday,whenthePresidentsaid:
"Idonotagreewiththosewhosaythatslaveryisdead.Wearelikewhalerswhohavebeenlongonachase--wehaveatlastgottheharpoonintothemonster,butwemustnowlookhowwesteer,or,withone'flop'ofhistail,hewillyetsendusallintoeternity!"
"LINCOLN'SDREAM."
PresidentLincolnwasdepictedasaheadsmaninacartoonprintedin"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper,"onFebruary14,1863,thetitleofthepicturebeing"Lincoln'sDreams;or,There'saGoodTimeComing."
Thecartoon,reproducedhere,represents,ontheright,theUnionGeneralswhohadbeendefeatedbytheConfederatesinbattle,andhadsuffereddecapitationinconsequence--McDowell,wholostatBullRun;McClellan,whofailedtotakeRichmond,whenwithintwelvemilesofthatcityandnoopposition,comparatively;andBurnside,whowassobadlywhippedatFredericksburg.Totheleftoftheblock,wherethePresidentisstandingwiththebloodyaxeinhishand,areshownthemembersoftheCabinet--SecretaryofStateSeward,SecretaryofWarStanton,SecretaryoftheNavyWelles,andothers--eachawaitinghisturn.Thispartofthe"Dream"wasneverrealized,however,asthePresidentdidnotdecapitateanyo
fhisCabinetofficers.
ItwastheideaofthecartoonisttoholdLincolnupasamanwhowouldnotcountenancefailureuponthepartofsubordinates,butvisittheseverestpunishmentuponthosecommanderswhodidnotwinvictories.AfterBurnside'sdefeatatFredericksburg,hewasrelievedbyHooker,whosuffereddisasteratChancellorsville;HookerwasrelievedbyMeade,whowonatGettysburg,butwasrefusedpromotionbecausehedidnotfollowupandcrushLee;RosecranswasallbutdefeatedatChickamauga,andgavewaytoGrant,who,ofalltheUnioncommanders,hadneversuffereddefeat.GrantwasLincoln'sidealfightingman,andthe"OldCommander"wasneversuperseded.
THEREWASNONEEDOFASTORY.
Dr.Hovey,ofDansville,NewYork,thoughthewouldcallandseethePresident.
UponarrivingattheWhiteHousehefoundthePresidentonhorseback,readyforastart.
Approachinghim,hesaid:
"PresidentLincoln,IthoughtIwouldcallandseeyoubeforeleavingthecity,andhearyoutellastory."
ThePresidentgreetedhimpleasantly,andaskedwherehewasfrom.
"FromWesternNewYork."
"Well,that'sagoodenoughcountrywithoutstories,"repliedthePresident,andoffherode.
LINCOLNAMANOFSIMPLEHABITS.
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Lincoln'shabitsattheWhiteHousewereassimpleastheywereathisoldhomeinIllinois.
Heneveralludedtohimselfas"President,"orasoccupying"thePresidency."
Hisofficehealwaysdesignatedas"theplace."
"CallmeLincoln,"saidhetoafriend;"Mr.President"hadbecomesoverytiresometohim.
"Ifyouseeanewsboydownthestreet,sendhimupthisway,"saidhetoapassenger,ashestoodwaitingforthemorningnewsathisgate.
Friendscautionedhimaboutexposinghimselfsoopenlyinthemidstofenemies;butheneverheededthem.
Hefrequentlywalkedthestreetsatnight,entirelyunprotected;andfeltanycheckuponhismovementsagreatannoyance.
HedelightedtoseehisfamiliarWesternfriends;andhegavethemalwaysacordialwelcome.
Hemetthemontheoldfooting,andfellatonceintotheaccustomedhabitsof
talkandstory-telling.
Anoldacquaintance,withhiswife,visitedWashington.Mr.andMrs.LincolnproposedtothesefriendsarideinthePresidentialcarriage.
Itshouldbestatedinadvancethatthetwomenhadprobablyneverseeneachotherwithglovesonintheirlives,unlesswhentheywereusedasprotectionfromthecold.
Thequestionofeach--LincolnattheWhiteHouse,andhisfriendatthehotel--was,whetherheshouldweargloves.
Ofcoursetheladiesurgedgloves;butLincolnonlyputhisinhispocket,tob
eusedornot,accordingtothecircumstances.
WhenthePresidentialpartyarrivedatthehotel,totakeintheirfriends,theyfoundthegentleman,overcomebyhiswife'spersuasions,veryhandsomelygloved.
Themomenthetookhisseathebegantodrawofftheclingingkids,whileLincolnbegantodrawhison!
"No!no!no!"protestedhisfriend,tuggingathisgloves."Itisnoneofmydoings;putupyourgloves,Mr.Lincoln."
Sothetwooldfriendswereonevenandeasyterms,andhadtheirrideafterth
eiroldfashion.
HISLASTSPEECH.
PresidentLincolnwasreadingthedraftofaspeech.Edward,theconservativebutdignifiedbutleroftheWhiteHouse,wasseenstrugglingwithTadandtryingtodraghimbackfromthewindowfromwhichwaswavingaConfederateflag,capturedinsomefightandgiventotheboy.EdwardconqueredandTad,rushingtofin
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dhisfather,methimcomingforwardtomake,asitproved,hislastspeech.
Thespeechbeganwiththesewords,"Wemeetthisevening,notinsorrow,butingladnessofheart."Havinghisspeechwritteninlooseleaves,andbeingcompelledtoholdacandleintheotherhand,hewouldletthelooseleavesdroptotheflooronebyone."Tad"pickedthemupastheyfell,andimpatientlycalledformoreastheyfellfromhisfather'shand.
FORGOTEVERYTHINGHEKNEWBEFORE.
PresidentLincoln,whileentertainingafewselectfriends,issaidtohaverelatedthefollowinganecdoteofamanwhoknewtoomuch:
Hewasacareful,painstakingfellow,whoalwayswantedtobeabsolutelyexact,andasaresulthefrequentlygottheill-willofhislesscarefulsuperiors.
DuringtheadministrationofPresidentJacksontherewasasingularyounggentlemanemployedinthePublicPostofficeinWashington.
HisnamewasG.;hewasfromTennessee,thesonofawidow,aneighborofthePresident,onwhichaccounttheoldherohadakindfeelingforhim,andalwaysgothimoutofdifficultieswithsomeofthehigherofficials,towhomhissingul
arinterferencewasdistasteful.
Amongotherthings,itissaidofhimthatwhileemployedintheGeneralPostoffice,ononeoccasionhehadtocopyalettertoMajorH.,ahighofficial,inanswertoanapplicationmadebyanoldgentlemaninVirginiaorPennsylvania,fortheestablishmentofanewpostoffice.
Thewriterofthelettersaidtheapplicationcouldnotbegranted,inconsequenceoftheapplicant's"proximity"toanotheroffice.
WhenthelettercameintoG.'shandtocopy,beingagreatsticklerforplainness,healtered"proximity"to"nearnessto."
MajorH.observedit,andaskedG.whyhealteredhisletter.
"Why,"repliedG.,"becauseIdon'tthinkthemanwouldunderstandwhatyoumeanbyproximity."
"Well,"saidMajorH.,"tryhim;putinthe'proximity'again."
Inafewdaysaletterwasreceivedfromtheapplicant,inwhichheveryindignantlysaidthathisfatherhadfoughtforlibertyinthesecondwarforindependence,andheshouldliketohavethenameofthescoundrelwhobroughtthechargeofproximityoranythingelsewrongagainsthim.
"There,"saidG.,"didInotsayso?"
G.carriedhisimprovementssofarthatMr.Berry,thePostmaster-General,saidtohim:"Idon'twantyouanylonger;youknowtoomuch."
PoorG.wentout,buthisoldfriendgothimanotherplace.
ThistimeG.'sideasunderwentachange.Hewasonedayverybusywriting,whenastrangercalledinandaskedhimwherethePatentOfficewas.
"Idon'tknow,"saidG.
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"CanyoutellmewheretheTreasuryDepartmentis?"saidthestranger.
"No,"saidG.
"NorthePresident'shouse?"
"No."
ThestrangerfinallyaskedhimifheknewwheretheCapitolwas.
"No,"repliedG.
"DoyouliveinWashington,sir?"
"Yes,sir,"saidG.
"GoodLord!anddon'tyouknowwherethePatentOffice,Treasury,President'shouseandCapitolare?"
"Stranger,"saidG.,"Iwasturnedoutofthepostofficeforknowingtoomuch.Idon'tmeantooffendinthatwayagain.
"Iampaidforkeepingthisbook.
"IbelieveIknowthatmuch;butifyoufindmeknowinganythingmoreyoumaytakemyhead."
"Goodmorning,"saidthestranger.
LINCOLNBELIEVEDINEDUCATION.
"Thateverymanmayreceiveatleastamoderateeducation,andtherebybeenabledtoreadthehistoriesofhisownandothercountries,bywhichhemaydulyappreciatethevalueofourfreeinstitutions,appearstobeanobjectofvitalim
portance;evenonthisaccountalone,tosaynothingoftheadvantagesandsatisfactiontobederivedfromallbeingabletoreadtheScripturesandotherworks,bothofareligiousandmoralnature,forthemselves.
"Formypart,Idesiretoseethetimewheneducation,byitsmeans,morality,sobriety,enterpriseandintegrity,shallbecomemuchmoregeneralthanatpresent,andshouldbegratifiedtohaveitinmypowertocontributesomethingtotheadvancementofanymeasurewhichmighthaveatendencytoacceleratethehappyperiod."
LINCOLNONTHEDREDSCOTTDECISION.
InaspeechatSpringfield,Illinois,June26th,1857,LincolnreferredtothedecisionofChiefJusticeRogerB.Taney,oftheUnitedStatesSupremeCourt,intheDredScottcase,inthismanner:
"TheChiefjusticedoesnotdirectlyassert,butplainlyassumesasafact,thatthepublicestimateoftheblackmanismorefavorablenowthanitwasinthedaysoftheRevolution.
"Inthosedays,bycommonconsent,thespreadoftheblackman'sbondageinthe
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newcountrieswasprohibited;butnowCongressdecidesthatitwillnotcontinuetheprohibition,andtheSupremeCourtdecidesthatitcouldnotifitwould.
"Inthosedays,ourDeclarationofIndependencewasheldsacredbyall,andthoughttoincludeall;butnow,toaidinmakingthebondageofthenegrouniversalandeternal,itisassailedandsneeredat,andconstructedandhawkedat,andtorn,till,ifitsframerscouldrisefromtheirgraves,theycouldnotatallrecognizeit.
"Allthepowersofearthseemcombiningagainsttheslave;Mammonisafterhim,ambitionfollows,philosophyfollows,andthetheologyofthedayisfastjoiningthecry."
LINCOLNMADEMANYNOTABLESPEECHES.
AbrahamLincolnmademanynotableaddressesandspeechesduringhiscareerprevioustothetimeofhiselectiontothePresidency.
However,beautifulinthoughtandexpressionastheywere,theywerenotappreciatedbythosewhoheardandreadthemuntilafterthepeopleoftheUnitedStatesandtheworldhadcometounderstandthemanwhodeliveredthem.
Lincolnhadtherareandvaluablefacultyofputtingthemostsublimefeelingintohisspeeches;andheneverfounditnecessarytoincumberhiswisest,wittiestandmostfamoussayingswithaweakeningmassofwords.
Heputhisthoughtsintothesimplestlanguage,sothatallmightcomprehend,andheneversaidanythingwhichwasnotfullofthedeepestmeaning.
WHATAILEDTHEBOYS.
Mr.RolandDiller,whowasoneofMr.Lincoln'sneighborsinSpringfield,tellsthefollowing:
"Iwascalledtothedooronedaybythecriesofchildreninthestreet,andtherewasMr.Lincoln,stridingbywithtwoofhisboys,bothofwhomwerewailingaloud.'Why,Mr.Lincoln,what'sthematterwiththeboys?'Iasked.
"'Justwhat'sthematterwiththewholeworld,'Lincolnreplied.'I'vegotthreewalnuts,andeachwantstwo.'"
TAD'SCONFEDERATEFLAG.
OneoftheprettiestincidentsintheclosingdaysoftheCivilWaroccurredwh
enthetroops,'marchinghomeagain,'passedingrandform,ifwithwell-wornuniformsandtatteredbunting,beforetheWhiteHouse.
Naturally,animmensecrowdhadassembledonthestreets,thelawns,porches,balconies,andwindows,eventhoseoftheexecutivemansionitselfbeingcrowdedtoexcess.AcentralfigurewasthatofthePresident,AbrahamLincoln,who,withbaredhead,unfurledandwavedourNation'sflaginthemidstoflustycheers.
Butsuddenlytherewasanunexpectedsight.
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Asmallboyleanedforwardandsentstreamingtotheairthebanneroftheboysingray.ItwasanoldflagwhichhadbeencapturedfromtheConfederates,andwhichtheurchin,thePresident'ssecondson,Tad,hadobtainedpossessionofandconsideredanadditionaltriumphtounfurlonthisall-importantday.
Vainlydidtheservantwhohadfollowedhimtothewindowpleadwithhimtodesist.No,MasterTad,PetoftheWhiteHouse,wasnottobepreventedfromaddingtotheloyaldemonstrationofthehour.
Tohissurprise,however,thecrowdvieweditdifferently.Haditfloatedfromanyotherwindowinthecapitalthatday,nodoubtitwouldhavebeenthetargetofcontemptandabuse;butwhenthePresident,understandingwhathadhappened,turned,withasmileonhisgrand,plainface,andshowedhisapprovalbyagestureandexpression,cheeraftercheerrenttheair.
CALLEDBLESSINGSONTHEAMERICANWOMEN.
PresidentLincolnattendedaLadies'FairforthebenefitoftheUnionsoldiers,atWashington,March16th,1864.
Inhisremarkshesaid:
"Iappeartosaybutaword.
"Thisextraordinarywarinwhichweareengagedfallsheavilyuponallclassesofpeople,butthemostheavilyuponthesoldiers.Forithasbeensaid,'Allthatamanhathwillhegiveforhislife,'and,whileallcontributeoftheirsubstance,thesoldierputshislifeatstake,andoftenyieldsitupinhiscountry'scause.
"Thehighestmerit,then,isduethesoldiers.
"Inthisextraordinarywarextraordinarydevelopmentshavemanifestedthemselvessuchashavenotbeenseeninformerwars;andamongthesemanifestationsnothinghasbeenmoreremarkablethanthesefairsforthereliefofsufferingsoldie
rsandtheirfamilies,andthechiefagentsinthesefairsarethewomenofAmerica!
"Iamnotaccustomedtotheuseoflanguageofeulogy;Ihaveneverstudiedtheartofpayingcomplimentstowomen;butImustsaythatifallthathasbeensaidbyoratorsandpoetssincethecreationoftheworldinpraiseofwomenwereappliedtothewomenofAmerica,itwouldnotdothemjusticefortheirconductduringthewar.
"Iwillclosebysaying,GodblessthewomenofAmerica!"
LINCOLN'S"ORDERNO.252."
AftertheUnitedStateshadenlistedformernegroslavesassoldierstofightalongsidetheNortherntroopsforthemaintenanceoftheintegrityoftheUnion,sogreatwastheindignationoftheConfederateGovernmentthatPresidentDavisdeclaredhewouldnotrecognizeblackscapturedinbattleandinuniformasprisonersofwar.Thismeantthathewouldhavethemreturnedtotheirpreviousowners,havethemfloggedandfinedforrunningawayfromtheirmasters,orevenshotifhefeltlikeit.ThisattitudeofthePresidentoftheConfederateStatesofAmericaledtothepromulgationofPresidentLincoln'sfamous"OrderNo.252,"
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which,ineffect,wasanotificationtothecommandingofficersoftheSouthernforcesthatifnegroprisonersofwarwerenottreatedassuch,theUnioncommanderswouldretaliate."Harper'sWeekly"ofAugust15th,1863,containedaclevercartoon,whichwereproduce,representingPresidentLincolnholdingtheSouthbythecollar,while"OldAbe"shoutsthefollowingwordsofwarningtoJeffDavis,who,cat-o'-nine-tailsinhand,isinpursuitofaterrifiedlittlenegroboy:
MR.LINCOLN:"Lookhere,JeffDavis!Ifyoulayafingeronthatboy,tohurthim,I'lllickthisuglycubofyourswithinaninchofhislife!"
MuchtothesurpriseoftheConfederates,thenegrosoldiersfoughtvaliantly;theywerefearlesswhenwellled,obeyedorderswithouthesitation,wereamenabletodiscipline,andwereeagerandanxious,atalltimes,todotheirduty.Inbattletheywereformidableopponents,andinusingthebayonetweretheequalofthebesttrainedtroops.TheSouthernershatedthembeyondpowerofexpression.
TALKEDTOTHENEGROESOFRICHMOND.
ThePresidentwalkedthroughthestreetsofRichmond--withoutaguardexceptafewseamen--incompanywithhisson"Tad,"andAdmiralPorter,onApril4th,186
5,thedayfollowingtheevacuationofthecity.
Coloredpeoplegatheredabouthimoneveryside,eagertoseeandthanktheirliberator.Mr.Lincolnaddressedthefollowingremarkstooneofthesegatherings:
"Mypoorfriends,youarefree--freeasair.Youcancastoffthenameofslaveandtrampleuponit;itwillcometoyounomore.
"Libertyisyourbirthright.GodgaveittoyouasHegaveittoothers,anditisasinthatyouhavebeendeprivedofitforsomanyyears.
"Butyoumusttrytodeservethispricelessboon.Lettheworldseethatyoume
ritit,andareabletomaintainitbyyourgoodwork.
"Don'tletyourjoycarryyouintoexcesses;learnthelaws,andobeythem.ObeyGod'scommandments,andthankHimforgivingyouliberty,fortoHimyouoweallthings.
"There,now,letmepasson;Ihavebutlittletimetospare.
"IwanttoseetheCapitol,andmustreturnatoncetoWashingtontosecuretoyouthatlibertywhichyouseemtoprizesohighly."
"ABE"ADDEDASAVINGCLAUSE.
LincolnfellinlovewithMissMaryS.Owensabout1833orso,and,whileshewasattractedtowardhimshewasnotpassionatelyfondofhim.
Lincoln'sletterofproposalofmarriage,sentbyhimtoMissOwens,whilesingular,unique,anddecidedlyunconventional,wascertainlynotveryardent.He,afterthefashionofthelawyer,presentedthematterverycautiously,andpleadedhisowncause;thenpresentedhersideofthecase,advisedhernot"todoit,"andagreedtoabidebyherdecision.
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MissOwensrespectedLincoln,butpromptlyrejectedhim--reallyverymuchto"Abe's"relief.
HOW"JACK"WAS"DONEUP."
NotfarfromNewSalem,Illinois,ataplacecalledClary'sGrove,agangoffrontierruffianshadestablishedheadquarters,andthechampionwrestlerof"TheGrove"was"Jack"Armstrong,abullyoftheworsttype.
LearningthatAbrahamwassomethingofawrestlerhimself,"Jack"senthimachallenge.Atthattimeandinthatcommunityarefusalwouldhaveresultedinsocialandbusinessostracism,nottomentionthestigmaofcowardicewhichwouldattach.
ItwasagreatdayforNewSalemand"TheGrove"whenLincolnandArmstrongmet.Settlerswithinaradiusoffiftymilesflockedtothescene,andthewagerslaidwereheavyandmany.ArmstrongprovedaweaklinginthehandsofthepowerfulKentuckian,and"Jack's"adherentswereabouttomobLincolnwhenthelatter'sfriendssavedhimfromprobabledeathbyrushingtotherescue.
ANGELSCOULDN'TSWEARITRIGHT.
ThePresidentwasoncespeakingaboutanattackmadeonhimbytheCongressionalCommitteeontheConductoftheWarforacertainallegedblunderintheSouthwest--thematterinvolvedbeingonewhichhadfallendirectlyundertheobservationofthearmyofficertowhomhewastalking,whopossessedofficialevidencecompletelyupsettingalltheconclusionsoftheCommittee.
"Mightitnotbewellforme,"queriedtheofficer,"tosetthismatterrightinalettertosomepaper,statingthefactsastheyactuallytranspired?"
"Oh,no,"repliedthePresident,"atleast,notnow.IfIweretotrytoread,
muchlessanswer,alltheattacksmadeonme,thisshopmightaswellbeclosedforanyotherbusiness.IdotheverybestIknowhowtheverybestIcan;andImeantokeepdoingsountiltheend.Iftheendbringsmeoutallright,whatissaidagainstmewon'tamounttoanything.Iftheendbringsmeoutwrong,tenthousandangelsswearingIwasrightwouldmakenodifference."
"MUSTGO,ANDGOTOSTAY."
WardHillLamonwasPresidentLincoln'sCerberus,hiswatchdog,guardian,friend,companionandconfidant.SomedaysbeforeLincoln'sdepartureforWashingtontobeinaugurated,hewrotetoLamonatBloomington,thathedesiredtoseehim
atonce.HewenttoSpringfield,andLincolnsaid:
"Hill,onthe11thIgotoWashington,andIwantyoutogoalongwithme.OurfriendshavealreadyaskedmetosendyouasConsultoParis.YouknowIwouldcheerfullygiveyouanythingforwhichourfriendsmayaskorwhichyoumaydesire,butitlooksasifwemighthavewar.
"InthatcaseIwantyouwithme.Infact,Imusthaveyou.Sogetyourselfreadyandcomealong.Itwillbehandytohaveyouaround.Ifthereistobeafight,Iwantyoutohelpmetodomyshareofit,asyouhavedoneintimespast.Y
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hetoldHookerthathehaddone"agreatwrongtothecountryandtoamostmeritoriousandhonorablebrotherofficer."
"MAJORGENERAL,IRECKON."
AtonetimethePresidenthadtheappointmentofalargeadditionalnumberofbrigadierandmajorgenerals.Amongtheimmensenumberofapplications,Mr.Lincolncameupononewhereintheclaimsofacertainworthy(notintheserviceatall),"forageneralship"wereglowinglysetforth.Buttheapplicantdidn'tspecifywhetherhewantedtobebrigadierormajorgeneral.
ThePresidentobservedthisdifficulty,andsolveditbyalucidindorsement.Theclerk,onreceivingthepaperagain,foundwrittenacrossitsback,"MajorGeneral,Ireckon.A.Lincoln."
WOULDSEETHETRACKS.
JudgeHerndon,Lincoln'slawpartner,saidthatheneversawLincolnmorecheerfulthanonthedayprevioustohisdeparturefromSpringfieldforWashington,andJudgeGillespie,whovisitedhimafewdaysearlier,foundhiminexcellents
pirits.
"ItoldhimthatIbelieveditwoulddohimgoodtogetdowntoWashington,"saidHerndon.
"Iknowitwill,"Lincolnreplied."IonlywishIcouldhavegottheretolockthedoorbeforethehorsewasstolen.ButwhenIgettothespot,Icanfindthetracks."
"ABE"GAVEHERA"SURETIP."
IfallthedaysLincolnattendedschoolwereaddedtogether,theywouldnotmakeasingleyear'stime,andheneverstudiedgrammarorgeographyoranyofthehigherbranches.HisfirstteacherinIndianawasHazelDorsey,whoopenedaschoolinalogschoolhouseamileandahalffromtheLincolncabin.Thebuildinghadholesforwindows,whichwerecoveredoverwithgreasedpapertoadmitlight.Theroofwasjusthighenoughforamantostanderect.Itdidnottakelongtodemonstratethat"Abe"wassuperiortoanyscholarinhisclass.HisnextteacherwasAndrewCrawford,whotaughtinthewinterof1822-3,inthesamelittleschoolhouse."Abe"wasanexcellentspeller,anditissaidthathelikedtoshowoffhisknowledge,especiallyifhecouldhelpouthislessfortunateschoolmates.Onedaytheteachergaveouttheword"defied."Alargeclasswasonthefloor,butitseemedthatnoonewouldbeabletospellit.Theteacherdeclaredhewouldkeepthewholeclassinalldayandnightif"defied"wasnotspelledco
rrectly.
WhenthewordcamearoundtoKatyRoby,shewasstandingwhereshecouldseeyoung"Abe."Shestarted,"d-e-f,"andwhiletryingtodecidewhethertospellthewordwithan"i"ora"y,"shenoticedthatAbehadhisfingeronhiseyeandasmileonhisface,andinstantlytookthehint.Shespelledthewordcorrectlyandschoolwasdismissed.
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THEPRESIDENTHADKNOWLEDGEOFHIM.
Lincolnneverforgotanyoneoranything.
AtoneoftheafternoonreceptionsattheWhiteHouseastrangershookhandswithhim,and,ashedidso,remarkedcasually,thathewaselectedtoCongressaboutthetimeMr.Lincoln'stermasrepresentativeexpired,whichhappenedmanyyearsbefore.
"Yes,"saidthePresident,"Youarefrom--"(mentioningtheState)."IrememberreadingofyourelectioninanewspaperonemorningonasteamboatgoingdowntoMountVernon."
Atanothertimeagentlemanaddressedhim,saying,"Ipresume,Mr.President,youhaveforgottenme?"
"No,"wasthepromptreply;"yournameisFlood.Isawyoulast,twelveyearsago,at--"(namingtheplaceandtheoccasion).
"Iamgladtosee,"hecontinued,"thattheFloodgoeson."
Subsequenttohisre-electionadeputationofbankersfromvarioussectionswereintroducedonedaybytheSecretaryoftheTreasury.
Afterafewmomentsofgeneralconversation,Lincolnturnedtooneofthemandsaid:
"Yourdistrictdidnotgivemesostrongavoteatthelastelectionasitdidin1860."
"Ithink,sir,thatyoumustbemistaken,"repliedthebanker."Ihavetheimpressionthatyourmajoritywasconsiderablyincreasedatthelastelection."
"No,"rejoinedthePresident,"youfelloffaboutsixhundredvotes."
Thentakingdownfromthebookcasetheofficialcanvassof1860and1864,hereferredtothevoteofthedistrictnamed,andprovedtobequiterightinhisas
sertion.
ONLYHALFAMAN.
AsPresidentLincoln,arminarmwithex-PresidentBuchanan,enteredtheCapitol,andpassedintotheSenateChamber,filledtooverflowingwithSenators,membersoftheDiplomaticCorps,andvisitors,thecontrastbetweenthetwomenstruckeveryobserver.
"Mr.Buchananwassowitheredandbowedwithage,"wroteGeorgeW.Julian,ofIndiana,whowasamongthespectators,"thatincontrastwiththetoweringformo
fMr.Lincolnheseemedlittlemorethanhalfaman."
GRANTCONGRATULATEDLINCOLN.
AssoonastheresultofthePresidentialelectionof1864wasknown,GeneralGranttelegraphedfromCityPointhiscongratulations,andaddedthat"theelectionhavingpassedoffquietly...isavictoryworthmoretothecountrythanabattlewon."
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"BRUTUSANDCAESAR."
London"Punch"persistentlymaintainedthroughouttheWarfortheUnionthatthequestionofwhattodowiththeblackswasthemostbothersomeofalltheproblemsPresidentLincolnhadtosolve."Punch"thoughttheRebellionhaditsorigininanefforttodeterminewhetherthereshouldorshouldnotbeslaveryintheUnitedStates,andwasfoughtwiththisasthemainendinview."Punch"ofAugust15th,1863,containedthecartoonreproducedonthispage,thetitlebeing"BrutusandCaesar."
PresidentLincolnwaspicturedasBrutus,whiletheghostofCaesar,whichappearedinthetentoftheAmericanBrutusduringthedarkhoursofthenight,wasrepresentedintheshapeofahuskyandanythingbutghost-likeAfrican,whosecomplexionwouldtendtomaketheblackesttarlooklikeskimmedmilkincomparison.Thiswasthetextbelowthecartoon:(FromtheAmericanEditionofShakespeare.)TheTentofBrutus(Lincoln).Night.EntertheGhostofCaesar.
BRUTUS:"Wall,now!Dotell!Who'syou?"
CAESAR:"Iamdyebilgenus,MassaLinking.Dischildamawfulimpressional!"
"Punch's"cartoonsweredecidedlyunfriendlyintonetowardPresidentLincoln,someofthembeingnotonlyobjectionableinthedisplayofbadtaste,butoffensiveandvulgar.ItistruethataftertheassassinationofthePresident,"Punch,"inillustrations,paidmarkedanddeservedtributetothememoryoftheGreatEmancipator,butithadlittlethatwasgoodtosayofhimwhilehewasamongthelivingandengagedincarryingoutthegreatworkforwhichhewasdestinedtowineternalfame.
HOWSTANTONGOTINTOTHECABINET.
PresidentLincoln,wellawareofStanton'sunfriendliness,wassurprisedwhenS
ecretaryoftheTreasuryChasetoldhimthatStantonhadexpressedtheopinionthatthearrestoftheConfederateCommissioners,MasonandSlidell,waslegalandjustifiedbyinternationallaw.ThePresidentaskedSecretaryChasetoinviteStantontotheWhiteHouse,andStantoncame.Mr.Lincolnthankedhimfortheopinionhehadexpressed,andaskedhimtoputitinwriting.
Stantoncomplied,thePresidentreaditcarefully,and,afterputtingitaway,astoundedStantonbyofferinghimtheportfolioofWar.StantonwasaDemocrat,hadbeenoneofthePresident'smostpersistentvilifiers,andcouldnotrealize,atfirst,thatLincolnmeantwhathesaid.Hemanaged,howevertosay:
"Iambothsurprisedandembarrassed,Mr.President,andwouldaskacoupleofdaystoconsiderthismostimportantmatter."
LincolnfullyunderstoodwhatwasgoingoninStanton'smind,andthensaid:
"Thisisaverycriticalperiodinthelifeofthenation,Mr.Stanton,asyouarewellaware,andIwellknowyouareasmuchinterestedinsustainingthegovernmentasmyselforanyotherman.Thisisnotimetoconsidermerepartyissues.Thelifeofthenationisindanger.Ineedthebestcounsellorsaroundme.Ihaveeveryconfidenceinyourjudgment,andhaveconcludedtoaskyoutobecomeoneofmycounsellors.TheofficeoftheSecretaryofWarwillsoonbevacant,andIamanxioustohaveyoutakeMr.Cameron'splace."
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Stantondecidedtoaccept.
"ABE"LIKEHISFATHER.
"Abe"Lincoln'sfatherwasneveratlossforananswer.AnoldneighborofThomasLincoln--"Abe's"father--waspassingtheLincolnfarmoneday,whenhesaw"Abe's"fathergrubbingupsomehazelnutbushes,andsaidtohim:"Why,Grandpap,Ithoughtyouwantedtosellyourfarm?"
"AndsoIdo,"hereplied,"butIain'tgoin'toletmyfarmknowit."
"'Abe's'jes'likehisfather,"theoldoneswouldsay.
"NOMOONATALL."
OneofthemostnotableofLincoln'slawcaseswasthatinwhichhedefendedWilliamD.Armstrong,chargedwithmurder.Thecasewasonewhichwaswatchedduringitsprogresswithintenseinterest,andithadamostdramaticending.
ThedefendantwasthesonofJackandHannahArmstrong.Thefatherwasdead,butHannah,whohadbeenverymotherlyandhelpfultoLincolnduringhislifeatN
ewSalem,wasstillliving,andaskedLincolntodefendhim.YoungArmstronghadbeenawildlad,andwasofteninbadcompany.
TheprincipalwitnesshadswornthathesawyoungArmstrongstrikethefatalblow,themoonbeingverybrightatthetime.
Lincolnbroughtforwardthealmanac,whichshowedthatatthetimethemurderwascommittedtherewasnomoonatall.Inhisargument,Lincoln'sspeechwassofeelinglymadethatatitscloseallthemeninthejury-boxwereintears.Itwasjusthalfanhourwhenthejuryreturnedaverdictofacquittal.
Lincolnwouldacceptnofeeexceptthethanksoftheanxiousmother.
"ABE"ASUPERBMIMIC.
Lincoln'sreadinginhisearlydaysembracedawiderange.Hewasparticularlyfondofallstoriescontainingfun,witandhumor,andeveryoneofthesehecameacrosshelearnedbyheart,thusaddingtohispersonalstore.
Heimprovedasareciterandretailerofthestorieshehadreadandheard,andasthereciteroftalesofhisowninvention,andhehadreadyandeagerauditors.
JudgeHerndon,inhis"AbrahamLincoln,"relatesthatasamimicLincolnwasun
equalled.Anoldneighborsaid:"Hislaughwasstriking.Suchawkwardgesturesbelongedtonootherman.Theyattracteduniversalattention,fromtheoldandsedatedowntotheschoolboy.Then,inafewmoments,hewasascalmandthoughtfulasajudgeonthebench,andasreadytogiveadviceonthemostimportantmatters;funandgravitygrewonhimalike."
WHYHEWASCALLED"HONESTABE."
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DuringtheyearLincolnwasinDentonOffutt'sstoreatNewSalem,thatgentleman,whosebusinesswassomewhatwidelyandunwiselyspreadaboutthecountry,ceasedtoprosperinhisfinancesandfinallyfailed.Thestorewasshutup,themillwasclosed,andAbrahamLincolnwasoutofbusiness.
Theyearhadbeenoneofgreatadvance,inmanyrespects.Hehadmadenewandvaluableacquaintances,readmanybooks,masteredthegrammarofhisowntongue,wonmultitudesoffriends,andbecamereadyforastepstillfurtherinadvance.
Thosewhocouldappreciatebrainsrespectedhim,andthosewhoseideasofamanrelatedtohismusclesweredevotedtohim.Itwaswhilehewasperformingtheworkofthestorethatheacquiredthesobriquetof"HonestAbe"--acharacterizationheneverdishonored,andanabbreviationthatheneveroutgrew.
Hewasjudge,arbitrator,referee,umpire,authority,inalldisputes,gamesandmatchesofman-flesh,horse-flesh,apacificatorinallquarrels;everybody'sfriend;thebest-natured,themostsensible,thebest-informed,themostmodestandunassuming,thekindest,gentlest,roughest,strongest,bestfellowinallNewSalemandtheregionroundabout.
"ABE'S"NAMEREMAINEDONTHESIGN.
EnduringfriendshipandloveofoldassociationswereprominentcharacteristicsofPresidentLincoln.WhenabouttoleaveSpringfieldforWashington,hewenttothedingylittlelawofficewhichhadshelteredhissaddesthours.
Hesatdownonthecouch,andsaidtohislawpartner,JudgeHerndon:
"Billy,youandIhavebeentogetherformorethantwentyyears,andhaveneverpassedaword.WillyouletmynamestayontheoldsignuntilIcomebackfromWashington?"
ThetearsstartedtoHerndon'seyes.Heputouthishand."Mr.Lincoln,"saidhe,"Ineverwillhaveanyotherpartnerwhileyoulive";andtothedayofassassination,allthedoingsofthefirmwereinthenameof"Lincoln&Herndon."
VERYHOMELYATFIRSTSIGHT.
EarlyinJanuary,1861,ColonelAlex.K.McClure,ofPhiladelphia,receivedatelegramfromPresident-electLincoln,askinghim(McClure)tovisithimatSpringfield,Illinois.ColonelMcCluredescribedhisdisappointmentatfirstsightofLincolninthesewords:
"IwentdirectlyfromthedepottoLincoln'shouseandrangthebell,whichwasansweredbyLincolnhimselfopeningthedoor.Idoubtwhetherawhollyconcealedmydisappointmentatmeetinghim.
"Tall,gaunt,ungainly,illclad,withahomelinessofmannerthatwasuniqueinitself,IconfessthatmyheartsankwithinmeasIrememberedthatthiswasthemanchosenbyagreatnationtobecomeitsrulerinthegravestperiodofitshistory.
"Irememberhisdressasifitwerebutyesterday--snuff-coloredandslouchypantaloons,openblackvest,heldbyafewbrassbuttons;straightoreveningdresscoat,withtightlyfittingsleevestoexaggeratehislong,bonyarms,andallsupplementedbyanawkwardnessthatwasuncommonamongmenofintelligence.
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"SuchwasthepictureImetinthepersonofAbrahamLincoln.Wesatdowninhisplainlyfurnishedparlor,andwereuninterruptedduringthenearlyfourhoursthatIremainedwithhim,andlittlebylittle,ashisearnestness,sincerityandcandorweredevelopedinconversation,IforgotallthegrotesquequalitieswhichsoconfoundedmewhenIfirstgreetedhim."
THEMANTOTRUST.
"Ifamanishonestinhismind,"saidLincolnoneday,longbeforehebecamePresident,"youareprettysafeintrustinghim."
"WUZGOIN'TERBE'HITCHED."'
"Abe's"nephew--oroneofthem--relatedastoryinconnectionwithLincoln'sfirstlove(AnneRutledge),andhissubsequentmarriagetoMissMaryTodd.Thisnephewwasaplain,every-dayfarmer,andthoughteverythingofhisuncle,whosegreatnesshequitethoroughlyappreciated,althoughhedidnotposetoanyextremeastherelativeofaPresidentoftheUnitedStates.
Saidheoneday,intellinghisstory:
"Uschild'en,w'enweheerdUncle'Abe'wuza-goin'tobemarried,axedGran'maefUncle'Abe'neverhedhedagalafore,an'shesays,sezshe,'Well,"Abe"wuzneverahan'nohowtorun'roundvisitin'much,orgowiththegals,neither,buthedidfallinlovewithaAnneRutledge,wholivedoutnearSpringfield,an'aftershediedhe'dcomehomean'ev'rytimehe'dtalk'bouther,hecrieddreadful.Henevercouldtalkofhernohow'thouthe'djes'cryan'cry,likeayoungfeller.'
"Oncthetol'Gran'matheywuzgoin'terbehitched,theyhavin'promisedeachother,an'thetisallweeverheered'boutit.But,soitwuz,thatarterUncle'Abe'hedgotoverhismournin',hewuzmarriedterawomanw'ichhedliveddow
ninKentuck.
"Uncle'Abe'hisselftol'ushewuzmarriedthenex'timehecomeupterourplace,an'w'enweasthimwhyhedidn'tbringhiswifeuptoseeus,hesaid:'She'sverybusyandcan'tcome.'
"Butweknowedbetter'nthat.Hewuztooproudtobringherup,'causenothin'wouldsuither,nohow.Shewuzn'traisedthewaywewuz,an'wuzdifferentfromus,andweheerd,tu,shewuzasproudascudbe.
"No,an'heneverbroughtnoneuvthechild'en,neither.
"Butthen,Uncle'Abe,'hewuzn'ttoblame.Weneverthoughthewuzstuckup."
HEPROPOSEDTOSAVETHEUNION.
ReplyingtoaneditorialwrittenbyHoraceGreeley,thePresidentwrote:
"MyparamountobjectistosavetheUnion,andnoteithertosaveortodestroyslavery.
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"IfIcouldsavetheUnionwithoutfreeinganyslave,Iwoulddoit.
"IfIcouldsaveitbyfreeingalltheslaves,Iwoulddoit;andifIcoulddoitbyfreeingsomeandleavingothersalone,Iwouldalsodothat.
"WhatIdoaboutslaveryandthecoloredrace,IdobecauseIbelieveithelpstosavethisUnion;andwhatIforbear,IforbearbecauseIdonotbelieveitwouldhelptosavetheUnion.
"IshalldolesswheneverIshallbelievewhatIamdoinghurtsthecause,andIshalldomorewheneverIbelievedoingmorewillhelpthecause."
THESAMEOLDRUM.
OneofPresidentLincoln'sfriends,visitingattheWhiteHouse,wasfindingconsiderablefaultwiththeconstantagitationinCongressoftheslaveryquestion.Heremarkedthat,aftertheadoptionoftheEmancipationpolicy,hehadhopedforsomethingnew.
"TherewasamandowninMaine,"saidthePresident,inreply,"whokeptagrocerystore,andalotoffellowsusedtoloafaroundfortheirtoddy.Heonlygave'emNewEnglandrum,andtheydrankprettyconsiderableofit.Butafterawhil
etheybegantogettiredofthat,andkeptaskingforsomethingnew--somethingnew--allthetime.Well,onenight,whenthewholecrowdwerearound,thegrocerbroughtouthisglasses,andsayshe,'I'vegotsomethingNewforyoutodrink,boys,now.'
"'Honorbright?'saidthey.
"'Honorbright,'sayshe,andwiththathesetsoutajug.'Thar'sayshe,'that'ssomethingnew;it'sNewEnglandrum!'sayshe.
"Now,"remarkedthePresident,inconclusion,"Iguesswe'reagooddeallikethatcrowd,andCongressisagooddeallikethatstore-keeper!"
SAVEDLINCOLN'SLIFE
WhenMr.Lincolnwasquiteasmallboyhemetwithanaccidentthatalmostcosthimhislife.HewassavedbyAustinGollaher,ayoungplaymate.Mr.Gollaherlivedtobemorethanninetyyearsofage,andtothedayofhisdeathrelatedwithgreatpridehisboyhoodassociationwithLincoln.
"Yes,"Mr.Gollaheroncesaid,"thestorythatIoncesavedAbrahamLincoln'slifeistrue.HeandIhadbeengoingtoschooltogetherforayearormore,andhadbecomegreatlyattachedtoeachother.Thenschooldisbandedonaccountoftherebeingsofewscholars,andwedidnotseeeachothermuchforalongwhile.
"OneSundaymymothervisitedtheLincolns,andIwastakenalong.'Abe'andIplayedaroundallday.Finally,weconcludedtocrossthecreektohuntforsomepartridgesyoungLincolnhadseenthedaybefore.Thecreekwasswollenbyarecentrain,and,incrossingonthenarrowfootlog,'Abe'fellin.Neitherofuscouldswim.Igotalongpoleandhelditoutto'Abe,'whograbbedit.ThenIpulledhimashore.
"Hewasalmostdead,andIwasbadlyscared.Irolledandpoundedhimingoodearnest.ThenIgothimbythearmsandshookhim,thewatermeanwhilepouringou
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tofhismouth.BythismeansIsucceededinbringinghimto,andhewassoonallright.
"Thenanewdifficultyconfrontedus.Ifourmothersdiscoveredourwetclothestheywouldwhipus.Thiswedreadedfromexperience,anddeterminedtoavoid.ItwasJune,thesunwasverywarm,andwesoondriedourclothingbyspreadingitontherocksaboutus.Wepromisednevertotellthestory,andIneverdiduntilafterLincoln'stragicend."
WOULDNOTRECALLASINGLEWORD.
InconversationwithsomefriendsattheWhiteHouseonNewYear'sevening,1863,PresidentLincolnsaid,concerninghisEmancipationProclamation:
"Thesignaturelooksalittletremulous,formyhandwastired,butmyresolutionwasfirm.
"ItoldtheminSeptember,iftheydidnotreturntotheirallegiance,andceasemurderingoursoldiers,Iwouldstrikeatthispillaroftheirstrength.
"Andnowthepromiseshallbekept,andnotonewordofitwillIeverrecall."
OLDBROOMBESTAFTERALL.
DuringthetimetheenemiesofGeneralGrantweremakingtheirbitterestattacksuponhim,anddemandingthatthePresidentremovehimfromcommand,"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper,"ofJune13,1863,cameoutwiththecartoonreproduced.Thetextprintedunderthepicturewastothefollowingeffect:
OLDABE:"Greeleybehanged!Iwantnomorenewbrooms.Ibegintothinkthattheworstthingaboutmyoldoneswasinnotbeinghandledright."
TheoldbroomthePresidentholdsinhisrighthandislabeled"Grant."Thelat
terhadcapturedFortDonelson,defeatedtheConfederatesatShiloh,Iuka,PortGibson,andotherplaces,andhadVicksburginhisirongrasp.WhenthedemandwasmadethatLincolndeposeGrant,thePresidentanswered,"Ican'tsparethisman;hefights!"Grantneverlostabattleandwhenhefoundtheenemyhealwaysfoughthim.McClellan,Burnside,PopeandHookerhadbeenfoundwanting,soLincolnpinnedhisfaithtoGrant.Asnotedinthecartoon,HoraceGreeley,editoroftheNewYorkTribune,ThurlowWeed,andotherswantedLincolntotrysomeothernewbrooms,butPresidentLincolnwasweariedwithdefeats,andwantedafewvictoriestooffsetthem.Therefore;hestoodbyGrant,whogavehimvictories.
GODWITHALITTLE"g."
AbrahamLincolnhishandandpenhewillbegoodbutgodKnowsWhen
TheselineswerefoundwritteninyoungLincoln'sownhandatthebottomofapagewhereonhehadbeenciphering.Lincolnalwayswroteaclear,regular"fist."InthisinstanceheevidentlydidnotappreciatethesacrednessofthenameoftheDeity,whenheusedalittle"g."
Lincolnoncesaidhedidnotrememberthetimewhenhecouldnotwrite.
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"ABE'S"LOG.
ItwasthecustominSangamonforthe"menfolks"togatheratnoonandintheevening,whenresting,inaconvenientlanenearthemill.Theyhadrolledoutalongpeeledlog,onwhichtheyloungedwhiletheywhittledandtalked.
LincolnhadnotbeenlonginSangamonbeforehejoinedthiscircle.Atoncehebecameafavoritebyhisjokesandgood-humor.Assoonasheappearedattheassemblygroundthemenwouldstarthimtostory-telling.Soirresistiblydrollwerehis"yarns"thatwheneverhe'dendupinhisunexpectedwaytheboysonthelogwouldwhoopandrolloff.Theresultoftherollingoffwastopolishtheloglikeamirror.Themen,recognizingLincoln'spartinthispolishing,christenedtheirseat"Abe'slog."
LongafterLincolnhaddisappearedfromSangamon,"Abe'slog"remained,anduntilithadrottedawaypeoplepointeditout,andrepeatedthedrollstoriesofthestranger.
ITWASAFINEFIZZLE.
PresidentLincoln,incompanywithGeneralGrant,wasinspectingtheDutchGapCanalatCityPoint."Grant,doyouknowwhatthisremindsmeof?OutinSpringfield,Ill.,therewasablacksmithwho,nothavingmuchtodo,tookapieceofsoftironandattemptedtowelditintoanagriculturalimplement,butdiscoveredthattheironwouldnotholdout;thenheconcludeditwouldmakeaclawhammer;buthavingtoomuchiron,attemptedtomakeanax,butdecidedafterworkingawhilethattherewasnotenoughironleft.Finally,becomingdisgusted,hefilledtheforgefullofcoalandbroughttheirontoawhiteheat;thenwithhistongshelifteditfromthebedofcoals,andthrustingitintoatubofwaternearby,exclaimed:'Well,ifIcan'tmakeanythingelseofyou,Iwillmakeafizzle,anyhow.'""IwasafraidthatwasaboutwhatwehaddonewiththeDutchGapCanal,"saidGeneralGrant.
ATEETOTALER.
WhenLincolnwasintheBlackHawkWarascaptain,thevolunteersoldiersdrankinwithdelightthejestsandstoriesofthetallcaptain.Aesop'sFablesweregivenanewdress,andthetalesofthewildadventuresthathehadbroughtfromKentuckyandIndianaweremany,buthisinspirationwasneverstimulatedbyrecoursetothewhiskyjug.
Whenhisgratefulanddelightedauditorspressedthisonhimhehadonereply:"Thankyou,Ineverdrinkit."
NOTTO"OPENSHOP"THERE.
PresidentLincolnwaspassingdownPennsylvaniaavenueinWashingtononeday,whenamancamerunningafterhim,hailedhim,andthrustabundleofpapersinhishands.
Itangeredhimnotalittle,andhepitchedthepapersback,saying,"I'mnotgoingtoopenshophere."
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"Imeantheincreasingdisregardforlawwhichpervadesthecountry,thedispositiontosubstitutethewildandfuriouspassionsinlieuofthesoberjudgmentofcourts,andtheworsethansavagemobsfortheexecutiveministersofjustice.
"Thisdispositionisawfullyfearfulinanycommunity,andthatitnowexistsinours,thoughgratingtoourfeelingstoadmitit,itwouldbeaviolationoftruthandaninsulttodeny.
"Accountsofoutragescommittedbymobsformtheevery-daynewsofthetimes.
"TheyhavepervadedthecountryfromNewEnglandtoLouisiana;theyareneitherpeculiartotheeternalsnowsoftheformer,northeburningsunofthelatter.
"Theyarenotthecreaturesofclimate,neitheraretheyconfinedtotheslave-holdingornon-slave-holdingStates.
"Aliketheyspringupamongthepleasure-huntingSouthernersandtheorder-lovingcitizensofthelandofsteadyhabits.
"Whatever,then,theircausemaybe,itiscommontothewholecountry.
"Manygreatandgoodmen,sufficientlyqualifiedforanytasktheymayundertak
e,mayeverbefound,whoseambitionwouldaspiretonothingbeyondaseatinCongress,agubernatorialorPresidentialchair;butsuchbelongnottothefamilyofthelion,orthetribeoftheeagle.
"What!ThinkyoutheseplaceswouldsatisfyanAlexander,aCaesar,oraNapoleon?Never!
"Toweringgeniusdisdainsabeatenpath.Itseeksregionshithertounexplored.
"Itseeksnodistinctioninaddingstorytostoryuponthemonumentsoffame,erectedtothememoryofothers.
"Itdeniesthatitisgloryenoughtoserveunderanychief.
"Itscornstotreadinthefootpathsofanypredecessor,howeverillustrious.
"Itthirstsandburnsfordistinction,and,ifpossible,itwillhaveit,whetherattheexpenseofemancipatingtheslavesorenslavingfreemen.
"Anotherreasonwhichoncewas,butwhichtothesameextentisnownomore,hasdonemuchinmaintainingourinstitutionsthusfar.
"ImeanthepowerfulinfluencewhichtheinterestingscenesoftheRevolutionhaduponthepassionsofthepeople,asdistinguishedfromtheirjudgment.
"Butthesehistoriesaregone.Theycanbereadnomoreforever.Theywereafo
rtressofstrength.
"Butwhattheinvadingfoemancouldneverdo,thesilentartilleryoftimehasdone,thelevellingofthewalls.
"Theywereaforestofgiantoaks,buttheall-resistinghurricanesweptoverthemandleftonlyhereandtherealonetrunk,despoiledofitsverdure,shornofitsfoliage,unshadingandunshaded,tomurmurinafewmoregentlebreezesandtocombatwithitsmutilatedlimbsafewmorerudestorms,thentosinkandbenomore.
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"Theywerethepillarsofthetempleofliberty,andnowthattheyhavecrumbledaway,thattemplemustfall,unlesswe,thedescendants,supplytheplaceswithpillarshewnfromthesamesolidquarryofsoberreason.
"Passionhashelpedus,butcandosonomore.Itwillinfuturebeourenemy.
"Reason--cold,calculating,unimpassionedreason--mustfurnishallthematerialsforoursupportanddefense.
"Letthosematerialsbemoldedintogeneralintelligence,soundmorality,and,inparticular,areverencefortheConstitutionandthelaws;andthenourcountryshallcontinuetoimprove,andournation,reveringhisname,andpermittingnohostilefoottopassordesecratehisresting-place,shallbethefirsttohearthelasttrumpthatshallawakenourWashington.
"Upontheselettheproudfabricoffreedomrestastherockofitsbasis,andastrulyashasbeensaidoftheonlygreaterinstitution,'thegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit.'"
TOMCORWINS'SLATESTSTORY.
OneofMr.Lincoln'swarmfriendswasDr.RobertBoal,ofLacon,Illinois.TellingofavisithepaidtotheWhiteHousesoonafterMr.Lincoln'sinauguration,hesaid:"IfoundhimthesameLincolnasastrugglinglawyerandpoliticianthatIdidinWashingtonasPresidentoftheUnitedStates,yettherewasadignityandself-possessionabouthiminhishighofficialauthority.Ipaidhimasecondcallintheevening.Hehadthrownoffhisreservesomewhat,andwouldwalkupanddowntheroomwithhishandstohissidesandlaughatthejokehewastelling,oratonethatwastoldtohim.Irememberonestoryhetoldtomeonthisoccasion.
"TomCorwin,ofOhio,hadbeendowntoAlexandria,Va.,thatdayandhadcomebackandtoldLincolnastorywhichpleasedhimsomuchthathebrokeoutinaheartylaughandsaid:'ImusttellyouTomCorwin'slatest.Tommetanoldmanat
AlexandriawhoknewGeorgeWashington,andhetoldTomthatGeorgeWashingtonoftenswore.Now,Corwin'sfatherhadalwaysheldthefatherofourcountryupasafaultlesspersonandtoldhissontofollowinhisfootsteps.
"'"Well,"saidCorwin,"whenIheardthatGeorgeWashingtonwasaddictedtothevicesandinfirmitiesofman,IfeltsorelievedthatIjustshoutedforjoy."'"
"CATCH'EMANDCHEAT'EM."
ThelawyersonthecircuittraveledbyLincolngottogetheronenightandtried
himonthechargeofacceptingfeeswhichtendedtolowertheestablishedrates.Itwastheunderstoodrulethatalawyershouldacceptalltheclientcouldbeinducedtopay.Thetribunalwasknownas"TheOgmathorialCourt."
WardLamon,hislawpartneratthetime,tellsaboutit:
"Lincolnwasfoundguiltyandfinedforhisawfulcrimeagainstthepocketsofhisbrethrenofthebar.Thefinehepaidwithgreatgoodhumor,andthenkeptthecrowdoflawyersinuproariouslaughteruntilaftermidnight.
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"Hepersistedinhisrevolt,however,declaringthatwithhisconsenthisfirmshouldneverduringitslife,orafteritsdissolution,deservethereputationenjoyedbythoseshininglightsoftheprofession,'Catch'emandCheat'em.'"
AJURYMAN'SSCORN.
Lincolnhadassistedintheprosecutionofamanwhohadrobbedhisneighbor'shenroosts.Jogginghomealongthehighwaywiththeforemanofthejurythathadconvictedthehenstealer,hewascomplimentedbyLincolnonthezealandabilityoftheprosecution,andremarked:"Why,whenthecountrywasyoung,andIwasstrongerthanIamnow,Ididn'tmindpackingoffasheepnowandagain,butstealinghens!"Thegoodman'sscorncouldnotfindwordstoexpresshisopinionofamanwhowouldstealhens.
HE"BROKE"TOWIN.
Alawyer,whowasastrangertoMr.Lincoln,onceexpressedtoGeneralLindertheopinionthatMr.Lincoln'spracticeoftellingstoriestothejurywasawasteoftime.
"Don'tlaythatflatteringunctiontoyoursoul,"Linderanswered;"LincolnislikeTansey'shorse,he'breakstowin.'"
WANTEDHERCHILDRENBACK.
Onthe3rdofJanuary,1863,"Harper'sWeekly"appearedwithacartoonrepresentingColumbiaindignantlydemandingofPresidentLincolnandSecretaryofWarStantonthattheyrestoretoherthoseofhersonskilledinbattle.Belowthepictureisthereadingmatter:
COLUMBIA:"Wherearemy15,000sons--murderedatFredericksburg?"
LINCOLN:"Thisremindsmeofalittlejoke--"
COLUMBIA:"GotellyourjokeatSpringfield!!"
ThebattleofFredericksburgwasfoughtonDecember13th,1862,betweenGeneralBurnside,commandingtheArmyofthePotomac,andGeneralLee'sforce.TheUniontroops,timeandagain,assaultedtheheightswheretheConfederateshadtakenposition,butweredrivenbackwithfrightfullosses.Theenemy,beingbehindbreastworks,sufferedcomparativelylittle.AtthebeginningofthefighttheConfederatelinewasbroken,buttheresultoftheengagementwasdisastroustotheUnioncause.Burnsidehadonethousandonehundredandfifty-twokilled,ninethousandonehundredandonewounded,andthreethousandtwohundredandthirty-f
ourmissing,atotalofthirteenthousandsevenhundredandseventy-one.GeneralLee'slosses,alltold,werenotmuchmorethanfivethousandmen.
BurnsidehadsucceededMcClellanincommandoftheArmyofthePotomac,mainly,itwassaid,throughtheinfluenceofSecretaryofWarStanton.Threemonthsbefore,McClellanhaddefeatedLeeatAntietam,thebloodiestbattleoftheWar,Lee'slossesfootingupmorethanthirteenthousandmen.AtFredericksburg,Burnsidehadaboutonehundredandtwentythousandmen;atAntietam,McClellanhadabouteightythousand.IthasbeenmaintainedthatBurnsideshouldnothavefoughtthisbattle,thechancesofsuccessbeingsofew.
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SIXFEETFOURATSEVENTEEN.
"Abe's"schoolteacher,Crawford,endeavoredtoteachhispupilssomeofthemannersofthe"politesociety"ofIndiana--1823orso.Thiswasapartofhissystem:
Oneofthepupilswouldretire,andthencomeinasastranger,andanotherpupilwouldhavetointroducehimtoallthemembersoftheschoolnwhatwasconsidered"goodmanners."
As"Abe"worealinsey-woolseyshirt,buckskinbreecheswhichweretooshortandverytight,andlowshoes,andwastallandawkward,henodoubtcreatedconsiderablemerrimentwhenhisturncame.Hewasgrowingatafearfulrate;hewasfifteenyearsofage,andtwoyearslaterattainedhisfullheightofsixfeetfourinches.
HADRESPECTFORTHEEGGS.
Earlyin1831,"Abe"wasoneoftheguestsofhonorataboat-launching,heand
twoothershavingbuiltthecraft.Theaffairwasanotableone,peoplebeingpresentfromtheterritorysurrounding.AlargepartycamefromSpringfieldwithanamplesupplyofwhisky,togivetheboatanditsbuildersasend-off.Itwasasortofbipartisanmass-meeting,buttherewasoneprevailingspirit,thatbornofryeandcorn.Speechesweremadeinthebestoffeeling,someinfavorofAndrewJacksonandsomeinfavorofHenryClay.AbrahamLincoln,thecook,toldanumberoffunnystories,anditisrecordedthattheywerenotoftoorefinedacharactertosuitthetasteofhisaudience.Asleight-of-handperformerwaspresent,andamongothertricksperformed,hefriedsomeeggsinLincoln'shat.JudgeHerndonsays,asexplanatorytothedelayinpassingupthehatfortheexperiment,Lincolndrollyobserved:"Itwasoutofrespectfortheeggs,notcareformyhat."
HOWWASTHEMILKUPSET?
WilliamG.Greene,anold-timefriendofLincoln,wasastudentatIllinoisCollege,andonesummerbroughthomewithhim,onavacation,RichardYates(afterwardsGovernorofIllinois)andsomeotherboys,and,inordertoentertainthem,tookthemuptoseeLincoln.
Hefoundhiminhisusualpositionandathisusualoccupation--flatonhisback,onacellardoor,readinganewspaper.ThiswasthemannerinwhichaPresidentoftheUnitedStatesandaGovernorofIllinoisbecameacquaintedwitheachother.
GreenesaysLincolnrepeatedthewholeofBurns,andalargequantityofShakespearefortheentertainmentofthecollegeboys,and,inreturn,wasinvitedtodinewiththemonbreadandmilk.Howhemanagedtoupsethisbowlofmilkisnotamatterofhistory,butthefactisthathedidso,asisthefurtherfactthatGreene'smother,wholovedLincoln,triedtosmoothovertheaccidentandrelievetheyoungman'sembarrassment.
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"PULLEDFODDER"FORABOOK.
Once"Abe"borrowedWeems'"LifeofWashington"fromJosephCrawford,aneighbor."Abe"devouredit;readitandre-readit,andwhenasleepputitbyhimbetweenthelogsofthewall.Onenightarainstormwetitthroughandruinedit.
"I'venomoney,"said"Abe,"whenreportingthedisastertoCrawford,"butI'llworkitout."
"Allright,"wasCrawford'sresponse;"youpullfodderforthreedays,an'thebookisyour'n."
"Abe"pulledthefodder,butheneverforgaveCrawfordforputtingsomuchworkuponhim.Heneverlostanopportunitytocrackajokeathisexpense,andthename"Blue-noseCrawford""Abe"appliedtohimstucktohimthroughouthislife.
PRAISESHISRIVALFOROFFICE.
WhenMr.LincolnwasacandidatefortheLegislature,itwasthepracticeatthatdateinIllinoisfortworivalcandidatestotraveloverthedistricttogether.Thecustomledtomuchgood-naturedraillerybetweenthem;andinsuchcontestsLincolnwasrarely,ifever,worsted.Hecouldeventurnthegenerosityofa
rivaltoaccountbyhiswhimsicaltreatment.
Ononeoccasion,saysMr.Weir,aformerresidentofSangamoncounty,hehaddrivenoutfromSpringfieldincompanywithapoliticalopponenttoengageinjointdebate.Thecarriage,itseems,belongedtohisopponent.Inaddressingthegatheringoffarmersthatmetthem,Lincolnwaslavishinpraiseofthegenerosityofhisfriend.
"Iamtoopoortoownacarriage,"hesaid,"butmyfriendhasgenerouslyinvitedmetoridewithhim.Iwantyoutovoteformeifyouwill;butifnotthenvoteformyopponent,forheisafineman."
Hisextravagantandpersistentpraiseofhisopponentappealedtothesenseof
humorinhisruralaudience,towhomhisinabilitytoownacarriagewasbynomeansadisqualification.
ONETHING"ABE"DIDN'TLOVE.
Lincolnadmittedthathewasnotparticularlyenergeticwhenitcametorealhardwork.
"Myfather,"saidheoneday,"taughtmehowtowork,butnottoloveit.Ineverdidliketowork,andIdon'tdenyit.I'dratherread,tellstories,crackjokes,talk,laugh--anythingbutwork."
THEMODESTYOFGENIUS.
Theopeningoftheyear1860foundMr.Lincoln'snamefreelymentionedinconnectionwiththeRepublicannominationforthePresidency.TobeclassedwithSeward,Chase,McLean,andothercelebrities,wasenoughtostimulateanyIllinoislawyer'spride;butinMr.Lincoln'scase,ifithadanysucheffect,hewasmostartfulinconcealingit.Nowandthen,someardentfriend,aneditor,forexamp
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le,wouldrunhisnameuptothemasthead,butinallcaseshediscouragedtheattempt.
"Inregardtothematteryouspokeof,"heansweredonemanwhoproposedhisname,"Ibegyouwillnotgiveitafurthermention.Seriously,IdonotthinkIamfitforthePresidency."
WHYSHEMARRIEDHIM.
Therewasa"social"atLincoln'shouseinSpringfield,and"Abe"introducedhiswifetoWardLamon,hislawpartner.Lamontellsthestoryinthesewords:
"AfterintroducingmetoMrs.Lincoln,heleftusinconversation.IremarkedtoherthatherhusbandwasagreatfavoriteintheeasternpartoftheState,whereIhadbeenstopping.
"'Yes,'shereplied,'heisagreatfavoriteeverywhere.HeistobePresidentoftheUnitedStatessomeday;ifIhadnotthoughtsoIneverwouldhavemarriedhim,foryoucanseeheisnotpretty.
"'Butlookathim,doesn'thelookasifhewouldmakeamagnificentPresident?'"
NIAGARAFALLS.
(WrittenByAbrahamLincoln.)
ThefollowingarticleonNiagaraFalls,inMr.Lincoln'shandwriting,wasfoundamonghispapersafterhisdeath:
"NiagaraFalls!BywhatmysteriouspowerisitthatmillionsandmillionsaredrawnfromallpartsoftheworldtogazeuponNiagaraFalls?Thereisnomysteryaboutthethingitself.Everyeffectisjustasanyintelligentman,knowingth
ecauses,wouldanticipatewithoutseeingit.Ifthewatermovingonwardinagreatriverreachesapointwherethereisaperpendicularjogofahundredfeetindescentinthebottomoftheriver,itisplainthewaterwillhaveaviolentandcontinuousplungeatthatpoint.Itisalsoplain,thewater,thusplunging,willfoamandroar,andsendupamistcontinuously,inwhichlast,duringsunshine,therewillbeperpetualrainbows.ThemerephysicalofNiagaraFallsisonlythis.Yetthisisreallyaverysmallpartofthatworld'swonder.Itspowertoexcitereflectionandemotionisitsgreatcharm.Thegeologistwilldemonstratethattheplunge,orfall,wasonceatLakeOntario,andhaswornitswaybacktoitspresentposition;hewillascertainhowfastitiswearingnow,andsogetabasisfordetermininghowlongithasbeenwearingbackfromLakeOntario,andfinallydemonstratebyitthatthisworldisatleastfourteenthousandyearsold.Aphilosopherofaslightlydifferentturnwillsay,'NiagaraFallsiso
nlythelipofthebasinoutofwhichpoursallthesurpluswaterwhichrainsdownontwoorthreehundredthousandsquaremilesoftheearth'ssurface.'Hewillestimatewithapproximateaccuracythatfivehundredthousandtonsofwaterfallwiththeirfullweightadistanceofahundredfeeteachminute--thusexertingaforceequaltotheliftingofthesameweight,throughthesamespace,inthesametime.
"Butstillthereismore.Itcallsuptheindefinitepast.WhenColumbusfirstsoughtthiscontinent--whenChristsufferedonthecross--whenMosesledIsraelthroughtheRedSea--nay,evenwhenAdamfirstcamefromthehandofhisMaker;
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then,asnow,Niagarawasroaringhere.TheeyesofthatspeciesofextinctgiantswhosebonesfillthemoundsofAmericahavegazedonNiagara,asoursdonow.Contemporarywiththefirstraceofmen,andolderthanthefirstman,Niagaraisstrongandfreshto-dayastenthousandyearsago.TheMammothandMastodon,solongdeadthatfragmentsoftheirmonstrousbonesalonetestifythattheyeverlived,havegazedonNiagara--inthatlong,longtimeneverstillforasinglemoment(neverdried),neverfroze,neverslept,neverrested."
MADEITHOTFORLINCOLN.
Aladyrelative,wholivedfortwoyearswiththeLincolns,saidthatMr.Lincolnwasinthehabitoflyingonthefloorwiththebackofachairforapillowwhenheread.
Oneevening,wheninthispositioninthehall,aknockwasheardatthefrontdoor,and,althoughinhisshirtsleeves,heansweredthecall.Twoladieswereatthedoor,whomheinvitedintotheparlor,notifyingtheminhisopen,familiarway,thathewould"trotthewomenfolksout."
Mrs.Lincoln,fromanadjoiningroom,witnessedtheladies'entrance,and,overhearingherhusband'sjocoseexpression,herindignationwassoinstantaneousshemadethesituationexceedinglyinterestingforhim,andhewasgladtoretreat
fromthehouse.Hedidnotreturntillverylateatnight,andthenslippedquietlyinatareardoor.
WOULDN'THOLDTITLEAGAINSTHIM.
DuringtherebelliontheAustrianMinistertotheUnitedStatesGovernmentintroducedtothePresidentacount,asubjectoftheAustriangovernment,whowasdesirousofobtainingapositionintheAmericanarmy.
BeingintroducedbytheaccreditedMinisterofAustriaherequirednofurtherrecommendationtosecuretheappointment;but,fearingthathisimportancemight
notbefullyappreciatedbytherepublicanPresident,thecountwasparticularinimpressingthefactuponhimthatheborethattitle,andthathisfamilywasancientandhighlyrespectable.
PresidentLincolnlistenedwithattention,untilthisunnecessarycommendationwasmentioned;then,withamerrytwinkleinhiseye,hetappedthearistocraticsprigofhereditarynobilityontheshoulderinthemostfatherlyway,asifthegentlemanhadmadeaconfessionofsomeunfortunatecircumstanceconnectedwithhislineage,forwhichhewasinnowayresponsible,andsaid:
"Nevermind,youshallbetreatedwithjustasmuchconsiderationforallthat.Iwillseetoitthatyourbearingatitleshan'thurtyou."
ONLYONELIFETOLIVE.
AyoungmanlivinginKentuckyhadbeenenticedintotherebelarmy.Afterafewmonthshebecamedisgusted,andmanagedtomakehiswaybackhome.Soonafterhisarrival,theUnionofficerincommandofthemilitarystationedinthetownhadhimarrestedasarebelspy,and,afteramilitarytrialhewascondemnedtobehanged.
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PresidentLincolnwasseenbyoneofhisfriendsfromKentucky,whoexplainedhiserrandandaskedformercy."Oh,yes,Iunderstand;someonehasbeencrying,andworkeduponyourfeelings,andyouhavecomeheretoworkonmine."
Hisfriendthenwentmoreintodetail,andassuredhimofhisbeliefinthetruthofthestory.Aftersomedeliberation,Mr.Lincoln,evidentlyscarcelymorethanhalfconvinced,butstillpreferringtoerronthesideofmercy,replied:
"Ifamanhadmorethanonelife,Ithinkalittlehangingwouldnothurtthisone;butafterheisoncedeadwecannotbringhimback,nomatterhowsorrywemaybe;sotheboyshallbepardoned."
Andareprievewasgivenonthespot.
COULDN'TLOCATEHISBIRTHPLACE.
Whilethecelebratedartist,Hicks,wasengagedinpaintingMr.Lincoln'sportrait,justaftertheformer'sfirstnominationforthePresidency,heaskedthegreatstatesmanifhecouldpointouttheprecisespotwherehewasborn.
Lincolnthoughtthematteroverforadayortwo,andthengavetheartistthefollowingmemorandum:
"Springfield,Ill.,June14,1860
"IwasbornFebruary12,1809,inthenHardincounty,Kentucky,atapointwithinthenowcountyofLarue,amileoramileandahalffromwhereRodgen'smillnowis.Myparentsbeingdead,andmyownmemorynotserving,Iknownomeansofidentifyingthepreciselocality.ItwasonNolenCreek.
"A.LINCOLN."
"SAMBO"WAS"AFEARED."
InhismessagetoCongressinDecember,1864,justafterhisre-election,PresidentLincoln,inhismessageofDecember6th,lethimselfout,inplain,unmistakableterms,totheeffectthatthefreedmenshouldneverbeplacedinbondageagain."FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper"ofDecember24th,1864,printedthecartoonweherewithreproduce,thetextunderneathrunninginthisway:
UNCLEABE:"Sambo,youarenothandsome,anymorethanmyself,butastosendingyoubacktoyouroldmaster,I'mnotthemantodoit--and,what'smore,Iwon't."(VicePresident'smessage.)
Congress,attheprevioussitting,hadneglectedtopasstheresolutionfortheConstitutionalamendmentprohibitingslavery,but,onthe31stofJanuary,1865
,theresolutionwasfinallyadopted,andtheUnitedStatesConstitutionsoonhadthenewfeatureasoneofitsclauses,thenecessarynumberofStateLegislaturesapprovingit.PresidentLincolnregardedthepassageofthisresolutionbyCongressasmostimportant,astheamendment,inhismind,coveredwhateverdefectsarigidconstructionoftheConstitutionmightfindinhisEmancipationProclamation.
Afterthelatterwasissued,negroeswereallowedtoenlistintheArmy,andtheyfoughtwellandbravely.AftertheWar,inthereorganizationoftheRegularArmy,fourregimentsofcoloredmenwereprovidedfor--theNinthandTenthCaval
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ryandtheTwenty-fourthandTwenty-fifthInfantry.Inthecartoon,Sambohasevidentlybeenasking"UncleAbe"astotheprobabilityorpossibilityofhisbeingagainenslaved.
WHENMONEYMIGHTBEUSED.
SomeLincolnenthusiastinKansas,withmuchmorepretensionsthanpower,wrotehiminMarch,1860proposingtofurnishaLincolndelegationfromthatStatetotheChicagoConvention,andsuggestingthatLincolnshouldpaythelegitimateexpensesoforganizing,electing,andtakingtotheconventionthepromisedLincolndelegates.
TothisLincolnrepliedthat"inthemain,theuseofmoneyiswrong,butforcertainobjectsinapoliticalcontesttheuseofsomeisbothrightandindispensable."Andheadded:"IfyoushallbeappointedadelegatetoChicago,Iwillfurnish$100tobeartheexpensesofthetrip."
HeheardnothingfurtherfromtheKansasmanuntilhesawanannouncementinthenewspapersthatKansashadelecteddelegatesandinstructedthemforSeward.
"ABE"WASNOBEAUTY.
Lincoln'smilitaryserviceintheBackHawkwarhadincreasedhispopularityatNewSalem,andhewasputupasacandidatefortheLegislature.
A.Y.Ellisdescribeshispersonalappearanceatthistimeasfollows:"Heworeamixedjeancoat,claw-hammerstyle,shortinthesleevesandbob-tailed;infact,itwassoshortinthetailthathecouldnotsitonit;flaxandtowlinenpantaloonsandastrawhat.Ithinkheworeavest,butdonotrememberhowitlooked;heworepot-metalboots."
"HE'SJUSTBEAUTIFUL."
Lincoln'sgreatloveforchildreneasilywontheirconfidence.
Alittlegirl,whohadbeentoldthatthePresidentwasveryhomely,wastakenbyherfathertoseethePresidentattheWhiteHouse.
Lincolntookheruponhiskneeandchattedwithherforamomentinhismerryway,whensheturnedtoherfatherandexclaimed:
"Oh,Pa!heisn'tuglyatall;he'sjustbeautiful!"
BIGENOUGHHOGFORHIM.
Toacuriosity-seekerwhodesiredapermittopassthelinestovisitthefieldofBullRun,afterthefirstbattle,Lincolnmadethefollowingreply:
"AmaninCortlandtcountyraisedaporkerofsuchunusualsizethatstrangerswentoutoftheirwaytoseeit.
"Oneofthemtheotherdaymettheoldgentlemanandinquiredabouttheanimal.
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"'Wall,yes,'theoldfellowsaid,'I'vegotsuchacritter,mi'tybigun;butIguessI'llhavetochargeyouaboutashillin'forlookin'athim.'
"Thestrangerlookedattheoldmanforaminuteorso,pulledoutthedesiredcoin,handedittohimandstartedtogooff.'Holdon,'saidtheother,'don'tyouwanttoseethehog?'
"'No,'saidthestranger;'IhaveseenasbigahogasIwanttosee!'
"Andyouwillfindthatfactthecasewithyourself,ifyoushouldhappentoseeafewliverebelsthereaswellasdeadones."
"ABE"OFFERSASPEECHFORSOMETHINGTOEAT.
WhenLincoln'sspecialtrainfromSpringfieldtoWashingtonreachedtheIllinoisStateline,therewasastopfordinner.TherewassuchacrowdthatLincolncouldscarcelyreachthedining-room."Gentlemen,"saidhe,ashesurveyedthecrowd,"ifyouwillmakemealittlepath,sothatIcangetthroughandgetsomethingtoeat,IwillmakeyouaspeechwhenIgetback."
THEYUNDERSTOODEACHOTHER.
WhencomplaintsweremadetoPresidentLincolnbyvictimsofSecretaryofWarStanton'sharshness,rudeness,andrefusaltobeobliging--particularlyincaseswhereSecretaryStantonhadrefusedtohonorLincoln'spassesthroughthelines--thePresidentwouldoftenremarktothiseffect"Icannotalwaysbesurethatpermitsgivenbymeoughttobegranted.ThereisanunderstandingbetweenmyselfandStantonthatwhenIsendarequesttohimwhichcannotconsistentlybegranted,heistorefusetohonorit.Thishesometimesdoes."
FEWFENCERAILSLEFT.
"Therewon'tbeatarbarrelleftinIllinoisto-night,"saidSenatorStephenA.Douglas,inWashington,tohisSenatorialfriends,whoaskedhim,whenthenewsofthenominationofLincolnreachedthem,"WhoisthismanLincoln,anyhow?"
Douglaswasright.Notonlythetarbarrels,buthalfthefencesoftheStateofIllinoiswentupinthefireofrejoicing.
THE"GREATSNOW"OF1830-31.
InexplanationofLincoln'sgreatpopularity,D.W.Bartlett,inhis"LifeandSpeechesofAbrahamLincoln,"publishedin1860makesthisstatementof"Abe's"efficientservicetohisneighborsinthe"GreatSnow"of1830-31:
"Thedeepsnowwhichoccurredin1830-31wasoneofthechieftroublesenduredbytheearlysettlersofcentralandsouthernIllinois.Itsconsequenceslastedthroughseveralyears.Thepeoplewereill-preparedtomeetit,astheweatherhadbeenmildandpleasant--unprecedentedlysouptoChristmas--whenasnow-stormsetinwhichlastedtwodays,somethingneverbeforeknownevenamongthetraditionsoftheIndians,andneverapproachedintheweatherofanywintersince.
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"ThepioneerswhocameintotheState(thenaterritory)in1800saytheaveragedepthofsnowwasnever,previousto1830,morethanknee-deeptoanordinaryman,whileitwasbreast-highallthatwinter.Itbecamecrustedover,soas,insomecases,tobearteams.Cattleandhorsesperished,thewinterwheatwaskilled,themeagerstockofprovisionsranout,andduringthethreemonths'continuanceofthesnow,iceandcontinuouscoldweatherthemostwealthysettlerscamenearstarving,whilesomeofthepooronesactuallydid.ItwasinthemidstofsuchscenesthatAbrahamLincolnattainedhismajority,andcommencedhiscareerofboldandmanlyindependence.....
"Communicationbetweenhouseandhousewasoftenentirelyobstructedforteams,sothattheyoungandstrongmenhadtodoallthetravelingonfoot;carryingfromoneneighborwhatofhisstorehecouldsparetoanother,andbringingbackinreturnsomethingofhisstoresorelyneeded.Menlivingfive,ten,twentyandthirtymilesapartwerecalled'neighbors'then.YoungLincolnwasalwaysreadytoperformtheseactsofhumanity,andwasforemostinthecounselsofthesettlerswhentheirtroublesseemedgatheringlikeathickcloudaboutthem."
CREDIT
ORPAIDDEBTORSDEBT.
AcertainrichmaninSpringfield,Illinois,suedapoorattorneyfor$2.50,andLincolnwasaskedtoprosecutethecase.Lincolnurgedthecreditortoletthematterdrop,adding,"Youcanmakenothingoutofhim,anditwillcostyouagooddealmorethanthedebttobringsuit."Thecreditorwasstilldeterminedtohavehisway,andthreatenedtoseeksomeotherattorney.Lincolnthensaid,"Well,ifyouaredeterminedthatsuitshouldbebrought,Iwillbringit;butmychargewillbe$10."
Themoneywaspaidhim,andperemptoryordersweregiventhatthesuitbebroughtthatday.Aftertheclient'sdepartureLincolnwentoutoftheoffice,returninginaboutanhourwithanamusedlookonhisface.
Askedwhatpleasedhim,hereplied,"Ibroughtsuitagainst----,andthenhuntedhimup,toldhimwhatIhaddone,handedhimhalfofthe$10,andwewentovertothesquire'soffice.Heconfessedjudgmentandpaidthebill."
Lincolnaddedthathedidn'tseeanyotherwaytomakethingssatisfactoryforhisclientaswellastheother.
HELPEDOUTTHESOLDIERS.
JudgeThomasB.Bryan,ofChicago,amemberoftheUnionDefenseCommitteeduringtheWar,relatedthefollowingconcerningtheoriginalcopyoftheEmancipati
onProclamation:
"IaskedMr.LincolnfortheoriginaldraftoftheProclamation,"saidJudgeBryan,"forthebenefitofourSanitaryFair,in1865.Hesentitandaccompanieditwithanoteinwhichhesaid:
"'Ihadintendedtokeepthispaper,butifitwillhelpthesoldiers,Igiveittoyou.'
"Thepaperwasputupatauctionandbrought$3,000.Thebuyerafterwardsoldi
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tagaintofriendsofMr.Lincolnatagreatlyadvancedprice,anditwasplacedintheroomsoftheChicagoHistoricalSociety,whereitwasburnedinthegreatfireof1871."
EVERYFELLOWFORHIMSELF.
AnelegantlydressedyoungVirginianassuredLincolnthathehaddoneagreatdealofhardmanuallaborinhistime.Muchamusedatthissolemndeclaration,Lincolnsaid:
"Oh,yes;youVirginiansshedbarrelsofperspirationwhilestandingoffatadistanceandsuperintendingtheworkyourslavesdoforyou.Itisdifferentwithus.Hereitiseveryfellowforhimself,orhedoesn'tgetthere."
"BUTCHER-KNIFEBOYS"ATTHEPOLLS.
WhenyoungLincolnhadfullydemonstratedthathewasthechampionwrestlerinthecountrysurroundingNewSalem,themenof"degang"atClary'sGrove,whoseleader"Abe"haddowned,werehisswornpoliticalfriendsandallies.
Theirworkatthepollswasremarkablyeffective.Whenthe"Butcherknifeboys,"the"huge-pawedboys,"andthe"half-horse-half-alligatormen"declaredforacandidatethelatterwasneverdefeated.
NO"SECONDCOMING"FORSPRINGFIELD.
SoonaftertheopeningofCongressin1861,Mr.Shannon,fromCalifornia,madethecustomarycallattheWhiteHouse.Intheconversationthatensued,MrShannonsaid:"Mr.President,ImetanoldfriendofyoursinCalifornialastsummer,aMr.Campbell,whohadagooddealtosayofyourSpringfieldlife."
"Ah!"returnedMr.Lincoln,"Iamgladtohearofhim.Campbellusedtobeadryfellowinthosedays,"hecontinued."ForatimehewasSecretaryofState.Onedayduringthelegislativevacation,ameek,cadaverous-lookingman,withawhiteneck-cloth,introducedhimselftohimathisoffice,and,statingthathehadbeeninformedthatMr.C.hadthelettingofthehallofrepresentatives,hewishedtosecureit,ifpossible,foracourseoflectureshedesiredtodeliverinSpringfield.
"'MayIask,'saidtheSecretary,'whatistobethesubjectofyourlectures?'
"'Certainly,'wasthereply,withaverysolemnexpressionofcountenance.'ThecourseIwishtodeliverisontheSecondComingofourLord.'
"'Itisofnouse,'saidC.;'ifyouwilltakemyadvice,youwillnotwasteyourtimeinthiscity.Itismyprivateopinionthat,iftheLordhasbeeninSpringfieldonce,Hewillnevercomethesecondtime!'"
HOWHEWONAFRIEND.
J.S.Moulton,ofChicago,amasterinchanceryandinfluentialinpublicaffairs,lookeduponthecandidacyofMr.LincolnforPresidentassomethinginthen
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atureofajoke.HedidnotratetheIllinoismaninthesameclasswiththegiantsoftheEast.InfacthehadexpressedhimselfasbynomeansfriendlytotheLincolncause.
StillhehadbeenagoodfriendtoLincolnandhadoftenmethimwhentheSpringfieldlawyercametoChicago.Mr.LincolnheardofMoulton'sattitude,butdidnotseeMoultonuntilaftertheelection,whenthePresident-electcametoChicagoandwastenderedareceptionatoneofthebighotels.
Moultonwentupinthelinetopayhisrespectstothenewly-electedchiefmagistrate,purelyasaformality,heexplainedtohiscompanions.AsMoultoncamealongthelineMr.LincolngraspedMoulton'shandwithhisright,andwithhislefttookthemasterofchancerybytheshoulderandpulledhimoutoftheline.
"Youdon'tbelonginthatline,Moulton,"saidMr.Lincoln."Youbelongherebyme."
EveryoneatthereceptionwasawitnesstothehonoringofMoulton.FromthathoureveryfacultythatMoultonpossessedwasattheserviceofthePresident.Alittleactofkindness,skillfullybestowed,hadwonhim;andhestayedontotheend.
NEVERSUEDACLIENT.
Ifaclientdidnotpay,Lincolndidnotbelieveinsuingforthefee.Whenafeewaspaidhimhiscustomwastodividethemoneyintotwoequalparts,putonepartintohispocket,andtheotherintoanenvelopelabeled"Herndon'sshare."
THELINCOLNHOUSEHOLDGOODS.
Itisrecordedthatwhen"Abe"wasborn,thehouseholdgoodsofhisfatherconsistedofafewcookingutensils,alittlebedding,somecarpentertools,andfourhundredgallonsofthefierceproductofthemountainstill.
RUNNINGTHEMACHINE.
Oneofthecartoon-postersissuedbytheDemocraticNationalCampaignCommitteeinthefallof1864isgivenhere.Ithadthelegend,"RunningtheMachine,"printedbeneath;the"machine"wasSecretaryChase's"GreenbackMill,"andthemillwasturningoutpapermoneybythemilliontosatisfythedemandsofgreedycontractors."UncleAbe"ispicturedasabouttotelloneofhisfunnystories,ofwhichthescene"reminds"him;SecretaryofWarStantonisreceivingamessagefromthefront,describingagreatvictory,inwhichoneprisonerandonegunweretaken;SecretaryofStateSewardishandinganordertoamessengerforthea
rrestofamanwhohadcalledhima"humbug,"thehabeascorpusbeingsuspendedthroughouttheUnionatthatperiod;SecretaryoftheNavyWelles--thelong-haired,long-beardedmanattheheadofthetable--isfiguringoutanavalproblem;atthesideofthetable,opposite"UncleAbe,"areseatedtwoGovernmentcontractors,shoutingfor"moregreenbacks,"andattheextremeleftisSecretaryoftheTreasuryFessenden(whosucceededChasewhenthelatterwasmadeChiefJusticeoftheUnitedStatesSupremeCourt),whocomplainsthathecannotsatisfythegreedofthecontractorsfor"moregreenbacks,"althoughheisgrindingawayatthemilldayandnight.
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WAS"BOSS"WHENNECESSARY.
Lincolnwastheactualheadoftheadministration,andwheneverhechosetodosohecontrolledSecretaryofWarStantonaswellastheotherCabinetministers.
SecretaryStantonononeoccasionsaid:"Now,Mr.President,thosearethefactsandyoumustseethatyourordercannotbeexecuted."
Lincolnrepliedinasomewhatpositivetone:"Mr.Secretary,Ireckonyou'llhavetoexecutetheorder."
Stantonrepliedwithvigor:"Mr.President,Icannotdoit.Thisorderisanimproperone,andIcannotexecuteit."
LincolnfixedhiseyesuponStanton,and,inafirmvoiceandaccentthatclearlyshowedhisdetermination,said:"Mr.Secretary,itwillhavetobedone."
Itwasdone.
"RATHERSTARVETHANSWINDLE."
WardLamon,onceLincoln'slawpartner,relatesastorywhichplacesLincoln'shighsenseofhonorinaprominentlight.Inacertaincase,LincolnandLamonbeingretainedbyagentlemannamedScott,Lamonputthefeeat$250,andScottagreedtopayit.SaysLamon:
"Scottexpectedacontest,but,tohissurprise,thecasewastriedinsideoftwentyminutes;oursuccesswascomplete.Scottwassatisfied,andcheerfullypaidoverthemoneytomeinsidethebar,Lincolnlookingon.Scottthenwentout,andLincolnasked,'Whatdidyouchargethatman?'
"Itoldhim$250.Saidhe:'Lamon,thatisallwrong.Theservicewasnotworth
thatsum.Givehimbackatleasthalfofit.'
"Iprotestedthatthefeewasfixedinadvance;thatScottwasperfectlysatisfied,andhadsoexpressedhimself.'Thatmaybe,'retortedLincoln,withalookofdistressandofundisguiseddispleasure,'butIamnotsatisfied.Thisispositivelywrong.Go,callhimbackandreturnhalfthemoneyatleast,orIwillnotreceiveonecentofitformyshare.'
"Ididgo,andScottwasastonishedwhenIhandedbackhalfthefee.
"Thisconversationhadattractedtheattentionofthelawyersandthecourt.JudgeDavidDavis,thenonourcircuitbench(afterwardsAssociateJusticeontheUnitedStatesSupremebench),calledLincolntohim.TheJudgenevercouldwhisp
er,butinthisinstanceheprobablydidhisbest.Atallevents,inattemptingtowhispertoLincolnhetrumpetedhisrebukeinaboutthesewords,andinraspingtonesthatcouldbeheardalloverthecourt-room:'Lincoln,IhavebeenwatchingyouandLamon.Youareimpoverishingthisbarbyyourpicayunechargesoffees,andthelawyershavereasontocomplainofyou.YouarenowalmostaspoorasLazarus,andifyoudon'tmakepeoplepayyoumoreforyourservicesyouwilldieaspoorasJob'sturkey!'
"JudgeO.L.Davis,theleadinglawyerinthatpartoftheState,promptlyapplaudedthismaledictionfromthebench;butLincolnwasimmovable.
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"'Thatmoney,'saidhe,'comesoutofthepocketofapoor,dementedgirl,andIwouldratherstarvethanswindleherinthismanner.'"
DON'TAIMTOOHIGH.
"Billy,don'tshoottoohigh--aimlower,andthecommonpeoplewillunderstandyou,"Lincolnoncesaidtoabrotherlawyer.
"Theyaretheonesyouwanttoreach--atleast,theyaretheonesyououghttoreach.
"Theeducatedandrefinedpeoplewillunderstandyou,anyway.Ifyouaimtoohigh,yourideawillgoovertheheadsofthemasses,andonlyhitthosewhoneednohitting."
NOTMUCHATRAIL-SPLITTING.
OnewhoafterwardbecameoneofLincoln'smostdevotedfriendsandadherentstellsthisstoryregardingthemannerinwhichLincolnreceivedhimwhentheymet
forthefirsttime:
"Afteracomicalsurveyofmyfashionabletoggery,--myswallow-tailcoat,whiteneck-cloth,andruffledshirt(anastonishingoutfitforayounglimbofthelawinthatsettlement),Lincolnsaid:
"'Goingtotryyourhandatthelaw,areyou?IshouldknowataglancethatyouwereaVirginian;butIdon'tthinkyouwouldsucceedatsplittingrails.Thatwasmyoccupationatyourage,andIdon'tthinkIhavetakenasmuchpleasureinanythingelsefromthatdaytothis.'"
GAVETHESOLDIERTHEPREFERENCE.
July27th,1863,LincolnwrotethePostmaster-General:
"Yesterdaylittleindorsementsofminewenttoyouintwocasesofpostmasterships,soughtforwidowswhosehusbandshavefalleninthebattlesofthiswar.
"Thesecases,occurringonthesameday,broughtmetoreflectmoreattentivelythanwhatIhadbeforedoneastowhatisfairlyduefromushereindispensingofpatronagetowardthemenwho,byfightingourbattles,bearthechiefburdenofsavingourcountry.
"Myconclusionisthat,otherclaimsandqualificationsbeingequal,theyhave
theright,andthisisespeciallyapplicabletothedisabledsoldierandthedeceasedsoldier'sfamily."
THEPRESIDENTWASNOTSCARED.
WhentoldhowuneasyallhadbeenathisgoingtoRichmond,Lincolnreplied:
"Why,ifanyoneelsehadbeenPresidentandhadgonetoRichmond,Iwouldhave
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beenalarmed;butIwasnotscaredaboutmyselfabit."
JEFF.DAVIS'REPLYTOLINCOLN.
Onthe20thofJuly,1864,HoraceGreeleycrossedintoCanadatoconferwithrefugeerebelsatNiagara.HeborewithhimthispaperfromthePresident:
"ToWhomItMayConcern:Anypropositionwhichembracestherestorationofpeace,theintegrityofthewholeUnion,andtheabandonmentofslavery,andwhichcomesbyandwithanauthoritythatcancontrolthearmiesnowatwarwiththeUnitedStates,willbereceivedandconsideredbytheexecutivegovernmentoftheUnitedStates,andwillbemetbyliberaltermsandothersubstantialandcollateralpoints,andthebearerorbearersthereofshallhavesafeconductbothways."
TothisJeffersonDavisreplied:"Wearenotfightingforslavery;wearefightingforindependence."
LINCOLNWASaGENTLEMAN.
Lincolnwascompelledtocontendwiththeresultsoftheill-judgedzealofpoliticians,whoforcedaheadhisflatboatandrail-splittingrecord,withthehomelysurroundingsofhisearlierdays,andthus,obscuredforthetime,theotherfactthat,alwayshavingtheheart,hehadlongsinceacquiredthemannersofatruegentleman.
So,too,didhesufferfromEasterncensors,whodidnottakethosesurroundingsintoaccount,andallowednothingforhisoriginalityofcharacter.OneofthesecriticsheardatWashingtonthatMr.Lincoln,inspeakingatdifferenttimesofsomemoveorthing,said"ithadpeteredout;"thatsomeotherone'splan"wouldn'tgibe;"andbeingaskediftheWarandthecauseoftheUnionwerenotagreatcaretohim,replied:
"Yes,itisaheavyhogtohold."
ThefirsttwophrasesaresofamiliarhereintheWestthattheyneednoexplanation.Ofthelastandmorepioneeroneitmaybesaidthatithadaspecialforce,andwaspeculiarlyLincoln-likeinthewayappliedbyhim.
IntheearlytimesinIllinois,thosehavinghogs,didtheirownkilling,assistedbytheirneighbors.Strippedofitshair,oneheldthecarcassnearlyperpendicularintheair,headdown,whileothersputonepointofthegambrel-barthroughaslitinitshock,thenoverthestring-pole,andtheotherpointthroughtheotherhock,andsoswungtheanimalclearoftheground.Whileallthiswasbeingdone,ittookagoodmanto"holdthehog,"greasy,warmlymoist,andweighingsometwohundredpounds.Andoftenthosewiththegambrelprolongedthestr
ain,beingprovokinglyslow,inhopestomaketheholderdrophisburden.
ThislatterthoughtisagainexpressedwherePresidentLincoln,writingofthepeacewhichhehopedwould"comesoon,tostay;andsocomeastobeworththekeepinginallfuturetime,"addedthatwhiletherewould"besomeblackmenwhocanrememberthatwithsilenttongueandclenchedteethandsteadyeye,andwell-poisedbayonet,theyhavehelpedmankindontothisgreatconsummation,"hefearedtherewould"besomewhiteonesunabletoforgetthat,withmalignantheartanddeceitfultongue,theyhadstriventohinderit."
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Hehadtwoseeminglyoppositeelementslittleunderstoodbystrangers,andwhichthoseinmoreintimaterelationswithhimfinddifficulttoexplain;anopen,boyishtonguewheninahappymood,andwiththisareserveofpower,aforceofthoughtthatimpresseditselfwithoutwordsonobserversinhispresence.Withthecaresofthenationonhismind,hebecamemoremeditative,andlostmuchofhislivelywaysremembered"backinIllinois."
HISPOORRELATIONS.
OneofthemostbeautifultraitsofMr.Lincoln'scharacterwashisconsiderateregardforthepoorandobscurerelativeshehadleft,ploddingalongintheirhumblewaysoflife.Whereveruponhiscircuithefoundthem,healwayswenttotheirdwellings,atewiththem,and,whenconvenient,madetheirhouseshishome.Heneverassumedintheirpresencetheslightestsuperioritytothem.Hegavethemmoneywhentheyneededitandhehadit.Countlesstimeshewasknowntoleavehiscompanionsatthevillagehotel,afterahardday'sworkinthecourt-room,andspendtheeveningwiththeseoldfriendsandcompanionsofhishumblerdays.Ononeoccasion,whenurgednottogo,hereplied,"Why,Aunt'sheartwouldbebrokenifIshouldleavetownwithoutcallinguponher;"yet,hewasobligedtowalkseveralmilestomakethecall.
DESERTER'SSINSWASHEDOUTINBLOOD.
ThiswasthereplymadebyLincolntoanapplicationforthepardonofasoldierwhohadshownhimselfbraveinwar,hadbeenseverelywounded,butafterwarddeserted:
"Didyousayhewasoncebadlywounded?
"Then,astheScripturessaythatinthesheddingofbloodistheremissionofsins,Iguesswe'llhavetolethimoffthistime."
SURECUREFORBOILS.
PresidentLincolnandPostmaster-GeneralBlairweretalkingofthewar.
"Blair,"saidthePresident,"didyoueverknowthatfrighthassometimesprovenacureforboils?""No,Mr.President,howisthat?""I'lltellyou.Notlongagowhenacolonel,withhiscavalry,wasatthefront,andtheRebsweremakingthingsratherlivelyforus,thecolonelwasorderedouttoareconnaissance.Hewastroubledatthetimewithabigboilwhereitmadehorsebackridingdecidedlyuncomfortable.Hefinallydismountedandorderedthetroopsforwardwithouthim.Soonhewasstartledbytherapidreportsofpistolsandthehelter-skelterapproachofhistroopsinfullretreatbeforeayellingrebelforce.Heforgot
everythingbuttheyells,sprangintohissaddle,andmadecapitaltimeoverthefencesandditchestillsafewithinthelines.Thepainfromhisboilwasgone,andtheboil,too,andthecolonelsworethattherewasnocureforboilssosureasfrightfromrebelyells."
PAYFOREVERYTHING.
WhenPresidentLincolnissuedamilitaryorder,itwasusuallyexpressive,ast
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hefollowingshows:
"WarDepartment,Washington,July22,'62.
"First:OrderedthatmilitarycommanderswithintheStatesofVirginia,SouthCarolina,Georgia,Florida,Alabama,Mississippi,Louisiana,TexasandArkansas,inanorderlymanner,seizeanduseanyproperty,realorpersonal,whichmaybenecessaryorconvenientfortheirseveralcommands,forsupplies,orforothermilitarypurposes;andthatwhilepropertymaybeallstoredforpropermilitaryobjects,noneshallbedestroyedinwantonnessormalice.
"Second:ThatmilitaryandnavalcommandersshallemployaslaborerswithinandfromsaidStates,somanypersonsofAfricandescentascanbeadvantageouslyusedformilitaryornavalpurposes,givingthemreasonablewagesfortheirlabor.
"Third:ThatastobothpropertyandpersonsofAfricandescent,accountsshallbekeptsufficientlyaccurateandindetailtoshowquantitiesandamounts,andfromwhombothpropertyandsuchpersonsshallhavecome,asabasisuponwhichcompensationcanbemadeinpropercases;andtheseveraldepartmentsofthisGovernmentshallattendtoandperformtheirappropriatepartstowardstheexecutionoftheseorders.
"ByorderofthePresident."
BASHFULWITHLADIES.
JudgeDavidDavis,JusticeoftheUnitedStatesSupremeCourt,andUnitedStatesSenatorfromIllinois,wasoneofLincoln'smostintimatefriends.Hetoldthisstoryon"Abe":
"Lincolnwasverybashfulwheninthepresenceofladies.Irememberoncewewereinvitedtotaketeaatafriend'shouse,andwhileintheparlorIwascalledtothefrontgatetoseesomeone.
"WhenIreturned,Lincoln,whohadundertakentoentertaintheladies,wastwistingandsquirminginhischair,andasbashfulasaschoolboy."
SAWHUMORINEVERYTHING.
Therewasmuchthatwasirritatinganduncomfortableinthecircuit-ridingoftheIllinoiscourt,buttherewasmorewhichwasamusingtoatemperamentlikeLincoln's.Thefreedom,thelongdaysintheopenair,theunexpectediftrivialadventures,themeetingwithwayfarersandsettlers--allwasanentertainmenttohim.Hefoundhumorandhumaninterestontheroutewherehiscompanionssawnothingbutcommonplaces.
"Hesawtheludicrousinanassemblageoffowls,"saysH.C.Whitney,oneofhisfellow-itinerants,"inamanspadinghisgarden,inaclothes-linefullofclothes,inagroupofboys,inalotofpigsrootingatamilldoor,inamotherduckteachingherbroodtoswim--ineverythingandanything."
SPECIFICFORFOREIGN"RASH."
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Itwasinthelatterpartof1863thatRussiaoffereditsfriendshiptotheUnitedStates,andsentastrongfleetofwarships,togetherwithmunitionsofwar,tothiscountrytobeusedinanywaythePresidentmightseefit.RussiawasnotfriendlytoEnglandandFrance,thesenationshavingdefeatedherintheCrimeaafewyearsbefore.AsGreatBritainandtheEmperoroftheFrenchwerecontinuallybotheringhim,PresidentLincolnusedRussia'skindlyfeelingandactionasameansofkeepingtheothertwopowersnamedinaneutralstateofmind.Underneaththecartoonweherereproduce,whichwaslabeled"DrawingThingstoaHead,"andappearedintheissueof"Harper'sWeekly,"ofNovember28,1863,wasthisDR.LINCOLN(tosmartboyoftheshop):"MildapplicationsofRussianSalveforourfriendsovertheway,andheavydoses--andplentyofitforourSouthernpatient!!"
SecretaryofStateSewardwasthe"smartboy"oftheshop,and"ourfriendovertheway"wereEnglandandFrance.ThelatterbotheredPresidentLincolnnomore,butitisafactthattheConfederateprivateerAlabamawasmannedalmostentirelybyBritishseamen;also,thatwhentheAlabamawassunkbytheKearsarge,inthesummerof1864,theConfederateseamenwerepickedupbyanEnglishvessel,takentoSouthhampton,andsetatliberty!
FAVOREDTHEOTHERSIDE.
Lincolnwascandoritselfwhenconductinghissideofacaseincourt.GeneralMasonBraymantellsthisstoryasanillustration:
"Itiswellunderstoodbytheprofessionthatlawyersdonotreadauthorsfavoringtheoppositeside.IonceheardMr.Lincoln,intheSupremeCourtofIllinois,readingfromareportedcasesomestrongpointsinfavorofhisargument.Readingalittletoofar,andbeforebecomingawareofit,plungedintoanauthorityagainsthimself.
"Pausingamoment,hedrewuphisshouldersinacomicalway,andhalflaughing,wenton,'There,there,mayitpleasethecourt,IreckonI'vescratchedupasnake.But,asI'minforit,IguessI'llreaditthrough.'
"Then,inhismostingeniousandmatchlessmanner,hewentonwithhisargument,andwonhiscase,convincingthecourtthatitwasnotmuchofasnakeafterall."
LINCOLNANDTHE"SHOW"
Lincolnwasfondofgoingallbyhimselftoanylittleshoworconcert.Hewouldoftenslipawayfromhisfellow-lawyersandspendtheentireeveningatalittlemagiclanternshowintendedforchildren.
AtravelingconcertcompanywasalwayssureofdrawingLincoln.AMrs.Hillis,
amemberofthe"NewhallFamily,"andagoodsinger,wastheonlywomanwhoeverseemedtoexhibitanylikingforhim--soLincolnsaid.Heattendedanegro-minstrelshowinChicago,once,whereheheardDixiesung.Itwasentirelynew,andpleasedhimgreatly.
"MIXING"AND"MINGLING."
AnEasternnewspaperwritertoldhowLincoln,afterhisfirstnomination,recei
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vedcallers,themajorityofthemathislawoffice:
"Whiletalkingtotwoorthreegentlemenandstandingup,averyhardlookingcustomerrolledinandtumbledintotheonlyvacantchairandtheonelatelyoccupiedbyMr.Lincoln.Mr.Lincoln'skeeneyetookinthefact,butgavenoevidenceofthenotice.
"Turningaroundatlasthespoketotheoddspecimen,holdingouthishandatsuchadistancethatourfriendhadtovacatethechairifheacceptedtheprofferedshake.Mr.Lincolnquietlyresumedhischair.
"Itwasasmallmatter,yetonegivingproofmorepositivelythanalargereventofthatpeculiarwaythemanhasofminglingwithamixedcrowd."
TOOKPARTOFTHEBLAME.
AmongthelawyerswhotraveledthecircuitwithLincolnwasUsherF.Linder,whosedaughter,RoseLinderWilkinson,hasleftmanyLincolnreminiscences.
"OnecaseinwhichMr.Lincolnwasinterestedconcernedamemberofmyownfamily,"saidMrs.Wilkinson."Mybrother,Dan,intheheatofaquarrel,shotayoungmannamedBenBoyleandwasarrested.Myfatherwasseriouslyillwithinflam
matoryrheumatismatthetime,andcouldscarcelymovehandorfoot.HecertainlycouldnotdefendDan.Iwashissecretary,andIrememberitwasbutadayorsoaftertheshootingtilllettersofsympathybegantopourin.InthefirstbundlewhichIpickeduptherewasabigletter,thehandwritingonwhichIrecognizedasthatofMr.Lincoln.Theletterwasverysympathetic.
"'Iknowhowyoufeel,Linder,'itsaid.'Icanunderstandyourangerasafather,addedtoalltheothersentiments.Butmaywenotbeinameasuretoblame?Wehavetalkedaboutthedefenseofcriminalsbeforeourchildren;aboutoursuccessindefendingthem;havelefttheimpressionthatthegreaterthecrime,thegreaterthetriumphofsecuringanacquittal.Danknowsyoursuccessasacriminallawyer,andhedependsonyou,littleknowingthatofallcasesyouwouldbeofleastvalueinthis.'
"Heconcludedbyofferinghisservices,anofferwhichtouchedmyfathertotears.
"Mr.LincolntriedtohaveDanreleasedonbail,butBenBoyle'sfamilyandfriendsdeclaredthewoundedmanwoulddie,andfeelinghadgrownsobitterthatthejudgewouldnotgrantanybail.SothecasewaschangedtoMarshallcounty,butasBenfinallyrecovereditwasdismissed."
THOUGHTOFLEARNINGATRADE.
Lincolnatonetimethoughtseriouslyoflearningtheblacksmith'strade.Hewaswithoutmeans,andfelttheimmediatenecessityofundertakingsomebusinessthatwouldgivehimbread.Whileentertainingthisprojectaneventoccurredwhich,inhisundeterminedstateofmind,seemedtoopenawaytosuccessinanotherquarter.
ReubenRadford,keeperofasmallstoreinthevillageofNewSalem,hadincurredthedispleasureofthe"ClaryGroveBoys,"whoexercisedtheir"regulating"prerogativesbyirregularlybreakinghiswindows.WilliamG.Greene,afriendofyoungLincoln,ridingbyRadford'sstoresoonafterward,washailedbyhim,and
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toldthatheintendedtosellout.Mr.Greenewentintothestore,andofferedhimatrandom$400forhisstock,whichofferwasimmediatelyaccepted.
Lincoln"happenedin"thenextday,andbeingfamiliarwiththevalueofthegoods,Mr.Greeneproposedtohimtotakeaninventoryofthestock,toseewhatsortofabargainhehadmade.Thishedid,anditwasfoundthatthegoodswereworth$600.
Lincolnthenmadeanofferof$125forhisbargain,withthepropositionthatheandamannamedBerry,ashispartner,takeoverGreene'snotesgiventoRadford.Mr.Greeneagreedtothearrangement,butRadforddeclinedit,exceptonconditionthatGreenewouldbetheirsecurity.Greeneatlastassented.
Lincolnwasnotafraidofthe"ClaryGroveBoys";onthecontrary,theyhadbeenhismostardentfriendssincethetimehethrashed"Jack"Armstrong,championbullyof"TheGrove"--buttheircustomwasnotheavy.
Thebusinesssoonbecameawreck;Greenehadtonotonlyassistinclosingitup,butpayRadford'snotesaswell.Lincolnafterwardsspokeofthesenotes,whichhefinallymadegoodtoGreene,as"theNationalDebt."
LINCOLNDEFENDSFIFTEENMRS.NATIONS.
WhenLincoln'ssympathieswereenlistedinanycause,heworkedlikeagianttowin.Atonetime(about1855)hewasinattendanceuponcourtatthelittletownofClinton,Ill.,andoneofthecasesonthedocketwaswherefifteenwomenfromaneighboringvillageweredefendants,theyhavingbeenindictedfortrespass.Theiroffense,asdulysetforthintheindictment,wasthatofswoopingdownupononeTanner,thekeeperofasalooninthevillage,andknockingintheheadsofhisbarrels.Lincolnwasnotemployedinthecase,butsatwatchingthetrialasitproceeded.
Indefendingtheladies,theirattorneyseemedtoevincealittlewantoftact,andthispromptedoneoftheformertoinviteMr.Lincolntoaddafewwordstothejury,ifhethoughthecouldaidtheircause.Hewastoogallanttorefuse,
andtheirattorneyhavingconsented,hemadeuseofthefollowingargument:
"InthiscaseIwouldchangetheorderofindictmentandhaveitreadTheStatevs.Mr.Whiskey,insteadofTheStatevs.TheLadies;andtouchingthesetherearethreelaws:thelawofself-protection;thelawoftheland,orstatutelaw;andthemorallaw,orlawofGod.
"Firstthelawofself-protectionisalawofnecessity,asevincedbyourforefathersincastingtheteaoverboardandassertingtheirrighttothepursuitoflife,libertyandhappiness:InthiscaseitistheonlydefensetheLadieshave,forTannerneitherfearedGodnorregardedman.
"Second,thelawoftheland,orstatutelaw,andTannerisrecreanttoboth.
"Third,themorallaw,orlawofGod,andthisisprobablyalawfortheviolationofwhichthejurycanfixnopunishment."
Lincolngavesomeofhisownobservationsontheruinouseffectsofwhiskeyinsociety,anddemandeditsearlysuppression.
Afterhehadconcluded,theCourt,withoutawaitingthereturnofthejury,dismissedtheladies,saying:
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"Ladies,gohome.Iwillrequirenobondofyou,andifanyfineiseverwantedofyou,wewillletyouknow."
AVOIDEDEVENAPPEARANCEOFEVIL
FrankW.Tracy,PresidentoftheFirstNationalBankofSpringfield,tellsastoryillustrativeoftwotraitsinMr.Lincoln'scharacter.ShortlyaftertheNationalbankinglawwentintoeffecttheFirstNationalofSpringieldwaschartered,andMr.TracywrotetoMr.Lincoln,withwhomhewaswellacquaintedinabusinessway,andtenderedhimanopportunitytosubscribeforsomeofthestock.
InreplytothekindlyofferMr.Lincolnwrote,thankingMr.Tracy,butatthesametimedecliningtosubscribe.HesaidherecognizedthatstockinagoodNationalbankwouldbeagoodthingtohold,buthedidnotfeelthatheought,asPresident,profitfromalawwhichhadbeenpassedunderhisadministration.
"Heseemedtowishtoavoideventheappearanceofevil,"saidMr.Tracy,intellingoftheincident."Andsotheactprovedbothhisunvaryingprobityandhisunfailingpolicy."
WARDIDN'TADMITOFHOLIDAYS.
LincolnwrotealetteronOctober2d,1862,inwhichheobserved:
"Isincerelywishwarwasapleasanterandeasierbusinessthanitis,butitdoesnotadmitofholidays."
"NEUTRALITY."
OldJohnBullgothimselfintoapreciousfinescrapewhenhewentsofarasto"playdouble"withtheNorth,aswellastheSouth,duringthegreatAmericanC
ivilWar.InitsissueofNovember14th,1863,London"Punch"printedaratherclevercartoonillustratingthepredicamentBullhadcreatedforhimself.JohnisbeinglecturedbyMrs.NorthandMrs.South--bothgoodtalkersandeminentlyabletoholdtheirownineithersocialconversation,parliamentarydebateorpoliticalargument--buthebearsitwiththebestgracepossible.Thisisthewaythetextunderneaththepictureruns:
MRS.NORTH."HowabouttheAlabama,youwickedoldman?"MRS.SOUTH:"Where'smyrams?Takebackyourpreciousconsols--there!!""Punch"hadagooddealoffunwitholdJohnbeforeitwasthroughwithhim,but,astheConfederateprivateerAlabamawassentbeneaththewavesoftheoceanatCherbourgbytheKearsarge,andMrs.Southhadnoneedforanymorerams,Johngotoutofthedifficultywithoutpersonalinjury.Itwasatightsqueeze,though,forMrs.Northwasinafi
ghtinghumor,andpreparedtoscratchorpullhair.ThefactthattheprivateerAlabama,builtatanEnglishshipyardandmannedalmostentirelybyEnglishsailors,hadmanagedtodoabout$10,000,000worthofdamagetoUnitedStatescommerce,wasenoughtomakeanyoneangry.
DAYSOFGLADNESSPAST.
Afterthewarwaswellon,apatriotwomanoftheWesturgedPresidentLincoln
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tomakehospitalsattheNorthwherethesickfromtheArmyoftheMississippicouldreviveinamorebracingair.Amongotherreasons,shesaid,feelingly:"Ifyougrantmypetition,youwillbegladaslongasyoulive."
Withalookofsadnessimpossibletodescribe,thePresidentsaid:
"Ishallneverbegladanymore."
WOULDN'TTAKETHEMONEY.
Lincolnalwaysregardedhimselfasthefriendandprotectorofunfortunateclients,andsuchhewouldneverpressforpayforhisservices.AclientnamedCogdalwasunfortunateinbusiness,andgaveanoteinsettlementoflegalfees.Soonafterwardhemetwithanaccidentbywhichhelostahand.MeetingLincolnsometimeafteronthestepsoftheState-House,thekindlawyeraskedhimhowhewasgettingalong.
"Badlyenough,"repliedCogdal;"Iambothbrokenupinbusinessandcrippled."Thenheadded,"Ihavebeenthinkingaboutthatnoteofyours."
Lincoln,whohadprobablyknownallaboutCogdal'stroubles,andhadpreparedhimselfforthemeeting,tookouthispocket-book,andsaying,withalaugh,"Wel
l,youneedn'tthinkanymoreaboutit,"handedhimthenote.
Cogdalprotesting,Lincolnsaid,"Evenifyouhadthemoney,Iwouldnottakeit,"andhurriedaway.
GRANTHELDONALLTHETIME.
(DispatchtoGeneralGrant,August17th,1864.)
"Ihaveseenyourdispatchexpressingyourunwillingnesstobreakyourholdwhereyouare.NeitheramIwilling.
"Holdonwithabulldoggrip."
CHEWEDTHECUDINSOLITUDE.
Asastudent(ifsuchatermcouldbeappliedtoLincoln),onewhodidnotknowhimmighthavecalledhimindolent.Hewouldpickupabookandrunrapidlyoverthepages,pausinghereandthere.
Attheendofanhour--nevermorethantwoorthreehours--hewouldclosethebook,stretchhimselfoutontheofficelounge,andthen,withhandsunderhishe
adandeyesshut,woulddigestthementalfoodhehadjusttaken.
"ABE'S"YANKEEINGENUITY.
WarGovernorRichardYates(hewaselectedGovernorofIllinoisin1860,whenLincolnwasfirstelectedPresident)toldagoodstoryatSpringfield(Ill.)aboutLincoln.
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OnedaythelatterwasintheSangamonRiverwithhistrousersrolledupfivefeet--moreorless--tryingtopilotaflatboatoveramill-dam.Theboatwassofullofwaterthatitwashardtomanage.Lincolngottheprowover,andthen,insteadofwaitingtobailthewaterout,boredaholethroughtheprojectingpartandletitrunout,affordingaforcibleillustrationofthereadyingenuityofthefuturePresident.
LINCOLNPAIDHOMAGETOWASHINGTON.
TheMartyrPresidentthusspokeofWashingtoninthecourseofanaddress:
"Washingtonisthemightiestnameonearth--longsincethemightiestinthecauseofcivilliberty,stillmightiestinmoralreformation.
"Onthatnameaeulogyisexpected.Itcannotbe.
"ToaddbrightnesstothesunorglorytothenameofWashingtonisalikeimpossible.
"Letnoneattemptit.
"Insolemnawepronouncethename,and,initsnaked,deathlesssplendor,leave
itshiningon."
STIRREDEVENTHEREPORTERS.
Lincoln'sinfluenceuponhisaudienceswaswonderful.Hecouldswaypeopleatwill,andnothingbetterillustrateshisextraordinarypowerthanhemannerinwhichhestirredupthenewspaperreportersbyhisBloomingonspeech.
JosephMedill,editoroftheChicagoTribune,toldthestory:
"Itwasmyjournalisticduty,thoughadelegatetotheconvention,tomakea'l
onghand'reportofthespeechesdeliveredfortheTribune.IdidmakeafewparagraphsofwhatLincolnsaidinthefirsteightortenminutes,butIbecamesoabsorbedinhismagneticoratorythatIforgotmyselfandceasedtotakenotes,andjoinedwiththeconventionincheeringandstampingandclappingtotheendofhisspeech.
"IwellrememberthatafterLincolnsatdownandcalmhadsucceededthetempest,Iwakedoutofasortofhypnotictrance,andthenthoughtofmyreportforthepaper.Therewasnothingwrittenbutanabbreviatedintroduction.
"ItwassomesortofsatisfactiontofindthatIhadnotbeen'scooped,'asallthenewspapermenpresenthadbeenequallycarriedawaybytheexcitementcausedbythewonderfulorationandhadmadenoreportorsketchofthespeech."
WHEN"ABE"CAMEIN.
When"Abe"wasfourteenyearsofage,JohnHanksjourneyedfromKentuckytoIndianaandlivedwiththeLincolns.Hedescribed"Abe's"habitsthus:
"WhenLincolnandIreturnedtothehousefromwork,hewouldgotothecupboard,snatchapieceofcorn-bread,takedownabook,sitdownonachair,cockhis
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legsupashighashishead,andread.
"HeandIworkedbarefooted,grubbedit,plowed,mowed,cradledtogether;plowedcorn,gatheredit,andshuckedcorn.'Abe'readconstantlywhenhehadanopportunity."
ETERNALFIDELITYTOTHECAUSEOFLIBERTY.
DuringtheHarrisonPresidentialcampaignof1840,Lincolnsaid,inaspeechatSpringfield,Illinois:
"Manyfreecountrieshavelosttheirliberty,andoursmaylosehers;butifsheshall,beitmyproudestplume,notthatIwaslasttodesert,butthatIneverdesertedher.
"IknowthatthegreatvolcanoatWashington,arousedanddirectedbytheevilspiritthatreignsthere,isbelchingforththelavaofpoliticalcorruptioninacurrentbroadanddeep,whichissweepingwithfrightfulvelocityoverthewholelengthandbreadthoftheland,biddingfairtoleaveunscathednogreenspotorlivingthing.
"Icannotdenythatallmaybesweptaway.Brokenbyit,I,too,maybe;bowto
itIneverwill.
"Thepossibilitythatwemayfailinthestruggleoughtnottodeterusfromthesupportofacausewhichwebelievetobejust.Itshallneverdeterme.
"IfeverIfeelthesoulwithinmeelevateandexpandtothosedimensionsnotwhollyunworthyofitsAlmightyArchitect,itiswhenIcontemplatethecauseofmycountry,desertedbyalltheworldbeside,andIstandingupboldlyalone,andhurlingdefianceathervictoriousoppressors.
"Here,withoutcontemplatingconsequences,beforeheaven,andinthefaceoftheworld,Isweareternalfidelitytothejustcause,asIdeemit,ofthelandofmylife,myliberty,andmylove;andwhothatthinkswithmewillnotfearles
slyadopttheoaththatItake?
"Letnonefalterwhothinksheisright,andwemaysucceed.
"Butif,afterall,weshallfail,beitso;wehavetheproudconsolationofsayingtoourconsciences,andtothedepartedshadeofourcountry'sfreedom,thatthecauseapprovedofourjudgment,and,adornedofourheartsindisaster,inchains,indeath,weneverfalteredindefending."
"ABE'S""DEFALCATIONS."
Lincolncouldnotrestforasinstantundertheconsciousnessthat,evenunwittingly,hehaddefraudedanybody.Ononeoccasion,whileclerkinginOffutt'sstore,atNewSalem,hesoldawomanalittlebaleofgoods,amounting,bythereckoning,to$2.20.Hereceivedthemoney,andthewomanwentaway.
Onaddingtheitemsofthebillagaintomakehimselfsureofcorrectness,hefoundthathehadtakensixandaquartercentstoomuch.
Itwasnight,and,closingandlockingthestore,hestartedoutonfoot,adistanceoftwoorthreemiles,forthehouseofhisdefraudedcustomer,and,deliv
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eringtoherthesumwhosepossessionhadsomuchtroubledhim,wenthomesatisfied.
Onanotheroccasion,justashewasclosingthestoreforthenight,awomanenteredandaskedforhalfapoundoftea.Theteawasweighedoutandpaidfor,andthestorewasleftforthenight.
ThenextmorningLincoln,whenabouttobeginthedutiesoftheday,discoveredafour-ounceweightonthescales.Hesawatoncethathehadmadeamistake,and,shuttingthestore,hetookalongwalkbeforebreakfasttodelivertheremainderofthetea.
Theseareveryhumbleincidents,buttheyillustratetheman'sperfectconscientiousness--hissensitivehonesty--better,perhaps,thantheywouldiftheywereofgreatermoment.
HEWASN'TGUILELESS.
LeonardSwett,ofChicago,whosecounselsweredoubtlessamongthemostwelcometoLincoln,insummingupLincoln'scharacter,said:
"FromthecommencementofhislifetoitscloseIhavesometimesdoubtedwhethe
rheeveraskedanybody'sadviceaboutanything.Hewouldlistentoeverybody;hewouldheareverybody;butherarely,ifever,askedforopinions.
"AsapoliticianandasPresidenthearrivedatallhisconclusionsfromhisownreflections,andwhenhisconclusionswereonceformedheneverdoubtedbutwhattheywereright.
"Onegreatpublicmistakeofhis(Lincoln's)character,asgenerallyreceivedandacquiescedin,isthatheisconsideredbythepeopleofthiscountryasafrank,guileless,andunsophisticatedman.Thereneverwasagreatermistake.
"Beneathasmoothsurfaceofcandorandapparentdeclarationofallhisthoughtsandfeelingsheexercisedthemostexaltedtactandwisestdiscrimination.He
handledandmovedmenremotelyaswedopiecesuponachess-board.
"Heretainedthroughlifeallthefriendsheeverhad,andhemadethewrathofhisenemiestopraisehim.Thiswasnotbycunningorintrigueinthelowacceptationoftheterm,butbyfar-seeingreasonanddiscernment.Healwaystoldonlyenoughofhisplansandpurposestoinducethebeliefthathehadcommunicatedall;yethereservedenoughtohavecommunicatednothing."
SWEET,BUTMILDREVENGE.
WhentheUnitedStatesfoundthatawarwithBlackHawkcouldnotbedodged,Go
vernorReynolds,ofIllinois,issuedacallforvolunteers,andamongthecompaniesthatimmediatelyrespondedwasonefromMenardcounty,Illinois.ManyofthesevolunteerswerefromNewSalemandClary'sGrove,andLincoln,beingoutofbusiness,wasthefirsttoenlist.
Thecompanybeingfull,themenheldameetingatRichlandfortheelectionofofficers.Lincolnhadwonmanyhearts,andtheytoldhimthathemustbetheircaptain.Itwasanofficetowhichhedidnotaspire,andforwhichhefelthehadnospecialfitness;buthefinallyconsentedtobeacandidate.
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Therewasbutoneothercandidate,aMr.Kirkpatrick,whowasoneofthemostinfluentialmenoftheregion.Previously,KirkpatrickhadbeenanemployerofLincoln,andwassooverbearinginhistreatmentoftheyoungmanthatthelatterlefthim.
Thesimplemodeofelectingacaptainadoptedbythecompanywasbyplacingthecandidatesapart,andtellingthementogoandstandwiththeonetheypreferred.Lincolnandhiscompetitortooktheirpositions,andthenthewordwasgiven.AtleastthreeoutofeveryfourwenttoLincolnatonce.
WhenitwasseenbythosewhohadarrangedthemselveswiththeothercandidatethatLincolnwasthechoiceofthemajorityofthecompany,theylefttheirplaces,onebyone,andcameovertothesuccessfulside,untilLincoln'sopponentinthefriendlystrifewasleftstandingalmostalone.
"Ifeltbadlytoseehimcutso,"saysawitnessofthescene.
Herewasanopportunityforrevenge.Thehumblelaborerwashisemployer'scaptain,buttheopportunitywasneverimproved.Mr.Lincolnfrequentlyconfessedthatnosubsequentsuccessofhislifehadgivenhimhalfthesatisfactionthatthiselectiondid.
DIDN'TTRUSTTHECOURT.
InoneofhismanystoriesofLincoln,hislawpartner,W.H.Herndon,toldthisasillustratingLincoln'sshrewdnessasalawyer:
"IwaswithLincolnonceandlistenedtoanoralargumentbyhiminwhichherehearsedanextendedhistoryofthelaw.Itwasacarefullypreparedandmasterlydiscourse,but,asIthought,entirelyuseless.Afterhewasthroughandwewerewalkinghome,Iaskedhimwhyhewentsofarbackinthehistoryofthelaw.Ipresumedthecourtknewenoughhistory.
"'That'swhereyou'remistaken,'washisinstantrejoinder.'Idarednotjustthecaseonthepresumptionthatthecourtknowseverything--infactIarguedit
onthepresumptionthatthecourtdidn'tknowanything,'astatement,which,whenonereviewsthedecisionofourappellatecourts,isnotsoextravagantasonewouldatfirstsuppose."
HANDSOMESTMANONEARTH.
OnedayThaddeusStevenscalledattheWhiteHousewithanelderlywoman,whosesonhadbeeninthearmy,butforsomeoffensehadbeencourt-martialedandsentencedtodeath.Thereweresomeextenuatingcircumstances,andafterafullhearingthePresidentturnedtoStevensandsaid:"Mr.Stevens,doyouthinkthisisacasewhichwillwarrantmyinterference?"
"Withmyknowledgeofthefactsandtheparties,"wasthereply,"Ishouldhavenohesitationingrantingapardon."
"Then,"returnedMr.Lincoln,"Iwillpardonhim,"andproceededforthwithtoexecutethepaper.
Thegratitudeofthemotherwastoodeepforexpression,savebyhertears,andnotawordwassaidbetweenherandStevensuntiltheywerehalfwaydownthestairsontheirpassageout,whenshesuddenlybrokeforthinanexcitedmannerw
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iththewords:
"Iknewitwasacopperheadlie!"
"Whatdoyoureferto,madam?"askedStevens.
"Why,theytoldmehewasanugly-lookingman,"shereplied,withvehemence."HeisthehandsomestmanIeversawinmylife."
THATCOONCAMEDOWN.
"Lincoln'sLastWarning"wasthetitleofacartoonwhichappearedin"Harper'sWeekly,"onOctober11,1862.Underthepicturewasthetext:
"Nowifyoudon'tcomedownI'llcutthetreefromunderyou."
Thisillustrationwaspeculiarlyapt,as,onthe1stofJanuary,1863,PresidentLincolnissuedhisgreatEmancipationProclamation,declaringallslavesintheUnitedStatesforeverfree."OldAbe"wasahandymanwiththeaxe,hehavingsplitmanythousandsofrailswithitskeenedge.Asthe"SlaveryCoon"wouldn'theedthewarning,Lincolndidcutthetreefromunderhim,andsohecamedowntothegroundwithaheavythump.
ThisActofEmancipationputanendtothenotionoftheSouthernslaveholdersthatinvoluntaryservitudewasoneofthe"sacredinstitutions"ontheContinentofNorthAmerica.ItalsodemonstratedthatLincolnwasthoroughlyinearnestwhenhedeclaredthathewouldnotonlysavetheUnion,butthathemeantwhathesaidinthespeechwhereinheasserted,"ThisNationcannotexisthalfslaveandhalffree."
WROTE"PIECES"WHENVERYYOUNG.
Atfifteenyearsofage"Abe"wrote"pieces,"orcompositions,andevensomedo
ggerelrhyme,whichherecited,tothegreatamusementofhisplaymates.
Oneofhisfirstcompositionswasagainstcrueltytoanimals.Hewasverymuchannoyedandpainedattheconductoftheboys,whowereinthehabitofcatchingterrapinsandputtingcoalsoffireontheirbacks,whichthoroughlydisgustedAbraham.
"Hewouldchideus,"said"Nat"Grigsby,"tellusitwaswrong,andwouldwriteagainstit."
Wheneighteenyearsold,"Abe"wrotea"piece"on"NationalPolitics,"anditsopleasedalawyerfriend,namedPritchard,thatthelatterhaditprintedinanobscurepaper,therebyaddingmuchtotheauthor'spride."Abe"didnotconceal
hissatisfaction.Inthis"piece"hewrote,amongotherthings:
"TheAmericangovernmentisthebestformofgovernmentforanintelligentpeople.Itoughttobekeptsound,andpreservedforever,thatgeneraleducationshouldbefosteredandcarriedalloverthecountry;thattheConstitutionshouldbesaved,theUnionperpetuatedandthelawsrevered,respectedandenforced."
"TRYTOSTEERHERTHROUGH."
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JohnA.LoganandafriendofIllinoiscalleduponLincolnatWillard'sHotel,Washington,February23d,themorningofhisarrival,andurgedavigorous,firmpolicy.
Patientlylistening,Lincolnrepliedseriouslybutcheerfully:
"Asthecountryhasplacedmeatthehelmoftheship,I'lltrytosteerherthrough."
GRAND,GLOOMYANDPECULIAR.
Lincolnwasamarkedandpeculiaryoungman.Peopletalkedabouthim.Hisstudioushabits,hisgreedforinformation,histhoroughmasteryofthedifficultiesofeverynewpositioninwhichhewasplaced,hisintelligenceonallmattersofpublicconcern,hisunwearyinggood-nature,hisskillintellingastory,hisgreatathleticpower,hisquaint,oddways,hisuncouthappearance--alltendedtobringhiminsharpcontrastwiththedullmediocritybywhichhewassurrounded.
DentonOffutt,hisoldemployer,said,afterhavinghadaconversationwithLincoln,thattheyoungman"hadtalentenoughinhimtomakeaPresident."
ONTHEWAYTOGETTYSBURG.
WhenLincolnwasonhiswaytotheNationalCemeteryatGettysburg,anoldgentlemantoldhimthathisonlysonfellonLittleRoundTopatGettysburg,andhewasgoingtolookatthespot.Mr.Lincolnreplied:"YouhavebeencalledontomakeaterriblesacrificefortheUnion,andavisittothatspot,Ifear,willopenyourwoundsafresh.
"But,oh,mydearsir,ifwehadreachedtheendofsuchsacrifices,andhadnothingleftforustodobuttoplacegarlandsonthegravesofthosewhohaveal
readyfallen,wecouldgivethanksevenamidstourtears;butwhenIthinkofthesacrificesoflifeyettobeoffered,andtheheartsandhomesyettobemadedesolatebeforethisdreadfulwarisover,myheartislikeleadwithinme,andIfeelattimeslikehidingindeepdarkness."Atoneofthestoppingplacesofthetrain,averybeautifulchild,havingabunchofrosebudsinherhand,waslifteduptoanopenwindowofthePresident'scar."FlowethforthePresident."ThePresidentsteppedtothewindow,tooktherosebuds,bentdownandkissedthechild,saying,"Youareasweetlittlerosebudyourself.Ihopeyourlifewillopenintoperpetualbeautyandgoodness."
STOODUPTHELONGEST.
Therewasaroughgallantryamongtheyoungpeople;andLincoln'soldcomradesandfriendsinIndianahaveleftmanytalesofhowhe"wenttoseethegirls,"ofhowhebroughtinthebiggestback-logandmadethebrightestfire;ofhowtheyoungpeople,sittingaroundit,watchingthewaythesparksflew,toldtheirfortunes.
Hehelpedpareapples,shellcornandcracknuts.Hetookthegirlstomeetingandtospellingschool,thoughhewasnotoftenallowedtotakepartinthespelling-match,fortheonewho"chosefirst"alwayschose"Abe"Lincoln,andthatw
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asequivalenttowinning,astheothersknewthat"hewouldstandupthelongest."
AMORTIFYINGEXPERIENCE.
AladyreaderorelocutionistcametoSpringfieldin1857.Alargecrowdgreetedher.Amongotherthingssherecited"NothingtoWear,"apieceinwhichisdescribedtheperplexitiesthatbeset"MissFloraMcFlimsy"inhereffortstoappearfashionable.
Inthemidstofonestanzainwhichnoeffortismadetosayanythingparticularlyamusing,andduringthereadingofwhichtheaudiencemanifestedthemostrespectfulsilenceandattention,someoneintherearseatsburstoutwithaloud,coarselaugh,asuddenandexplosiveguffaw.
Itstartledthespeakerandaudience,andkindledastormofunsuppressedlaughterandapplause.Everybodylookedbacktoascertainthecauseofthedemonstration,andweregreatlysurprisedtofindthatitwasMr.Lincoln.
Heblushedandsquirmedwiththeawkwarddiffidenceofaschoolboy.Whatcausedhimtolaugh,noonewasabletoexplain.Hewasdoubtlesswrappedupinabrownstudy,andrecallingsomeamusingepisode,indulgedinlaughterwithoutrealiz
inghissurroundings.Theexperiencemortifiedhimgreatly.
NOHALFWAYBUSINESS.
SoonafterMr.LincolnbegantopracticelawatSpringfield,hewasengagedinacriminalcaseinwhichitwasthoughttherewaslittlechanceofsuccess.Throwingallhispowersintoit,hecameoffvictorious,andpromptlyreceivedforhisservicesfivehundreddollars.Alegalfriend,callinguponhimthenextmorning,foundhimsittingbeforeatable,uponwhichhismoneywasspreadout,countingitoverandover.
"Lookhere,Judge,"saidhe."SeewhataheapofmoneyI'vegotfromthiscase.Didyoueverseeanythinglikeit?Why,Ineverhadsomuchmoneyinmylifebefore,putitalltogether."Then,crossinghisarmsuponthetable,hismannersoberingdown,headded:"Ihavegotjustfivehundreddollars;ifitwereonlysevenhundredandfifty,Iwouldgodirectlyandpurchaseaquartersectionofland,andsettleituponmyoldstep-mother."
Hisfriendsaidthatifthedeficiencywasallheneeded,hewouldloanhimtheamount,takinghisnote,towhichMr.Lincolninstantlyacceded.
Hisfriendthensaid:
"Lincoln,Iwoulddojustwhatyouhaveindicated.Yourstep-motherisgetting
old,andwillnotprobablylivemanyyears.Iwouldsettlethepropertyuponherforheruseduringherlifetime,toreverttoyouuponherdeath."
Withmuchfeeling,Mr.Lincolnreplied:
"Ishalldonosuchthing.Itisapoorreturnatbestforallthegoodwoman'sdevotionandfidelitytome,andthereisnotgoingtobeanyhalfwaybusinessaboutit."Andsosaying,hegathereduphismoneyandproceededforthwithtocarryhislong-cherishedpurposeintoexecution.
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DISCOURAGEDLITIGATION.
Lincolnbelievedinpreventingunnecessarylitigation,andcarriedoutthisinhispractice."Whowasyourguardian?"heaskedayoungmanwhocametohimtocomplainthatapartofthepropertylefthimhadbeenwithheld."EnochKingsbury,"repliedtheyoungman.
"IknowMr.Kingsbury,"saidLincoln,"andheisnotthemantohavecheatedyououtofacent,andIcan'ttakethecase,andadviseyoutodropthesubject."
Anditwasdropped.
GOINGHOMETOGETREADY.
EdwinM.Stantonwasoneoftheattorneysinthegreat"reaperpatent"caseheardinCincinnatiin1855,Lincolnalsohavingbeenretained.Thelatterwasratheranxioustodelivertheargumentonthegeneralpropositionsoflawapplicabletothecase,butitbeingdecidedtohaveMr.Stantondothis,theWesternermadenocomplaint.
SpeakingofStanton'sargumentandtheviewLincolntookofit,RalphEmerson,ayounglawyerwhowaspresentatthetrial,said:
"ThefinalsumminguponoursidewasbyMr.Stanton,andthoughhetookbutaboutthreehoursinitsdelivery,hehaddevotedasmany,ifnotmore,weekstoitspreparation.Itwasveryable,andMr.Lincolnwasthroughoutthewholeofitaraptlistener.Mr.Stantonclosedhisspeechinaflightofimpassionedeloquence.
"Thenthecourtadjournedfortheday,andMr.Lincolninvitedmetotakealongwalkwithhim.Forblockafterblockhewalkedrapidlyforward,notsayingaword,evidentlydeeplydejected.
"Atlastheturnedsuddenlytome,exclaiming,'Emerson,Iamgoinghome.'Apause.'Iamgoinghometostudylaw.'
"'Why,'Iexclaimed,'Mr.Lincoln,youstandattheheadofthebarinIllinoisnow!Whatareyoutalkingabout?'
"'Ah,yes,'hesaid,'Idooccupyagoodpositionthere,andIthinkthatIcangetalongwiththewaythingsaredonetherenow.Butthesecollege-trainedmen,whohavedevotedtheirwholelivestostudy,arecomingWest,don'tyousee?Andtheystudytheircasesasweneverdo.TheyhavegotasfarasCincinnatinow.TheywillsoonbeinIllinois.'
"Anotherlongpause;thenstoppingandturningtowardme,hiscountenancesudde
nlyassumingthatlookofstrongdeterminationwhichthosewhoknewhimbestsometimessawuponhisface,heexclaimed,'Iamgoinghometostudylaw!Iamasgoodasany,ofthem,andwhentheygetouttoIllinois,Iwillbereadyforthem.'"
"THE'RAIL-SPUTTER'REPAIRINGTHEUNION."
Thecartoongivenhereinfacsimilewasoneoftheposterswhichdecoratedthe
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picturesquePresidentialcampaignof1864,andassistedinmakingtheperiodprevioustothevote-castingalivelyandmemorableone.Thisposterwasalithograph,and,asthetitle,"TheRail-SplitteratWorkRepairingtheUnion,"wouldindicate,thePresidentisusingtheVice-PresidentialcandidateontheRepublicanNationalticket(AndrewJohnson)asanaidinthework.Johnsonwas,inearlylife,atailor,andheispicturedasbusilyengagedinsewinguptherentsmadeinthemapoftheUnionbythesecessionists.
Bothmenarethoroughlyinearnest,and,ashistoryrelates,thetornplacesintheUnionmapwerestitchedtogethersonicelythatnoonecouldhavetold,bymereobservation,thatatearhadeverbeenmade.AndrewJohnson,whosucceededLincolnupontheassassinationofthelatter,wasaremarkableman.BorninNorthCarolina,heremovedtoTennesseewhenyoung,wasCongressman,Governor,andUnitedStatesSenator,beingmademilitaryGovernorofhisStatein1862.Astrong,stanchUnionman,hewasnominatedfortheVice-PresidencyontheLincolntickettoconciliatetheWarDemocrats.AfterservingouthistermasPresident,hewasagainelectedUnitedStatesSenatorfromTennessee,butdiedshortlyaftertakinghisseat.Buthewasjustthesortofamantoassist"UncleAbe"insewingupthetornplacesintheUnionmap,andasmilitaryGovernorofTennesseewasapowerfulfactorinwinningfriendsintheSouthtotheUnioncause.
"FINDOUTFORYOURSELVES."
"Severalofuslawyers,"remarkedoneofhiscolleagues,"intheeasternendofthecircuit,annoyedLincolnoncewhilehewasholdingcourtforDavisbyattemptingtodefendagainstanotetowhichthereweremanymakers.Wehadnolegal,butagoodmoraldefense,butwhatwewantedmostofallwastostaveitofftillthenexttermofcourtbyoneexpedientoranother.
"Webothered'thecourt'aboutittilllateonSaturday,thedayofadjournment.Headjournedforsupperwithnothingleftbutthiscasetodisposeof.Aftersupperheheardourtwaddlefornearlyanhour,andthenmadethisoddentry.
"'L.D.Chaddonvs.J.D.Beasleyetal.AprilTerm,1856.ChampaigncountyCourt.PleainabatementbyB.Z.Green,adefendantnotserved,filedSaturdayat
11o'clocka.m.,April24,1856,strickenfromthefilesbyorderofcourt.Demurrertodeclaration,ifthereeverwasone,overruled.Defendantswhoareservednow,at8o'clockp.m.,ofthelastdayoftheterm,asktopleadtothemerits,whichisdeniedbythecourtonthegroundthattheoffercomestoolate,andtherefore,asbynildicet,judgmentisrenderedforPl'ff.Clerkassessdamages.A.Lincoln,Judgeprotem.'
"Thelawyerwhoreadsthissingularentrywillappreciateitsoddityifnooneelsedoes.Aftermakingit,oneofthelawyers,onrecoveringfromhisastonishment,venturedtoenquire:'Well,Lincoln,howcanwegetthiscaseupagain?'
"Lincolneyedhimquizzicallyforamoment,andthenanswered,'Youhaveallbeensomightysmartaboutthiscase,youcanfindouthowtotakeitupagainyou
rselves."'
ROUGHONTHENEGRO.
Mr.Lincoln,oneday,wastalkingwiththeRev.Dr.SunderlandabouttheEmancipationProclamationandthefutureofthenegro.Suddenlyarippleofamusementbrokethesolemntoneofhisvoice."Asforthenegroes,Doctor,andwhatisgoingtobecomeofthem:ItoldBenWadetheotherday,thatitmademethinkofa
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storyIreadinoneofmyfirstbooks,'Aesop'sFables.'Itwasanoldedition,andhadcuriousroughwoodcuts,oneofwhichshowedthreewhitemenscrubbinganegroinapotashkettlefilledwithcoldwater.Thetextexplainedthatthementhoughtthatbyscrubbingthenegrotheymightmakehimwhite.Justaboutthetimetheythoughttheyweresucceeding,hetookcoldanddied.Now,IamafraidthatbythetimewegetthroughthisWarthenegrowillcatchcoldanddie."
CHALLENGEDALLCOMERS.
PersonalencounterswereoffrequentoccurrenceinGentryvilleinearlydays,andtheprestigeofhavingthrashedanopponentgavethevictormarkedsocialdistinction.GreenB.Taylor,withwhom"Abe"workedthegreaterpartofonewinteronafarm,furnishedanaccountofthenotedfightbetweenJohnJohnston,"Abe's"stepbrother,andWilliamGrigsby,inwhichstirringdrama"Abe"himselfplayedanimportantrolebeforethecurtainwasrungdown.
Taylor'sfatherwasthesecondforJohnston,andWilliamWhittenofficiatedinasimilarcapacityforGrigsby."Theyhadaterriblefight,"relatedTaylor,"anditsoonbecameapparentthatGrigsbywastoomuchforLincoln'sman,Johnston.Aftertheyhadfoughtalongtimewithoutinterference,ithavingbeenagreednottobreakthering,'Abe'burstthrough,caughtGrigsby,threwhimoffandsomefeetaway.ThereGrigsbystood,proudasLucifer,and,swingingabottleofli
quoroverhishead,sworehewas'thebigbuckofthelick.'
"'Ifanyonedoubtsit,'heshouted,'hehasonlytocomeonandwhethishorns.'"
Ageneralengagementfollowedthischallenge,butattheendofhostilitiesthefieldwasclearedandthewoundedretiredamidtheexultantshoutsoftheirvictors.
"GOVERNMENTRESTSINPUBLICOPINION."
LincolndeliveredaspeechataRepublicanbanquetatChicago,December10th,1856,justafterthePresidentialcampaignofthatyear,inwhichhesaid:
"Ourgovernmentrestsinpublicopinion.Whoevercanchangepublicopinioncanchangethegovernmentpracticallyjustsomuch.
"Publicopinion,onanysubject,alwayshasa'centralidea,'fromwhichallitsminorthoughtsradiate.
"That'centralidea'inourpoliticalpublicopinionatthebeginningwas,anduntilrecentlyhascontinuedtobe,'theequalityofman.'
"Andalthoughithasalwayssubmittedpatientlytowhateverofinequalitythere
seemedtobeasamatterofactualnecessity,itsconstantworkinghasbeenasteadyprogresstowardthepracticalequalityofallmen.
"Leteveryonewhoreallybelieves,andisresolved,thatfreesocietyisnotandshallnotbeafailure,andwhocanconscientiouslydeclarethatinthepastcontesthehasdoneonlywhathethoughtbest--leteverysuchonehavecharitytobelievethateveryotheronecansayasmuch.
"Thus,letbygonesbebygones;letpartydifferencesasnothingbe,andwithsteadyeyeontherealissue,letusreinauguratethegoodold'centralideas'of
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theRepublic.
"Wecandoit.Thehumanheartiswithus;Godiswithus.
"Weshallneverbeabletodeclarethat'allStatesasStatesareequal,'noryetthat'allcitizensareequal,'buttorenewthebroader,betterdeclaration,includingboththeseandmuchmore,that'allmenarecreatedequal.'"
HURRYMIGHTMAKETROUBLE.
UptotheverylastmomentofthelifeoftheConfederacy,theLondon"Punch"haditsflingattheUnitedStates.Inacartoon,printedFebruary18th,1865,labeled"TheThreateningNotice,""Punch"intimatesthatUncleSamisinsomewhatofahurrytoservenoticeonJohnBullregardingthecontentionsinconnectionwiththenorthernborderoftheUnitedStates.
Lincoln,however,asattorneyforhisreveredUncle,advisescaution.Accordingly,hetellshisUncle,accordingtothetextunderthepicture:
ATTORNEYLINCOLN:"Now,UncleSam,you'reinadarnedhurrytoservethisherenoticeonJohnBull.Now,it'smyduty,asyourattorney,totellyouthatyoumaydrivehimtogoovertothatcuss,Davis."(UncleSamconsiders.)Inthisins
tance,PresidentLincolnisgivencreditforjudgmentandcommonsense,hisadvicetohisUncleSamtobeprudentbeingsound.TherewastroubleallalongtheCanadianborderduringtheWar,whileCanadawastherefugeofNorthernconspiratorsandSouthernspies,who,attimes,crossedthelineandinflictedgreatdamageupontheStatesborderingonit.Theplottoseizethegreatlakecities--Chicago,Milwaukee,Detroit,Cleveland,Buffaloandothers--wasfiguredoutinCanadabytheSouthernersandNorthernallies.PresidentLincoln,inhismessagetoCongressinDecember,1864,saidtheUnitedStateshadgivennoticetoEnglandthat,attheendofsixmonths,thiscountrywould,ifnecessary,increaseitsnavalarmamentuponthelakes.WhatGreatBritainfearedwastheabrogationbytheUnitedStatesofalltreatiesregardingCanada.Bypreviousstipulation,theUnitedStatesandEnglandwereeachtohavebutonewarvesselontheGreatLakes.
SAWHIMSELFDEAD.
ThisstorycannotberepeatedinLincoln'sownlanguage,althoughhetolditoftenenoughtointimatefriends;but,asitwasnevertakendownbyastenographerinthemartyredPresident'sexactwords,thereadermustacceptasimplenarrationofthestrangeoccurrence.
ItwasnotlongafterthefirstnominationofLincolnforthePresidency,whenhesaw,orimaginedhesaw,thestartlingapparition.Oneday,feelingweary,hethrewhimselfuponaloungeinoneoftheroomsofhishouseatSpringfieldtorest.Oppositetheloungeuponwhichhewaslyingwasalarge,longmirror,and
hecouldeasilyseethereflectionofhisform,fulllength.
Suddenlyhesaw,orimaginedhesaw,twoLincolnsinthemirror,eachlyingfulllengthuponthelounge,buttheydifferedstrangelyinappearance.OnewasthenaturalLincoln,fulloflife,vigor,energyandstrength;theotherwasadeadLincoln,thefacewhiteasmarble,thelimbsnervelessandlifeless,thebodyinertandstill.
Lincolnwassoimpressedwiththisvision,whichheconsideredmerelyanopticalillusion,thathearose,putonhishat,andwentoutforawalk.Returningto
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thehouse,hedeterminedtotestthematteragain--andtheresultwasthesameasbefore.HedistinctlysawthetwoLincolns--onelivingandtheotherdead.
Hesaidnothingtohiswifeaboutthis,shebeing,atthattime,inanervouscondition,andapprehensivethatsomeaccidentwouldsurelybefallherhusband.Shewasparticularlyfearfulthathemightbethevictimofanassassin.Lincolnalwaysmadelightofherfears,butyethewasnevereasyinhismindafterwards.
Tomorethoroughlytesttheso-called"opticalillusion,"andprove,beyondtheshadowofadoubt,whetheritwasamerefancifulcreationofthebrainorareflectionuponthebroadfaceofthemirrorwhichmightbeseenatanytime,Lincolnmadefrequentexperiments.Eachandeverytimetheresultwasthesame.HecouldnotgetawayfromthetwoLincolns--onelivingandtheotherdead.
LincolnneversawthisforbiddingreflectionwhileintheWhiteHouse.Timeaftertimeheplacedacouchinfrontofamirroratadistancefromtheglasswherehecouldviewhisentirelengthwhilelyingdown,butthelooking-glassintheExecutiveMansionwasfaithfultoitstrust,andonlythelivingLincolnwasobservable.
ThelateWardLamon,oncealawpartnerofLincoln,andMarshaloftheDistrictofColumbiaduringhisfirstadministration,tells,inhis"RecollectionsofAbrahamLincoln,"ofthedreamsthePresidenthad--allforetellingdeath.
LamonwasLincoln'smostintimatefriend,being,practically,hisbodyguard,andsleptintheWhiteHouse.InreferencetoLincoln's"deathdreams,"hesays:
"How,itmaybeasked,couldhemakelifetolerable,burdenedashewaswiththatportentoushorror,which,thoughvisionary,andoftriflingimportinoureyes,wasbyhisinterpretationapremonitionofimpendingdoom?Ianswerinaword:Hissenseofdutytohiscountry;hisbeliefthat'theinevitable'isright;andhisinnateandirrepressiblehumor.
"ButthemoststartlingincidentinthelifeofMr.Lincolnwasadreamhehadonlyafewdaysbeforehisassassination.Tohimitwasathingofdeadlyimport,andcertainlynovisionwaseverfashionedmoreexactlylikeadreadreality.
Coupledwithotherdreams,withthemirror-sceneandwithotherincidents,therewassomethingaboutitsoamazinglyreal,sotruetotheactualtragedywhichoccurredsoonafter,thatmorethanmortalstrengthandwisdomwouldhavebeenrequiredtoletitpasswithoutashudderorapang.
"Afterworryingoveritforsomedays,Mr.Lincolnseemednolongerabletokeepthesecret.IgiveitasnearlyinhisownwordsasIcan,fromnoteswhichImadeimmediatelyafteritsrecital.Therewereonlytwoorthreepersonspresent.
"ThePresidentwasinamelancholy,meditativemood,andhadbeensilentforsometime.Mrs.Lincoln,whowaspresent,ralliedhimonhissolemnvisageandwantofspirit.Thisseemedtoarousehim,and,withoutseemingtonoticehersally
,hesaid,inslowandmeasuredtones:
"'ItseemsstrangehowmuchthereisintheBibleaboutdreams.Thereare,Ithink,somesixteenchaptersintheOldTestamentandfourorfiveintheNew,inwhichdreamsarementioned;andtherearemanyotherpassagesscatteredthroughoutthebookwhichrefertovisions.Intheolddays,GodandHisangelscametomenintheirsleepandmadethemselvesknownindreams.'
"Mrs.Lincolnhereremarked,'Why,youlookdreadfullysolemn;doyoubelieveindreams?'
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"'Ican'tsaythatIdo,'returnedMr.Lincoln;'butIhadonetheothernightwhichhashauntedmeeversince.Afteritoccurredthefirsttime,IopenedtheBible,and,strangeasitmayappear,itwasatthetwenty-eighthchapterofGenesis,whichrelatesthewonderfuldreamJacobhad.Iturnedtootherpassages,andseemedtoencounteradreamoravisionwhereverIlooked.Ikeptonturningtheleavesoftheoldbook,andeverywheremyeyesfelluponpassagesrecordingmattersstrangelyinkeepingwithmyownthoughts--supernaturalvisitations,dreams,visions,etc.'
"HenowlookedsoseriousanddisturbedthatMrs.Lincolnexclaimed'Youfrightenme!Whatisthematter?'
"'Iamafraid,'saidMr.Lincoln,observingtheeffecthiswordshaduponhiswife,'thatIhavedonewrongtomentionthesubjectatall;butsomehowthethinghasgotpossessionofme,and,likeBanquo'sghost,itwillnotdown.'
"ThisonlyinflamedMrs.Lincoln'scuriositythemore,andwhilebravelydisclaiminganybeliefindreams,shestronglyurgedhimtotellthedreamwhichseemedtohavesuchaholduponhim,beingsecondedinthisbyanotherlistener.Mr.Lincolnhesitated,butatlengthcommencedverydeliberately,hisbrowovercastwithashadeofmelancholy.
"'Abouttendaysago,'saidhe,'Iretiredverylate.Ihadbeenupwaitingfor
importantdispatchesfromthefront.IcouldnothavebeenlonginbedwhenIfellintoaslumber,forIwasweary.Isoonbegantodream.Thereseemedtobeadeathlikestillnessaboutme.ThenIheardsubduedsobs,asifanumberofpeoplewereweeping.
"'IthoughtIleftmybedandwandereddown-stairs.Therethesilencewasbrokenbythesamepitifulsobbing,butthemournerswereinvisible.Iwentfromroomtoroom;nolivingpersonwasinsight,butthesamemournfulsoundsofdistressmetmeasIpassedalong.Itwaslightinalltherooms;everyobjectwasfamiliartome;butwherewereallthepeoplewhoweregrievingasiftheirheartswouldbreak?Iwaspuzzledandalarmed.Whatcouldbethemeaningofallthis?
"'Determinedtofindthecauseofastateofthingssomysteriousandsoshocki
ng,IkeptonuntilIarrivedattheEastRoom,whichIentered.ThereImetwithasickeningsurprise.Beforemewasacatafalque,onwhichrestedacorpsewrappedinfuneralvestments.Arounditwerestationedsoldierswhowereactingasguards;andtherewasathrongofpeople,somegazingmournfullyuponthecorpse,whosefacewascovered,othersweepingpitifully.
"'"WhoisdeadintheWhiteHouse?"Idemandedofoneofthesoldiers.
"'"ThePresident,"washisanswer;"hewaskilledbyanassassin."
"'Thencamealoudburstofgrieffromthecrowd,whichawokemefrommydream.Isleptnomorethatnight;andalthoughitwasonlyadream,Ihavebeenstrangelyannoyedbyiteversince.'
"'Thatishorrid!'saidMrs.Lincoln.'Iwishyouhadnottoldit.IamgladIdon'tbelieveindreams,orIshouldbeinterrorfromthistimeforth.'
"'Well,'respondedMr.Lincoln,thoughtfully,'itisonlyadream,Mary.Letussaynomoreaboutit,andtrytoforgetit.'
"Thisdreamwassohorrible,soreal,andsoinkeepingwithotherdreamsandthreateningpresentimentsofhis,thatMr.Lincolnwasprofoundlydisturbedbyit.Duringitsrecitalhewasgrave,gloomy,andattimesvisiblypale,butperfec
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tlycalm.Hespokeslowly,withmeasuredaccentsanddeepfeeling.
"Inconversationswithme,hereferredtoitafterwards,closingonewiththisquotationfrom'Hamlet':'Tosleep;perchancetodream!ay,there'stherub!'withastrongaccentuponthelastthreewords.
"OncethePresidentalludedtothisterribledreamwithsomeshowofplayfulhumor.'Hill,'saidhe,'yourapprehensionofharmtomefromsomehiddenenemyisdownrightfoolishness.Foralongtimeyouhavebeentryingtokeepsomebody-theLordknowswho--fromkillingme.
"'Don'tyouseehowitwillturnout?Inthisdreamitwasnotme,butsomeotherfellow,thatwaskilled.Itseemsthatthisghostlyassassintriedhishandonsomeoneelse.AndthisremindsmeofanoldfarmerinIllinoiswhosefamilyweremadesickbyeatinggreens.
"'Somepoisonousherbhadgotintothemess,andmembersofthefamilywereindangerofdying.Therewasahalf-wittedboyinthefamilycalledJake;andalwaysafterwardwhentheyhadgreenstheoldmanwouldsay,"Now,aforeweriskthesegreens,let'stry'emonJake.Ifhestands'emwe'reallright."Justsowithme.Aslongasthisimaginaryassassincontinuestoexercisehimselfonothers,Icanstandit.'
"Hethenbecameseriousandsaid:'Well,letitgo.IthinktheLordinHisown
goodtimeandwaywillworkthisoutallright.Godknowswhatisbest.'
"Thesewordshespokewithasigh,andratherinatoneofsoliloquy,asifhardlynotingmypresence.
"Mr.Lincolnhadanotherremarkabledream,whichwasrepeatedsofrequentlyduringhisoccupancyoftheWhiteHousethathecametoregarditisawelcomevisitor.Itwasofapleasingandpromisingcharacter,havingnothinginitofthehorrible.
"ItwasalwaysanomenofaUnionvictory,andcamewithunerringcertaintyjustbeforeeverymilitaryornavalengagementwhereourarmswerecrownedwithsuccess.Inthisdreamhesawashipsailingawayrapidly,badlydamaged,andourv
ictoriousvesselsinclosepursuit.
"Hesaw,also,thecloseofabattleonland,theenemyrouted,andourforcesinpossessionofvantagegroundofinestimableimportance.Mr.LincolnstateditasafactthathehadthisdreamjustbeforethebattlesofAntietam,Gettysburg,andothersignalengagementsthroughouttheWar.
"ThelasttimeMr.Lincolnhadthisdreamwasthenightbeforehisassassination.OnthemorningofthatlamentabledaytherewasaCabinetmeeting,atwhichGeneralGrantwaspresent.Duringanintervalofgeneraldiscussion,thePresidentaskedGeneralGrantifhehadanynewsfromGeneralSherman,whowasthenconfrontingJohnston.Thereplywasinthenegative,butthegeneraladdedthathewasinhourlyexpectationofadispatchannouncingJohnston'ssurrender.
"Mr.Lincolnthen,withgreatimpressiveness,said,'Weshallhearverysoon,andthenewswillbeimportant.'
"GeneralGrantaskedhimwhyhethoughtso.
"'Because,'saidMr.Lincoln,'Ihadadreamlastnight;andeversincethisWarbeganIhavehadthesamedreamjustbeforeeveryeventofgreatnationalimportance.Itportendssomeimportanteventwhichwillhappenverysoon.'
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"Onthenightofthefateful14thofApril,1865,Mrs.Lincoln'sfirstexclamation,afterthePresidentwasshot,was,'Hisdreamwasprophetic!'
"Lincolnwasabelieverincertainphasesofthesupernatural.Assuredasheundoubtedlywasbyomenswhich,tohismind,wereconclusive,thathewouldrisetogreatnessandpower,hewasasfirmlyconvincedbythesametokensthathewouldbesuddenlycutoffattheheightofhiscareerandthefullnessofhisfame.Healwaysbelievedthathewouldfallbythehandofanassassin.
"Mr.Lincolnhadthisfurtheridea:Dreams,beingnaturaloccurrences,inthestrictestsense,heheldthattheirbestinterpretersarethecommonpeople;andthisaccounts,ingreatmeasure,fortheprofoundrespecthealwayshadforthecollectivewisdomofplainpeople--'thechildrenofNature,'hecalledthem--touchingmattersbelongingtothedomainofpsychicalmysteries.Therewassomebasisoftruth,hebelieved,forwhateverobtainedgeneralcredenceamongthese'childrenofNature.'
"Concerningpresentimentsanddreams,Mr.Lincolnhadaphilosophyofhisown,which,strangeasitmayappear,wasinperfectharmonywithhischaracterinallotherrespects.Hewasnodabblerindivination--astrology,horoscopy,prophecy,ghostlylore,orwitcheriesofanysort."
EVERYLITTLEHELPED.
AsthetimedrewnearatwhichMr.LincolnsaidhewouldissuetheEmancipationProclamation,someclergymen,whofearedthePresidentmightchangehismind,calledonhimtourgehimtokeephispromise.
"WewereusheredintotheCabinetroom,"saysDr.Sunderland."Itwasverydim,butonegasjetburning.Asweentered,Mr.Lincolnwasstandingatthefartherendofthelongtable,whichfilledthecenteroftheroom.AsIstoodbythedoor,Iamsoveryshort,thatIwasobligedtolookuptoseethePresident.Mr.Robbinsintroducedme,andIbeganatoncebysaying:'Ihavecome,Mr.President,toanticipatethenewyearwithmyrespects,andifImay,tosaytoyouawordabouttheseriousconditionofthiscountry.'
"'Goahead,Doctor,'repliedthePresident;'everylittlehelps.'ButIwastoomuchinearnesttolaughathissallyatmysmallness."
ABOUTTOLAYDOWNTHEBURDEN.
PresidentLincoln(attimes)saidhefeltsurehislifewouldendwiththeWar.AcorrespondentofaBostonpaperhadaninterviewwithhiminJuly,1864,andwroteregardingit:
"ThePresidenttoldmehewascertainheshouldnotoutlasttherebellion.Asw
illberemembered,therewasdissensionthenamongtheRepublicanleaders.Manyofhisbestfriendshaddesertedhim,andweretalkingofanoppositionconventiontonominateanothercandidate,anduniversalgloomwasamongthepeople.
"TheNorthwastiredoftheWar,andsupposedanhonorablepeaceattainable.Mr.Lincolnknewitwasnot--thatanypeaceatthattimewouldbeonlydisunion.Speakingofit,hesaid:'Ihavefaithinthepeople.Theywillnotconsenttodisunion.Thedangeris,theyaremisled.Letthemknowthetruth,andthecountryissafe.'
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"Helookedhaggardandcareworn;andfurtheronintheinterviewIremarkedonhisappearance,'Youarewearingyourselfoutwithwork.'
"'Ican'tworkless,'heanswered;'butitisn'tthat--worknevertroubledme.Thingslookbadly,andIcan'tavoidanxiety.Personally,Icarenothingaboutare-election,butifourdivisionsdefeatus,Ifearforthecountry.'
"WhenIsuggestedthatrightmusteventuallytriumph,hereplied,'Igrantthat,butImayneverlivetoseeit.IfeelapresentimentthatIshallnotoutlasttherebellion.Whenitisover,myworkwillbedone.'
"Heneverintimated,however,thatheexpectedtobeassassinated."
LINCOLNWOULDHAVEPREFERREDDEATH.
HoraceGreeleysaid,sometimeafterthedeathofPresidentLincoln:
"AftertheCivilWarbegan,Lincoln'stenacityofpurposeparalleledhisformerimmobility;Ibelievehewouldhavebeennearlythelast,ifnottheverylast,maninAmericatorecognizetheSouthernConfederacyhaditsarmiesbeentriumphant.Hewouldhavepreferreddeath."
"PUNCH"ANDHISLITTLEPICTURE.
London"Punch"wasnotsatisfiedwithanythingPresidentLincolndid.OnDecember3rd,1864,afterMr.Lincoln'sre-electiontothePresidency,acartoonappearedinoneofthepagesofthatgenialpublication,thereproductionbeingprintedhere,labeled"TheFederalPhoenix."Itattractedgreatattentionatthetime,andwasparticularlypleasingtotheenemiesoftheUnitedStates,asitshowedLincolnasthePhoenixarisingfromtheashesoftheFederalConstitution,thePublicCredit,theFreedomofthePress,StateRightsandtheCommerceoftheNorthAmericanRepublic.
PresidentLincoln'sendorsementbythepeopleoftheUnitedStatesmeantthattheConfederacywastobecrushed,nomatterwhatthecost;thattheUnionofStateswastobepreserved,andthatStateRightswasathingofthepast."Punch"wishedtocreatetheimpressionthatPresidentLincoln'sre-electionwasapersonalvictory;thathewouldsetupadespotism,withhimselfatitshead,andtrampleupontheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesandalltherightsthecitizensoftheRepubliceverpossessed.
Theresultshowedthat"Punch"wassufferingfromanacuteattackofneedlessalarm.
FASCINATEDByTHEWONDERFUL
Lincolnwasparticularlyfascinatedbythewonderfulhappeningsrecordedinhistory.Helovedtoreadofthosemightyeventswhichhadbeenforetold,andoftenbroodeduponthesesubjects.Hisearlyconvictionsuponoccultmattersledhimtoreadallbookstending'tostrengthentheseconvictions.
Thefollowinglines,inByron's"Dream,"werefrequentlyquotedbyhim:
"Sleephathitsownworld,AboundarybetweenthethingsmisnamedDeathandexi
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stence:SleephathitsownworldAndawiderealmofwildreality.Anddreamsintheirdevelopmenthavebreath,Andtearsandtortures,andthetouchofjoy;Theyleaveaweightuponourwakingthoughts,Theytakeaweightfromoffourwakingtoils,Theydodivideourbeing."
Thosewithwhomhewasassociatedinhisearlyyouthandyoungmanhood,andwithwhomhewasalwaysincordialsympathy,werethoroughbelieversinpresentimentsanddreams;andsoLincolndriftedonthroughyearsoftoilandexceptionalhardship--meditative,aspiring,certainofhisstar,butappalledattimesbyitsmalignantaspect.ManytimespriortohisfirstelectiontothePresidencyhewasbothelatedandalarmedbywhatseemedtohimarentintheveilwhichhidesfrommortalviewwhatthefutureholds.
Hesaw,orthoughthesaw,avisionofgloryandofblood,himselfthecentralfigureinascenewhichhisfancytransformedfromgiddyenchantmenttothemostappallingtragedy.
"WHYDON'TTHEYCOME!"
Thesuspenseofthedayswhenthecapitalwasisolated,theexpectedtroopsnotarriving,andanhourlyattackfeared,woreonMr.Lincolngreatly.
"Ibegintobelieve,"hesaidbitterly,oneday,tosomeMassachusettssoldiers,"thatthereisnoNorth.TheSeventhRegimentisamyth.RhodeIslandisanother.Youaretheonlyrealthing."
Andagain,afterpacingthefloorofhisdesertedofficeforahalf-hour,hewasheardtoexclaimtohimself,inananguishedtone:"Whydon'ttheycome!Whydon'ttheycome!"
GRANT'SBRANDOFWHISKEY.
Lincolnwasnotamanofimpulse,anddidnothinguponthespurofthemoment;
actionwithhimwastheresultofdeliberationandstudy.Hetooknothingforgranted;hejudgedmenbytheirperformancesandnottheirspeech.
Ifagenerallostbattles,Lincolnlostconfidenceinhim;ifacommanderwassuccessful,Lincolnputhimwherehewouldbeofthemostservicetothecountry.
"Grantisadrunkard,"assertedpowerfulandinfluentialpoliticianstothePresidentattheWhiteHousetimeaftertime;"heisnothimselfhalfthetime;hecan'tbereliedupon,anditisashametohavesuchamanincommandofanarmy."
"SoGrantgetsdrunk,doeshe?"queriedLincoln,addressinghimselftooneoftheparticularlyactivedetractorsofthesoldier,who,atthatperiod,wasinfli
ctingheavydamageupontheConfederates.
"Yes,hedoes,andIcanproveit,"wasthereply.
"Well,"returnedLincoln,withthefaintestsuspicionofatwinkleinhiseye,"youneedn'twasteyourtimegettingproof;youjustfindout,toobligeme,whatbrandofwhiskeyGrantdrinks,becauseIwanttosendabarrelofittoeachoneofmygenerals."
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ncerned.
HISFINANCIALSTANDING.
ANewYorkfirmappliedtoAbrahamLincoln,someyearsbeforehebecamePresident,forinformationastothefinancialstandingofoneofhisneighbors.Mr.Lincolnreplied:
"IamwellacquaintedwithMr.----andknowhiscircumstances.Firstofall,hehasawifeandbaby;togethertheyoughttobeworth$50,000toanyman.Secondly,hehasanofficeinwhichthereisatableworth$1.50andthreechairsworth,say,$1.Lastofall,thereisinonecorneralargerathole,whichwillbearlookinginto.Respectfully,A.Lincoln."
THEDANDYANDTHEBOYS.
PresidentLincolnappointedasconsultoaSouthAmericancountryayoungmanfromOhiowhowasadandy.AwagmetthenewappointeeonhiswaytotheWhiteHousetothankthePresident.Hewasdressedinthemostextravagantstyle.Thewaghorrifiedhimbytellinghimthatthecountrytowhichhewasassignedwasnot
edchieflyforthebugsthataboundedthereandmadelifeunbearable.
"They'llboreaholecleanthroughyoubeforeaweekhaspassed,"wasthecomfortingassuranceofthewagastheypartedattheWhiteHousesteps.ThenewconsulapproachedLincolnwithdisappointmentclearlywrittenalloverhisface.InsteadofjoyouslythankingthePresident,hetoldhimthewag'sstoryofthebugs."Iaminformed,Mr.President,"hesaid,"thattheplaceisfullofverminandthattheycouldeatmeupinaweek'stime.""Well,youngman,"repliedLincoln,"ifthat'strue,allI'vegottosayisthatifsuchathinghappenedtheywouldleaveamightygoodsuitofclothesbehind."
"SOMEUGLYOLDLAWYER."
A.W.Swan,ofAlbuquerque,NewMexico,toldthisstoryonLincoln,beinganeyewitnessofthescene:
"OnedayPresidentLincolnwasmetintheparkbetweentheWhiteHouseandtheWarDepartmentbyanirateprivatesoldier,whowasswearinginahighkey,cursingtheGovernmentfromthePresidentdown.Mr.Lincolnpausedandaskedhimwhatwasthematter.'Matterenough,'wasthereply.'Iwantmymoney.Ihavebeendischargedhere,andcan'tgetmypay.'Mr.Lincolnaskedifhehadhispapers,sayingthatheusedtopracticelawinasmallway,andpossiblycouldhelphim.
"MyfriendandIsteppedbehindsomeconvenientshrubberywherewecouldwatch
theresult.Mr.Lincolntookthepapersfromthehandsofthecrippledsoldier,andsatdownwithhimatthefootofaconvenienttree,whereheexaminedthemcarefully,andwritingalineontheback,toldthesoldiertotakethemtoMr.Potts,ChiefClerkoftheWarDepartment,whowoulddoubtlessattendtothematteratonce.
"AfterMr.Lincolnhadleftthesoldier,westeppedoutandaskedhimifheknewwhomhehadbeentalkingwith.'Someuglyoldfellowwhopretendstobealawyer,'wasthereply.Mycompanionaskedtoseethepapers,andontheirbeinghandedtohim,pointedtotheindorsementtheyhadreceived:Thisindorsementread:
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"'Mr.Potts,attendtothisman'scaseatonceandseethathegetshispay.A.L.'"
GOODMEMORYOFNAMES.
ThefollowingstoryillustratesthepowerofMr.Lincoln'smemoryofnamesandfaces.Whenhewasacomparativelyyoungman,andacandidatefortheIllinoisLegislature,hemadeapersonalcanvassofthedistrict.While"swingingaroundthecircle"hestoppedonedayandtookdinnerwithafarmerinSangamoncounty.
Yearsafterward,whenMr.LincolnhadbecomePresident,asoldiercametocallonhimattheWhiteHouse.AtthefirstglancetheChiefExecutivesaid:"Yes,Iremember;youusedtoliveontheDanvilleroad.ItookdinnerwithyouwhenIwasrunningfortheLegislature.IrecollectthatwestoodtalkingoutatthebarnyardgatewhileIsharpenedmyjackknife."
"Y-a-a-s,"drawledthesoldier,"youdid.Butsay,whereverdidyouputthatwhetstone?Ilookedforitadozentimes,butInevercouldfinditafterthedayyouusedit.Weallowedashowmabbyyoutookit'longwithyou."
"No,"saidLincoln,lookingseriousandpushingawayalotofdocumentsofstat
efromthedeskinfrontofhim."No,Iputitontopofthatgatepost--thathighone."
"Well!"exclaimedthevisitor,"mabbyyoudid.Couldn'tanybodyelsehaveputitthere,andnoneofuseverthoughtoflookingthereforit."
Thesoldierwasthenonhiswayhome,andwhenhegottherethefirstthinghedidwastolookforthewhetstone.Andsureenough,thereitwas,justwhereLincolnhadlaiditfifteenyearsbefore.ThehonestfellowwrotealettertotheChiefMagistrate,tellinghimthatthewhetstonehadbeenfound,andwouldneverbelostagain.
SETTLEDOUTOFCOURT.
WhenAbeLincolnusedtobedriftingaroundthecountry,practicinglawinFultonandMenardcounties,Illinois,anoldfellowmethimgoingtoLewiston,ridingahorsewhich,whileitwasaserviceableenoughanimal,wasnotofthekindtobetruthfullycalledafinesaddler.Itwasaweatherbeatennag,patientandplodding,andittoiledalongwithAbe--andAbe'sbooks,tuckedawayinsaddle-bags,layheavyonthehorse'sflank.
"Hello,UncleTommy,"saidAbe.
"Hello,Abe,"respondedUncleTommy."I'mpowerfulgladtoseeye,Abe,ferI'm
gwynetohavesumthin'feryeatLewistonco't,Ireckon."
"How'sthat,UncleTommy?"saidAbe.
"Well,JimAdams,hislandruns'longo'mine,he'spesterin'meaheapan'IgottogetthelawonJim,Ireckon."
"UncleTommy,youhaven'thadanyfightswithJim,haveyou?"
"No."
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"He'safairtomiddlingneighbor,isn'the?"
"Onlytollable,Abe."
"He'sbeenaneighborofyoursforalongtime,hasn'the?"
"Nighontofifteenyear."
"Partofthetimeyougetalongallright,don'tyou?"
"Ireckonwedo,Abe."
"Well,now,UncleTommy,youseethishorseofmine?Heisn'tasgoodahorseasIcouldstraddle,andIsometimesgetoutofpatiencewithhim,butIknowhisfaults.Hedoesfairlywellashorsesgo,anditmighttakemealongtimetogetusedtosomeotherhorse'sfaults.Forallhorseshavefaults.YouandUncleJimmymustputupwitheachotherasIandmyhorsedowithoneanother."
"Ireckon,Abe,"saidUncleTommy,ashebitoffaboutfourouncesofMissouriplug."Ireckonyou'reaboutright."
AndAbeLincoln,withasmileonhisgauntface,rodeontowardLewiston.
THEFIVEPOINTSSUNDAYSCHOOL.
WhenMr.LincolnvisitedNewYorkin1860,hefeltagreatinterestinmanyoftheinstitutionsforreformingcriminalsandsavingtheyoungfromalifeofcrime.Amongothers,hevisited,unattended,theFivePointsHouseofIndustry,andthesuperintendentoftheSabbathschooltheregavethefollowingaccountoftheevent:
"OneSundaymorningIsawatall,remarkable-lookingmanentertheroomandtakeaseatamongus.Helistenedwithfixedattentiontoourexercises,andhiscountenanceexpressedsuchgenuineinterestthatIapproachedhimandsuggestedth
athemightbewillingtosaysomethingtothechildren.Heacceptedtheinvitationwithevidentpleasure,andcomingforwardbeganasimpleaddress,whichatoncefascinatedeverylittlehearerandhushedtheroomintosilence.Hislanguagewasstrikinglybeautiful,andhistonesmusicalwithintensefeeling.Thelittlefaceswoulddroopintosadconvictionwhenheutteredsentencesofwarning,andwouldbrightenintosunshineashespokecheerfulwordsofpromise.Onceortwiceheattemptedtoclosehisremarks,buttheimperativeshoutof,'Goon!Oh,dogoon!'wouldcompelhimtoresume.
"AsIlookeduponthegauntandsinewyframeofthestranger,andmarkedhispowerfulheadanddeterminedfeatures,nowtouchedintosoftnessbytheimpressionsofthemoment,Ifeltanirrepressiblecuriositytolearnsomethingmoreabouthim,andwhilehewasquietlyleavingtheroom,Ibeggedtoknowhisname.Hec
ourteouslyreplied:'ItisAbrahamLincoln,fromIllinois.'"
SENTINELOBEYEDORDERS.
AslightvariationofthetraditionalsentrystoryisrelatedbyC.C.Buel.Itwasacold,blusterouswinternight.SaysMr.Buel:
"Mr.Lincolnemergedfromthefrontdoor,hislankfigurebentoverashedrew
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tightlyabouthisshoulderstheshawlwhichheemployedforsuchprotection;forhewasonhiswaytotheWarDepartment,atthewestcornerofthegrounds,whereintimesofbattlehewaswonttogetthemidnightdispatchesfromthefield.Astheblaststruckhimhethoughtofthenumbnessofthepacingsentry,and,turningtohim,said:'Youngman,you'vegotacoldjobto-night;stepinside,andstandguardthere.'
"'Myorderskeepmeouthere,'thesoldierreplied.
"'Yes,'saidthePresident,inhisargumentativetone;'butyourdutycanbeperformedjustaswellinsideasouthere,andyou'llobligemebygoingin.'
"'Ihavebeenstationedoutside,'thesoldieranswered,andresumedhisbeat.
"'Holdonthere!'saidMr.Lincoln,asheturnedbackagain;'itoccurstomethatIamCommander-in-Chiefofthearmy,andIorderyoutogoinside.'"
WHYLINCOLNGROWEDWHISKERS.
PerhapsthemajorityofpeopleintheUnitedStatesdon'tknowwhyLincoln"growed"whiskersafterhisfirstnominationforthePresidency.Beforethattimehisfacewascleanshaven.
InthebeautifulvillageofWestfield,Chautauquacounty,NewYork,therelived,in1860,littleGraceBedell.DuringthecampaignofthatyearshesawaportraitofLincoln,forwhomshefelttheloveandreverencethatwascommoninRepublicanfamilies,andhissmooth,homelyfaceratherdisappointedher.Shesaidtohermother:"Ithink,mother,thatMr.Lincolnwouldlookbetterifheworewhiskers,andImeantowriteandtellhimso."
Themothergaveherpermission.
Grace'sfatherwasaRepublican;hertwobrotherswereDemocrats.Gracewroteatoncetothe"Hon.AbrahamLincoln,Esq.,Springfield,Illinois,"inwhichshetoldhimhowoldshewas,andwhereshelived;thatshewasaRepublican;thats
hethoughthewouldmakeagoodPresident,butwouldlookbetterifhewouldlethiswhiskersgrow.Ifhewoulddoso,shewouldtrytocoaxherbrotherstovoteforhim.Shethoughttherailfencearoundthepictureofhiscabinwasverypretty."Ifyouhavenottimetoanswermyletter,willyouallowyourlittlegirltoreplyforyou?"
Lincolnwasmuchpleasedwiththeletter,anddecidedtoanswerit,whichhedidatonce,asfollows:
"Springfield,Illinois,October19,1860.
"MissGraceBedell.
"MyDearLittleMiss:Yourveryagreeableletterofthefifteenthisreceived.IregretthenecessityofsayingIhavenodaughter.Ihavethreesons;oneseventeen,onenineandonesevenyearsofage.They,withtheirmother,constitutemywholefamily.Astothewhiskers,havingneverwornany,doyounotthinkpeoplewouldcallitapieceofsillyaffectationifIshouldbeginitnow?Yourverysincerewell-wisher,A.LINCOLN."
WhenonthejourneytoWashingtontobeinaugurated,Lincoln'strainstoppedatWestfield.Herecollectedhislittlecorrespondentandspokeofhertoex-LieutenantGovernorGeorgeW.Patterson,whocalledoutandaskedifGraceBedellwas
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present.
Therewasalargesurgingmassofpeoplegatheredaboutthetrain,butGracewasdiscoveredatadistance;thecrowdopenedapathwaytothecoach,andshecame,timidlybutgladly,tothePresident-elect,whotoldherthatshemightseethathehadallowedhiswhiskerstogrowatherrequest.Then,reachingouthislongarms,hedrewheruptohimandkissedher.Theactdrewanenthusiasticdemonstrationofapprovalfromthemultitude.
GracemarriedaKansasbanker,andbecameGraceBedellBillings.
LINCOLNASADANCER.
LincolnmadehisfirstappearanceinsocietywhenhewasfirstsenttoSpringfield,Ill.,asamemberoftheStateLegislature.Itwasnotanimposingfigurewhichhecutinaballroom,butstillhewasoccasionallytobefoundthere.MissMaryTodd,whoafterwardbecamehiswife,wasthemagnetwhichdrewthetall,awkwardyoungmanfromhisden.OneeveningLincolnapproachedMissTodd,andsaid,inhispeculiaridiom:
"MissTodd,Ishouldliketodancewithyoutheworstway."Theyoungwomanacceptedtheinevitable,andhobbledaroundtheroomwithhim.Whenshereturnedto
herseat,oneofhercompanionsaskedmischievously:
"Well,Mary,didhedancewithyoutheworstway."
"Yes,"sheanswered,"theveryworst."
SIMPLYPRACTICALHUMANITY.
AninstanceofyoungLincoln'spracticalhumanityatanearlyperiodofhislifeisrecordedinthisway:
Oneevening,whilereturningfroma"raising"inhiswideneighborhood,withanumberofcompanions,hediscoveredastrayhorse,withsaddleandbridleuponhim.Thehorsewasrecognizedasbelongingtoamanwhowasaccustomedtogetdrunk,anditwassuspectedatoncethathewasnotfaroff.Ashortsearchonlywasnecessarytoconfirmthebelief.
Thepoordrunkardwasfoundinaperfectlyhelplesscondition,uponthechillyground.Abraham'scompanionsurgedthecowardlypolicyofleavinghimtohisfate,butyoungLincolnwouldnotheartotheproposition.
Athisrequest,themiserablesotwasliftedonhisshoulders,andheactuallycarriedhimeightyrodstothenearesthouse.
Sendingwordtohisfatherthatheshouldnotbebackthatnight,withthereasonforhisabsence,heattendedandnursedthemanuntilthemorning,andhadthepleasureofbelievingthathehadsavedhislife.
HAPPYFIGURESOFSPEECH.
Ononeoccasion,exasperatedatthediscrepancybetweentheaggregateoftroopsforwardedtoMcClellanandthenumberthatsamegeneralreportedashavingrece
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ived,Lincolnexclaimed:"Sendingmentothatarmyislikeshovelingfleasacrossabarnyard--halfofthemnevergetthere."
Toapoliticianwhohadcriticisedhiscourse,hewrote:"WouldyouhavemedroptheWarwhereitis,orwouldyouprosecuteitinfuturewithelderstalksquirtschargedwithrosewater?"
When,onhisfirstarrivalinWashingtonasPresident,hefoundhimselfbesiegedbyoffice-seekers,whiletheWarwasbreakingout,hesaid:"Ifeellikeamanlettinglodgingsatoneendofhishousewhiletheotherendisonfire."
AFEW"RHYTHMICSHOTS."
WardLamon,MarshaloftheDistrictofColumbiaduringLincoln'stimeinWashington,accompaniedthePresidenteverywhere.Hewasagoodsinger,and,whenLincolnwasinoneofhismelancholymoods,would"fireafewrhythmicshots"atthePresidenttocheerthelatter.Lincolnkeenlyrelishednonsenseintheshapeofwittyorcomicditties.Aparodyof"ALifeontheOceanWave"wasalwayspleasingtohim:
"Oh,alifeontheoceanwave,Andahomeontherollingdeep!WithratlinsfriedthreetimesadayAndaleakyoldberthfortosleep;Wherethegray-beardco
ckroachroams,Onthoughtsofkindintent,AndtheravingbedbugcomesTheroadthecockroachwent."
Lincolncouldnotcontrolhislaughterwhenheheardsongsofthissort.
Hewasfondofnegromelodies,too,and"TheBlue-TailedFly"wasagreatfavoritewithhim.HeoftencalledforthatbuzzingballadwhenheandLamonwerealone,andhewantedtothrowofftheweightofpublicandprivatecares.Theballadof"TheBlue-TailedFly"containedtwoverses,whichran:
"WhenIwasyoungIusedtowaitAtmassa'stable,'n'handdeplate,An'passdebottlewhenhewasdry,An'brushawaydeblue-tailedfly.
"Ol'Massa'sdead;oh,lethimrest!Deysayallthingsamfordebest;ButIcan'tforgetuntilIdieOl'massaan'deblue-tailedfly."
WhilehumoroussongsdelightedthePresident,healsolovedtolistentopatrioticairsandballadscontainingsentiment.Hewasfondofhearing"TheSwordofBunkerHill,""BenBolt,"and"TheLamentoftheIrishEmigrant."Hispreferenceoftheversesinthelatterwasthis:
"I'mlonelynow,Mary,Forthepoormakenonewfriends;But,oh,theylovethebetterstillThefewourFathersends!AndyouwereallIhad,Mary,Myblessingandmypride;There'snothinglefttocarefornow,SincemypoorMarydied."
ThosewhoknewLincolnwerewellawarehewasincapableofsomonstrousanact
asthatofwantonlyinsultingthedead,aswaschargedintheinfamouslibelwhichassertedthathelistenedtoacomicsongonthefieldofAntietam,beforethedeadwereburied.
OLDMANGLENN'SRELIGION.
Mr.LincolnonceremarkedtoafriendthathisreligionwaslikethatofanoldmannamedGlenn,inIndiana,whomheheardspeakatachurchmeeting,andwhos
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aid:"WhenIdogood,Ifeelgood;whenIdobad,Ifeelbad;andthat'smyreligion."
Mrs.LincolnherselfhassaidthatMr.Lincolnhadnofaith--nofaith,intheusualacceptanceofthosewords."Heneverjoinedachurch;butstill,asIbelieve,hewasareligiousmanbynature.HefirstseemedtothinkaboutthesubjectwhenourboyWilliedied,andthenmorethaneveraboutthetimehewenttoGettysburg;butitwasakindofpoetryinhisnature,andheneverwasatechnicalChristian."
LASTACTSOFMERCY.
DuringtheafternoonprecedinghisassassinationthePresidentsignedapardonforasoldiersentencedtobeshotfordesertion,remarkingashedidso,"Well,Ithinktheboycandousmoregoodabovegroundthanunderground."
Healsoapprovedanapplicationforthedischarge,ontakingtheoathofallegiance,ofarebelprisoner,inwhosepetitionhewrote,"Letitbedone."
Thisactofmercywashislastofficialorder.
JUSTLIKESEWARD.
ThefirstcorpsofthearmycommandedbyGeneralReynoldswasoncereviewedbythePresidentonabeautifulplainatthenorthofPotomacCreek,abouteightmilesfromHooker'sheadquarters.Thepartyrodethitherinanambulanceoveraroughcorduroyroad,andastheypassedoversomeofthemoredifficultportionsofthejoltingwaytheambulancedriver,whosatwellinfront,occasionallyletflyavolleyofsuppressedoathsathiswildteamofsixmules.
Finally,Mr.Lincoln,leaningforward,touchedthemanontheshoulderandsaid,
"Excuseme,myfriend,areyouanEpiscopalian?"
Theman,greatlystartled,lookedaroundandreplied:
"No,Mr.President;IamaMethodist."
"Well,"saidLincoln,"IthoughtyoumustbeanEpiscopalian,becauseyouswearjustlikeGovernorSeward,whoisachurchwarder."
ACHEERFULPROSPECT.
ThefirstnightafterthedepartureofPresident-electLincolnfromSpringfield,onhiswaytoWashington,wasspentinIndianapolis.GovernorYates,O.H.Browning,JesseK.Dubois,O.M.Hatch,JosiahAllen,ofIndiana,andothers,aftertakingleaveofMr.Lincolntoreturntotheirrespectivehomes,tookWardLamonintoaroom,lockedthedoor,andproceededinthemostsolemnandimpressivemannertoinstructhimastohisdutiesasthespecialguardianofMr.Lincoln'spersonduringtherestofhisjourneytoWashington.Lamontellsthestoryasfollows:
"ThelessonwasconcludedbyUncleJesse,asMr.Duboiswascommonly,called,w
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hosaid:
"'Now,Lamon,wehaveregardedyouastheTomHyerofIllinois,withMorrisseyattachment.WeintrustthesacredlifeofMr.Lincolntoyourkeeping;andifyoudon'tprotectit,neverreturntoIllinois,forwewillmurderyouonsight."'
THOUGHTGODWOULDHAVETOLDHIM.
ProfessorJonathanBaldwinTurnerwasoneofthefewmentowhomMr.LincolnconfidedhisintentiontoissuetheProclamationofEmancipation.
Mr.LincolntoldhisIllinoisfriendofthevisitofadelegationtohimwhoclaimedtohaveamessagefromGodthattheWarwouldnotbesuccessfulwithoutthefreeingofthenegroes,towhomMr.Lincolnreplied:"IsitnotalittlestrangethatHeshouldtellthistoyou,whohavesolittletodowithit,andshouldnothavetoldme,whohasagreatdealtodowithit?"
AtthesametimeheinformedProfessorTurnerhehadhisProclamationinhispocket.
LINCOLNANDABIBLEHERO.
AwriterwhoheardMr.Lincoln'sfamousspeechdeliveredinNewYorkafterhisnominationforPresidenthasleftthisrecordoftheevent:
"WhenLincolnrosetospeak,Iwasgreatlydisappointed.Hewastall,tall,oh,sotall,andsoangularandawkwardthatIhadforaninstantafeelingofpityforsoungainlyaman.Hebeganinalowtoneofvoice,asifhewereusedtospeakingoutofdoorsandwasafraidofspeakingtooloud.
"Hesaid'Mr.Cheerman,'insteadof'Mr.Chairman,'andemployedmanyotherwordswithanold-fashionedpronunciation.Isaidtomyself,'Oldfellow,youwon'tdo;itisallverywellfortheWildWest,butthiswillnevergodowninNewY
ork.'Butprettysoonhebegantogetintothesubject;hestraightenedup,maderegularandgracefulgestures;hisfacelightedaswithaninwardfire;thewholemanwastransfigured.
"Iforgottheclothing,hispersonalappearance,andhisindividualpeculiarities.Presently,forgettingmyself,Iwasonmyfeetwiththerest,yellinglikeawildIndian,cheeringthewonderfulman.Intheclosepartsofhisargumentyoucouldhearthegentlesizzlingofthegasburners.
"Whenhereachedaclimaxthethundersofapplausewereterrific.Itwasagreatspeech.WhenIcameoutofthehallmyfacewasglowingwithexcitementandmyframealla-quiver.Afriend,withhiseyesaglow,askedmewhatIthoughtof'Abe'Lincoln,therail-splitter.Isaid,'He'sthegreatestmansinceSt.Paul.'
AndIthinksoyet."
BOYWASCAREDFOR.
PresidentLincolnonedaynoticedasmall,pale,delicate-lookingboy,aboutthirteenyearsold,amongthenumberintheWhiteHouseantechamber.
ThePresidentsawhimstandingthere,lookingsofeebleandfaint,andsaid:"C
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omehere,myboy,andtellmewhatyouwant."
Theboyadvanced,placedhishandonthearmofthePresident'schair,and,withabowedheadandtimidaccents,said:"Mr.President,Ihavebeenadrummerboyinaregimentfortwoyears,andmycolonelgotangrywithmeandturnedmeoff.Iwastakensickandhavebeenalongtimeinthehospital."
ThePresidentdiscoveredthattheboyhadnohome,nofather--hehaddiedinthearmy--nomother.
"Ihavenofather,nomother,nobrothers,nosisters,and,"burstingintotears,"nofriends--nobodycaresforme."
Lincoln'seyesfilledwithtears,andtheboy'sheartwassoonmadegladbyarequesttocertainofficials"tocareforthispoorboy."
THEJURYACQUITTEDHIM
OneofthemostnotedmurdercasesinwhichLincolndefendedtheaccusedwastriedinAugust,1859.Thevictim,Crafton,wasastudentinhisownlawoffice,thedefendant,"Peachy"Harrison,wasagrandsonofRev.PeterCartwright;bothwereconnectedwiththebestfamiliesinthecounty;theywerebrothers-in-law,a
ndhadalwaysbeenfriends.
SenatorJohnM.PalmerandGeneralJohnA.McClellandwereonthesideoftheprosecution.AmongthosewhorepresentedthedefendantwereLincolnandSenatorShelbyM.Cullom.Thetwoyoungmenhadengagedinapoliticalquarrel,andCraftonwasstabbedtodeathbyHarrison.ThetragicpathosofacasewhichinvolvedthedeepestaffectionsofalmostanentirecommunityreacheditsclimaxintheappearanceincourtofthevenerablePeterCartwright.LincolnhadbeatenhimforCongressin1846.
Eccentricandaggressiveashewas,hewashonoredfarandwide;andwhenhearosetotakethewitnessstand,hiswhitehaircrownedwiththiscruelsorrow,themostindifferentspectatorfeltthathisexaminationwouldbeunbearable.
ItfelltoLincolntoquestionCartwright.Withtherarestgentlenesshebegantoputhisquestions.
"Howlonghaveyouknowntheprisoner?"
Cartwright'sheaddroppedonhisbreastforamoment;thenstraighteninghimself,hepassedhishandacrosshiseyesandansweredinadeep,quaveringvoice:
"Ihaveknownhimsinceababe,helaughedandcriedonmyknee."
TheexaminationendedbyLincolndrawingfromthewitnessthestoryofhowCraftonhadsaidtohim,justbeforehisdeath:"Iamdying;Iwillsoonpartwitha
llIloveonearth,andIwantyoutosaytomyslayerthatIforgivehim.Iwanttoleavethisearthwithaforgivenessofallwhohaveinanywayinjuredme."
Thisexaminationmadeaprofoundimpressiononthejury.Lincolnclosedhisargumentbypicturingthesceneanew,appealingtothejurytopracticethesameforgivingspiritthatthemurderedmanhadshownonhisdeath-bed.Itwasundoubtedlytohishandlingofthegrandfather'sevidencethatHarrison'sacquittalwasdue.
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TOOKNOTHINGBUTMONEY.
DuringtheWarCongressappropriated$10,000tobeexpendedbythePresidentindefendingUnitedStatesMarshalsincasesofarrestsandseizureswherethelegalityoftheiractionswastestedinthecourts.PreviouslytheMarshalssoughttheassistanceoftheAttorney-Generalindefendingthem,butwhentheyfoundthatthePresidenthadafundforthatpurposetheysoughttocontrolthemoney.
InspeakingoftheseMarshalsoneday,Mr.Lincolnsaid:
"TheyarelikeamaninIllinois,whosecabinwasburneddown,and,accordingtothekindlycustomofearlydaysintheWest,hisneighborsallcontributedsomethingtostarthimagain.Inhiscasetheyhadbeensoliberalthathesoonfoundhimselfbetteroffthanbeforethefire,andhegotproud.Onedayaneighborbroughthimabagofoats,butthefellowrefuseditwithscorn.
"'No,'saidhe,'I'mnottakingoatsnow.Itakenothingbutmoney.'"
NAUGHTYBOYHADTOTAKEHISMEDICINE.
Theresistancetothemilitarydraftof1863bytheCityofNewYork,theresul
tofwhichwasthekillingofseveralthousandpersons,wasillustratedonAugust29th,1863,by"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper,"overthetitleof"TheNaughtyBoy,Gotham,WhoWouldNotTaketheDraft."Beneathwasalsothetext:
MAMMYLINCOLN:"Therenow,youbadboy,actingthatway,whenyourlittlesisterPenn(StateofPennsylvania)takesherslikealady!"
HoratioSeymourwasthenGovernorofNewYork,andaprominent"theWarisafailure"advocate.HewasinAlbany,theStatecapital,whentheriotsbrokeoutintheCityofNewYork,July13th,andafterthemobhadburnedtheColoredOrphanAsylumandkilledseveralhundrednegroes,cametothecity.Hehadonlysoftwordsfortherioters,promisingthemthatthedraftshouldbesuspended.ThentheGovernmentsentseveralregimentsofveterans,freshfromthefieldofGetty
sburg,wheretheyhadassistedindefeatingLee.Thesetroopsmadeshortworkofthebrutalruffians,shootingdownthreethousandorsoofthem,andtheriotingwassubdued.The"NaughtyBoyGotham"hadtotakehismedicine,afterall,butasthespiritofoppositiontotheWarwasstillrampant,thePresidentissuedaproclamationsuspendingthewritofhabeascorpusinalltheStatesoftheUnionwheretheGovernmenthadcontrol.ThishadaquietingeffectuponthosewhoweredoingwhattheycouldinobstructingtheGovernment.
WOULDBLOWTHEMTOH---.
Mr.LincolnhadadvisedLieutenant-GeneralWinfieldScott,commandingtheUnite
dStatesArmy,ofthethreatsofviolenceoninaugurationday,1861.GeneralScottwassickinbedatWashingtonwhenAdjutant-GeneralThomasMather,ofIllinois,calleduponhiminPresident-electLincoln'sbehalf,andtheveterancommanderwasmuchwroughtup.SaidhetoGeneralMather:
"PresentmycomplimentstoMr.LincolnwhenyoureturntoSpringfield,andtellhimIexpecthimtocomeontoWashingtonassoonasheisready;saytohimthatIwilllookafterthoseMarylandandVirginiarangersmyself.IwillplantcannonatbothendsofPennsylvaniaavenue,andifanyofthemshowtheirheadsorraiseafinger,I'llblowthemtoh---."
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"YANKEE"GOODNESSOFHEART.
Oneday,whenthePresidentwaswiththetroopswhowerefightingatthefront,thewounded,bothUnionandConfederate,begantopourin.
AsonestretcherwaspassingLincoln,heheardthevoiceofaladcallingtohismotherinagonizingtones.Hisgreatheartfilled.Heforgotthecrisisofthehour.Stoppingthecarriers,heknelt,andbendingoverhim,asked:"WhatcanIdoforyou,mypoorchild?"
"Oh,youwilldonothingforme,"hereplied."YouareaYankee.Icannothopethatmymessagetomymotherwilleverreachher."
Lincoln,intears,hisvoicefulloftenderestlove,convincedtheboyofhissincerity,andhegavehisgood-byewordswithoutreserve.
ThePresidentdirectedthemcopied,andorderedthattheybesentthatnight,withaflagoftruce,intotheenemy'slines.
WALKEDASHETALKED.
WhenMr.LincolnmadehisfamoushumorousspeechinCongressridiculingGeneralCass,hebegantospeakfromnotes,but,ashewarmedup,helefthisdeskandhisnotes,tostridedownthealleytowardtheSpeaker'schair.
Occasionally,ashewouldcompleteasentenceamidshoutsoflaughter,hewouldreturnupthealleytohisdesk,consulthisnotes,takeasipofwaterandstartoffagain.
Mr.Lincolnreceivedmanycongratulationsattheclose,DemocratsjoiningtheWhigsintheircomplimentarycomments.
OneDemocrat,however(whohadbeennicknamed"Sausage"Sawyer),didn'tenthuseatall.
"Sawyer,"askedanEasternRepresentative,"howdidyoulikethelankyIllinoisan'sspeech?Veryable,wasn'tit?"
"Well,"repliedSawyer,"thespeechwasprettygood,butIhopehewon'tchargemileageonhistravelswhiledeliveringit."
THESONGDIDTHEBUSINESS.
TheVirginia(Ill.)Enquirer,ofMarch1,1879,tellsthisstory:
"JohnMcNamerwasburiedlastSunday,nearPetersburg,Menardcounty.AlongwhileagohewasAssessorandTreasureroftheCountyforseveralsuccessiveterms.Mr.McNamerwasanearlysettlerinthatsection,and,beforethetownofPetersburgwaslaidout,inbusinessinOldSalem,avillagethatexistedmanyyearsagotwomilessouthofthepresentsiteofPetersburg.
"'Abe'Lincolnwasthenpostmasteroftheplaceandsoldwhiskytoitsinhabitants.Thereareold-timersyetlivinginMenardwhoboughtmanyajugofcorn-jui
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cefrom'OldAbe'whenhelivedatSalem.ItwasherethatAnneRutledgedwelt,andinwhosegraveLincolnwrotethathisheartwasburied.
"Asthestoryruns,thefairandgentleAnnewasoriginallyJohnMcNamer'ssweetheart,but'Abe'tooka'shine'totheyounglady,andsucceededinheadingoffMcNamerandwonheraffections.ButAnneRutledgedied,andLincolnwenttoSpringfield,wherehesometimeafterwardsmarried.
"ItisrelatedthatduringtheWaraladybelongingtoaprominentKentuckyfamilyvisitedWashingtontobegforherson'spardon,whowastheninprisonundersentenceofdeathforbelongingtoabandofguerrillaswhohadcommittedmanymurdersandoutrages.
"Withthemotherwasherdaughter,abeautifulyounglady,whowasanaccomplishedmusician.Mr.Lincolnreceivedthevisitorsinhisusualkindmanner,andthemothermadeknowntheobjectofhervisit,accompanyingherpleawithtearsandsobsandallthecustomaryromanticincidents.
"Therewereprobablyextenuatingcircumstancesinfavoroftheyoungrebelprisoner,andwhilethePresidentseemedtobedeeplyponderingtheyoungladymovedtoapianonearbyandtakingaseatcommencedtosing'GentleAnnie,'averysweetandpatheticballadwhich,beforetheWar,wasafamiliarsonginalmosteveryhouseholdintheUnion,andisnotyetentirelyforgotten,forthatmatter.
"Itistobepresumedthattheyoungladysangthesongwithmoreplaintivenessandeffectthan'OldAbe'hadeverhearditinSpringfield.Duringitsrendition,hearosefromhisseat,crossedtheroomtoawindowinthewestward,throughwhichhegazedforseveralminuteswitha'sad,far-awaylook,'whichhassooftenbeennotedasoneofhispeculiarities.
"Hismemory,nodoubt,wentbacktothedaysofhishumblelifeontheSangamon,andwithvisionsofOldSalemanditsrusticpeople,whooncegatheredinhisprimitivestore,cameapictureofthe'GentleAnnie'ofhisyouth,whoseasheshadrestedformanylongyearsunderthewildflowersandbramblesoftheoldruralburying-ground,butwhosespiritthen,perhaps,guidedhimtothesideofmercy.
"Bethatasitmay,PresidentLincolndrewalargeredsilkhandkerchieffromhiscoatpocket,withwhichhewipedhisfacevigorously.Thenheturned,advancedquicklytohisdesk,wroteabriefnote,whichhehandedtothelady,andinformedherthatitwasthepardonshesought.
"Thescenewasnodoubttouchinginagreatdegreeandprovesthatanicesong,wellsung,hasoftenapowerfulinfluenceinrecallingtenderrecollections.Itproves,also,thatAbrahamLincolnwasamanoffinefeelings,andthat,iftheoccurrencewasaput-upjobonthelady'spart,itaccomplishedthepurposeallthesame."
A"FREEFORALL."
LincolnmadeapoliticalspeechatPappsville,Illinois,whenacandidatefortheLegislaturethefirsttime.Afree-for-allfightbegansoonaftertheopeningofthemeeting,andLincoln,noticingoneofhisfriendsabouttosuccumbtotheenergeticattackofaninfuriatedruffian,edgedhiswaythroughthecrowd,and,seizingthebullybytheneckandtheseatofhistrousers,threwhim,bymeansofhisstrengthandlongarms,asonewitnessstoutlyinsists,"twelvefeetaway."Returningtothestand,andthrowingasidehishat,heinauguratedhiscampaignwiththefollowingbriefbutpertinentdeclaration:
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"Fellow-citizens,IpresumeyouallknowwhoIam.IamhumbleAbrahamLincoln.IhavebeensolicitedbymanyfriendstobecomeacandidatefortheLegislature.Mypoliticsareshortandsweet,liketheoldwoman'sdance.Iaminfavorofthenationalbank;Iaminfavoroftheinternalimprovementsystemandahighprotectivetariff.Thesearemysentiments;ifelected,Ishallbethankful;ifnot,itwillbeallthesame."
THREEINFERNALBORES.
Oneday,whenPresidentLincolnwasaloneandbusilyengagedonanimportantsubject,involvingvexationandanxiety,hewasdisturbedbytheunwarrantedintrusionofthreemen,who,withoutapology,proceededtolaytheirclaimbeforehim.
ThespokesmanofthethreeremindedthePresidentthattheyweretheownersofsometorpedoorotherwarlikeinventionwhich,ifthegovernmentwouldonlyadoptit,wouldsooncrushtherebellion.
"Now,"saidthespokesman,"wehavebeenheretoseeyoutimeandagain;youhavereferredustotheSecretaryofWar,theChiefofOrdnance,andtheGeneraloftheArmy,andtheygiveusnosatisfaction.Wehavebeenkeptherewaiting,ti
llmoneyandpatienceareexhausted,andwenowcometodemandofyouafinalreplytoourapplication."
Mr.Lincolnlistenedtothisinsolenttirade,andatitsclosetheoldtwinklecameintohiseye.
"YouthreegentlemenremindmeofastoryIonceheard,"saidhe,"ofapoorlittleboyoutWestwhohadlosthismother.Hisfatherwantedtogivehimareligiouseducation,andsoplacedhiminthefamilyofaclergyman,whomhedirectedtoinstructthelittlefellowcarefullyintheScriptures.EverydaytheboyhadtocommittomemoryandreciteonechapteroftheBible.ThingsproceededsmoothlyuntiltheyreachedthatchapterwhichdetailsthestoryofthetrialofShadrach,MeshachandAbednegointhefieryfurnace.Whenaskedtorepeatthesethr
eenamestheboysaidhehadforgottenthem.
"Histeachertoldhimthathemustlearnthem,andgavehimanotherdaytodoso.Thenextdaytheboyagainforgotthem.
"'Now,'saidtheteacher,'youhaveagainfailedtorememberthosenamesandyoucangonofartheruntilyouhavelearnedthem.Iwillgiveyouanotherdayonthislesson,andifyoudon'trepeatthenamesIwillpunishyou.'
"Athirdtimetheboycametorecite,andgotdowntothestumblingblock,whentheclergymansaid:'Nowtellmethenamesofthemeninthefieryfurnace.'
"'Oh,'saidtheboy,'herecomethosethreeinfernalbores!Iwishthedevilha
dthem!'"
Havingreceivedtheir"finalanswer,"thethreepatriotsretired,andattheCabinetmeetingwhichfollowed,thePresident,inhighgoodhumor,relatedhowhehaddismissedhisunwelcomevisitors.
LINCOLN'SMENWERE"HUSTLERS."
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IntheChicagoConventionof1860thefightforSewardwasmaintainedwithdesperateresolveuntilthefinalballotwastaken.ThurlowWeedwastheSewardleader,andhewassimplyincomparableasamasterinhandlingaconvention.WithhimwereGovernorMorgan,HenryJ.Raymond,oftheNewYorkTimes,withWilliamM.EvartsaschairmanoftheNewYorkdelegation,whosespeechnominatingSewardwasthemostimpressiveutteranceofhislife.TheBatesmen(BateswasafterwardsLincoln'sAttorney-General)wereledbyFrankBlair,theonlyRepublicanCongressmanfromaslaveState,whowasnothingifnotheroic,aidedbyhisbrotherMontgomery(afterwardsLincoln'sPostmasterGeneral),whowasapoliticianofuncommoncunning.WiththemwasHoraceGreeley,whowaschairmanofthedelegationfromthethenalmostinaccessibleStateofOregon.
ItwasLincoln'sfriends,however,whowerethe"hustlers"ofthatbattle.TheyhadmenforsobercounsellikeDavidDavis;menofsupremesagacitylikeLeonardSwett;menoftirelesseffortlikeNormanB.Judd;andtheyhadwhatwasmoreimportantthanall--aseethingmultitudewildwithenthusiasmfor"OldAbe."
ASLOWHORSE.
OnoneoccasionwhenMr.Lincolnwasgoingtoattendapoliticalconventiononeofhisrivals,aliveryman,providedhimwithaslowhorse,hopingthathewouldnotreachhisdestinationintime.Mr.Lincolngotthere,however,andwhenhe
returnedwiththehorsehesaid:"Youkeepthishorseforfunerals,don'tyou?""Oh,no,"repliedtheliveryman."Well,I'mgladofthat,forifyoudidyou'dnevergetacorpsetothegraveintimefortheresurrection."
DODGING"BROWSINGPRESIDENTS."
GeneralMcClellan,afterbeingputincommandoftheArmy,resentedany"interference"bythePresident.Lincoln,inhisanxietytoknowthedetailsoftheworkinthearmy,wentfrequentlytoMcClellan'sheadquarters.ThatthePresidenthadaseriouspurposeinthesevisitsMcClellandidnotsee.
"Iencloseacardjustreceivedfrom'A.Lincoln,'"hewrotetohiswifeoneday;"itshowstoomuchdeferencetobeseenoutside."
InanotherlettertoMrs.McClellanhespokeofbeing"interrupted"bythePresidentandSecretarySeward,"whohadnothinginparticulartosay,"andagainofconcealinghimself"tododgeallenemiesinshapeof'browsing'Presidents,"etc.
"IambecomingdailymoredisgustedwiththisAdministration--perfectlysickofit,"hewroteearlyinOctober;andafewdayslater,"IwasobligedtoattendameetingoftheCabinetat8P.M.,andwasboredandannoyed.TherearesomeofthegreatestgeeseintheCabinetIhaveeverseen--enoughtotaxthepatienceofJob."
AGREENBACKLEGEND.
AtaCabinetmeetingonce,theadvisabilityofputtingalegendongreenbackssimilartotheInGodWeTrustlegendonthesilvercoinswasdiscussed,andthePresidentwasaskedwhathisviewwas.Hereplied:"Ifyouaregoingtoputalegendonthegreenback,IwouldsuggestthatofPeterandPaul:'Silverandgoldwehavenot,butwhatwehavewe'llgiveyou.'"
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GOD'SBESTGIFTTOMAN.
OneofMr.Lincoln'snotablereligiousutteranceswashisreplytoadeputationofcoloredpeopleatBaltimorewhopresentedhimaBible.Hesaid:
"Inregardtothegreatbook,IhaveonlytosayitisthebestgiftwhichGodhasevergivenman.AllthegoodfromtheSavioroftheworldiscommunicatedtousthroughthisbook.Butforthisbookwecouldnotknowrightfromwrong.Allthosethingsdesirabletomanarecontainedinit."
SCALPINGINTHEBLACKHAWKWAR.
WhenLincolnwasPresidenthetoldthisstoryoftheBlackHawkWar:
Theonlytimeheeversawbloodinthiscampaign,wasonemorningwhen,marchingupalittlevalleythatmakesintotheRockRiverbottom,toreinforceasquadofoutpoststhatwerethoughttobeindanger,theycameuponthetentoccupiedbytheotherpartyjustatsunrise.Themenhadneglectedtoplaceanyguardatnight,andhadbeenslaughteredintheirsleep.
Asthereinforcingpartycameuptheslopeonwhichthecamphadbeenmade,Lincolnsawthemalllyingwiththeirheadstowardstherisingsun,andtheroundredspotthatmarkedwheretheyhadbeenscalpedgleamedmoreredlyyetintheruddylightofthesun.Thissceneyearsafterwardsherecalledwithashudder.
MATRIMONIALADVICE.
ForawhileduringtheCivilWar,GeneralFremontwaswithoutacommand.OnedayindiscussingFremont'scasewithGeorgeW.Julian,PresidentLincolnsaidhedidnotknowwheretoplacehim,andthatitremindshimoftheoldmanwhoadvi
sedhissontotakeawife,towhichtheyoungmanresponded:"Allright;whosewifeshallItake?"
OWEDLOTSOFMONEY.
OnApril14,1865,afewhoursprevioustohisassassination,PresidentLincolnsentamessagebyCongressmanSchuylerColfax,Vice-PresidentduringGeneralGrant'sfirstterm,totheminersintheRockyMountainsandtheregionsboundedbythePacificocean,inwhichhesaid:
"NowthattheRebellionisoverthrown,andweknowprettynearlytheamountof
ourNationaldebt,themoregoldandsilverwemine,wemakethepaymentofthatdebtsomucheasier.
"NowIamgoingtoencouragethatineverypossibleway.Weshallhavehundredsofthousandsofdisbandedsoldiers,andmanyhavefearedthattheirreturnhomeinsuchgreatnumbersmightparalyzeindustrybyfurnishing,suddenly,agreatersupplyoflaborthantherewillbedemandfor.Iamgoingtotrytoattractthemtothehiddenwealthofourmountainranges,wherethereisroomenoughforall.Immigration,whicheventheWarhasnotstopped,willlanduponourshoreshundredsofthousandsmoreperyearfromovercrowdedEurope.Iintendtopointth
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emtothegoldandsilverthatwaitforthemintheWest.
"TelltheminersformethatIshallpromotetheirintereststotheutmostofmyability;becausetheirprosperityastheprosperityofthenation;and,"saidhe,hiseyekindlingwithenthusiasm,"weshallprove,inaveryfewyears,thatweareindeedthetreasuryoftheworld."
"ONTHELORD'SSIDE."
PresidentLincolnmadeasignificantremarktoaclergymanintheearlydaysoftheWar.
"Letushavefaith,Mr.President,"saidtheminister,"thattheLordisonoursideinthisgreatstruggle."
Mr.Lincolnquietlyanswered:"Iamnotatallconcernedaboutthat,forIknowthattheLordisalwaysonthesideoftheright;butitismyconstantanxietyandprayerthatIandthisnationmaybeontheLord'sside."
WANTEDTOBENEAR"ABE."
ItwasLincoln'scustomtoholdaninformalreceptiononceaweek,eachcallertakinghisturn.
UpononeoftheseeventfuldaysanoldfriendfromIllinoisstoodinlineforalmostanhour.AtlasthewassonearthePresidenthisvoicecouldreachhim,and,callingouttohisoldassociate,hestartledeveryonebyexclaiming,"Hallo,'Abe';howareye?I'minlineandhevcomeforanorfice,too."
Lincolnsingledoutthemanwiththestentorianvoice,andrecognizingaparticularlyoldfriend,onewhosewifehadbefriendedhimatapeculiarlytryingtime,thePresidentrespondedtohisgreetinginacordialmanner,andtoldhim"tohangontohimselfandnotkickthetraces.Keepinlineandyou'llsoongethere
."
Theymetandshookhandswiththeoldfervorandrenewedtheirfriendship.
Theinformalreceptionover,Lincolnsentforhisoldfriend,andthelatterbegantourgehisclaims.
Afterhavinggivenhimsomegoodadvice,Lincolnkindlytoldhimhewasincapableofholdinganysuchpositionasheaskedfor.ThedisappointmentoftheIllinoisfriendwasplainlyshown,andwithaperceptibletremorinhisvoicehesaid,"Martha'sdead,thegalismarried,andI'veguvJimtheforty."
ThenlookingatLincolnhecamealittlenearerandalmostwhispered,"Iknowed
Iwasn'teddicatedenoughtogittheplace,butIkinderwanttostaywhereIkensee'Abe'Lincoln."
HewasgivenemploymentintheWhiteHousegrounds.
AfterwardsthePresidentsaid,"Thesebriefinterviews,strippedofeventhesemblanceofceremony,givemeabetterinsightintotherealcharacterofthepersonandhistruereasonforseekingone."
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GOTHISFOOTINIT.
WilliamH.Seward,idoloftheRepublicansoftheEast,sixmonthsafterLincolnhadmadehis"DividedHouse"speech,deliveredanaddressatRochester,NewYork,containingthisfamoussentence:
"Itisanirrepressibleconflictbetweenopposingandenduringforces,anditmeansthattheUnitedStatesmust,andwill,soonerorlater,becomeeitherentirelyaslave-holdingnation,orentirelyafree-labornation."
Seward,whohadsimplyfollowedinLincoln'ssteps,wasdefeatedforthePresidentialnominationattheRepublicanNationalConventionof1860,becausehewas"tooradical,"andLincoln,whowasstill"radicaler,"wasnamed.
SAVEDBYALETTER.
ThechiefinterestoftheIllinoiscampaignof1843layintheraceforCongressintheCapitaldistrict,whichwasbetweenHardin--fiery,eloquent,andimpetuousDemocrat--andLincoln--plain,practical,andennobledWhig.Theworldknowstheresult.Lincolnwaselected.
Itisnotsomuchhiselectionasthemannerinwhichhesecuredhisnominationwithwhichwehavetodeal.Beforethatever-memorablespringLincolnvacillatedbetweenthecourtsofSpringfield,ratedasaplain,honest,logicalWhig,withnoambitionhigherpoliticallythantooccupysomegoodhomeoffice.
Lateinthefallof1842hisnamebegantobementionedinconnectionwithCongressionalaspirations,whichfactgreatlyannoyedtheleadersofhispoliticalparty,whohadalreadyselectedastheWhigcandidateE.D.Baker,afterwardthegallantColonelwhofellsobravelyanddiedsuchanhonorabledeathonthebattlefieldofBall'sBluff.
Despitealleffortsofhisopponentswithinhisparty,thenameofthe"gauntrail-splitter"washailedwithacclaimbythemasses,towhomhehadendearedhim
selfbyhiswitticisms,honesttongue,andquaintphilosophywhenonthestump,orminglingwiththemintheirhomes.
Theconvention,whichmetinearlyspring,inthecityofSpringfield,wastobecomposedoftheusualnumberofdelegates.Thecontestforthenominationwasspiritedandexciting.
AfewweeksbeforethemeetingoftheconventionthefactwasfoundbytheleadersthattheadvantagelaywithLincoln,andthatunlesstheypulledsomeveryfinewiresnothingcouldsaveBaker.
Theyattemptedtoplaythegamethathassooftenwon,by"convincing"delegatesunderinstructionsforLincolntoviolatethem,andvoteforBaker.Theyhada
pparentlysucceeded.
"Thebestlaidplansofmiceandmengangaftagley."Soitwasinthiscase.TwodaysbeforetheconventionLincolnreceivedanintimationofthis,and,lateatnight,wrotethefollowingletter.
TheletterwasaddressedtoMartinMorris,whoresidedatPetersburg,anintimatefriendofhis,andbyhimcirculatedamongthosewhowereinstructedforhimatthecountyconvention.
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Ithadthedesiredeffect.Theconventionmet,theschemeoftheconspiratorsmiscarried,Lincolnwasnominated,madeavigorouscanvass,andwastriumphantlyelected,thuspavingthewayforhismoreextendedandbrilliantconquests.
Thisletter,Lincolnhadoftentoldhisfriends,gavehimultimatelytheChiefMagistracyofthenation.Hehasalsosaid,that,hadhebeenbeatenbeforetheconvention,hewouldhavebeenforeverobscured.Thefollowingisaverbatimcopyoftheepistle:
"April14,1843.
"FriendMorris:IhavehearditintimatedthatBakeristryingtogetyouorMiles,orbothofyou,toviolatetheinstructionsofthemeetingthatappointedyou,andtogoforhim.Ihaveinsisted,andstillinsist,thatthiscannotbetrue.
"SureBakerwouldnotdothelike.AswellmightHardinaskmetovoteforhimintheconvention.
"Again,itissaidtherewillbeanattempttogetinstructionsinyourcountyrequiringyoutogoforBaker.Thisisallwrong.Uponthesamerule,whymightInotflyfromthedecisionagainstmeatSangamonandgetupinstructionstotheirdelegatestogoforme.Thereareatleast1,200Whigsinthecountythattooknopart,andyetIwouldassoonstickmyheadinthefireasattemptit.
"Besides,ifanyoneshouldgetthenominationbysuchextraordinarymeans,allharmonyinthedistrictwouldinevitablybelost.HonestWhigs(andverynearlyallofthemarehonest)wouldnotquietlyabidesuchenormities.
"Irepeat,suchanattemptonBaker'spartcannotbetrue.WritemeatSpringfieldhowthematteris.Don'tshoworspeakofthisletter.
"A.LINCOLN."
Mr.Morrisdidshowtheletter,andMr.Lincolnalwaysthankedhisstarsthath
edid.
HISFAVORITEPOEM.
Mr.Lincoln'sfavoritepoemwas"Oh!WhyShouldtheSpiritofMortalBeProud?"writtenbyWilliamKnox,aScotchman,althoughMr.Lincolnneverknewtheauthor'sname.Heoncesaidtoafriend:
"Thispoemhasbeenagreatfavoritewithmeforyears.Itwasfirstshowntome,whenayoungman,byafriend.Iafterwardsawitandcutitfromanewspaperandlearneditbyheart.Iwouldgiveagreatdealtoknowwhowroteit,butI
haveneverbeenabletoascertain."
"Oh!whyshouldthespiritofmortalbeproud?--Likeaswift-fleeingmeteor,afast-flyingcloud,Aflashofthelightning,abreakofthewave,Hepassethfromlifetohisrestinthegrave.
"Theleavesoftheoakandthewillowshallfade,Bescatteredaround,andtogetherbelaid;Andtheyoungandtheold,andthelowandthehigh,Shallmouldertodust,andtogethershalllie.
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"Theinfantamotherattendedandloved;Themother,thatinfant'saffectionwhoproved,Thehusband,thatmotherandinfantwhoblessed--Each,all,areawaytotheirdwellingsofrest.
"Themaidonwhosecheek,onwhosebrow,inwhoseeye,Shonebeautyandpleasure--hertriumphsareby;Andthememoryofthosewholovedherandpraised,Arealikefromthemindsofthelivingerased.
"Thehandoftheking,thatthesceptrehathborne,Thebrowofthepriest,thatthemitrehathworn,Theeyeofthesage,andtheheartofthebrave,Arehiddenandlostinthedepthsofthegrave.
"Thepeasant,whoselotwastosowandtoreap,Theherdsman,whoclimbedwithhisgoatsupthesteep;Thebeggar,whowanderedinsearchofhisbread,Havefadedawaylikethegrassthatwetread.
"Thesaint,whoenjoyedthecommunionofheaven,Thesinner,whodaredtoremainunforgiven;Thewiseandthefoolish,theguiltyandjust,Havequietlymingledtheirbonesinthedust.
"Sothemultitudegoes--liketheflowerortheweedThatwithersawaytoletotherssucceed;Sothemultitudecomes--eventhosewebehold,Torepeateverytalethathasoftenbeentold:
"Forwearethesameourfathershavebeen;Weseethesamesightsourfathershaveseen;Wedrinkthesamestream,weviewthesamesun,Andrunthesamecourseourfathershaverun.
"Thethoughtswearethinking,ourfatherswouldthink;Fromthedeathweareshrinking,ourfatherswouldshrink;Tothelifeweareclinging,theyalsowouldcling--Butitspeedsfromusalllikeabirdonthewing.
"Theyloved--butthestorywecannotunfold;Theyscorned--buttheheartofthehaughtyiscold;Theygrieved--butnowailfromtheirslumberwillcome;Theyjoyed--butthetongueoftheirgladnessisdumb.
"Theydied--aye,theydied--andwethingsthatarenow,Thatwalkontheturft
hatlieso'ertheirbrow,Andmakeintheirdwellingsatransientabode,Meetthethingsthattheymetontheirpilgrimageroad.
"Yea!hopeanddespondency,pleasureandpain,Aremingledtogetherinsunshineandrain;Andthesmileandthetear,thesongandthedirge,Stillfolloweachother,likesurgeuponsurge.
"'Tisthewinkofaneye,--'tisthedraughtofabreath;--Fromtheblossomofhealthtothepalenessofdeath,Fromthegildedsaloontothebierandtheshroud:--Oh!whyshouldthespiritofmortalbeproud?"
FIVE-LEGGEDCALF.
PresidentLincolnhadgreatdoubtastohisrighttoemancipatetheslavesundertheWarpower.Indiscussingthequestion,heusedtolikethecasetothatoftheboywho,whenaskedhowmanylegshiscalfwouldhaveifhecalleditstailaleg,replied,"five,"towhichthepromptresponsewasmadethatcallingthetailalegwouldnotmakeitaleg.
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ASTAGE-COACHSTORY.
ThefollowingistoldbyThomasH.Nelson,ofTerreHaute,Indiana,whowasappointedministertoChilibyLincoln:
JudgeAbramHammond,afterwardsGovernorofIndiana,andmyselfarrangedtogofromTerreHautetoIndianapolisinastage-coach.
Aswesteppedinwediscoveredthattheentirebackseatwasoccupiedbyalong,lankindividual,whoseheadseemedtoprotrudefromoneendofthecoachandhisfeetfromtheother.Hewasthesoleoccupant,andwassleepingsoundly.Hammondslappedhimfamiliarlyontheshoulder,andaskedhimifhehadcharteredthecoachthatday.
"Certainlynot,"andheatoncetookthefrontseat,politelygivingustheplaceofhonorandcomfort.Anodd-lookingfellowhewas,withatwenty-fivecenthat,withoutvestorcravat.Regardinghimasagoodsubjectformerriment,weperpetratedseveraljokes.
Hetookthemallwithutmostinnocenceandgoodnature,andjoinedinthelaugh,althoughathisownexpense.
Afteranastoundingdisplayofwordypyrotechnics,thedazedandbewilderedstrangerasked,"Whatwillbetheupshotofthiscometbusiness?"
LateintheeveningwereachedIndianapolis,andhurriedtoBrowning'shotel,losingsightofthestrangeraltogether.
Weretiredtoourroomtobrushourclothes.InafewminutesIdescendedtotheportico,andtheredescriedourlong,gloomyfellowtravelerinthecenterofanadmiringgroupoflawyers,amongwhomwereJudgesMcLeanandHuntington,AlbertS.White,andRichardW.Thompson,whoseemedtobeamusedandinterestedinastoryhewastelling.IinquiredofBrowning,thelandlord,whohewas."AbrahamLincoln,ofIllinois,amemberofCongress,"washisresponse.
Iwasthunderstruckattheannouncement.IhastenedupstairsandtoldHammondthestartlingnews,andtogetherweemergedfromthehotelbyabackdoor,andwe
ntdownanalleytoanotherhouse,thusavoidingfurthercontactwithourdistinguishedfellowtraveler.
Yearsafterward,whenthePresident-electwasonhiswaytoWashington,Iwasinthesamehotellookingoverthedistinguishedparty,whenalongarmreachedtomyshoulder,andashrillvoiceexclaimed,"Hello,Nelson!doyouthink,afterall,thewholeworldisgoingtofollowthedarnedthingoff?"Thewordsweremyowninanswertohisquestioninthestage-coach.ThespeakerwasAbrahamLincoln.
THE"400"GATHEREDTHERE.
Lincolnhadperiodswhile"clerking"intheNewSalemgrocerystoreduringwhichtherewasnothingforhimtodo,andwasthereforeincircumstancesthatmadelazinessalmostinevitable.Hadpeoplecometohimforgoods,theywouldhavefoundhimwillingtosellthem.Hesoldallthathecould,doubtless.
Thestoresoonbecamethesocialcenterofthevillage.Ifthepeopledidnotcare(orwereunable)tobuygoods,theylikedtogowheretheycouldtalkwiththeirneighborsandlistentostories.TheseLincolngavetheminabundance,andofararesort.
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Itwasinthesegatheringsofthe"FourHundred"atthevillagestorethatLincolngothistrainingasadebater.Publicquestionswerediscussedtheredailyandnightly,andLincolnalwaystookaprominentpartinthediscussions.Manyofthedebaterscametoconsider"AbeLinkin"asaboutthesmartestmaninthevillage.
ONLYLEVEL-HEADEDMENWANTED.
Lincolnwantedmenoflevelheadsforimportantcommands.Notinfrequentlyhegavehisgeneralsadvice.
HeappreciatedHooker'sbravery,dashandactivity,butwasfearfuloftheresultsofwhathedenominated"swashingaround."
ThiswasoneofhistelegramstoHooker:
"Andnow,bewareofrashness;bewareofrashness,but,withenergyandsleeplessvigilance,goforwardandgiveusvictories."
HISFAITHINTHEMONITOR.
WhentheConfederateiron-cladMerrimacwassentagainsttheUnionvesselsinHamptonRoadsPresidentLincolnexpressedhisbeliefintheMonitortoCaptainFox,theadviserofCaptainEricsson,whoconstructedtheMonitor."WehavethreeofthemosteffectivevesselsinHamptonRoads,andanynumberofsmallcraftthatwillhangonthesternoftheMerrimaclikesmalldogsonthehaunchesofabear.Theymaynotbeabletotearherdown,buttheywillinterferewiththecomfortofhervoyage.Hertrialtripwillnotbeapleasuretrip,Iamcertain.
"Wehavehadabigshareofbadluckalready,butIdonotbelievethefuturehasanysuchmisfortunesinstoreforusasyouanticipate."SaidCaptainFox:"IftheMerrimacdoesnotsinkourships,whoistopreventherfromdroppingher
anchorinthePotomac,wherethatsteamerlies,"pointingtoasteameratanchorbelowthelongbridge,"andthrowingherhundred-poundshellsintothisroom,orbatteringdownthewallsoftheCapitol?"
"TheAlmighty,Captain,"answeredthePresident,excitedly,butwithouttheleastaffectation."Iexpectset-backs,defeats;wehavehadthemandshallhavethem.Theyarecommontoallwars.ButIhavenottheslightestfearofanyresultwhichshallfatallyimpairourmilitaryandnavalstrength,orgiveotherpowersanyrighttointerfereinourquarrel.ThedestructionoftheCapitolwoulddoboth.
"Idonotfearit,forthisisGod'sfight,andHewillwinitinHisowngoodtime.Hewilltakecarethatourenemieswillnotpushustoofar.
"Speakingofiron-clads,"saidthePresident,"youdonotseemtotakethelittleMonitorintoaccount.IbelieveintheMonitorandhercommander.IfCaptainWordendoesnotgiveagoodaccountoftheMonitorandofhimself,IshallhavemadeamistakeinfollowingmyjudgmentforthefirsttimesinceIhavebeenhere,Captain.
"IhavenotmadeamistakeinfollowingmyclearjudgmentofmensincethisWarbegan.IfollowedthatjudgmentwhenIgaveWordenthecommandoftheMonitor.Iwouldmaketheappointmentoveragainto-day.TheMonitorshouldbeinHampton
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Roadsnow.SheleftNewYorkeightdaysago."
AfterthecaptainhadagainpresentedwhatheconsideredthepossibilitiesoffailurethePresidentreplied,"No,no,Captain,Irespectyourjudgmentsasyouhavereasontoknow,butthistimeyouareallwrong.
"TheMonitorwasoneofmyinspirations;IbelievedinherfirmlywhenthatenergeticcontractorfirstshowedmeEricsson'splans.CaptainEricsson'splainbutratherenthusiasticdemonstrationmademyconversionpermanent.Itwascalledafloatingbatterythen;Icalleditaraft.Icaughtsomeoftheinventor'senthusiasmandithasbeengrowinguponme.Ithoughtthen,andIamconfidentnow,itisjustwhatwewant.IamsurethattheMonitorisstillafloat,andthatshewillyetgiveagoodaccountofherself.SometimesIthinkshemaybetheveritableslingwithastonethatwillyetsmitetheMerrimacPhilistineintheforehead."
SoonwasthePresident'sjudgmentverified,forthe"FightoftheMonitorandMerrimac"changedalltheconditionsofnavalwarfare.
Afterthevictorywasgained,thepresidingCaptainFoxandotherswentonboardtheMonitor,andCaptainWordenwasrequestedbythePresidenttonarratethehistoryoftheencounter.
CaptainWordendidsoinamodestmanner,andapologizedfornotbeingablebet
tertoprovideforhisguests.ThePresidentsmilinglyresponded"SomecharitablepeoplesaythatoldBourbonisanindispensableelementinthefightingqualitiesofsomeofourgeneralsinthefield,but,Captain,aftertheaccountthatwehaveheardto-day,noonewillsaythatanyDutchcourageisneededonboardtheMonitor."
"Itneverhasbeen,sir,"modestlyobservedthecaptain.
CaptainFoxthengaveadescriptionofwhathesawoftheengagementanddescribeditasindescribablygrand.Then,turningtothePresident,hecontinued,"Nowstandinghereonthedeckofthisbattle-scarredvessel,thefirstgenuineiron-clad--thevictorinthefirstfightofiron-clads--letmemakeaconfession,andperformanactofsimplejustice.
"IneverfullybelievedinarmoredvesselsuntilIsawthisbattle.
"IknowallthefactswhichunitedtogiveustheMonitor.IwithholdnocreditfromCaptainEricsson,herinventor,butIknowthatthecountryisprincipallyindebtedfortheconstructionofthevesseltoPresidentLincoln,andforthesuccessofhertrialtoCaptainWorden,hercommander."
HERONLYIMPERFECTION.
AtonetimeacertainMajorHillchargedLincolnwithmakingdefamatoryremarks
regardingMrs.Hill.
HillwasinsultinginhislanguagetoLincolnwhoneverlosthistemper.
Whenhesawhischancetoedgeawordin,Lincolndeniedemphaticallyusingthelanguageoranythinglikethatattributedtohim.
Heentertained,heinsisted,ahighregardforMrs.Hill,andtheonlythingheknewtoherdiscreditwasthefactthatshewasMajorHill'swife.
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THEOLDLADY'SPROPHECY.
AmongthosewhocalledtocongratulateMr.LincolnuponhisnominationforPresidentwasanoldlady,veryplainlydressed.SheknewMr.Lincoln,butMr.Lincolndidnotatfirstrecognizeher.Thensheundertooktorecalltohismemorycertainincidentsconnectedwithhisrideuponthecircuit--especiallyhisdiningatherhouseupontheroadatdifferenttimes.Thenherememberedherandherhome.
Havingfixedherownplaceinhisrecollection,shetriedtorecalltohimacertainscantydinnerofbreadandmilkthatheonceateatherhouse.Hecouldnotrememberit--onthecontrary,heonlyrememberedthathehadalwaysfaredwellatherhouse.
"Well,"shesaid,"onedayyoucamealongafterwehadgotthroughdinner,andwehadeatenupeverything,andIcouldgiveyounothingbutabowlofbreadandmilk,andyouateit;andwhenyougotupyousaiditwasgoodenoughforthePresidentoftheUnitedStates!"
Thegoodwomanhadcomeinfromthecountry,makingajourneyofeightortenmiles,torelatetoMr.Lincolnthisincident,which,inhermind,haddoubtlesstakentheformofaprophecy.Mr.Lincolnplacedthehonestcreatureatherease
,chattedwithherofoldtimes,anddismissedherinthemosthappyframeofmind.
HOWTHETOWNOFLINCOLN,ILL.,WASNAMED.
ThestoryofnamingthetownofLincoln,thecountyseatofLogancounty,Illinois,isthusgivenongoodauthority:
Thefirstrailroadhadbeenbuiltthroughthecounty,andastationwasabouttobelocatedthere.Lincoln,VirgilHitchcock,ColonelR.B.Lathamandseveralothersweresittingonapileoftiesandtalkingaboutmovingacountyseatfro
mMountPulaski.Mr.Lincolnroseandstartedtowalkaway,whenColonelLathamsaid:"Lincoln,ifyouwillhelpustogetthecountyseathere,wewillcalltheplaceLincoln."
"Allright,Latham,"hereplied.
ColonelLathamthendeededhimalotonthewestsideofthecourthouse,andheowneditatthetimehewaselectedPresident.
"OLDJEFF'S"BIGNIGHTMARE.
"Jeff"DavishadalargeandthreateningnightmareinNovember,1864,andwhathesawinhistroubleddreamswasthelongandlankyfigureofAbrahamLincoln,whohadjustbeenendorsedbythepeopleoftheUnitedStatesforanothertermintheWhiteHouseatWashington.Thecartoonreproducedhereisfromtheissueof"FrankLeslie'sIllustratedNewspaper"ofDecember3rd,1864,itbeingentitled"JeffDavis'NovemberNightmare."
DavishadbeentoldthatMcClellan,"theWarisafailure"candidateforthePresidency,wouldhavenodifficultywhateverindefeatingLincoln;thatnegotiationswiththeConfederateofficialsforthecessationofhostilitieswouldbeent
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eredintoassoonasMcClellanwasseatedintheChiefExecutive'schair;thattheConfederacywould,inallprobability,berecognizedasanindependentgovernmentbytheWashingtonAdministration;thatthe"sacredinstitution"ofslaverywouldcontinuetodobusinessattheoldstand;thattheConfederacywouldbeoneofthegreatnationsoftheworld,andhaveallthe"StateRights"andotherthingsitwanted,withabsolutelynointerferencewhateveruponthepartoftheNorth.
Therefore,Lincoln'sre-electionwasarough,rudeshocktoDavis,whohadnotpreparedhimselfforsuchanevent.Sixmonthsfromthedateofthatnightmare-dreamhewasaprisonerinthehandsoftheUnionforces,andtheConfederacywasathingofthepast.
LINCOLN'SLASTOFFICIALACT.
ProbablythelastofficialactofPresidentLincoln'slifewasthesigningofthecommissionreappointingAlvinSaundersGovernorofNebraska.
"IsawMr.Lincolnregardingthematter,"saidGovernorSaunders,"andhetoldmetogohome;thathewouldattendtoitallright.IleftWashingtononthemorningofthe14th,andwhileenroutethenewsoftheassassinationontheeveningofthesamedayreachedme.Iimmediatelywiredbacktofindoutwhathadbec
omeofmycommission,andwastoldthattheroomhadnotbeenopened.Whenitwasopened,thedocumentwasfoundlyingonthedesk.
"Mr.Lincolnsigneditjustbeforeleavingforthetheaterthatfatalevening,andleftitlyingthere,unfolded.
"Anotewasfoundbelowthedocumentasfollows:'Ratheralengthycommission,bestowinguponMr.AlvinSaunderstheofficialauthorityofGovernoroftheTerritoryofNebraska.'ThencameLincoln'ssignature,which,withoneexception,thatofapenciledmessageonthebackofacardsentupbyafriendasMr.Lincolnwasdressingforthetheater,wastheverylastsignatureofthemartyredPresident."
THELADNEEDEDTHESLEEP.
ApersonalfriendofPresidentLincolnisauthorityforthis:
"IcalledonhimonedayintheearlypartoftheWar.Hehadjustwrittenapardonforayoungmanwhohadbeensentencedtobeshotforsleepingathispost.Heremarkedashereadittome:
"'Icouldnotthinkofgoingintoeternitywiththebloodofthepooryoungmanonmyskirts.'Thenheadded:
"'Itisnottobewonderedatthataboy,raisedonafarm,probablyinthehabitofgoingtobedatdark,should,whenrequiredtowatch,fallasleep;andIc
annotconsenttoshoothimforsuchanact.'"
"MASSALINKUMLIKEDELORD!"
BytheActofEmancipationPresidentLincolnbuiltforhimselfforeverthefirstplaceintheaffectionsoftheAfricanraceinthiscountry.Theloveandreverencemanifestedforhimbymanyofthesepeoplehas,onsomeoccasions,almostreachedadoration.OnedayColonelMcKaye,ofNewYork,whohadbeenoneofaco
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mmitteetoinvestigatetheconditionofthefreedmen,uponhisreturnfromHiltonHeadandBeaufortcalleduponthePresident,andinthecourseoftheinterviewsaidthatuptothetimeofthearrivalamongthemintheSouthoftheUnionforcestheyhadnoknowledgeofanyotherpower.Theirmastersfledupontheapproachofoursoldiers,andthisgavetheslavestheconceptionofapowergreaterthantheirmastersexercised.Thispowertheycalled"MassaLinkum."
ColonelMcKayesaidtheirplaceofworshipwasalargebuildingtheycalled"thepraisehouse,"andtheleaderofthe"meeting,"avenerableblackman,wasknownas"thepraiseman."
Onacertainday,whentherewasquitealargegatheringofthepeople,considerableconfusionwascreatedbydifferentpersonsattemptingtotellwhoandwhat"MassaLinkum"was.Inthemidstoftheexcitementthewhite-headedleadercommandedsilence."Brederen,"saidhe,"youdon'tknownosen'whatyou'setalkin''bout.Now,youjustlistentome.MassaLinkum,heeberywhar.Heknoweberyting."
Then,solemnlylookingup,headded:"HewalkdeearflikedeLord!"
HOWLINCOLNTOOKTHENEWS.
OneofLincoln'smostdearlylovedfriends,UnitedStatesSenatorEdwardD.Baker,ofOregon,ColoneloftheSeventy-firstPennsylvania,aformertownsmanofMr.Lincoln,waskilledatthebattleofBall'sBluff,inOctober,1861.ThePresidentwenttoGeneralMcClellan'sheadquarterstohearthenews,andafriendthusdescribedtheeffectithaduponhim:
"WecouldheartheclickofthetelegraphintheadjoiningroomandlowconversationbetweenthePresidentandGeneralMcClellan,succeededbysilence,exceptingtheclick,clickoftheinstrument,whichwentonwithitstaleofdisaster.
"Fiveminutespassed,andthenMr.Lincoln,unattended,withbowedheadandtearsrollingdownhisfurrowedcheeks,hisfacepaleandwan,hisbreastheavingwithemotion,passedthroughtheroom.Healmostfellashesteppedintothestre
et.Wespranginvoluntarilyfromourseatstorenderassistance,buthedidnotfall.
"Withbothhandspresseduponhisheart,hewalkeddownthestreet,notreturningthesaluteofthesentinelpacinghisbeatbeforethedoor."
PROFANITYASASAFETY-VALVE.
Lincolnneverindulgedinprofanity,butconfessedthatwhenLeewasbeatenatMalvernHill,aftersevendaysoffighting,andRichmond,buttwelvemilesaway,wasatMcClellan'smercy,hefeltverymuchlikeswearingwhenhelearnedthat
theUniongeneralhadretiredtoHarrison'sLanding.
LeewassoconfidenthisopponentwouldnotgotoRichmondthathetookhisarmyintoMaryland--amovehewouldnothavemadehadanenergeticfightingmanbeeninMcClellan'splace.
ItistrueMcClellanfollowedanddefeatedLeeinthebloodiestbattleoftheWar--Antietam--afterwardsfollowinghimintoVirginia;butLincolncouldnotbringhimselftoforgivethegeneral'sinactionbeforeRichmond.
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WHYWEWONATGETTYSBURG.
PresidentLincolnsaidtoGeneralSickles,justafterthevictoryofGettysburg:"Thefactis,General,inthestressandpinchofthecampaignthere,Iwenttomyroom,andgotdownonmykneesandprayedGodAlmightyforvictoryatGettysburg.ItoldHimthatthiswasHiscountry,andthewarwasHiswar,butthatwereallycouldn'tstandanotherFredericksburgorChancellorsville.AndthenandthereImadeasolemnvowwithmyMakerthatifHewouldstandbyyouboysatGettysburgIwouldstandbyHim.AndHedid,andIwill!AndafterthisIfeltthatGodAlmightyhadtakenthewholethingintoHishands."
HADTOWAITFORHIM.
PresidentLincoln,havingarrangedtogotoNewYork,waslateforhistrain,muchtothedisgustofthosewhoweretoaccompanyhim,andallwerecompelledtowaitseveralhoursuntilthenexttrainsteamedoutofthestation.PresidentLincolnwasmuchamusedatthedissatisfactiondisplayed,andthenventuredtheremarkthatthesituationremindedhimof"alittlestory."Saidhe:
"OutinIllinois,aconvictwhohadmurderedhiscellmatewassentencedtobeh
anged.Onthedaysetfortheexecution,crowdslinedtheroadsleadingtothespotwherethescaffoldhadbeenerected,andtherewasmuchjostlingandexcitement.Thecondemnedmantookmatterscoolly,andasonebatchofperspiring,anxiousmenrushedpastthecartinwhichhewasriding,hecalledout,'Don'tbeinahurry,boys.You'vegotplentyoftime.Therewon'tbeanyfununtilIgetthere.'
"That'stheconditionofthingsnow,"concludedthePresident;"therewon'tbeanyfunatNewYorkuntilIgetthere."
PRESIDENTANDCABINETJOINEDINPRAYER.
OnthedaythenewsofGeneralLee'ssurrenderatAppomattoxCourt-Housewasreceived,soanintimatefriendofPresidentLincolnrelates,theCabinetmeetingwasheldanhourearlierthanusual.NeitherthePresidentnoranymemberoftheCabinetwasable,foratime,togiveutterancetohisfeelings.AtthesuggestionofMr.Lincolnalldroppedontheirknees,andoffered,insilenceandintears,theirhumbleandheartfeltacknowledgmentstotheAlmightyforthetriumphHehadgrantedtotheNationalcause.
BELIEVEDHEWASACHRISTIAN.
Mr.Lincolnwasmuchimpressedwiththedevotionandearnestnessofpurposemanifestedbyacertainladyofthe"ChristianCommission"duringtheWar,andononeoccasion,aftershehaddischargedtheobjectofhervisit,saidtoher:
"Madam,IhaveformedahighopinionofyourChristiancharacter,andnow,aswearealone,Ihaveamindtoaskyoutogivemeinbriefyourideaofwhatconstitutesatruereligiousexperience."
Theladyrepliedatsomelength,statingthat,inherjudgment,itconsistedofaconvictionofone'sownsinfulnessandweakness,andapersonalneedoftheS
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aviourforstrengthandsupport;thatviewsofmeredoctrinemightandwoulddiffer,butwhenonewasreallybroughttofeelhisneedofdivinehelp,andtoseektheaidoftheHolySpiritforstrengthandguidance,itwassatisfactoryevidenceofhishavingbeenbornagain.Thiswasthesubstanceofherreply.
Whenshehad,concludedMr.Lincolnwasverythoughtfulforafewmoments.Heatlengthsaid,veryearnestly:"IfwhatyouhavetoldmeisreallyacorrectviewofthisgreatsubjectIthinkIcansaywithsinceritythatIhopeIamaChristian.Ihadlived,"hecontinued,"untilmyboyWilliediedwithoutfullyrealizingthesethings.Thatblowoverwhelmedme.ItshowedmemyweaknessasIhadneverfeltitbefore,andifIcantakewhatyouhavestatedasatestIthinkIcansafelysaythatIknowsomethingofthatchangeofwhichyouspeak;andIwillfurtheraddthatithasbeenmyintentionforsometime,atasuitableopportunity,tomakeapublicreligiousprofession."
WITHTHEHELPOFGOD.
Mr.LincolnonceremarkedtoMr.NoahBrooks,oneofhismostintimatepersonalfriends:"IshouldbethemostpresumptuousblockheaduponthisfootstoolifIforonedaythoughtthatIcoulddischargethedutieswhichhavecomeuponme,sinceIcametothisplace,withouttheaidandenlightenmentofOnewhoisstrongerandwiserthanallothers."
Hesaidonanotheroccasion:"IamverysurethatifIdonotgoawayfromhereawiserman,Ishallgoawayabetterman,fromhavinglearnedherewhataverypoorsortofamanIam."
TURNEDTEARSTOSMILES.
OnenightSchuylerColfaxleftallotherbusinesstogototheWhiteHousetoaskthePresidenttorespitethesonofaconstituent,whowassentencedtobeshot,atDavenport,fordesertion.Mr.Lincolnheardthestorywithhisusualpatience,thoughhewasweariedoutwithincessantcalls,andanxiousforrest,and
thenreplied:
"SomeofourgeneralscomplainthatIimpairdisciplineandsubordinationinthearmybymypardonsandrespites,butitmakesmerested,afterahardday'swork,ifIcanfindsomegoodexcuseforsavingaman'slife,andIgotobedhappyasIthinkhowjoyousthesigningofmynamewillmakehimandhisfamilyandhisfriends."
Andwithahappysmilebeamingoverthatcare-furrowedface,hesignedthatnamethatsavedthatlife.
LINCOLN'SLASTWRITTENWORDS.
AsthePresidentandMrs.LincolnwereleavingtheWhiteHouse,afewminutesbeforeeighto'clock,ontheeveningofApril14th,1865,Lincolnwrotethisnote:
"AllowMr.Ashmunandfriendtocometoseemeat9o'clocka.m.,to-morrow,April15th,1865."
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WOMENPLEADFORPARDONS.
OnedayduringtheWaranattractivelyandhandsomelydressedwomancalledonPresidentLincolntoprocurethereleasefromprisonofarelationinwhomsheprofessedthedeepestinterest.
Shewasagoodtalker,andherwinningwaysseemedtomakeadeepimpressiononthePresident.Afterlisteningtoherstory,hewroteafewwordsonacard:"Thiswoman,dearStanton,isalittlesmarterthanshelookstobe,"encloseditinanenvelopeanddirectedhertotakeittotheSecretaryofWar.
Onthesamedayanotherwomancalled,morehumbleinappearance,moreplainlyclad.Itwastheoldstory.
Fatherandsonbothinthearmy,theformerinprison.Couldnotthelatterbedischargedfromthearmyandsenthometohelphismother?
Afewstrokesofthepen,agentlenodofthehead,andthelittlewoman,hereyesfillingwithtearsandexpressingagratefulacknowledgmenthertongue,couldnotutter,passedout.
Aladysothankfulforthereleaseofherhusbandwasintheactofkneelinginthankfulness."Getup,"hesaid,"don'tkneeltome,butthankGodandgo."
Anoldladyforthesamereasoncameforwardwithtearsinhereyestoexpresshergratitude."Good-bye,Mr.Lincoln,"saidshe;"Ishallprobablyneverseeyouagaintillwemeetinheaven."ShehadthePresident'shandinhers,andhewasdeeplymoved.Heinstantlytookherrighthandinbothofhis,and,followinghertothedoor,said,"IamafraidwithallmytroublesIshallnevergettotheresting-placeyouspeakof;butifIdo,IamsureIshallfindyou.Thatyouwishmetogetthereis,Ibelieve,thebestwishyoucouldmakeforme.Good-bye."
ThenthePresidentremarkedtoafriend,"Itismorethanmanycanoftensay,thatindoingrightonehasmadetwopeoplehappyinoneday.Speed,diewhenImay,Iwantitsaidofmebythosewhoknowmebest,thatIhavealwayspluckeda
thistleandplantedaflowerwhenIthoughtaflowerwouldgrow."
LINCOLNWISHEDTOSEERICHMOND.
ThePresidentremarkedtoAdmiralDavidD.Porter,whileonboardtheflagshipMalvern,ontheJamesRiver,infrontofRichmond,thedaythecitysurrendered:
"ThankGodthatIhavelivedtoseethis!
"ItseemstomethatIhavebeendreamingahorriddreamforfouryears,andnowthenightmareisgone.
"IwishtoseeRichmond."
SPOKENLIKEACHRISTIAN.
FrederickDouglasstold,inthesewords,ofhisfirstinterviewwithPresidentLincoln:
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"Iapproachedhimwithtrepidationastohowthisgreatmanmightreceiveme;butonewordandlookfromhimbanishedallmyfearsandsetmeperfectlyatease.Ihaveoftensaidsincethatmeetingthatitwasmucheasiertoseeandconversewithagreatmanthanitwaswithasmallman.
"Onthatoccasionhesaid:
"'Douglass,youneednottellmewhoyouare.Mr.Sewardhastoldmeallaboutyou.'
"Ithensawthattherewasnoreasontotellhimmypersonalstory,howeverinterestingitmightbetomyselforothers,soItoldhimatoncetheobjectofmyvisit.Itwastogetsomeexpressionfromhimuponthreepoints:
"1.Equalpaytocoloredsoldiers.
"2.Theirpromotionwhentheyhadearneditonthebattle-field.
"3.Shouldtheybetakenprisonersandenslavedorhanged,asJeffersonDavishadthreatened,anequalnumberofConfederateprisonersshouldbeexecutedwithinourlines.
"AdeclarationtothateffectIthoughtwouldpreventtheexecutionoftherebelthreat.Toallbutthelast,PresidentLincolnassented.Heargued,however,t
hatneitherequalpaynorpromotioncouldbegrantedatonce.Hesaidthatinviewofexistingprejudicesitwasagreatstepforwardtoemploycoloredtroopsatall;thatitwasnecessarytoavoideverythingthatwouldoffendthisprejudiceandincreaseoppositiontothemeasure.
"Hedetailedthestepsbywhichwhitesoldierswerereconciledtotheemploymentofcoloredtroops;howthesewerefirstemployedaslaborers;howitwasthoughttheyshouldnotbearmedoruniformedlikewhitesoldiers;howtheyshouldonlybemadetowearapeculiaruniform;howtheyshouldbeemployedtoholdfortsandarsenalsinsicklylocations,andnotenterthefieldlikeothersoldiers.
"Withalltheserestrictionsandlimitationsheeasilymademeseethatmuchwouldbegainedwhenthecoloredmanloomedbeforethecountryasafull-fledgedU
nitedStatessoldiertofight,flourishorfallindefenseoftheunitedrepublic.ThegreatsoulofLincolnhaltedonlywhenhecametothepointofretaliation.
"Thethoughtofhangingmenincoldblood,eventhoughtherebelsshouldmurderafewofthecoloredprisoners,wasahorrorfromwhichheshrank.
"'Oh,Douglass!Icannotdothat.IfIcouldgetholdoftheactualmurderersofcoloredprisonersIwouldretaliate;buttohangthosewhohavenohandinsuchmurders,Icannot.'
"Thecontemplationofsuchanactbroughttohiscountenancesuchanexpressionofsadnessandpitythatitmadeithardformetopressmypoint,thoughItol
dhimitwouldtendtosaveratherthandestroylife.He,however,insistedthatthisworkofblood,oncebegun,wouldbehardtostop--thatsuchviolencewouldbegetviolence.HearguedmorelikeadiscipleofChristthanacommander-in-chiefofthearmyandnavyofawarlikenationalreadyinvolvedinaterriblewar.
"Howsadandstrangethefateofthisgreatandgoodman,thesaviourofhiscountry,theembodimentofhumancharity,whoseheart,thoughstrong,wasastenderasaheartofchildhood;whoalwaystemperedjusticewithmercy;whosoughttosupplanttheswordwithcounselofreason,tosuppresspassionbykindnessandmoderation;whohadasighforeveryhumangriefandatearforeveryhumanwoe,
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shouldatlastperishbythehandofadesperateassassin,againstwhomnothoughtofmalicehadeverenteredhisheart!"
"LINCOLNGOESINWHENTHEQUAKERSAREOUT"
Oneofthecampaignsongsof1860whichwillneverbeforgottenwasWhittier's"TheQuakersAreOut:--"
"Givetheflagstothewinds!Setthehillsallaflame!MakewayforthemanwithThePatriarch'sname!Awaywithmisgivings--awayWithalldoubt,ForLincolngoesinwhentheQuakersareout!"
Speakingofthissong(withwhichhewasgreatlypleased)onedayattheWhiteHouse,thePresidentsaid:"ItremindsmeofalittlestoryIheardyearsagooutinIllinois.Apoliticalcampaignwason,andtheatmospherewaskeptatahightemperature.Severalfightshadalreadyoccurred,manymenhavingbeenseriouslyhurt,andtheprospectswerethattheresultwouldbeclose.Oneofthecandidateswasaprofessionalpoliticianwithahugewartonhisnose,thisdisfigurementhavingearnedforhimthenicknameof'Warty.'Hisopponentwasayounglawyerwhowore'biled'shirts,'wasshavedbyabarber,andhadhisclothesmadetofithim.
"Now,'Warty'wasofQuakerstock,andaroundelectiontimemadeagreatparadeofthefact.WhentherewerenocampaignsinprogresshewasanythingbutQuakerishinhislanguageoractions.Theyounglawyerdidn'tknowwhattheinsideofameetinghouselookedlike.
"Well,thenightbeforeelection-daythetwocandidatescametogetheratajointdebate,bothbeingonthespeakers'platform.Theyounglawyerhadtospeakafter'Warty,'andhisreputationsufferedatthehandsoftheQuaker,whotoldthemanyFriendspresentwhatawickedfellowtheyoungmanwas--neverwenttochurch,swore,drank,smokedandgambled.
"After'Warty'hadfinishedtheotheraroseandfacedtheaudience.'I'mnotagoodman,'saidhe,'andwhatmyopponenthassaidaboutmeistrueenough,but
I'malwaysthesame.Idon'tprofessreligionwhenIrunforoffice,andthenturnaroundandassociatewithbadpeoplewhenthecampaign'sover.I'mnohypocrite.Idon'tsingmanypsalms.Neitherdoesmyopponent;and,talkingaboutsinging,I'djustliketohearmyfriendwhoisrunningagainstmesingthesong--forthebenefitofthisaudience--Iheardhimsingthenightafterhewasnominated.Iyieldthefloortohim:
"Ofcourse'Warty'refused,hisQuakersupportersgrewsuspicious,andwhentheyturnedoutatthepollsthefollowingdaytheyvotedforthewickedyounglawyer.
"So,it'struethatwhen'theQuakersareout'themantheysupportisapttogoin."
HADCONFIDENCEINHIM--"BUT--."
"GeneralBlankasksformoremen,"saidSecretaryofWarStantontothePresidentoneday,showingthelatteratelegramfromthecommandernamedappealingforre-enforcements.
"Iguesshe'skilledoffenoughmen,hasn'the?"queriedthePresident.
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"Idon'tmeanConfederates--ourownmen.What'stheuseinsendingvolunteersdowntohimifthey'reonlyusedtofillgraves?"
"Hisdispatchseemstoimplythat,inhisopinion,youhavenottheconfidenceinhimhethinkshedeserves,"theWarSecretarywentontosay,ashelookedoverthetelegramagain.
"Oh,"wasthePresident'sreply,"heneedn'tloseanyofhissleeponthataccount.Justtelegraphhimtothateffect;also,thatIdon'tproposetosendhimanymoremen."
HOWHOMINYWASORIGINATED.
DuringtheprogressofaCabinetmeetingthesubjectoffoodforthemenintheArmyhappenedtocomeup.FromthattheconversationchangedtothestudyoftheLatinlanguage.
"IstudiedLatinonce,"saidMr.Lincoln,inacasualway.
"Wereyouinterestedinit?"askedMr.Seward,theSecretaryofState.
"Well,yes.Isawsomeverycuriousthings,"wasthePresident'srejoinder.
"What?"askedSecretarySeward.
"Well,there'sthewordhominy,forinstance.Wehavejustorderedalotofthatstuffforthetroops.Iseehowthewordoriginated.InoticeitcamefromtheLatinwordhomo--aman.
"Whenwedeclinehomo,itis:
"'Homo--aman.
"'Hominis--ofman.
"'Homini--forman.'
"Soyousee,hominy,being'forman,'comesfromtheLatin.Iguessthosesoldierswhodon'tknowLatinwillgetalongwithitallright--thoughIwon'trestrealeasyuntilIhearfromtheCommissaryDepartmentonit."
HISIDEA'SOLD,AFTERALL.
Oneday,whilelisteningtooneofthewisemenwhohadcalledattheWhiteHousetounloadalargecargoofadvice,thePresidentinterjectedaremarktothe
effectthathehadagreatreverenceforlearning.
"Thisisnot,"PresidentLincolnexplained,"becauseIamnotaneducatedman.Ifeeltheneedofreading.Itisalosstoamannottohavegrownupamongbooks."
"Menofforce,"thevisitoranswered,"cangetonprettywellwithoutbooks.Theydotheirownthinkinginsteadofadoptingwhatothermenthink."
"Yes,"saidMr.Lincoln,"butbooksservetoshowamanthatthoseoriginaltho
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ughtsofhisaren'tverynew,afterall."
Thiswasapointthecallerwasnotwillingtodebate,andsohecuthiscallshort.
LINCOLN'SFIRSTSPEECH.
Lincolnmadehisfirstspeechwhenhewasamereboy,goingbarefoot,histrousersheldupbyonesuspender,andhisshockofhairstickingthroughaholeinthecrownofhischeapstrawhat.
"Abe,"incompanywithDennisHanks,attendedapoliticalmeeting,whichwasaddressedbyatypicalstumpspeaker--oneofthoseloud-voicedfellowswhoshoutedatthetopofhisvoiceandwavedhisarmswildly.
Attheconclusionofthespeech,whichdidnotmeettheviewseitherof"Abe"orDennis,thelatterdeclaredthat"Abe"couldmakeabetterspeechthanthat.Whereuponhegotadry-goodsboxandcalledon"Abe"toreplytothecampaignorator.
Lincolnthrewhisoldstrawhatontheground,and,mountingthedry-goodsbox,deliveredaspeechwhichheldtheattentionofthecrowdandwonhimconsiderab
leapplause.Eventhecampaignoratoradmittedthatitwasafinespeechandansweredeverypointinhisown"oration."
DennisHanks,whothought"Abe"wasaboutthegreatestmanthateverlived,wasdelighted,andheoftentoldhowyoung"Abe"gotthebetterofthetrainedcampaignspeaker.
"ABEWANTEDNOSNEAKIN''ROUND."
Itwasin1830,when"Abe"wasjusttwenty-oneyearsofage,thattheLincolnfamilymovedfromGentryville,Indiana,tonearDecatur,Illinois,theirhousehol
dgoodsbeingpackedinawagondrawnbyfouroxendrivenby"Abe."
Thewinterpreviousthelatterhad"worked"inacountrystoreinGentryvilleandbeforeundertakingthejourneyheinvestedallthemoneyhehad--somethirtydollars--innotions,suchasneedles,pins,thread,buttonsandotherdomesticnecessities.Thesehesoldtofamiliesalongtherouteandmadeaprofitofaboutonehundredpercent.
Thismercantileadventureofhisyouth"reminded"thePresidentofaverycleverstorywhilethemembersoftheCabinetwereonedaysolemnlydebatingaratherseriousinternationalproblem.ThePresidentwasintheminority,aswasfrequentlythecase,andhewas"inahole,"asheafterwardsexpressedit.Hedidn'twanttoarguethepointsraised,preferringtosettlethematterinahurry,and
anaptstorywashisonlysalvation.
SuddenlythePresident'sfactbrightened."Gentlemen,"saidhe,addressingthoseseatedattheCabinettable,"thesituationjustnowremindsmeofafixIgotintosomethirtyyearsorsoagowhenIwaspeddling'notions'onthewayfromIndianatoIllinois.Ididn'thavealargestock,butIchargedlargeprices,andImademoney.Perhapsyoudon'tseewhatIamdrivingat?"
SecretaryofStateSewardwaswearingamostgloomyexpressionofcountenance;SecretaryofWarStantonwassavageandinclinedtobemorose;Secretaryofthe
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TreasuryChasewasindifferentandcynical,whiletheothersofthePresidentialadvisersresignedthemselvestothehearingoftheinevitable"story."
"Idon'tproposetoarguethismatter,"thePresidentwentontosay,"becauseargumentshavenoeffectuponmenwhoseopinionsarefixedandwhosemindsaremadeup.Butthislittlestoryofminewillmakesomethingswhichnowareinthedarkshowupmoreclearly."
Therewasanotherpause,andtheCabinetofficers,maintainingtheirprevioussilence,beganwonderingifthePresidenthimselfreallyknewwhathewas"drivingat."
"JustbeforeweleftIndianaandcrossedintoIllinois,"continuedMr.Lincolnsolemnly,speakinginagravetoneofvoice,"wecameacrossasmallfarmhousefullofnothingbutchildren.Theserangedinyearsfromseventeenyearstoseventeenmonths,andallwereintears.Themotherofthefamilywasred-headedandred-faced,andthewhipsheheldinherrighthandledtotheinferencethatshehadbeenchastisingherbrood.Thefatherofthefamily,ameek-looking,mild-mannered,tow-headedchap,wasstandinginthefrontdoor-way,awaiting--toallappearances--histurntofeelthethong.
"Ithoughttherewasn'tmuchuseinaskingtheheadofthathouseifshewantedany'notions.'Shewastoobusy.Itwasevidentaninsurrectionhadbeeninprogress,butitwasprettywellquelledwhenIgotthere.Themotherhadaboutsup
presseditwithanironhand,butshewasnotrunninganyrisks.Shekeptakeenandwaryeyeuponallthechildren,notforgettinganoccasionalglanceatthe'oldman'inthedoorway.
"ShesawmeasIcameup,andfromherlookIthoughtshewasoftheopinionthatIintendedtointerfere.Advancingtothedoorway,androughlypushingherhusbandaside,shedemandedmybusiness.
"'Nothing,madame,'Iansweredasgentlyaspossible;'ImerelydroppedinasIcamealongtoseehowthingsweregoing.'
"'Well,youneedn'twait,'wasthereplyinanirritatedway;'there'stroublehere,an'lotsofit,too,butIkinmanagemyownaffairswithoutthehelpofo
utsiders.Thisisjestafamilyrow,butI'llteachthesebratstheirplacesefIhevtolickthehideoffev'ryoneofthem.Idon'tdomuchtalkin',butIrunthishouse,an'Idon'twantnoonesneakin'roundtryin'tofindouthowIdoit,either.'
"That'sthecaseherewithus,"thePresidentsaidinconclusion."Wemustlettheothernationsknowthatweproposetosettleourfamilyrowinourownway,and'teachthesebratstheirplaces'(thesecedingStates)ifwehaveto'lickthehideoff'ofeachandeveryoneofthem.And,liketheoldwoman,wedon'twantany'sneakin''round'byothercountrieswhowouldliketofindouthowwearetodoit,either.
"Now,Seward,youwritesomediplomaticnotestothateffect."
AndtheCabinetsessionclosed.
DIDN'TEVENNEEDSTILTS.
AsthePresidentconsideredithisdutytokeepintouchwithalltheimprovementsinthearmamentofthevesselsbelongingtotheUnitedStatesNavy,hewasnecessarilyinterestedinthevarioustypesofthesefloatingfortresses.Notonl
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ywasitrequiredoftheNavyDepartmenttofurnishseagoingwarships,deep-draughtvesselsforthegreatriversandthelakes,butthisDepartmentalsofounduseforlittlegunboatswhichcouldcreepalongintheshallowestofwaterandattacktheConfederatesinby-placesandswamps.
TheconsequenceoftheinteresttakenbyMr.LincolnintheNavywasthathewasbesieged,dayandnight,bysteamboatcontractors,eachoneeagertosellhisproducttotheWashingtonGovernment.Allsortsofexperimentsweretried,somebeingdirefailures,whileothersweremorethanfairlysuccessful.Morethanoncehadthesetinywarvesselsprovedthemselvesofgreatservice,andtheUnitedStatesGovernmenthadalargenumberofthembuilt.
TherewasoneparticularcontractorwhobotheredthePresidentmorethanalltheothersputtogether.HewasconstantlyimpressinguponMr.Lincolnthegreatsuperiorityofhisboats,becausetheywouldruninsuchshallowwater.
"Oh,yes,"repliedthePresident,"I'venodoubtthey'llrunanywherewherethegroundisalittlemoist!"
"HOWDOYOUGETOUTOFTHISPLACE?"
"Itseemstome,"remarkedthePresidentonedaywhilereading,oversomeofth
eappealingtelegramssenttotheWarDepartmentbyGeneralMcClellan,"thatMcClellanhasbeenwanderingaroundandhassortofgotlost.He'sbeenholleringforhelpeversincehewentSouth--wantssomebodytocometohisdeliveranceandgethimoutoftheplacehe'sgotinto.
"HeremindsmeofthestoryofamanoutinIllinoiswho,incompanywithanumberoffriends,visitedtheStatepenitentiary.Theywanderedallthroughtheinstitutionandsaweverything,butjustaboutthetimetodepartthisparticularmanbecameseparatedfromhisfriendsandcouldn'tfindhiswayout.
"Heroamedupanddownonecorridorafteranother,becomingmoredesperateallthetime,when,atlast,hecameacrossaconvictwhowaslookingoutfrombetweenthebarsofhiscell-door.Herewassalvationatlast.Hurryinguptothepri
sonerhehastilyasked,
"'Say!Howdoyougetoutofthisplace?"
"TAD"INTRODUCES"OURFRIENDS."
PresidentLincolnoftenavoidedinterviewswithdelegationsrepresentingvariousStates,especiallywhenheknewtheobjectsoftheirerrands,andwasawarehecouldnotgranttheirrequests.ThiswasthecasewithseveralcommissionersfromKentucky,whowereputofffromdaytoday.
Theywereabouttogiveupindespair,andwereleavingtheWhiteHouselobby,theirspeechbeinginterspersedwithvehementanduncomplimentarytermsconcerning"OldAbe,"when"Tad"happenedalong.Hecaughtatthesewords,andaskedoneofthemiftheywantedtosee"OldAbe,"laughingatthesametime.
"Yes,"hereplied.
"Waitaminute,"said"Tad,"andrushedintohisfather'soffice.Saidhe,"Papa,mayIintroducesomefriendstoyou?"
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Hisfather,alwaysindulgentandreadytomakehimhappy,kindlysaid,"Yes,myson,Iwillseeyourfriends."
"Tad"wenttotheKentuckiansagain,andaskedaverydignifiedlookinggentlemanofthepartyhisname.Hewastoldhisname.Hethensaid,"Come,gentlemen,"andtheyfollowedhim.
LeadingthemuptothePresident,"Tad,"withmuchdignity,said,"Papa,letmeintroducetoyouJudge----,ofKentucky;"andquicklyadded,"NowJudge,youintroducetheothergentlemen."
Theintroductionsweregonethroughwith,andtheyturnedouttobethegentlemenMr.Lincolnhadbeenavoidingforaweek.Mr.Lincolnreachedfortheboy,tookhiminhislap,kissedhim,andtoldhimitwasallright,andthathehadintroducedhisfriendlikealittlegentlemanashewas.Tadwaselevenyearsoldatthistime.
ThePresidentwaspleasedwithTad'sdiplomacy,andoftenlaughedattheincidentashetoldothersofit.Onedaywhilecaressingtheboy,heaskedhimwhyhecalledthosegentlemen"hisfriends.""Well,"saidTad,"Ihadseenthemsooften,andtheylookedsogoodandsorry,andsaidtheywerefromKentucky,thatIthoughttheymustbeourfriends.""Thatisright,myson,"saidMr.Lincoln;"Iwouldhavethewholehumanraceyourfriendsandmine,ifitwerepossible."
MIXEDUPWORSETHANBEFORE.
ThePresidenttoldastorywhichmostbeautifullyillustratedthemuddledsituationofaffairsatthetimeMcClellan'sfatewashanginginthebalance.McClellan'sworkwasnotsatisfactory,butthePresidenthesitatedtoremovehim;thegeneralwassoslowthattheConfederatesmarchedallaroundhim;and,toaddtothedilemma,thePresidentcouldnotfindasuitablemantotakeMcClellan'splace.
Thelatterwasapolitical,aswellasamilitary,factor;hisfriendsthreatenedthat,ifhewasremoved,manywarDemocratswouldcasttheirinfluencewitht
heSouth,etc.Itwas,altogether,asadmix-up,andthePresident,foratime,wasathiswits'end.Hewasassailedonallsideswithadvice,butnoneofitwasworthactingupon.
"Thissituationremindsme,"saidthePresidentataCabinetmeetingonedaynotlongbeforetheappointmentofGeneralHalleckasMcClellan'ssuccessorincommandoftheUnionforces,"ofaUnionmaninKentuckywhosetwosonsenlistedintheFederalArmy.HiswifewasofConfederatesympathies.HisnearestneighborwasaConfederateinfeeling,andhistwosonswerefightingunderLee.Thisneighbor'swifewasaUnionwomananditnearlybrokeherhearttoknowthathersonswerearrayedagainsttheUnion.
"Finally,thetwomen,aftereachhadtalkedthematteroverwithhiswife,agr
eedtoobtaindivorces;thisthey,did,andtheUnionmanandUnionwomanwerewedded,asweretheConfederatemanandtheConfederatewoman--themenswappedwives,inshort.Butthisdidn'tseemtohelpmattersany,forthesonsoftheUnionwomanwerestillfightingfortheSouth,andthesonsoftheConfederatewomancontinuedintheFederalArmy;theUnionhusbandcouldn'tgetalongwithhisUnionwife,andtheConfederatehusbandandhisConfederatewifecouldn'tagreeuponanything,beingforeverfussingandquarreling.
"It'sthesamethingwiththeArmy.Itdoesn'tseemworthwhiletosecuredivorcesandthenmarrytheArmyandMcClellantoothers,fortheywon'tgetalongan
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ybetterthantheydonow,andthere'llonlybeanewsetofheartachesstarted.Ithinkwe'dbetterwait;perhapsarealfightinggeneralwillcomealongsomeofthesedays,andthenwe'llallbehappy.Ifyougotomixinginamix-up,youonlymakethemuddleworse."
"LONGABE'S"FEET"PROTRUDEDOVER."
GeorgeM.Pullman,thegreatsleeping-carbuilder,oncetoldajokeinwhichLincolnwastheprominentfigure.Infact,therewouldn'thavebeenanyjokehaditnotbeenfor"LongAbe."Atthetimeoftheoccurrence,whichwasthefoundationforthejoke--andPullmanadmittedthatthelatterwasonhim--Pullmanwastheconductorofhisonlysleeping-car.Thelatterwasanexperiment,andPullmanwasdoingeverythingpossibletogettherailroadstotakeholdofit.
"Onenight,"saidPullmanintellingthestory,"aswewereaboutgoingoutofChicago--thiswaslongbeforeLincolnwaswhatyoumightcallarenownedman--along,lean,uglyman,withawartonhischeek,cameintothedepot.Hepaidmefiftycents,andhalfaberthwasassignedhim.Thenhetookoffhiscoatandvestandhungthemup,andtheyfittedthepegaboutaswellastheyfittedhim.Thenhekickedoffhisboots,whichwereofsurprisinglength,turnedintotheberth,and,undoubtedlyhavinganeasyconscience,wassleepinglikeahealthybabybeforethecarleftthedepot.
"Prettysoonalongcameanotherpassengerandpaidhisfiftycents.Intwominuteshewasbackatme,angryasawethen.
"'There'samaninthatberthofmine,'saidhe,hotly,'andhe'sabouttenfeethigh.HowamIgoingtosleepthere,I'dliketoknow?Goandlookathim.'
"InIwent--mad,too.Thetall,lankman'skneeswereunderhischin,hisarmswerestretchedacrossthebedandhisfeetwerestoredcomfortably--forhim.Ishookhimuntilheawoke,andthentoldhimifhewantedthewholeberthhewouldhavetopay$1.
"'Mydearsir,'saidthetallman,'acontractisacontract.Ihavepaidyouf
iftycentsforhalfthisberth,and,asyousee,I'moccupyingit.There'stheotherhalf,'pointingtoastripaboutsixincheswide.'Sellthatanddon'tdisturbmeagain.'
"Andsosaying,themanwithawartonhisfacewenttosleepagain.HewasAbrahamLincoln,andhenevergrewanyshorterafterward.Webecamegreatfriends,andoftenlaughedovertheincident."
COULDLICKANYMANINTHECROWD.
WhentheenemiesofGeneralGrantwerebotheringthePresidentwithemphatican
drepeateddemandsthatthe"SilentMan"beremovedfromcommand,Mr.Lincolnremainedfirm.Hewouldnotconsenttolosetheservicesofsovaluableasoldier."Grantfights,"saidheinresponsetothechargesmadethatGrantwasabutcher,adrunkard,anincompetentandageneralwhodidnotknowhisbusiness.
"Thatremindsmeofastory,"PresidentLincolnsaidonedaytoadelegationofthe"Grant-is-no-good"style.
"OutinmyStateofIllinoistherewasamannominatedforsheriffofthecounty.Hewasagoodmanfortheoffice,brave,determinedandhonest,butnotmuch
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ofanorator.Infact,hecouldn'ttalkatall;hecouldn'tmakeaspeechtosavehislife.
"Hisfriendsknewhewasamanwhowouldpreservethepeaceofthecountyandperformthedutiesdevolvinguponhimallright,butthepeopleofthecountydidn'tknowit.Theywantedhimtocomeoutboldlyontheplatformatpoliticalmeetingsandstatehisconvictionsandprinciples;theyhadbeenusedtospeechesfromcandidates,andweresomewhatsuspiciousofamanwhowasafraidtoopenhismouth.
"Atlastthecandidateconsentedtomakeaspeech,andhisfriendsweredelighted.Thecandidatewasonhand,and,whenhewascalledupon,advancedtothefrontandfacedthecrowd.Therewasaglitterinhiseyethatwasn'tpleasing,andthewayhewalkedouttothefrontofthestandshowedthatheknewjustwhathewantedtosay.
"'FellerCitizens,'washisbeginning,thewordsspokenquietly,'I'mnotaspeakin'man;Iain'tnoorator,an'Ineverstoodupbeforealotofpeopleinmylifebefore;I'mnotgoin'tomakenospeech,'xcepttosaythatIcanlickanymaninthecrowd!'"
HISWAYTOACHILD'SHEART.
CharlesE.Anthony'sonemeetingwithMr.Lincolnpresentsaninterestingcontrasttothoseofthemenwhosharedtheemancipator'sinterestinpublicaffairs.Itwasinthelatterpartofthewinterof1861,ashorttimebeforeMr.LincolnleftforhisinaugurationatWashington.JudgeAnthonywenttotheShermanHouse,wherethePresident-electwasstopping,andtookwithhimhisson,Charles,thenbutalittleboy.Charlesplayedabouttheroomasachildwill,lookingatwhateverinterestedhimforthetime,andwhentheinterviewwithhisfatherwasoverhewasreadytogo.
ButMr.Lincoln,everinterestedinlittlechildren,calledtheladtohimandtookhimuponhisgreatknee.
"MyimpressionofhimallthetimeIhadbeenplayingabouttheroom,"saidMr.Anthony,"wasthathewasaterriblyhomelyman.Iwasratherrepelled.Butnosoonerdidhespeaktomethantheexpressionofhisfacechangedcompletely,or,rather,myviewofitchanged.Itatoncebecamekindlyandattractive.Heaskedmesomequestions,seeminginstantlytofindintheturmoilofallthegreatquestionsthatmusthavebeenheavyuponhim,theveryonesthatwouldgotothethoughtofachild.Iansweredhimwithouthesitation,andafteramomenthepattedmyshoulderandsaid:
"'Well,you'llbeamanbeforeyourmotheryet,'andputmedown.
"Ihadneverbeforeheardthehomelyoldexpression,anditpuzzledmeforatime.AfteramomentIunderstoodit,buthelookedatmewhileIwaspuzzlingove
rit,andseemedtobeamused,asnodoubthewas."
TheincidentsimplyillustratestheeaseandreadinesswithwhichLincolncouldturnfromthemightyquestionsbeforethenation,giveamoment'sinterestedattentiontoachild,andreturnatoncetomattersofstate.
"LEFTITTHEWOMENTOHOWLABOUTME."
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DonnPiatt,oneofthebrightestnewspaperwritersinthecountry,toldagoodstoryonthePresidentinregardtotherefusalofthelattertosanctionthedeathpenaltyincasesofdesertionfromtheUnionArmy.
"Therewasfarmorepolicyinthiscourse,"saidPiatt,"thankindfeeling.ToassertthecontraryistodetractfromLincoln'sforceofcharacter,aswellasintellect.OurWarPresidentwasnotlostinhishighadmirationofbrigadiersandmajor-generals,andhadapositivedislikefortheirmethodsandthedespotismuponwhichanarmyisbased.Heknewthathewasdependentuponvolunteersforsoldiers,andtoforceuponsuchmenasthosethesterndisciplineoftheRegularArmywastorendertheserviceunpopular.Anditpleasedhimtobethesourceofmercy,aswellasthefountainofhonor,inthisdirection.
"IwassittingwithGeneralDanTyler,ofConnecticut,intheantechamberoftheWarDepartment,shortlyaftertheadjournmentoftheBuellCourtofInquiry,ofwhichwehadbeenmembers,whenPresidentLincolncameinfromtheroomofSecretaryStanton.Seeingus,hesaid:'Well,gentlemen,haveyouanymatterworthreporting?'
"'Ithinkso,Mr.President,'repliedGeneralTyler.'WehaditproventhatBragg,withlessthantenthousandmen,droveyoureighty-threethousandmenunderBuellbackfrombeforeChattanooga,downtotheOhioatLouisville,marchedaroundustwice,thendoubledusupatPerryville,andfinallygotoutoftheStateofKentuckywithallhisplunder.'
"'Now,Tyler,'returnedthePresident,'whatisthemeaningofallthis;whatisthelesson?Don'tourmenmarchaswell,andfightaswell,astheserebels?Ifnot,thereisafaultsomewhere.Weareallofthesamefamily--samesort.'
"'Yes,thereisalesson,'repliedGeneralTyler;'weareofthesamesort,butsubjecttodifferenthandling.Bragg'slittleforcewassuperiortoourlargernumberbecausehehaditundercontrol.Ifamanlefthisranks,hewaspunished;ifhedeserted,hewasshot.Wehadnothingofthatsort.Ifweattempttoshootadeserteryoupardonhim,andourarmyiswithoutdiscipline.'
"ThePresidentlookedperplexed.'Whydoyouinterfere?'continuedGeneralTyler.'Congresshastakenfromyouallresponsibility.'
"'Yes,'answeredthePresidentimpatiently,'Congresshastakentheresponsibilityandleftthewomentohowlallaboutme,'andsohestrodeaway."
HE'DRUINALLTHEOTHERCONVICTS.
OneofthedrollstoriesbroughtintoplaybythePresidentasanallyinsupportofhiscontention,provedmosteffective.PoliticswasrifeamongthegeneralsoftheUnionArmy,andtherewasmore"wire-pulling"topreventtheadvancementoffellowcommandersthanthelayingofplanstodefeattheConfederatesinbattle.
However,whenitsohappenedthatthenameofaparticularlyunpopulargeneralwassenttotheSenateforconfirmation,theprotestagainsthispromotionwasalmostunanimous.Thenominationdidn'tseemtopleaseanyone.GeneralswhowereenemiesbeforeconferredtogetherforthepurposeofbringingeverypossibleinfluencetobearupontheSenateandsecuringtherejectionofthehatedleader'sname.ThePresidentwassurprised.Hehadneverknownsuchunanimitybefore.
"Youremindme,"saidthePresidenttoadelegationofofficerswhichcalleduponhimonedaytopresentafreshprotesttohimregardingthenomination,"ofa
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visitacertainGovernorpaidtothePenitentiaryofhisState.IthadbeenannouncedthattheGovernorwouldhearthestoryofeveryinmateoftheinstitution,andwaspreparedtorectify,eitherbycommutationorpardon,anywrongsthathadbeendonetoanyprisoner.
"OnebyonetheconvictsappearedbeforeHisExcellency,andeachonemaintainedthathewasaninnocentman,whohadbeensenttoprisonbecausethepolicedidn'tlikehim,orhisfriendsandrelativeswantedhisproperty,orhewastoopopular,etc.,etc.Thelastprisonertoappearwasanindividualwhowasnotallprepossessing.Hisfacewasagainsthim;hiseyeswereshifty;hedidn'thavetheappearanceofanhonestman,andhedidn'tactlikeone.
"'Well,'askedtheGovernor,impatiently,'Isupposeyou'reinnocentliketherestofthesefellows?'
"'No,Governor,'wastheunexpectedanswer;'Iwasguiltyofthecrimetheychargedagainstme,andIgotjustwhatIdeserved.'
"Whenhehadrecoveredfromhisastonishment,theGovernor,lookingthefellowsquarelyintheface,remarkedwithemphasis:'I'llhavetopardonyou,becauseIdon'twanttoleavesobadamanasyouareinthecompanyofsuchinnocentsufferersasIhavediscoveredyourfellow-convictstobe.Youmightcorruptthemandteachthemwickedtricks.AssoonasIgetbacktothecapital,I'llhavethepapersmadeout.'
"Yougentlemen,"continuedthePresident,"oughttobegladthatsobadaman,asyourepresentthisofficertobe,istogethispromotion,forthenyouwon'tbeforcedtoassociatewithhimandsufferthecontaminationofhispresenceandinfluence.IwilldoallIcantohavetheSenateconfirmhim."
Andhewasconfirmed.
INAHOPELESSMINORITY.
ThePresidentwasofteninoppositiontothegeneralpublicsentimentoftheNo
rthuponcertainquestionsofpolicy,buthebidedhistime,andthingsusuallycameoutashewantedthem.ItwasLincoln'sopinion,fromthefirst,thatapologyandreparationtoEnglandmustbemadebytheUnitedStatesbecauseofthearrest,uponthehighseas,oftheConfederateCommissioners,MasonandSlidell.Thecountry,however(theNorthernStates),waswildforaconflictwithEngland.
"Onewaratatime,"quietlyremarkedthePresidentataCabinetmeeting,wherehefoundthemajorityofhisadvisersunfavorablydisposedto"backingdown."ButonememberoftheCabinetwasareallystrongsupporterofthePresidentinhisattitude.
"Iamreminded,"thePresidentsaidafterthevariousargumentshadbeenputforwardbythemembersoftheCabinet,"ofafellowoutinmyStateofIllinoiswh
ohappenedtostrayintoachurchwhilearevivalmeetingwasinprogress.Tobetruthful,thisindividualwasnotentirelysober,andwiththatinstinctwhichseemstoimpelallmeninhisconditiontoassumeaprominentpartinproceedings,hewalkeduptheaisletotheveryfrontpew.
"Allnoticedhim,buthedidnotcare;forawhilehejoinedaudiblyinthesinging,said'Amen'atthecloseoftheprayers,but,drowsinessovercominghim,hewenttosleep.Beforethemeetingclosed,thepastoraskedtheusualquestion--'WhoareontheLord'sside?'--andthecongregationaroseenmasse.Whenheasked,'WhoareonthesideoftheDevil?'thesleeperwasaboutwakingup.Heheard
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aportionoftheinterrogatory,and,seeingtheministeronhisfeet,arose.
"'Idon'texactlyunderstandthequestion,'hesaid,'butI'llstandbyyou,parson,tothelast.Butitseemstome,'headded,'thatwe'reinahopelessminority.'
"I'minahopelessminoritynow,"saidthePresident,"andI'llhavetoadmitit."
"DIDYEASKMORRISSEYYET?"
JohnMorrissey,thenotedprizefighter,wasthe"Boss"ofTammanyHallduringtheCivilWarperiod.ItpleasedhisfancytogotoCongress,andhisobedientconstituentssenthimthere.MorrisseywassuchanabsolutedespotthattheNewYorkCitydemocracycouldnotmakeamovewithouthisconsent,andmanyoftheTammanyitesweresoafraidofhimthattheywouldnotevenenterintobusinessventureswithoutconsultingtheautocrat.
PresidentLincolnhadbeenseriouslyannoyedbysomeofhisgenerals,whowereafraidtomaketheslightestmovebeforeaskingadvicefromWashington.Onecommander,inparticular,wassocautiousthathetelegraphedtheWarDepartmentupontheslightestpretext,theresultbeingthathistroopswerelyingincampdoi
ngnothing,whentheyshouldhavebeeninthefield.
"Thisgeneralremindsme,"thePresidentsaidonedaywhiletalkingtoSecretaryStanton,attheWarDepartment,"ofastoryIonceheardaboutaTammanyman.Hehappenedtomeetafriend,alsoamemberofTammany,onthestreet,andinthecourseofthetalkthefriend,whowasbeamingwithsmilesandgoodnature,toldtheotherTammanyitethathewasgoingtobemarried.
"ThisfirstTammanymanlookedmoreseriousthanmenusuallydouponhearingoftheimpendinghappinessofafriend.Infact,hisfaceseemedtotakeonalookofanxietyandworry.
"'Ain'tyougladtoknowthatI'mtogetmarried?'demandedthesecondTammanyi
te,somewhatinahuff.
"'OfcourseIam,'wasthereply;'but,'puttinghismouthclosetotheearoftheother,'haveyeaskedMorrisseyyet?'
"Now,thisgeneralofwhomwearespeaking,wouldn'tdareorderouttheguardwithoutaskingMorrissey,"concludedthePresident.
GOTTHELAUGHONDOUGLAS.
Atonetime,whenLincolnandDouglaswere"stumping"Illinois,theymetatac
ertaintown,anditwasagreedthattheywouldhaveajointdebate.Douglaswasthefirstspeaker,andinthecourseofhistalkremarkedthatinearlylife,hisfather,who,hesaid,wasanexcellentcooperbytrade,apprenticedhimouttolearnthecabinetbusiness.
ThiswastoogoodforLincolntoletpass,sowhenhisturncametoreply,hesaid:
"IhadunderstoodbeforethatMr.Douglashadbeenboundouttolearnthecabinet-makingbusiness,whichisallwellenough,butIwasnotawareuntilnowthat
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ofMr.Shrigley,ofPhiladelphia,ashospitalchaplain."
ThePresidentresponded:"Oh,yes,gentlemen.IhavesenthisnametotheSenate,andhewillnodoubtbeconfirmedatanearlydate."Oneoftheyoungmenreplied:"Wehavenotcometoaskfortheappointment,buttosolicityoutowithdrawthenomination."
"Ah!"saidLincoln,"thataltersthecase;butonwhatgroundsdoyouwishthenominationwithdrawn?"
Theanswerwas:"Mr.Shrigleyisnotsoundinhistheologicalopinions."
ThePresidentinquired:"Onwhatquestionisthegentlemanunsound?"
Response:"Hedoesnotbelieveinendlesspunishment;notonlyso,sir,buthebelievesthateventherebelsthemselveswillbefinallysaved."
"Isthatso?"inquiredthePresident.
Themembersofthecommitteeresponded,"Yes,yes.'
"Well,gentlemen,ifthatbeso,andthereisanywayunderHeavenwherebytherebelscanbesaved,then,forGod'ssakeandtheirsakes,letthemanbeappointed."
TheRev.Mr.Shrigleywasappointed,andserveduntilthecloseofthewar.
TRIEDTODOWHATSEEMEDBEST.
JohnM.Palmer,Major-GeneralintheVolunteerArmy,GovernoroftheStateofIllinois,andUnitedStatesSenatorfromtheSuckerState,becameacquaintedwithLincolnin1839,andthelasttimehesawthePresidentwasattheWhiteHouseinFebruary,1865.SenatorPalmertoldthestoryofhisinterviewasfollows:
"IhadcometoWashingtonattherequestoftheGovernor,tocomplainthatIlli
noishadbeencreditedwith18,000toofewtroops.IsawMr.Lincolnoneafternoon,andheaskedmetocomeagaininthemorning.
"NextmorningIsatintheante-roomwhileseveralofficerswererelieved.AtlengthIwastoldtoenterthePresident'sroom.Mr.Lincolnwasinthehandsofthebarber.
"'Comein,Palmer,'hecalledout,'comein.You'rehomefolks.Icanshavebeforeyou.Icouldn'tbeforethoseothers,andIhavetodoitsometime.'
"Wechattedaboutvariousmatters,andatlengthIsaid:
"'Well,Mr.Lincoln,ifanybodyhadtoldmethatinagreatcrisislikethisth
epeopleweregoingouttoalittleone-horsetownandpickoutaone-horselawyerforPresidentIwouldn'thavebelievedit.'
"Mr.Lincolnwhirledaboutinhischair,hisfacewhitewithlather,atowelunderhischin.AtfirstIthoughthewasangry.Sweepingthebarberawayheleanedforward,and,placingonehandonmyknee,said:
"'NeitherwouldI.Butitwastimewhenamanwithapolicywouldhavebeenfataltothecountry.Ihaveneverhadapolicy.Ihavesimplytriedtodowhatseemedbesteachday,aseachdaycame.'"
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"Astheprayerwaxedfervent,JohnsonbegantorespondintrueMethodiststyle.PresentlyhecrawledoveronhishandsandkneestoMoody'ssideandputhisarmsoverhim,manifestingthedeepestemotion.
"Closingtheprayerwithahearty'amen'fromeach,theyarose.
"Johnsontookalongbreath,andsaid,withemphasis:
"'Moody,Ifeelbetter.'
"Shortlyafterwardheasked:
"'Willyoustandbyme?'
"'CertainlyIwill,'wastheanswer.
"'Well,Moody,Icandependuponyou;youareoneinahundredthousand.'
"Hethencommencedpacingtheflooragain.Suddenlyhewheeled,thecurrentofhisthoughthavingchanged,andsaid:
"'Oh,Moody,Idon'twantyoutothinkIhavebecomeareligiousmanbecauseIaskedyoutopray.Iamsorrytosayit,Iamnot,andneverpretendedtobereligious.Nooneknowsthisbetterthanyou,but,Moody,thereisonethingabout
it,IdobelieveinAlmightyGod,andIbelievealsointheBible,andIsay,d--nmeifNashvilleshallbesurrendered!'
"AndNashvillewasnotsurrendered!"
HECOULDN'TWAITFORTHECOLONEL.
GeneralFisk,attendingareceptionattheWhiteHouse,sawwaitingintheante-roomapooroldmanfromTennessee,andlearnedthathehadbeenwaitingthreeorfourdaystogetanaudience,onwhichprobablydependedthelifeofhisson,undersentenceofdeathforsomemilitaryoffense.
GeneralFiskwrotehiscaseinoutlineonacardandsentitin,withaspecialrequestthatthePresidentwouldseetheman.Inamomenttheordercame;andpastimpatientsenators,governorsandgenerals,theoldmanwent.
HeshowedhispaperstoMr.Lincoln,whosaidhewouldlookintothecaseandgivehimtheresultnextday.
Theoldman,inanagonyofapprehension,lookedupintothePresident'ssympatheticfaceandactuallycriedout:
"To-morrowmaybetoolate!Mysonisundersentenceofdeath!Itoughttobedecidednow!"
Hisstreamingtearstoldhowmuchhewasmoved.
"Come,"saidMr.Lincoln,"waitabitandI'lltellyouastory;"andthenhetoldtheoldmanGeneralFisk'sstoryabouttheswearingdriver,asfollows:
"Thegeneralhadbegunhismilitarylifeasacolonel,andwhenheraisedhisregimentinMissouriheproposedtohismenthatheshoulddoalltheswearingoftheregiment.Theyassented;andformonthsnoinstancewasknownoftheviolationofthepromise.
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"ThecolonelhadateamsternamedJohnTodd,who,asroadswerenotalwaysthebest,hadsomedifficultyincommandinghistemperandhistongue.
"Johnhappenedtobedrivingamuleteamthroughaseriesofmudholesalittleworsethanusual,when,unabletorestrainhimselfanylonger,heburstforthintoavolleyofenergeticoaths.
"ThecoloneltooknoticeoftheoffenseandbroughtJohntoaccount.
"'John,'saidhe,'didn'tyoupromisetoletmedoalltheswearingoftheregiment?'
"'Yes,Idid,colonel,'hereplied,'butthefactwas,theswearinghadtobedonethenornotatall,andyouweren'ttheretodoit.'"
Ashetoldthestorytheoldmanforgothisboy,andboththePresidentandhislistenerhadaheartylaughtogetheratitsconclusion.
Thenhewroteafewwordswhichtheoldmanread,andinwhichhefoundnewoccasionfortears;butthetearsweretearsofjoy,forthewordssavedthelifeofhisson.
LINCOLNPRONOUNCEDTHISSTORYFUNNY.
ThePresidentwasheardtodeclareonedaythatthestorygivenbelowwasoneofthefunniestheeverheard.
OneofGeneralFremont'sbatteriesofeightParrottguns,supportedbyasquadronofhorsecommandedbyMajorRichards,wasinsharpconflictwithabatteryoftheenemynearathand.Shellsandshotwereflyingthickandfast,whenthecommanderofthebattery,aGerman,oneofFremont'sstaff,rodesuddenlyuptothecavalry,exclaiming,inloudandexcitedterms,"Pringupdeshackasses!Pringupdeshackasses!ForCot'ssake,hurryupdeshackasses,im-me-di-ate-ly!"
Thenecessityofthisorder,thoughnotquiteapparent,willbemoreobviouswhenitisrememberedthat"shackasses"aremules,carrymountainhowitzers,whicharefiredfromthebacksofthatmuch-abusedbutvaluableanimal;andtheimmediateoccasionforthe"shackasses"wasthattworegimentsofrebelinfantrywereatthatmomentdiscoveredascendingahillimmediatelybehindourbatteries.
The"shackasses,"withthehowitzersloadedwithgrapeandcanister,weresoonontheground.
Themulessquaredthemselves,astheywellknewhow,fortheshock.
Aterrificvolleywaspouredintotheadvancingcolumn,whichimmediatelybrokeandretreated.
Twohundredandseventy-eightdeadbodieswerefoundintheravinenextday,piledcloselytogetherastheyfell,theeffectsofthatvolleyfromthebacksofthe"shackasses."
JOKEWASONLINCOLN.
Mr.Lincolnenjoyedajokeathisownexpense.Saidhe:"InthedayswhenIuse
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dtobeinthecircuit,Iwasaccostedinthecarsbyastranger,whosaid,'Excuseme,sir,butIhaveanarticleinmypossessionwhichbelongstoyou.''Howisthat?'Iasked,considerablyastonished.
"Thestrangertookajackknifefromhispocket.'Thisknife,'saidhe,'wasplacedinmyhandssomeyearsago,withtheinjunctionthatIwastokeepituntilIhadfoundamanuglierthanmyself.Ihavecarrieditfromthattimetothis.Allowmetosay,sir,thatIthinkyouarefairlyentitledtotheproperty.'"
THEOTHERONEWASWORSE.
ItsohappenedthatanofficialoftheWarDepartmenthadescapedseriouspunishmentforaratherflagrantoffense,byshowingwheregrosserirregularitiesexistedinthemanagementofacertainbureauoftheDepartment.Sovaluablewastheinformationfurnishedthattheculpritwho"gavethesnapaway"wasnotevendischarged.
"Thatremindsme,"thePresidentsaid,whenthecasewaslaidbeforehim,"ofastoryaboutDanielWebster,whenthelatterwasaboy.
"Whenquiteyoung,atschool,Danielwasonedayguiltyofagrossviolationoftherules.Hewasdetectedintheact,andcalledupbytheteacherforpunishm
ent.
"Thiswastobetheold-fashioned'feruling'ofthehand.Hishandshappenedtobeverydirty.
"Knowingthis,onthewaytotheteacher'sdesk,hespituponthepalmofhisrighthand,wipingitoffuponthesideofhispantaloons.
"'Givemeyourhand,sir,'saidtheteacher,verysternly.
"Outwenttherighthand,partlycleansed.Theteacherlookedatitamoment,andsaid:
"'Daniel,ifyouwillfindanotherhandinthisschool-roomasfilthyasthat,Iwillletyouoffthistime!'
"Instantlyfrombehindthebackcamethelefthand.
"'Hereitis,sir,'wasthereadyreply.
"'Thatwilldo,'saidtheteacher,'forthistime;youcantakeyourseat,sir.'"
"I'DABEENMISSEDBYMYSE'F."
ThePresidentdidnotconsiderthateverysoldierwhoranawayinbattle,ordidnotstandfirmlytoreceiveabayonetcharge,wasacoward.Hewasofopinionthatself-preservationwasthefirstlawofNature,buthedidn'twantthisstatuteconstruedtooliberallybythetroops.
AtthesametimehetookoccasiontoillustrateapointhewishedtomakebyastoryinconnectionwithadarkywhowasamemberoftheNinthIllinoisInfantryRegiment.ThisregimentwasoneofthoseengagedatthecaptureofFortDonelson.Itbehavedgallantly,andlostasheavilyasany.
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"Uponthehurricane-deckofoneofourgunboats,"saidthePresidentintellingthestory,"Isawanelderlydarky,withaveryphilosophicalandretrospectivecastofcountenance,squatteduponhisbundle,toastinghisshinsagainstthechimney,andapparentlyplungedintoastateofprofoundmeditation.
"Asthenegroratherinterestedme,Imadesomeinquiries,andfoundthathehadreallybeenwiththeNinthIllinoisInfantryatDonelson.andbegantoaskhimsomequestionsaboutthecaptureoftheplace.
"'Wereyouinthefight?'
"'Hadalittletasteofit,sa.'
"'Stoodyourground,didyou?'
"'No,sa,Iruns.'
"'Runatthefirstfire,didyou?
"'Yes,sa,andwouldhabrunsoona,hadIknowditwarcomin'."
"'Why,thatwasn'tverycreditabletoyourcourage.'
"'Datisn'tmyline,sa--cookin'smyprofeshun.'
"'Well,buthaveyounoregardforyourreputation?'
"'Reputation'snuffintomebydesideoblife.'
"'Doyouconsideryourlifeworthmorethanotherpeople's?'
"'It'sworthmoretome,sa.'
"'Thenyoumustvalueitveryhighly?'
"'Yes,sa,Idoes,moredanalldiswuld,moredanamillionobdollars,sa,fo
rwhatwoulddatbewuthtoamanwiddebrefoutobhim?Self-preserbationamdefustlawwidme.'
"'Butwhyshouldyouactuponadifferentrulefromothermen?'
"'Differentmensetdifferentvaluesontheirlives;mineisnotindemarket.'
"'Butifyoulostityouwouldhavethesatisfactionofknowingthatyoudiedforyourcountry.'
"'Datnosatisfactionwhenfeelin'sgone.'
"'Thenpatriotismandhonorarenothingtoyou?'
"'Nufinwhatever,sat--Iregardthemasamongthevanities.'
"'Ifoursoldierswerelikeyou,traitorsmighthavebrokenupthegovernmentwithoutresistance.'
"'Yes,sa,darwouldhabbeennohelpforit.Iwouldn'tputmylifeindescale'g'instanygobernmentdateberexisted,fornogobernmentcouldreplacedelosstome.'
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"'Doyouthinkanyofyourcompanywouldhavemissedyouifyouhadbeenkilled?'
"'Maybenot,sa--adeadwhitemanain'tmuchtodesesogers,letaloneadeadnigga--butI'damissedmyse'f,anddatwasdep'intwidme.'
"Ionlytellthisstory,"concludedthePresident,"inordertoillustratetheresultofthetacticsofsomeoftheUniongeneralswhowouldbesadly'missed'bythemselves,ifnooneelse,iftheyevergotoutoftheArmy."
ITALL"DEPENDED"UPONTHEEFFECT.
PresidentLincolnandsomemembersofhisCabinetwerewithapartoftheArmysomedistancesouthoftheNationalCapitalatonetime,whenSecretaryofWarStantonremarkedthatjustbeforeheleftWashingtonhehadreceivedatelegramfromGeneralMitchell,inAlabama.GeneralMitchellaskedinstructionsinregardtoacertainemergencythathadarisen.
TheSecretarysaidhedidnotpreciselyunderstandtheemergencyasexplainedbyGeneralMitchell,buthadansweredback,"Allright;goahead."
"Now,"hesaid,asheturnedtoMr.Lincoln,"Mr.President,ifIhavemadean
errorinnotunderstandinghimcorrectly,Iwillhavetogetyoutocountermandtheorder."
"Well,"exclaimedPresidentLincoln,"thatisverymuchlikethehappeningontheoccasionofacertainhorsesaleIrememberthattookplaceatthecross-roadsdowninKentucky,whenIwasaboy.
"Aparticularlyfinehorsewastobesold,andthepeopleinlargenumbershadgatheredtogether.Theyhadasmallboytoridethehorseupanddownwhilethespectatorsexaminedthehorse'spoints.
"Atlastonemanwhisperedtotheboyashewentby:'Lookhere,boy,hain'tthathorsegotthesplints?'
"Theboyreplied:'Mister,Idon'tknowwhatthesplintsis,butifit'sgoodforhim,hehasgotit;ifitain'tgoodforhim,heain'tgotit.'
"Now,"saidPresidentLincoln,"ifthiswasgoodforMitchell,itwasallright;butifitwasnot,Ihavegottocountermandit."
TOOSWIFTTOSTAYINTHEARMY.
Therewerestrange,queer,oddthingsandhappeningsintheArmyattimes,but,asarule,thePresidentdidnotallowthemtoworryhim.Hehadenoughtoboth
erabout.
Aquartermasterhavingneglectedtopresenthisaccountsinpropershape,andthematterbeingdeemedofsufficientimportancetobringittotheattentionofthePresident,thelatterremarked:
"NowthisinstanceremindsmeofalittlestoryIheardonlyashorttimeago.Acertaingeneral'spursewasgettinglow,andhesaiditwasprobablehemightbeobligedtodrawonhisbankerforsomemoney.
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"'Howmuchdoyouwant,father?'askedhisson,whohadbeenwithhimafewdays.
"'IthinkIshallsendforacoupleofhundred,'repliedthegeneral.
"Why,father,'saidhisson,veryquietly,'Icanletyouhaveit.'
"'Youcanletmehaveit!Wheredidyougetsomuchmoney?
"'Iwonitplayingdraw-pokerwithyourstaff,sir!'repliedtheyouth.
"Theearliestmorningtrainboretheyoungmantowardhishome,andI'vebeenwonderingifthatboyandthatquartermasterhadhappenedtomeetatthesametable."
ADMIREDTHESTRONGMAN.
GovernorHoytofWisconsintellsastoryofMr.Lincoln'sgreatadmirationforphysicalstrength.Mr.Lincoln,in1859,madeaspeechattheWisconsinStateAgriculturalFair.Afterthespeech,incompanywiththeGovernor,hestrolledaboutthegrounds,lookingattheexhibits.Theycametoaplacewhereaprofessional"strongman"wastossingcannonballsintheairandcatchingthemonhisarm
sandjugglingwiththemasthoughtheywerelightasbaseballs.Mr.Lincolnhadneverbeforeseensuchanexhibition,andhewasgreatlysurprisedandinterested.
Whentheperformancewasover,GovernorHoyt,seeingMr.Lincoln'sinterest,askedhimtogoupandbeintroducedtotheathlete.Hedidso,and,ashestoodlookingdownmusinglyontheman,whowasveryshort,andevidentlywonderingthatonesomuchsmallerthanhecouldbesomuchstronger,hesuddenlybrokeoutwithoneofhisquaintspeeches."Why,"hesaid,"why,Icouldlicksaltoffthetopofyourhat."
WISHEDTHEARMYCHARGEDLIKETHAT.
Aprominentvolunteerofficerwho,earlyintheWar,wasondutyinWashingtonandoftencarriedreportstoSecretaryStantonattheWarDepartment,toldacharacteristicstoryonPresidentLincoln.Saidhe:
"Iwaswithseveralotheryoungofficers,alsocarryingreportstotheWarDepartment,andonemorningwewerelate.Inthisinstancewewereinadesperatehurrytodeliverthepapers,inordertobeabletocatchthetrainreturningtocamp.
"Onthewinding,darkstaircaseoftheoldWarDepartment,whichmanywillremember,itwasourmisfortune,whiletakingaboutthreestairsatatime,toruna
certainheadlikeacatapultintothebodyofthePresident,strikinghimintheregionoftherightlowervestpocket.
"Theusualsurprisedandrelaxedgruntofamanthusassailedcamepromptly.
"Wequicklysentanapologyinthedirectionofthedimlyseenform,feelingthattheungraciousshockwasexpensive,eventothehumblestclerkinthedepartment.
"AsecondglancerevealedtousthePresidentasthevictimofthecollision.T
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henfollowedaspecialtenderof'tenthousandpardons,'andthePresident'sreply:
"'One'senough;Iwishthewholearmywouldchargelikethat.'"
"UNCLEABRAHAM"HADEVERYTHINGREADY.
"Youcan'tdoanythingwiththemSouthernfellows,"theoldmanatthetablewassaying.
"Iftheygetwhipped,they'llretreattothemSouthernswampsandbayousalongwiththefishesandcrocodiles.Youhaven'tgotthefish-netsmadethat'llcatch'em."
"Lookhere,oldgentleman,"remarkedPresidentLincoln,whowassittingalongside,"we'vegotjustthenetsfortraitors,inthebayousoranywhere."
"Hey?Whatnets?"
"Bayou-nets!"and"UncleAbraham"pointedhisjokewithhisfork,spearingafishballsavagely.
NOTASSMOOTHASHELOOKED.
Mr.Lincoln'sskillinparryingtroublesomequestionswaswonderful.OncehereceivedacallfromCongressmanJohnGanson,ofBuffalo,oneoftheablestlawyersinNewYork,who,althoughaDemocrat,supportedallofMr.Lincoln'swarmeasures.Mr.Gansonwantedexplanations.Mr.Gansonwasverybaldwithaperfectlysmoothface.Hehadamostdirectandaggressivewayofstatinghisviewsorofdemandingwhathethoughthewasentitledto.Hesaid:"Mr.Lincoln,IhavesupportedallofyourmeasuresandthinkIamentitledtoyourconfidence.WearevotingandactinginthedarkinCongress,andIdemandtoknow--thinkIhavetherighttoaskandtoknow--whatisthepresentsituation,andwhataretheprospe
ctsandconditionsoftheseveralcampaignsandarmies."
Mr.Lincolnlookedathimcriticallyforamomentandthensaid:"Ganson,howcleanyoushave!"
Mostmenwouldhavebeenoffended,butGansonwastoobroadandintelligentamannottoseethepointandretireatonce,satisfied,fromthefield.
ASMALLCROP.
ChaunceyM.DepewsaysthatMr.Lincolntoldhimthefollowingstory,whichhe
claimedwasoneofthebesttwothingsheeveroriginated:HewastryingacaseinIllinoiswhereheappearedforaprisonerchargedwithaggravatedassaultandbattery.Thecomplainanthadtoldahorriblestoryoftheattack,whichhisappearancefullyjustified,whentheDistrictAttorneyhandedthewitnessovertoMr.Lincoln,forcross-examination.Mr.Lincolnsaidhehadnotestimony,andunlesshecouldbreakdownthecomplainant'sstoryhesawnowayout.Hehadcometotheconclusionthatthewitnesswasabumptiousman,whoratherpridedhimselfuponhissmartnessinreparteeand,so,afterlookingathimforsomeminutes,hesaid:
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booksweretheBibleandAesop'sfables,whichhekeptalwayswithinreachandreadtimeandagain.
Thefirstlawbookheeverreadwas"TheStatutesofIndiana,"anditwasfromthisworkthathederivedhisambitiontobealawyer.
MADESPEECHESWHENABOY.
Whenhewasbutabarefootboyhewouldoftenmakepoliticalspeechestotheboysintheneighborhood,andwhenhehadreachedyoungmanhoodandwasengagedinthelaborofchoppingwoodorsplittingrailshecontinuedthispracticeofspeech-makingwithonlythestumpsandsurroundingtreesforhearers.
AttheageofseventeenhehadattainedhisfullheightofsixfeetfourinchesanditwasatthistimeheengagedasaferryboatmanontheOhioriver,atthirty-sevencentsaday.
ThathewasseriouslybeginningtothinkofpublicaffairsevenatthisearlyageisshownbythefactthataboutthistimehewroteacompositionontheAmericanGovernment,urgingthenecessityforpreservingtheConstitutionandperpetuatingtheUnion.ARockportlawyer,bythenameofPickert,whoreadthiscomposition,declaredthat"theworldcouldn'tbeatit."
Whenthedreadeddisease,knownasthe"milk-sick"createdsuchhavocinIndianain1829,thefatherofAbrahamLincoln,whowasofarovingdisposition,soughtandfoundanewhomeinIllinois,locatingnearthetownofDecatur,inMaconcounty,onabluffoverlookingtheSangamonriver.AshorttimethereafterAbrahamLincolncameofage,andhavingdonehisdutytohisfather,beganlifeonhisownaccount.
HisfirstemployerwasamannamedDentonOffut,whoengagedLincoln,togetherwithhisstep-brotherandJohnHanks,totakeaboat-loadofstockandprovisionstoNewOrleans.OffutwassowellpleasedwiththeenergyandskillthatLincolndisplayedonthistripthatheengagedhimasclerkinastorewhichOffutopenedafewmonthslateratNewSalem.
ItwaswhileclerkingforOffutthatLincolnperformedmanyofthosemarvelousfeatsofstrengthforwhichhewasnotedinhisyouth,anddisplayedhiswonderfulskillasawrestler.Inadditiontobeingsixfeetfourincheshighhenowweighedtwohundredandfourteenpounds.Andhisstrengthandskillweresogreatcombinedthathecouldout-wrestleandout-liftanymaninthatsectionofthecountry.
DuringhisclerkshipinOffut'sstoreLincolncontinuedtoreadandstudyandmadeconsiderableprogressingrammarandmathematics.Offutfailedinbusinessanddisappearedfromthevillage.InthelanguageofLincolnhe"peteredout,"andhistall,muscularclerkhadtoseekotheremployment.
ASSISTANTPILOTONASTEAMBOAT.
Inhisfirstpublicspeech,whichhadalreadybeendelivered,LincolnhadcontendedthattheSangamonriverwasnavigable,anditnowfelltohislottoassistingivingpracticalproofofhisargument.AsteamboathadarrivedatNewSalemfromCincinnati,andLincolnwashiredasanassistantinpilotingthevesselthroughtheuncertainchanneloftheSangamonrivertotheIllinoisriver.Thewaywasobstructedbyamilldam.Lincolninsistedtotheownersofthedamthatun
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edformeanstopayhisboardasLincolnwas,wouldhavejumpedattheopportunity,butaquestionofprinciplewasinvolvedwhichhadtobesettledbeforeLincolnwouldaccept.CalhounwasaDemocratandLincolnwasaWhig,thereforeLincolnsaid,"IwilltaketheofficeifIcanbeperfectlyfreeinmypoliticalactions,butifmysentimentsorevenexpressionofthemaretobeabridgedinanyway,Iwouldnothaveitoranyotheroffice."
Withthisunderstandingheacceptedtheofficeandbegantostudybooksonsurveying,furnishedhimbyhisemployer.Hewasnotanaturalmathematician,andinworkingouthismostdifficultproblemshesoughttheassistanceofMentorGraham,afamousschoolmasterinthosedays,whohadpreviouslyassistedLincolninhisstudies.Hesoonbecameacompetentsurveyor,however,andwasnotedfortheaccuratewayinwhichheranhislinesandlocatedhiscorners.
Surveyingwasnotasprofitablethenasithassincebecome,andtheyoungsurveyoroftenhadtotakehispayinsomearticleotherthanmoney.OneoldsettlerrelatesthatforasurveymadeforhimbyLincolnhepaidtwobuckskins,whichHannahArmstrong"foxed"onhispantssothatthebriarswouldnotwearthemout.
Aboutthistime,1833,hewasmadepostmasteratNewSalem,thefirstFederalofficeheeverheld.Althoughthepostofficewaslocatedinastore,Lincolnusuallycarriedthemailaroundinhishatanddistributedittopeoplewhenhemetthem.
AMEMBEROFTHELEGISLATURE.
ThefollowingyearLincolnagainranfortheLegislature,thistimeasanavowedWhig.Ofthefoursuccessfulcandidates,Lincolnreceivedthesecondhighestnumberofvotes.
WhenLincolnwenttotakehisseatintheLegislatureatVandaliahewassopoorthathewasobligedtoborrow$200tobuysuitableclothesandupholdthedignityofhisnewposition.Hetooklittlepartintheproceedings,keepinginthebackground,butformingmanylastingacquaintancesandfriendships.
Twoyearslater,whenhewasagainacandidateforthesameoffice,thereweremorepoliticalissuestobemet,andLincolnmetthemwithcharacteristichonestyandboldness.Duringthecampaignheissuedthefollowingletter:
"NewSalem,June13,1836.
"TotheEditorofTheJournal:
"InyourpaperoflastSaturdayIseeacommunicationoverthesignatureof'ManyVoters'inwhichthecandidateswhoareannouncedinthejournalarecalleduponto'showtheirhands.'Agreed.Here'smine:
"Igoforallsharingtheprivilegesofthegovernmentwhoassistinbearingitsburdens.Consequently,Igoforadmittingallwhitestotherightofsuffragewhopaytaxesorbeararms(bynomeansexcludingfemales).
"Ifelected,IshallconsiderthewholepeopleofSangamonmyconstituents,aswellthosethatopposeasthosethatsupportme.
"WhileactingastheirRepresentative,IshallbegovernedbytheirwillonallsubjectsuponwhichIhavethemeansofknowingwhattheirwillis;anduponallothersIshalldowhatmyownjudgmentteachesmewillbestadvancetheirinte
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Theprotestwasasfollows:
"ResolutionsuponthesubjectofdomesticslaveryhavingpassedbothbranchesoftheGeneralAssemblyatitspresentsession,theundersignedherebyprotestagainstthepassageofthesame.
"Theybelievethattheinstitutionofslaveryisfoundedonbothinjusticeandbadpolicy,butthatthepromulgationofabolitiondoctrinestendsrathertoincreasethanabateitsevils.
"TheybelievethattheCongressoftheUnitedStateshasnopowerundertheConstitutiontointerferewiththeinstitutionofslaveryinthedifferentStates.
"TheybelievethattheCongressoftheUnitedStateshasthepowerundertheConstitutiontoabolishslaveryintheDistrictofColumbia,butthatthepoweroughtnottobeexercisedunlessattherequestofthepeopleoftheDistrict.
"Thedifferencebetweentheseopinionsandthosecontainedintheaboveresolutionsistheirreasonforenteringthisprotest.
"DANSTONE,
"A.LINCOLN,
"RepresentativesfromthecountyofSangamon."
BEGINSTOPRACTICELAW.
AttheendofthissessionoftheLegislature,Mr.LincolndecidedtoremovetoSpringfieldandpracticelaw.HeenteredtheofficeofJohnT.Stuart,aformercomradeintheBlackhawkWar,andinMarch,1837,waslicensedtopractice.
StephenT.LoganwasjudgeoftheCircuitCourt,andStephenA.Douglas,whowasdestinedtobecomeLincoln'sgreatestpoliticalopponent,wasprosecutingattorney.WhenLincolnwasnotinhislawofficehisheadquarterswereinthestore
ofhisfriendJoshuaF.Speed,inwhichgatheredalltheyouthfuloratorsandstatesmenofthatday,andwheremanyexcitingargumentsanddiscussionswereheld.LincolnandDouglasbothtookpartinthediscussionheldinSpeed'sstore.DouglaswastheacknowledgedleaderoftheDemocraticsideandLincolnwasrapidlycomingtothefrontasaleaderamongtheWhigdebaters.OneeveninginthemidstofaheatedargumentDouglas,or"theLittleGiant,"ashewascalled,exclaimed:
"Thisstoreisnoplacetotalkpolitics."
HISFIRSTJOINTDEBATE.
ArrangementswereatoncemadeforajointdebatebetweentheleadingDemocratsandWhigstotakeplaceinalocalchurch.TheDemocratswererepresentedbyDouglas,Calhoun,LambornandThomas.TheWhigspeakerswereJudgeLogan,ColonelE.D.Baker,Mr.BrowningandLincoln.Thisdiscussionwastheforerunnerofthefamousjoint-debatebetweenLincolnandDouglas,whichtookplacesomeyearslaterandattractedtheattentionofthepeoplethroughouttheUnitedStates.AlthoughMr.Lincolnwasthelastspeakerinthefirstdiscussionheld,hisspeechattractedmoreattentionthananyoftheothersandaddedmuchtohisreputationasapublicdebater.
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Mr.Lincoln'slastcampaignfortheLegislaturewasin1840.InthesameyearhewasmadeanelectorontheHarrisonpresidentialticket,andinhiscanvassoftheStatefrequentlymettheDemocraticchampion,Douglas,indebate.After1840Mr.Lincolndeclinedre-electiontotheLegislature,buthewasapresidentialelectorontheWhigticketsof1844and1852,andontheRepublicanticketfortheStateatlargein1856.
MARRIESASPRINGFIELDBELLE.
AmongthesocialbellesofSpringfieldwasMaryTodd,ahandsomeandcultivatedgirloftheillustriousdescentwhichcouldbetracedbacktothesixthcentury,towhomMr.Lincolnwasmarriedin1842.StephenA.Douglaswashiscompetitorinloveaswellasinpolitics.HecourtedMaryTodduntilitbecameevidentthatshepreferredMr.Lincoln.
PrevioustohismarriageMr.Lincolnhadtwoloveaffairs,oneofthemsoseriousthatitleftanimpressionuponhiswholefuturelife.OneoftheobjectsofhisaffectionwasMissMaryOwen,ofGreencounty,Kentucky,whodecidedthatMr.Lincoln"wasdeficientinthoselittlelinkswhichmakeupthechainofwoman'shappiness."TheaffairendedwithoutanydamagetoMr.Lincoln'sheartortheheartofthelady.
STORYOFANNERUTLEDGE.
Lincoln'sfirstlove,however,hadasadtermination.TheobjectofhisaffectionsatthattimewasAnneRutledge,whosefatherwasoneofthefoundersofNewSalem.LikeMissOwen,MissRutledgewasalsoborninKentucky,andwasgiftedwiththebeautyandgracesthatdistinguishmanySouthernwomen.AtthetimethatMr.LincolnandAnneRutledgewereengagedtobemarried,hethoughthimselftoopoortoproperlysupportawife,andtheydecidedtowaituntilsuchtimeashecouldbetterhisfinancialcondition.AshorttimethereafterMissRutledgewasattackedwithafatalillness,andherdeathwassuchablowtoherintendedh
usbandthatforalongtimehisfriendsfearedthathewouldlosehismind.
HISDUELWITHSHIELDS.
JustprevioustohismarriagewithMaryTodd,Mr.LincolnwaschallengedtofightaduelbyJamesShields,thenAuditorofState.ThechallengegrewoutofsomehumorouslettersconcerningShields,publishedinalocalpaper.ThefirstoftheseletterswaswrittenbyMr.Lincoln.TheothersbyMaryToddandhersister.Mr.Lincolnacknowledgedtheauthorshipoftheletterswithoutnamingtheladies,andagreedtomeetShieldsonthefieldofhonor.Ashehadthechoiceofweaponshenamedbroadswords,andactuallywenttotheplaceselectedfortheduel
.
Theduelwasneverfought.MutualfriendsgottogetherandpatchedupanunderstandingbetweenMr.Lincolnandthehot-headedIrishman.
FORMSNEWPARTNERSHIP.
BeforethistimeMr.LincolnhaddissolvedpartnershipwithStuartandentered
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intoalawpartnershipwithJudgeLogan.In1843bothLincolnandLoganwerecandidatesfornominationforCongressandthepersonalill-willcausedbytheirrivalryresultedinthedissolutionofthefirmandtheformationofanewlawfirmofLincoln&Herndon,whichcontinued,nominallyatleast,untilMr.Lincoln'sdeath.
Thecongressionalnomination,however,wenttoEdwardD.Baker,whowaselected.TwoyearslatertheprincipalcandidatesfortheWhignominationforCongresswereMr.Lincolnandhisformerlawpartner,JudgeLogan.PartysentimentwassostronglyinfavorofLincolnthatJudgeLoganwithdrewandLincolnwasnominatedunanimously.ThecampaignthatfollowedwasoneofthemostmemorableandinterestingeverheldinIllinois.
DEFEATSPETERCARTWRIGHTFORCONGRESS.
Mr.Lincoln'sopponentontheDemocraticticketwasnolessapersonthanoldPeterCartwright,thefamousMethodistpreacherandcircuitrider.Cartwrighthadpreachedtoalmosteverycongregationinthedistrictandhadastrongfollowinginallthechurches.Mr.Lincolndidnotunderestimatethestrengthofhisgreatrival.Heabandonedhislawbusinessentirelyandgavehiswholeattentiontothecanvass.ThistimeMr.Lincolnwasvictoriousandwaselectedbyalargemajority.
WhenLincolntookhisseatinCongress,in1847,hewastheonlyWhigmemberfromIllinois.Hisgreatpoliticalrival,Douglas,wasintheSenate.TheMexicanWarhadalreadybrokenout,which,incommonwithhisparty,hehadopposed.LaterinlifehewaschargedwithhavingopposedthevotingofsuppliestotheAmericantroopsinMexico,butthiswasafalsehoodwhichheeasilydisproved.HewasstronglyopposedtotheWar,butafteritwasoncebegunheurgeditsvigorousprosecutionandvotedwiththeDemocratsonallmeasuresconcerningthecareandpayofthesoldiers.HisoppositiontotheWar,however,costhimare-election;itcosthispartythecongressionaldistrict,whichwascarriedbytheDemocratsin1848.Lincoln'sformerlawpartner,JudgeLogan,securedtheWhignominationthatyearandwasdefeated.
MAKESSPEECHESFOR"OLDZACH."
InthenationalconventionatPhiladelphia,in1848,Mr.LincolnwasadelegateandadvocatedthenominationofGeneralTaylor.
AfterthenominationofGeneralTaylor,or"OldZach,"or"roughandReady,"ashewascalled,Mr.LincolnmadeatourofNewYorkandseveralNewEnglandStates,makingspeechesforhiscandidate.
Mr.LincolnwenttoNewEnglandinthiscampaignonaccountofthegreatdefectionintheWhigparty.GeneralTaylor'snominationwasunsatisfactorytothefre
e-soilelement,andsuchleadersasHenryWilson,CharlesFrancisAdams,CharlesAllen,CharlesSumner,StephenC.Phillips,RichardH.Dana,Jr.,andAnsonBurlingame,wereinopenrevolt.Mr.Lincoln'sspeecheswereconfinedlargelytoadefenseofGeneralTaylor,butatthesametimehedenouncedthefree-soilersforhelpingtoelectCass.Amongotherthingshesaidthatthefree-soilershadbutoneprincipleandthattheyremindedhimoftheYankeepeddlergoingtosellapairofpantaloonsanddescribingthemas"largeenoughforanyman,andsmallenoughforanyboy."
ItisanoddfactinhistorythattheprominentWhigsofMassachusettsatthat
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timebecametheopponentsofMr.Lincoln'selectiontothepresidencyandthepolicyofhisadministration,whilethefree-soilers,whomhedenounced,wereamonghisstrongestsupporters,advisersandfollowers.
AtthesecondsessionofCongressMr.Lincoln'soneactofconsequencewastheintroductionofabillprovidingforthegradualemancipationoftheslavesintheDistrictofColumbia.JoshuaR.Giddings,thegreatantislaveryagitator,andoneortwolesserlightssupportedit,butthebillwaslaidonthetable.
AfterGeneralTaylor'selectionMr.LincolnhadthedistributionofFederalpatronageinhisownCongressionaldistrict,andthisaddedmuchtohispoliticalimportance,althoughitwasaceaselesssourceofworrytohim.
DECLINESAHIGHOFFICE.
JustbeforethecloseofhisterminCongressMr.LincolnwasanapplicantfortheofficeofCommissioneroftheGeneralLandOffice,butwasunsuccessful.HehadbeensuchafactorinGeneralTaylor'selectionthattheadministrationthoughtsomethingwasduehim,andafterhisreturntoIllinoishewascalledtoWashingtonandofferedtheGovernorshipoftheTerritoryofOregon.ItislikelyhewouldhaveacceptedthishadnotMrs.Lincolnputherfootdownwithanemphaticno.
Hedeclinedapartnershipwithawell-knownChicagolawyerandreturningtohisSpringfieldhomeresumedthepracticeoflaw.
FromthistimeuntiltherepealoftheMissouriCompromise,whichopenedthewayfortheadmissionofslaveryintotheterritories,Mr.Lincolndevotedhimselfmoreindustriouslythanevertothepracticeoflaw,andduringthosefiveyearshewasprobablyagreaterstudentthanhehadeverbeenbefore.Hispartner,W.H.Herndon,hastoldofthechangesthattookplaceinthecourtsandinthemethodsofpracticewhileMr.Lincolnwasaway.
LINCOLNASALAWYER.
Whenhereturnedtoactivepracticehesawatoncethatthecourtshadgrownmorelearnedanddignifiedandthatthebarreliedmoreuponmethodandsystemandaknowledgeofthestatutelawthanuponthestumpspeechmethodofearlydays.
Mr.HerndontellsusthatLincolnwouldlieinbedandreadbycandlelight,sometimesuntiltwoo'clockinthemorning,whilehisfamouscolleagues,Davis,Logan,Swett,EdwardsandHerndon,weresoundlyandsometimesloudlysleeping.Hereadandrereadthestatutesandbooksofpractice,devouredShakespeare,whowasalwaysafavoriteofhis,andstudiedEuclidsodiligentlythathecouldeasilydemonstrateallthepropositionscontainedinthesixbooks.
Mr.Lincolndetestedofficework.Heleftallthattohispartner.Hedislikedtodrawuplegalpapersortowriteletters.Thefirmofwhichhewasamemberkeptnobooks.WheneitherLincolnorHerndonreceivedafeetheydividedthemoneythenandthere.IfhispartnerwerenotintheofficeatthetimeMr.Lincolnwouldwrapuphalfofthefeeinasheetofpaper,onwhichhewouldwrite,"Herndon'shalf,"givingthenameofthecase,andplaceitinhispartner'sdesk.
Butincourt,arguingacase,pleadingtothejuryandlayingdownthelaw,Lincolnwasinhiselement.Evenwhenhehadaweakcasehewasastrongantagonist,andwhenhehadrightandjusticeonhisside,ashenearlyalwayshad,noone
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couldbeathim.
Helikedanoutdoorlife,hencehewasfondofridingthecircuit.Heenjoyedthecompanyofothermen,likeddiscussionandargument,lovedtotellstoriesandtohearthem,laughingasheartilyathisownstoriesashedidatthosethatweretoldtohim.
TELLINGSTORIESONTHECIRCUIT.
Thecourtcircuitinthosedayswasthesceneofmanyastory-tellingjoust,inwhichLincolnwasalwaysthechief.Frequentlyhewouldsitupuntilaftermidnightreelingoffstoryafterstory,eachonefollowedbyroarsoflaughterthatcouldbeheardalloverthecountrytavern,inwhichthestory-tellinggroupwasgathered.Everytypeofcharacterwouldberepresentedinthesegroups,fromthelearnedjudgeonthebenchdowntothevillageloafer.
Lincoln'sfavoriteattitudewastositwithhislonglegsproppedupontherailofthestove,orwithhisfeetagainstthewall,andthushewouldsitforhoursentertainingacrowd,orbeingentertained.
OnecircuitjudgewassofondofLincoln'sstoriesthatheoftenwouldsitupuntilmidnightlisteningtothem,andthendeclarethathehadlaughedsomuchhe
believedhisribswereshakenloose.
ThegreatsuccessofAbrahamLincolnasatriallawyerwasduetoanumberoffacts.Hewouldnottakeacaseifhebelievedthatthelawandjusticewereontheotherside.Whenheaddressedajuryhemadethemfeelthatheonlywantedfairplayandjustice.Hedidnottalkovertheirheads,butgotrightdowntoafriendlytonesuchasweuseinordinaryconversation,andtalkedatthem,appealingtotheirhonestyandcommonsense.
Andmakinghisargumentplainbytellingastoryortwothatbroughtthematterclearlywithintheirunderstanding.
Whenhedidnotknowthelawinaparticularcaseheneverpretendedtoknowit
.Iftherewerenoprecedentstocoveracasehewouldstatehissideplainlyandfairly;hewouldtellthejurywhathebelievedwasrightforthemtodo,andthenconcludewithhisfavoriteexpression,"itseemstomethatthisoughttobethelaw."
SometimebeforetherepealoftheMissouriCompromisealawyerfriendsaidtohim:"Lincoln,thetimeisnearathandwhenweshallhavetobeallAbolitionistsorallDemocrats."
"Whenthattimecomesmymindismadeup,"hereplied,"forIbelievetheslaveryquestionnevercanbecompromised."
THELIONISAROUSEDTOACTION.
WhileLincolntookamildinterestinpolitics,hewasnotacandidateforoffice,exceptasapresidentialelector,fromthetimeofleavingCongressuntiltherepealoftheMissouriCompromise.ThisrepealLegislationwastheworkofLincoln'spoliticalantagonist,StephenA.Douglas,andarousedMr.Lincolntoactionasthelionisrousedbysomefoeworthyofhisgreatstrengthandcourage.
Mr.Douglasarguedthatthetrueintentandmeaningoftheactwasnottolegis
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lateslaveryintoanyterritoryorstate,nortoexcludeittherefrom,buttoleavethepeopleperfectlyfreetoformandregulatetheirdomesticinstitutionsintheirownway.
"Douglas'argumentamountstothis,"saidMr.Lincoln,"thatifanyonemanchoosestoenslaveanothernothirdmanshallbeallowedtoobject."
AftertheadjournmentofCongressMr.DouglasreturnedtoIllinoisandbegantodefendhisactionintherepealoftheMissouriCompromise.HismostimportantspeechwasmadeatSpringfield,andMr.Lincolnwasselectedtoanswerit.ThatspeechalonewassufficienttomakeMr.Lincolntheleaderofanti-SlaverysentimentintheWest,andsomeofthemenwhohearditdeclaredthatitwasthegreatestspeechheevermade.
WiththerepealoftheMissouriCompromisetheWhigpartybegantobreakup,themajorityofitsmemberswhowerepronouncedAbolitionistsbegantoformthenucleusoftheRepublicanparty.Beforethispartywasformed,however,Mr.LincolnwasinducedtofollowDouglasaroundtheStateandreplytohim,butafteronemeetingatPeoria,wheretheybothspoke,theyenteredintoanagreementtoreturntotheirhomesandmakenomorespeechesduringthecampaign.
SEEKSASEATINTHESENATE.
Mr.LincolnmadenosecretatthistimeofhisambitiontorepresentIllinoisintheUnitedStatesSenate.AgainsthisprotesthewasnominatedandelectedtotheLegislature,butresignedhisseat.Hisoldrival,JamesShields,withwhomhewasonceneartoaduel,wasthensenator,andhistermwastoexpirethefollowingyear.
Aletter,writtenbyMr.LincolntoafriendinParis,Illinois,atthistimeisinterestingandsignificant.Hewrote:
"IhaveasuspicionthataWhighasbeenelectedtotheLegislaturefromEagar.Ifthisisnotso,why,then,'nixcumarous;'butifitisso,thencouldyounotmakeamarkwithhimformeforUnitedStatessenator?Ireallyhavesomech
ance."
AnothercandidatebesidesMr.LincolnwasseekingtheseatintheUnitedStatesSenate,soontobevacatedbyMr.Shields.ThiswasLymanTrumbull,ananti-slaveryDemocrat.WhentheLegislaturemetitwasfoundthatMr.Lincolnlackedfivevotesofanelection,whileMr.Trumbullhadbutfivesupporters.AfterseveralballotsMr.LincolnfearedthatTrumbull'svoteswouldbegiventoaDemocraticcandidateandhedeterminedtosacrificehimselffortheprincipleatstake.AccordinglyheinstructedhisfriendsintheLegislaturetovoteforJudgeTrumbull,whichtheydid,resultinginTrumbull'selection.
TheAbolitionistsintheWesthadbecomeveryradicalintheirviews,anddidnothesitatetotalkofopposingtheextensionofslaverybytheuseofforceif
necessary.Mr.Lincoln,ontheotherhand,wasconservativeandcounseledmoderation.Inthemeantimemanyoutrages,growingoutoftheextensionofslavery,werebeingperpetratedonthebordersofKansasandMissouri,andtheynodoubtinfluencedMr.Lincolntotakeamoreradicalstandagainsttheslaveryquestion.
Anincidentoccurredatthistimewhichhadgreateffectinthisdirection.ThenegrosonofacoloredwomaninSpringfieldhadgoneSouthtowork.Hewasbornfree,butdidnothavehisfreepaperswithhim.Hewasarrestedandwouldhavebeensoldintoslaverytopayhisprisonexpenses,hadnotMr.Lincolnandsomefriendspurchasedhisliberty.PrevioustothisMr.Lincolnhadtriedtosecure
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theboy'sreleasethroughtheGovernorofIllinois,buttheGovernorinformedhimthatnothingcouldbedone.
ThenitwasthatMr.Lincolnrosetohisfullheightandexclaimed:
"Governor,I'llmakethegroundinthiscountrytoohotforthefootofaslave,whetheryouhavethelegalpowertosecurethereleaseofthisboyornot."
HELPSTOORGANIZETHEREPUBLICANPARTY.
TheyearafterMr.Trumbull'selectiontotheSenatetheRepublicanpartywasformallyorganized.AstateconventionofthatpartywascalledtomeetatBloomingtonMay29,1856.ThecallforthisconventionwassignedbymanySpringfieldWhigs,andamongthenameswasthatofAbrahamLincoln.Mr.Lincoln'snamehadbeensignedtothecallbyhislawpartner,butwhenhewasinformedofthisactionheendorseditfully.AmongthefamousmenwhotookpartinthisconventionwereAbrahamLincoln,LymanTrumbull,DavidDavis,LeonardSwett,RichardYates,Norman,B.JuddandOwenLovejoy,theAltoneditor,whoselife,likeLincoln's,finallypaidthepenaltyforhisAbolitionviews.ThepartynominatedforGovernor,Wm.H.Bissell,aveteranoftheMexicanWar,andadoptedaplatformringingwithanti-slaverysentiment.
Mr.Lincolnwasthegreatestpowerinthecampaignthatfollowed.HewasoneoftheFremontPresidentialelectors,andhewenttoworkwithallhismighttospreadthenewpartygospelandmakevotesfortheold"Path-FinderoftheRockyMountains."
AnamusingincidentfollowedcloseaftertheBloomingtonconvention.AmeetingwascalledatSpringfieldtoratifytheactionatBloomington.Onlythreepersonsattended--Mr.Lincoln,hislawpartnerandamannamedJohnPaine.Mr.Lincolnmadeaspeechtohiscolleagues,inwhich,amongotherthings,hesaid:"Whileallseemsdead,theageitselfisnot.ItlivethassureasourMakerliveth."
InthiscampaignMr.Lincolnwasingeneraldemandnotonlyinhisownstate,butinIndiana,IowaandWisconsinaswell.
TheresultofthatPresidentialcampaignwastheelectionofBuchananasPresident,BissellasGovernor,leavingMr.Lincolntheundisputedleaderofthenewparty.HenceitwasthattwoyearslaterhewastheinevitablemantoopposeJudgeDouglasinthecampaignforUnitedStatesSenator.
THERAIL-SPLITTERvs.THELITTLEGIANT.
NorecordofAbrahamLincoln'scareerwouldbecompletewithoutthestoryofthememorablejointdebatesbetweenthe"Rail-SplitteroftheSangamonValley"andthe"LittleGiant."TheopeninglinesinMr.Lincoln'sspeechtotheRepublican
Conventionwerenotonlypropheticofthecomingrebellion,buttheyclearlymadetheissuebetweentheRepublicanandDemocraticpartiesfortwoPresidentialcampaignstofollow.Thememorablesentenceswereasfollows:
"Ahousedividedagainstitselfcannotstand.IbelievethisGovernmentcannotendurepermanentlyhalfslaveandhalffree.IdonotexpecttheUniontobedissolved;Idonotexpectthehousetofall;butIdoexpectitwillceasetobedivided.Itwillbecomealltheonethingortheother.Eithertheopponentsofslaverywillarrestthefurtherspreadofitandplaceitwherethepublicmindshallrestinthebeliefthatitisinthecourseofultimateextinction,orits
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advocateswillpushitforwardtillitbecomesalikelawfulinallthestates,oldaswellasnew,NorthaswellasSouth."
ItisuniversallyconcededthatthisspeechcontainedthemostimportantutterancesofMr.Lincoln'slife.
Previoustoitsdelivery,theDemocraticconventionhadendorsedMr.Douglasforre-electiontotheSenate,andtheRepublicanconventionhadresolvedthat"AbrahamLincolnisourfirstandonlychoiceforUnitedStatesSenator,tofillthevacancyabouttobecreatedbytheexpirationofMr.Douglas'termofoffice."
BeforeJudgeDouglashadmademanyspeechesinthisSenatorialcampaign,Mr.Lincolnchallengedhimtoajointdebate,whichwasaccepted,andsevenmemorablemeetingsbetweenthesetwogreatleadersfollowed.Theplacesanddateswere:Ottawa,August21st;Freeport,August27th;Jonesboro,September15th;Charleston,September18th;Galesburg,October7th;Quincy,October13th;andAlton,October15th.
ThedebatesnotonlyattractedtheattentionofthepeopleinthestateofIllinois,butarousedaninterestthroughoutthewholecountryequaltothatofaPresidentialelection.
WERELIKECROWDSATACIRCUS.
Allthemeetingsofthejointdebatewereattendedbyimmensecrowdsofpeople.Theycameinallsortsofvehicles,onhorseback,andmanywalkedwearymilesonfoottohearthesetwogreatleadersdiscusstheissuesofthecampaign.Therehadneverbeenpoliticalmeetingsheldundersuchunusualconditionsasthese,andthereprobablyneverwillbeagain.Ateveryplacethespeakersweremetbygreatcrowdsoftheirfriendsandescortedtotheplatformsintheopenairwherethedebateswereheld.Theprocessionsthatescortedthespeakersweremostunique.Theycarriedflagsandbannersandwereprecededbybandsofmusic.Thepeopledischargedcannonswhentheyhadthem,and,whentheydidnot,blacksmiths'anvilsweremadetotaketheirplaces.
Oftentimesapartoftheescortwouldbemounted,andinmostoftheprocessionswerechariotscontainingyoungladiesrepresentingthedifferentstatesoftheUniondesignatedbybannerstheycarried.Besidesthebands,therewasusuallyvocalmusic.Patrioticsongsweretheorderoftheday,the"Star-SpangledBanner"and"HailColumbia"beinggreatfavorites.
Sofarasthecrowdswereconcerned,thesejointdebatestookontheappearanceofacircusday,andthiscomparisonwasstrengthenedbythesaleoflemonade,fruit,melonsandconfectioneryontheoutskirtsofthegatherings.
AtOttawa,afterhisspeech,Mr.Lincolnwascarriedaroundontheshouldersofhisenthusiasticsupporters,whodidnotputhimdownuntiltheyreachedtheplacewherehewastospendthenight.
Inthejointdebates,eachofthecandidatesaskedtheotheraseriesofquestions.JudgeDouglas'repliestoMr.Lincoln'sshrewdquestionshelpedDouglastowintheSenatorialelection,buttheylosthimthesupportoftheSouthinthecampaignforPresidenttwoyearsthereafter.Mr.LincolnwastoldwhenheframedhisquestionsthatifDouglasansweredtheminthewayitwasbelievedhewouldthattheanswerswouldmakehimSenator.
"Thatmaybe,"saidMr.Lincoln,"butifhetakesthatshoothenevercanbePresident."
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Theprophecywascorrect.Mr.DouglaswaselectedSenator,buttwoyearslateronlycarriedonestate--Missouri--forPresident.
HISBUCKEYECAMPAIGN.
Afterthecloseofthiscanvass,Mr.Lincolnagaindevotedhimselftothepracticeofhisprofession,buthewasdestinedtoremainbutashorttimeinretirement.Inthefallof1859Mr.DouglaswenttoOhiotostumpthestateforhisfriend,Mr.Pugh,theDemocraticcandidateforGovernor.TheOhioRepublicansatonceaskedMr.Lincolntocometothestateandreplytothe"LittleGiant."Heacceptedtheinvitationandmadetwomasterlyspeechesinthecampaign.Inoneofthem,deliveredatCincinnati,heprophesiedtheoutcomeoftherebellioniftheSouthernpeopleattemptedtodividetheUnionbyforce.
AddressinghimselfparticularlytotheKentuckiansintheaudience,hesaid:
"Ihavetoldyouwhatwemeantodo.Iwanttoknow,now,whenthatthingtakesplace,whatdoyoumeantodo?IoftenhearitintimatedthatyoumeantodividetheUnionwheneveraRepublican,oranythinglikeit,iselectedPresidentoftheUnitedStates.[AVoice--"Thatisso."]'Thatisso,'oneofthemsays;IwonderifheisaKentuckian?[AVoice--"HeisaDouglasman."]Well,then,Iwant
toknowwhatyouaregoingtodowithyourhalfofit?
"AreyougoingtosplittheOhiodownthrough,andpushyourhalfoffapiece?Orareyougoingtokeepitrightalongsideofusoutrageousfellows?Orareyougoingtobuildupawallsomewaybetweenyourcountry,andours,bywhichthatmovablepropertyofyourscan'tcomeoverhereanymore,tothedangerofyourlosingit?Doyouthinkyoucanbetteryourselvesonthatsubjectbyleavingushereundernoobligationwhatevertoreturnthosespecimensofyourmovablepropertythatcomehither?
"YouhavedividedtheUnionbecausewewouldnotdorightwithyou,asyouthink,uponthatsubject;whenweceasetobeunderobligationstodoanythingforyou,howmuchbetteroffdoyouthinkyouwillbe?Willyoumakewaruponusand
killusall?Why,gentlemen,Ithinkyouareasgallantandasbravemenaslive;thatyoucanfightasbravelyinagoodcause,manforman,asanyotherpeopleliving;thatyouhaveshownyourselvescapableofthisuponvariousoccasions;but,manforman,youarenotbetterthanweare,andtherearenotsomanyofyouasthereareofus.
"Youwillnevermakemuchofahandatwhippingus.Ifwewerefewerinnumbersthanyou,Ithinkthatyoucouldwhipus;ifwewereequal,itwouldlikelybeadrawnbattle;but,beinginferiorinnumbers,youwillmakenothingbyattemptingtomasterus.
"ButperhapsIhaveaddressedmyselfaslong,orlonger,totheKentuckiansthanIoughttohavedone,inasmuchasIhavesaidthat,whatevercourseyoutake,
weintendintheendtobeatyou."
FIRSTVISITTONEWYORK.
LaterintheyearMr.LincolnalsospokeinKansas,wherehewasreceivedwithgreatenthusiasm,andinFebruaryofthefollowingyearhemadehisgreatspeechinCooperUnion,NewYork,toanimmensegathering,presidedoverbyWilliamCullenBryant,thepoet,whowastheneditoroftheNewYorkEveningPost.Therew
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asgreatcuriositytoseetheWesternrail-splitterwhohadsolatelymetthefamous"LittleGiant"oftheWestindebate,andMr.Lincoln'sspeechwaslistenedtobymanyoftheablestmenintheEast.
ThisspeechwonforhimmanysupportersinthePresidentialcampaignthatfollowed,forhishearersatoncerecognizedhiswonderfulabilitytodealwiththequestionsthenuppermostinthepublicmind.
FIRSTNOMINATIONFORPRESIDENT.
TheRepublicanNationalConventionof1860metinChicago,May16,inanimmensebuildingcalledthe"Wigwam."TheleadingcandidatesforPresidentwereWilliamH.SewardofNewYorkandAbrahamLincolnofIllinois.AmongothersspokenofwereSalmonP.ChaseofOhioandSimonCameronofPennsylvania.
OnthefirstballotforPresident,Mr.Sewardreceivedonehundredandseventy-threeandone-halfvotes;Mr.Lincoln,onehundredandtwovotes,theothersscattering.Onthefirstballot,Vermonthaddividedhervote,butonthesecondthechairmanoftheVermontdelegationannounced:"VermontcastshertenvotesfortheyounggiantoftheWest--AbrahamLincoln."
ThiswastheturningpointintheconventiontowardMr.Lincoln'snomination.T
hesecondballotresulted:Seward,onehundredandeighty-fourandone-half;Lincoln,onehundredandeighty-one.Onthethirdballot,Mr.Lincolnreceivedtwohundredandthirtyvotes.Oneandone-halfvotesmorewouldnominatehim.Beforetheballotwasannounced,OhiomadeachangeoffourvotesinfavorofMr.Lincoln,makinghimthenomineeforPresident.
OtherstatestriedtofollowOhio'sexample,butitwasalongtimebeforeanyofthedelegatescouldmakethemselvesheard.Cannonsplantedontopofthewigwamwereroaringandbooming;thelargecrowdinthewigwamandtheimmensethrongoutsidewerecheeringatthetopoftheirlungs,whilebandswereplayingvictoriousairs.
Whenorderhadbeenrestored,itwasannouncedthatonthethirdballotAbraham
LincolnofIllinoishadreceivedthreehundredandfifty-fourvotesandwasnominatedbytheRepublicanpartytotheofficeofPresidentoftheUnitedStates.
Mr.LincolnheardthenewsofhisnominationwhilesittinginanewspaperofficeinSpringfield,andhurriedhometotellhiswife.
AsMr.Lincolnhadpredicted,JudgeDouglas'positiononslaveryintheterritorieslosthimthesupportoftheSouth,andwhentheDemocraticconventionmetatCharleston,theslave-holdingstatesforcedthenominationofJohnC.Breckinridge.AconsiderablenumberofpeoplewhodidnotagreewitheitherpartynominatedJohnBellofTennessee.
Intheelectionwhichfollowed,Mr.Lincolncarriedallofthefreestates,exc
eptNewJersey,whichwasdividedbetweenhimselfandDouglas;Breckinridgecarriedalltheslavestates,exceptKentucky,TennesseeandVirginia,whichwentforBell,andMissourigaveitsvotetoDouglas.
FORMATIONOFTHESOUTHERNCONFEDERACY.
TheelectionwasscarcelyoverbeforeitwasevidentthattheSouthernStatesdidnotintendtoabidebytheresult,andthataconspiracywasonfoottodivid
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etheUnion.BeforethePresidentialelectioneven,theSecretaryofWarinPresidentBuchanan'sCabinethadremovedonehundredandfiftythousandmusketsfromGovernmentarmoriesintheNorthandsentthemtoGovernmentarmoriesintheSouth.
BeforeMr.Lincolnhadpreparedhisinauguraladdress,SouthCarolina,whichtooktheleadinthesecessionmovement,haddeclaredthroughherLegislatureherseparationfromtheUnion.BeforeMr.Lincolntookhisseat,otherSouthernStateshadfollowedtheexampleofSouthCarolina,andaconventionhadbeenheldatMontgomery,Alabama,whichhadelectedJeffersonDavisPresidentofthenewConfederacy,andAlexanderH.Stevens,ofGeorgia,Vice-President.
SouthernmenintheCabinet,SenateandHousehadresignedtheirseatsandgonehome,andSouthernStatesweredemandingthatSouthernfortsandGovernmentpropertyintheirsectionshouldbeturnedovertothem.
Betweenhiselectionandinauguration,Mr.Lincolnremainedsilent,reservinghisopinionsandadeclarationofhispolicyforhisinauguraladdress.
BeforeMr.Lincoln'sdeparturefromSpringfieldforWashington,threatshadbeenfreelymadethathewouldneverreachthecapitalalive,and,infact,aconspiracywasthenonfoottotakehislifeinthecityofBaltimore.
Mr.LincolnleftSpringfieldonFebruary11th,incompanywithhiswifeandthr
eesons,hisbrother-in-law,Dr.W.S.Wallace;DavidDavis,NormanB.Judd,ElmerE.Elsworth,WardH.Lamon,ColonelE.V.SunderoftheUnitedStatesArmy,andthePresident'stwosecretaries.
GOOD-BYETOTHEOLDFOLK.
EarlyinFebruary,beforeleavingforWashington,Mr.LincolnslippedawayfromSpringfieldandpaidavisittohisagedstep-motherinColescounty.Healsopaidavisittotheunmarkedgraveofhisfatherandorderedasuitablestonetomarkthespot.
BeforeleavingSpringfield,hemadeanaddresstohisfellow-townsmen,inwhichhedisplayedsinceresorrowatpartingfromthem.
"Friends,"hesaid,"noonewhohasneverbeenplacedinalikepositioncanunderstandmyfeelingsatthishour,northeoppressivesadnessIfeelatthisparting.FormorethanaquarterofacenturyIhavelivedamongyou,andduringallthattimeIhavereceivednothingbutkindnessatyourhands.HereIhavelivedfrommyyouthuntilnowIamanoldman.Herethemostsacredtiesofearthwereassumed.Hereallmychildrenwereborn,andhereoneofthemliesburied.
"Toyou,dearfriends,IoweallthatIhave,allthatIam.Allthestrange,checkeredpastseemstocrowdnowuponmymind.To-dayIleaveyou.IgotoassumeataskmoredifficultthanthatwhichdevolveduponWashington.Unlessthegre
atGodwhoassistedhimshallbewithandaidme,Imustfail;butifthesameomniscientmindandalmightyarmthatdirectedandprotectedhimshallguideandsupportme,Ishallnotfail--Ishallsucceed.LetusallpraythattheGodofourfathersmaynotforsakeusnow.
"ToHimIcommendyouall.PermitmetoaskthatwithequalsincerityandfaithyouwillinvokeHiswisdomandguidanceforme.WiththesewordsImustleaveyou,forhowlongIknownot.Friends,oneandall,Imustnowbidyouanaffectionatefarewell."
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ThejourneyfromSpringfieldtoPhiladelphiawasacontinuousovationforMr.Lincoln.Crowdsassembledtomeethimatthevariousplacesalongtheway,andhemadethemshortspeeches,fullofhumorandgoodfeeling.AtHarrisburg,Pa.,thepartywasmetbyAllanPinkerton,whoknewoftheplotinBaltimoretotakethelifeofMr.Lincoln.
THE"SECRETPASSAGE"TOWASHINGTON.
Throughouthisentirelife,AbrahamLincoln'sphysicalcouragewasasgreatandsuperbashismoralcourage.WhenMr.PinkertonandMr.JuddurgedthePresident-electtoleaveforWashingtonthatnight,hepositivelyrefusedtodoit.HesaidhehadmadeanengagementtoassistataflagraisingintheforenoonofthenextdayandtoshowhimselftothepeopleofHarrisburgintheafternoon,andthatheintendedtokeepbothengagements.
AtPhiladelphiathePresidentialpartywasmetbyMr.Seward'sson,Frederick,whohadbeensenttowarnMr.Lincolnoftheplotagainsthislife.Mr.Judd,Mr.PinkertonandMr.LamonfiguredoutaplantotakeMr.LincolnthroughBaltimorebetweenmidnightanddaybreak,whenthewould-beassassinswouldnotbeexpectinghim,andthisplanwascarriedoutsothoroughlythateventheconductoronthetraindidnotknowthePresident-electwasonboard.
Mr.Lincolnwasputintohisberthandthecurtainsdrawn.Hewassupposedtobeasickman.Whentheconductorcamearound,Mr.Pinkertonhandedhimthe"sickman's"ticketandhepassedonwithoutquestion.
WhenthetrainreachedBaltimore,athalf-pastthreeo'clockinthemorning,itwasmetbyoneofMr.Pinkerton'sdetectives,whoreportedthateverythingwas"allright,"andinashorttimethepartywasspeedingontothenationalcapital,whereroomshadbeenengagedforMr.LincolnandhisguardatWillard'sHotel.
Mr.Lincolnalwaysregrettedthis"secretpassage"toWashington,foritwasrepugnanttoamanofhishighcourage.Hehadagreedtotheplansimplybecauseallofhisfriendsurgeditasthebestthingtodo.
Nowthatallthefactsareknown,itisassuredthathisfriendswereright,andthatthereneverwasamomentfromthedayhecrossedtheMarylandlineuntilhisassassinationthathislifewasnotindanger,andwasonlysavedaslongasitwasbytheconstantvigilanceofthosewhowereguardinghim.
HISELOQUENTINAUGURALADDRESS.
ThewonderfuleloquenceofAbrahamLincoln--clear,sincere,natural--foundgrandexpressioninhisfirstinauguraladdress,inwhichhenotonlyoutlinedhispolicytowardtheStatesinrebellion,butmadethatbeautifulandeloquentplea
forconciliation.TheclosingsentencesofMr.Lincoln'sfirstinauguraladdressdeservedlytakerankwithhisGettysburgspeech:
"Inyourhands,mydissatisfiedfellow-countrymen,"hesaid,"andnotinmine,isthemomentousissueofcivilwar.TheGovernmentwillnotassailyou.
"Youcanhavenoconflictwithoutbeingyourselvestheaggressors.YouhavenooathregisteredinheaventodestroytheGovernment,whileIshallhavethemostsolemnoneto'preserve,protectanddefend'it.
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"Iamloathtoclose.Wearenotenemies,butfriends.Wemustnotbeenemies.Thoughpassionmayhavestrained,itmustnotbreakourbondsofaffection.
"Themysticcordofmemory,stretchingfromeverybattle-fieldandpatriotgravetoeverylivingheartandhearthstonealloverthisbroadland,willyetswellthechorusoftheUnion,whenagaintouched,assurelytheywillbe,bythebetterangelsofournature."
FOLLOWSPRECEDENTOFWASHINGTON.
InselectinghisCabinet,Mr.Lincoln,consciouslyorunconsciously,followedaprecedentestablishedbyWashington,ofselectingmenofalmostoppositeopinions.HisCabinetwascomposedofWilliamH.SewardofNewYork,SecretaryofState;SalmonP.ChaseofOhio,SecretaryoftheTreasury;SimonCameronofPennsylvania,SecretaryofWar;GideonE.WellesofConnecticut,SecretaryoftheNavy;CalebB.SmithofIndiana,SecretaryoftheInterior;MontgomeryBlairofMaryland,Postmaster-General;EdwardBatesofMissouri,Attorney-General.
Mr.Chase,althoughananti-slaveryleader,wasaStates-RightsFederalRepublican,whileMr.SewardwasaWhig,withouthavingconnectedhimselfwiththeanti-slaverymovement.
Mr.ChaseandMr.Seward,theleadingmenofMr.Lincoln'sCabinet,wereaswidelyapartandantagonisticintheirviewsaswereJefferson,theDemocrat,andHamilton,theFederalist,thetwoleadersinWashington'sCabinet.Butinbringingtogetherthesetwostrongmenashischiefadvisers,bothofwhomhadbeenrivalcandidatesforthePresidency,Mr.Lincolngaveanotherexampleofhisowngreatnessandself-reliance,andputthembothinapositiontorendergreaterservicetotheGovernmentthantheycouldhavedone,probably,asPresident.
Mr.LincolnhadbeeninofficelittlemorethanfiveweekswhentheWaroftheRebellionbeganbythefiringonFortSumter.
GREATERDIPLOMATTHANSEWARD.
TheWaroftheRebellionrevealedtothepeople--infact,tothewholeworld--themanysidesofAbrahamLincoln'scharacter.Itshowedhimasarealrulerofmen--notarulerbythemerepowerofmight,butbythepowerofagreatbrain.InhisCabinetweretheablestmeninthecountry,yettheyallknewthatLincolnwasablerthananyofthem.
Mr.Seward,theSecretaryofState,wasamanfamedinstatesmanshipanddiplomacy.DuringtheearlystagesoftheCivilWar,whenFranceandEnglandwereseekinganexcusetointerfereandhelptheSouthernConfederacy,Mr.SewardwrotealettertoourministerinLondon,CharlesFrancisAdams,instructinghimconcerningtheattitudeoftheFederalgovernmentonthequestionofinterference,whi
chwouldundoubtedlyhavebroughtaboutawarwithEnglandifAbrahamLincolnhadnotcorrectedandamendedtheletter.Hedidthis,too,withoutyieldingapointorsacrificinginanywayhisowndignityorthatofthecountry.
LINCOLNAGREATGENERAL.
Throughoutthefouryearsofwar,Mr.LincolnspentagreatdealoftimeintheWarDepartment,receivingnewsfromthefrontandconferringwithSecretaryof
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WarStantonconcerningmilitaryaffairs.
Mr.Lincoln'sWarSecretary,EdwinM.Stanton,whohadsucceededSimonCameron,wasamanofwonderfulpersonalityandironwill.ItisgenerallyconcededthatnoothermancouldhavemanagedthegreatWarSecretarysowellasLincoln.Stantonhadhiswayinmostmatters,butwhentherewasanimportantdifferenceofopinionhealwaysfoundLincolnwasthemaster.
AlthoughMr.Lincoln'scommunicationstothegeneralsinthefieldwereoftenerinthenatureofsuggestionsthanpositiveorders,everymilitaryleaderrecognizedMr.Lincoln'sabilityinmilitaryoperations.Intheearlystagesofthewar,Mr.LincolnfollowedcloselyeveryplanandmovementofMcClellan,andthecorrespondencebetweenthemprovesMr.Lincolntohavebeenfartheablergeneralofthetwo.HekeptclosewatchofBurnside,too,andwhenhegavethecommandoftheArmyofthePotomacto"FightingJoe"Hookerhealsogavethatgeneralsomefatherlycounselandadvicewhichwasofgreatbenefittohimasacommander.
ABSOLUTECONFIDENCEINGRANT.
ItwasnotuntilGeneralGranthadbeenmadeCommander-in-ChiefthatPresidentLincolnfelthehadatlastfoundageneralwhodidnotneedmuchadvice.HewasthefirsttorecognizethatGrantwasagreatmilitaryleader,andwhenheonce
feltsureofthisfactnothingcouldshakehisconfidenceinthatgeneral.DelegationafterdelegationcalledattheWhiteHouseandaskedforGrant'sremovalfromtheheadofthearmy.Theyaccusedhimofbeingabutcher,adrunkard,amanwithoutsenseorfeeling.
PresidentLincolnlistenedtoalloftheseattacks,buthealwayshadanaptanswertosilenceGrant'senemies.GrantwasdoingwhatLincolnwanteddonefromthefirst--hewasfightingandwinningvictories,andvictoriesaretheonlythingsthatcountinwar.
REASONSFORFREEINGTHESLAVES.
ThecrowningactofLincoln'scareerasPresidentwastheemancipationoftheslaves.Allofhislifehehadbelievedingradualemancipation,butallofhisplanscontemplatedpaymenttotheslaveholders.Whilehehadalwaysbeenopposedtoslavery,hedidnottakeanystepstouseitasawarmeasureuntilaboutthemiddleof1862.HischiefobjectwastopreservetheUnion.
HewrotetoHoraceGreeleythatifhecouldsavetheUnionwithoutfreeinganyoftheslaveshewoulddoit;thatifhecouldsaveitbyfreeingsomeandleavingtheothersinslaveryhewoulddothat;thatifitbecamenecessarytofreealltheslavesinordertosavetheUnionhewouldtakethatcourse.
Theanti-slaverymenwerecontinuallyurgingMr.Lincolntosettheslavesfree
,buthepaidnoattentiontotheirpetitionsanddemandsuntilhefeltthatemancipationwouldhelphimtopreservetheUnionoftheStates.
TheoutlookfortheUnioncausegrewdarkeranddarkerin1862,andMr.Lincolnbegantothink,asheexpressedit,thathemust"changehistacticsorlosethegame."AccordinglyhedecidedtoissuetheEmancipationProclamationassoonastheUnionarmywonasubstantialvictory.ThebattleofAntietam,onSeptember17,gavehimtheopportunityhesought.HetoldSecretaryChasethathehadmadeasolemnvowbeforeGodthatifGeneralLeeshouldbedrivenbackfromPennsylvaniahewouldcrowntheresultbyadeclarationoffreedomtotheslaves.
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Onthetwenty-secondofthatmonthheissuedaproclamationstatingthatattheendofonehundreddayshewouldissueanotherproclamationdeclaringallslaveswithinanyStateorTerritorytobeforeverfree,whichwasdoneintheformofthefamousEmancipationProclamation.
HARDTOREFUSEPARDONS.
IntheconductofthewarandinhispurposetomaintaintheUnion,AbrahamLincolnexhibitedawillofironanddeterminationthatcouldnotbeshaken,butinhisdailycontactwiththemothers,wivesanddaughtersbeggingforthelifeofsomesoldierwhohadbeencondemnedtodeathfordesertionorsleepingondutyhewasasgentleandweakasawoman.
Itwasadifficultmatterforhimtorefuseapardoniftheslightestexcusecouldbefoundforgrantingit.
SecretaryStantonandthecommandinggeneralswereloudindeclaringthatMr.Lincolnwoulddestroythedisciplineofthearmybyhiswholesalepardoningofcondemnedsoldiers,butwhenwecometoexaminetheindividualcaseswefindthatLincolnwasnearlyalwaysright,andwhenheerreditwasalwaysonthesideofhumanity.
DuringthefouryearsofthelongstruggleforthepreservationoftheUnion,Mr.Lincolnkept"openshop,"asheexpressedit,wherethegeneralpubliccouldalwaysseehimandmakeknowntheirwantsandcomplaints.EventheprivatesoldierwasnotdeniedadmittancetothePresident'sprivateoffice,andnorequestorcomplaintwastoosmallortrivialtoenlisthissympathyandinterest.
AFUN-LOVINGANDHUMOR-LOVINGMAN.
ItwasoncesaidofShakespearethatthegreatmindthatconceivedthetragediesof"Hamlet,""Macbeth,"etc.,wouldhavelostitsreasonifithadnotfoundv
entinthesparklinghumorofsuchcomediesas"TheMerryWivesofWindsor"and"TheComedyofErrors."
ThegreatstrainonthemindofAbrahamLincolnproducedbyfouryearsofcivilwarmightlikewisehaveovercomehisreasonhaditnotfoundventintheyarnsandstoriesheconstantlytold.Nomorefun-lovingorhumor-lovingmanthanAbrahamLincolneverlived.Heenjoyedajokeevenwhenitwasonhimself,andprobably,whilehegothisgreatestenjoymentfromtellingstories,hehadakeenappreciationofthehumorinthosethatweretoldhim.
HisfavoritehumorouswriterwasDavidR.Locke,betterknownas"PetroleumV.Nasby,"whosepoliticalsatireswerequitefamousintheirday.NearlyeveryprominentmanwhohaswrittenhisrecollectionsofLincolnhastoldhowthePreside
nt,inthemiddleofaconversationonsomeserioussubject,wouldsuddenlystopandaskhishearerifheeverreadtheNasbyletters.
Thenhewouldtakefromhisdeskapamphletcontainingthelettersandproceedtoreadthem,laughingheartilyatallthegoodpointstheycontained.ThereisprobablynobetterevidenceofMr.Lincoln'sloveofhumorandappreciationofitthanhislettertoNasby,inwhichhesaid:"FortheabilitytowritethesethingsIwouldgladlytradeplaceswithyou."
Mr.Lincolnwasre-electedPresidentin1864.HisopponentontheDemocraticti
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cketwasGeneralGeorgeB.McClellan,whosecommandoftheArmyofthePotomachadbeensounsatisfactoryatthebeginningofthewar.Mr.Lincoln'selectionwasalmostunanimous,asMcClellancarriedbutthreeStates--Delaware,KentuckyandNewJersey.
GeneralGrant,inatelegramofcongratulation,saidthatitwas"avictoryworthmoretothecountrythanabattlewon."
Thewarwasfastdrawingtoaclose.Theblackwarcloudswerebreakingandrollingaway.Shermanhadmadehisfamousmarchtothesea.Throughswampandravine,GrantwasrapidlytighteningthelinesaroundRichmond.Thomashadwonhistitleofthe"RockofChickamauga."Sheridanhadwonhisspursasthegreatmoderncavalrycommander,andhadcleanedouttheShenandoahValley.ShermanwascomingbackfromhisfamousmarchtojoinGrantatRichmond.
TheConfederacywaswithoutanavy.TheKearsargehadsunktheAlabama,andFarraguthadfoughtandwonthefamousvictoryinMobileBay.ItwascertainthatLeewouldsoonhavetoevacuateRichmondonlytofallintothehandsofGrant.
Lincolnsawthedawnofpeace.Whenhecametodeliverhissecondinauguraladdress,itcontainednonoteofvictory,noexultationoverafallenfoe.Onthecontrary,itbreathedthespiritofbrotherlyloveandofprayerforanearlypeace:"Withmalicetowardnone,withcharityforall,withfirmnessintherightasGodgivesustoseetheright,letusfinishtheworkwearein,tobindupth
enation'swounds,tocareforhimwhoshallhavebornethebattleandforhiswidowandhisorphans,todoallwhichmayachieveandcherishajustandlastingpeaceamongourselvesandwithallnations."
Notlongthereafter,GeneralLeeevacuatedRichmondwithabouthalfofhisoriginalarmy,closelypursuedbyGrant.TheboysinblueovertooktheirbrothersingrayatAppomattoxCourtHouse,andthere,beneaththewarmraysofanAprilsun,thegreatConfederategeneralmadehisfinalsurrender.Thewarwasover,theAmericanflagwasfloatedoveralltheterritoryoftheUnitedStates,andpeacewasnowareality.Mr.LincolnvisitedRichmondandthefinalscenesofthewarandthenreturnedtoWashingtontocarryouthisannouncedplanof"bindingupthenation'swounds."
Hehadnowreachedtheclimaxofhiscareerandtouchedthehighestpointofhisgreatness.Hisgreattaskwasover,andtheheavyburdenthathadsolongwornuponhisheartwaslifted.
Whilethewholenationwasrejoicingoverthereturnofpeace,theSaviouroftheUnionwasstrickendownbythehandofanassassin.
WARNINGSOFHISTRAGICDEATH.
Fromearlyyouth,Mr.Lincolnhadpresentimentsthathewoulddieaviolentdeath,or,rather,thathisfinaldayswouldbemarkedbysomegreattragicevent.
FromthetimeofhisfirstelectiontothePresidency,hisclosestfriendshadtriedtomakehimunderstandthathewasinconstantdangerofassassination,but,notwithstandinghispresentiments,hehadsuchsplendidcouragethatheonlylaughedattheirfears.
DuringthesummermonthshelivedattheSoldiers'Home,somemilesfromWashington,andfrequentlymadethetripbetweentheWhiteHouseandtheHomewithoutaguardorescort.SecretaryofWarStantonandWardLamon,MarshaloftheDistrict,werealmostconstantlyalarmedoverMr.Lincoln'scarelessnessinexposinghimselftothedangerofassassination.
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Theywarnedhimtimeandagain,andprovidedsuitablebody-guardstoattendhim.ButMr.Lincolnwouldoftengivetheguardstheslip,and,mountinghisfavoriteridinghorse,"OldAbe,"wouldsetoutaloneafterdarkfromtheWhiteHousefortheSoldiers'Home.
WhileridingtotheHomeonenight,hewasfireduponbysomeoneinambush,thebulletpassingthroughhishighhat.Mr.Lincolnwouldnotadmitthatthemanwhofiredtheshothadtriedtokillhim.Healwaysattributedittoanaccident,andbeggedhisfriendstosaynothingaboutit.
Nowthatallthecircumstancesoftheassassinationareknown,itisplainthattherewasadeep-laidandwell-conceivedplottokillMr.Lincolnlongbeforethecrimewasactuallycommitted.WhenMr.LincolnwasdeliveringhissecondinauguraladdressonthestepsoftheCapitol,anexcitedindividualtriedtoforcehiswaythroughtheguardsinthebuildingtogetontheplatformwithMr.Lincoln.
ItwasafterwardlearnedthatthismanwasJohnWilkesBooth,whoafterwardsassassinatedMr.LincolninFord'sTheatre,onthenightofthe14thofApril.
LINCOLNATTHETHEATRE.
ThemanagerofthetheatrehadinvitedthePresidenttowitnessaperformanceofanewplayknownas"OurAmericanCousin,"inwhichthefamousactress,LauraKeane,wasplaying.Mr.Lincolnwasparticularlyfondofthetheatre.HelovedShakespeare'splaysaboveallothersandnevermissedachancetoseetheleadingShakespeareanactors.
As"OurAmericanCousin"wasanewplay,thePresidentdidnotcareparticularlytoseeit,butasMrs.Lincolnwasanxioustogo,heconsentedandacceptedtheinvitation.
GeneralGrantwasinWashingtonatthetime,andashewasextremelyanxiousaboutthepersonalsafetyofthePresident,hereportedeverydayregularlyatthe
WhiteHouse.Mr.LincolninvitedGeneralGrantandhiswifetoaccompanyhimandMrs.Lincolntothetheatreonthenightoftheassassination,andthegeneralaccepted,butwhiletheyweretalkinghereceivedanotefromMrs.GrantsayingthatshewishedtoleaveWashingtonthateveningtovisitherdaughterinBurlington.GeneralGrantmadehisexcusestothePresidentandlefttoaccompanyMrs.Granttotherailwaystation.ItafterwardsbecameknownthatitwasalsoapartoftheplottoassassinateGeneralGrant,andonlyMrs.Grant'sdeparturefromWashingtonthateveningpreventedtheattemptfrombeingmade.
GeneralGrantafterwardssaidthatasheandMrs.GrantwereridingalongPennsylvaniaavenuetotherailwaystationahorsemanroderapidlybyatagallop,and,wheelinghishorse,rodeback,peeringintotheircarriageashepassed.
Mrs.Grantremarkedtothegeneral:"Thatistheverymanwhosatnearusatluncheonto-dayandtriedtooverhearourconversation.Hewassorude,youremember,astocauseustoleavethedining-room.Hereheisagain,ridingafterus."
GeneralGrantattributedtheactionofthemantoidlecuriosity,butlearnedafterwardthatthehorsemanwasJohnWilkesBooth.
LAMON'SREMARKABLEREQUEST.
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ProbablyonereasonwhyMr.Lincolndidnotparticularlycaretogotothetheatrethatnightwasasortofhalfpromisehehadmadetohisfriendandbodyguard,MarshalLamon.TwodaysprevioushehadsentLamontoRichmondonbusinessconnectedwithacallofaconventionforreconstruction.Beforeleaving,Mr.LamonsawMr.Usher,theSecretaryoftheInterior,andaskedhimtopersuadeMr.Lincolntousemorecautionabouthispersonalsafety,andtogooutaslittleaspossiblewhileLamonwasabsent.TogethertheywenttoseeMr.Lincoln,andLamonaskedthePresidentifhewouldmakehimapromise.
"IthinkIcanventuretosayIwill,"saidMr.Lincoln."Whatisit?"
"PromisemethatyouwillnotgooutafternightwhileIamgone,"saidMr.Lamon,"particularlytothetheatre."
Mr.LincolnturnedtoMr.Usherandsaid:"Usher,thisboyisamonomaniaconthesubjectofmysafety.Icanhearhimorhearofhisbeingaroundatalltimesinthenight,topreventsomebodyfrommurderingme.HethinksIshallbekilled,andwethinkheisgoingcrazy.Whatdoesanyonewanttoassassinatemefor?Ifanyonewantstodoso,hecandoitanydayornightifheisreadytogivehislifeformine.Itisnonsense."
Mr.UshersaidtoMr.LincolnthatitwaswelltoheedLamon'swarning,ashewasthrownamongpeoplefromwhomhehadbetteropportunitiestoknowaboutsuch
mattersthanalmostanyone.
"Well,"saidMr.LincolntoLamon,"IpromisetodothebestIcantowardit."
HOWLINCOLNWASMURDERED.
TheassassinationofPresidentLincolnwasmostcarefullyplanned,eventothesmallestdetail.TheboxsetapartforthePresident'spartywasadoubleoneinthesecondtierattheleftofthestage.Theboxhadtwodoorswithspringlocks,butBoothhadloosenedthescrewswithwhichtheywerefastenedsothatitwasimpossibletosecurethemfromtheinside.Inonedoorhehadboredaholewi
thagimlet,sothathecouldseewhatwasgoingoninsidethebox.
AnemployeeofthetheatrebythenameofSpangler,whowasanaccompliceoftheassassin,hadevenarrangedtheseatsintheboxtosuitthepurposesofBooth.
Onthefatefulnightthetheatrewaspacked.ThePresidentialpartyarrivedafewminutesafternineo'clock,andconsistedofthePresidentandMrs.Lincoln,MissHarrisandMajorRathbone,daughterandstepsonofSenatorHarrisofNewYork.TheimmenseaudiencerosetoitsfeetandcheeredthePresidentashepassedtohisbox.
Boothcameintothetheatreaboutteno'clock.Hehadnotonly,plannedtokill
thePresident,buthehadalsoplannedtoescapeintoMaryland,andaswifthorse,saddledandreadyforthejourney,wastiedintherearofthetheatre.Forafewminuteshepretendedtobeinterestedintheperformance,andthengraduallymadehiswaybacktothedoorofthePresident'sbox.
Beforereachingthere,however,hewasconfrontedbyoneofthePresident'smessengers,whohadbeenstationedattheendofthepassageleadingtotheboxestopreventanyonefromintruding.TothismanBoothhandedacardsayingthatthePresidenthadsentforhim,andwaspermittedtoenter.
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Onceinsidethehallwayleadingtotheboxes,heclosedthehalldoorandfasteneditbyabarpreparedfortheoccasion,sothatitwasimpossibletoopenitfromwithout.Thenhequicklyenteredtheboxthroughtheright-handdoor.ThePresidentwassittinginaneasyarmchairintheleft-handcorneroftheboxnearesttheaudience.Hewasleaningononehandandwiththeotherhadholdofaportionofthedrapery.Therewasasmileonhisface.Theothermembersofthepartywereintentlywatchingtheperformanceonthestage.
Theassassincarriedinhisrighthandasmallsilver-mountedderringerpistolandinhisleftalongdouble-edgeddagger.HeplacedthepistoljustbehindthePresident'sleftearandfired.
Mr.Lincolnbentslightlyforwardandhiseyesclosed,butineveryotherrespecthisattituderemainedunchanged.
ThereportofthepistolstartledMajorRathbone,whosprangtohisfeet.ThemurdererwasthenaboutsixfeetfromthePresident,andRathbonegrappledwithhim,butwasshakenoff.Droppinghispistol,BoothstruckatRathbonewiththedaggerandinflictedaseverewound.Theassassinthenplacedhislefthandlightlyontherailingoftheboxandjumpedtothestage,eightorninefeetbelow.
BOOTHBRANDISHESHISDAGGERANDESCAPES.
TheboxwasdrapedwiththeAmericanflag,and,injumping,Booth'sspurscaughtinthefolds,tearingdowntheflag,theassassinfallingheavilytothestageandspraininghisankle.Hearose,however,andwalkedtheatricallyacrossthestage,brandishedhisknifeandshouted,"Sicsempertyrannis!"andthenadded,"TheSouthisavenged."
Forthemomenttheaudiencewashorrifiedandincapableofaction.Onemanonly,alawyernamedStuart,hadsufficientpresenceofmindtoleapuponthestageandattempttocapturetheassassin.Boothwenttothereardoorofthestage,wherehishorsewasheldinreadinessforhim,and,leapingintothesaddle,dashedthroughthestreetstowardVirginia.MissKeanerushedtothePresident'sboxwithwaterandstimulants,andmedicalaidwassummoned.
Bythistimetheaudiencerealizedthetragedythathadbeenenacted,andthenfollowedascenesuchashasneverbeenwitnessedinanypublicgatheringinthiscountry.Womenwept,shriekedandfainted;menravedandswore,andhorrorwasdepictedoneveryface.Beforetheaudiencecouldbegottenoutofthetheatre,horsemenweredashingthroughthestreetsandthetelegraphwascarryingtheterribledetailsofthetragedythroughoutthenation.
WALTWHITMAN'SDESCRIPTION.
WaltWhitman,thepoet,hassketchedingraphiclanguagethescenesofthatmos
teventfulfourteenthofApril.Hisaccountoftheassassinationhasbecomehistoric,andisherewithgiven:
"Theday(April14,1865)seemstohavebeenapleasantonethroughoutthewholeland--themoralatmospherepleasant,too--thelongstorm,sodark,sofratricidal,fullofbloodanddoubtandgloom,overandendedatlastbythesunriseofsuchanabsolutenationalvictory,andutterbreakingdownofsecessionism--wealmostdoubtedoursenses!Leehadcapitulated,beneaththeappletreeatAppomattox.Theotherarmies,theflangesoftherevolt,swiftlyfollowed.
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"Andcoulditreallybe,then?Outofalltheaffairsofthisworldofwoeandpassion,offailureanddisorderanddismay,wastherereallycometheconfirmed,unerringsignofpeace,likeashaftofpurelight--ofrightfulrule--ofGod?
"ButImustnotdwellonaccessories.Thedeedhastens.Thepopularafternoonpaper,thelittleEveningStar,hadscatteredalloveritsthirdpage,dividedamongtheadvertisementsinasensationalmannerinahundreddifferentplaces:
"'ThePresidentandhisladywillbeatthetheatrethisevening.'
"Lincolnwasfondofthetheatre.Ihavemyselfseenhimthereseveraltimes.Irememberthinkinghowfunnyitwasthathe,theleadingactorinthegreatestandstormiestdramaknowntorealhistory'sstage,throughcenturies,shouldsitthereandbesocompletelyinterestedinthosehumanjackstraws,movingaboutwiththeirsillylittlegestures,foreignspirit,andflatulenttext.
"Sotheday,asIsay,waspropitious.Earlyherbage,earlyflowers,wereout.IrememberwhereIwasstoppingatthetime,theseasonbeingadvanced,thereweremanylilacsinfullbloom.
"Byoneofthosecapricesthatenterandgivetingetoeventswithoutbeingapartofthem,Ifindmyselfalwaysremindedofthegreattragedyofthisdaybythesightandodoroftheseblossoms.Itneverfails.
"Onthisoccasionthetheatrewascrowded,manyladiesinrichandgaycostumes,officersintheiruniforms,manywell-knowncitizens,youngfolks,theusualclusterofgaslights,theusualmagnetismofsomanypeople,cheerfulwithperfumes,musicofviolinsandflutes--andoverall,thatsaturating,thatvast,vaguewonder,Victory,thenation'svictory,thetriumphoftheUnion,fillingtheair,thethought,thesense,withexhilarationmorethanalltheperfumes.
"ThePresidentcamebetimes,and,withhiswife,witnessedtheplayfromthelargestageboxesofthesecondtier,twothrownintoone,andprofuselydrapedwiththenationalflag.Theactsandscenesofthepiece--oneofthosesingularlywitlesscompositionswhichhaveattheleastthemeritofgivingentirerelieftoanaudienceengagedinmentalactionorbusinessexcitementsandcaresduringtheday,asitmakesnottheslightestcalloneitherthemoral,emotional,esth
eticorspiritualnature--apieceinwhichamongothercharacters,socalled,aYankee--certainlysuchaoneaswasneverseen,oratleastlikeiteverseeninNorthAmerica,isintroducedinEngland,withavariedfol-de-roloftalk,plot,scenery,andsuchphantasmagoriaasgoestomakeupamodernpopulardrama--hadprogressedperhapsthroughacoupleofitsacts,when,inthemidstofthiscomedy,ortragedy,ornon-such,orwhateveritistobecalled,andtooffsetit,orfinishitout,asifinNature'sandtheGreatMuse'smockeryofthesepoormimics,comesinterpolatedthatscene,notreallyorexactlytobedescribedatall(foronthemanyhundredswhowerethereitseemstothishourtohaveleftlittlebutapassingblur,adream,ablotch)--andyetpartiallydescribedasInowproceedtogiveit:
"Thereisasceneintheplay,representingthemodernparlor,inwhichtwounp
recedentedladiesareinformedbytheunprecedentedandimpossibleYankeethatheisnotamanoffortune,andthereforeundesirableformarriage-catchingpurposes;afterwhich,thecommentsbeingfinished,thedramatictriomakeexit,leavingthestageclearforamoment.
"Therewasapause,ahush,asitwere.AtthisperiodcamethedeathofAbrahamLincoln.
"Greatasthatwas,withallitsmanifoldtraincirclingaroundit,andstretchingintothefutureformanyacentury,inthepolitics,history,art,etc.,of
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theNewWorld,inpointoffact,themainthing,theactualmurder,transpiredwiththequietandsimplicityofanycommonestoccurrence--theburstingofabudorpodinthegrowthofvegetation,forinstance.
"Throughthegeneralhumfollowingthestagepause,withthechangeofpositions,etc.,camethemuffledsoundofapistolshot,whichnotone-hundredthpartoftheaudienceheardatthetime--andyetamoment'shush--somehow,surelyavague,startledthrill--andthen,throughtheornamented,draperied,starredandstripedspace-wayofthePresident'sbox,asuddenfigure,aman,raiseshimselfwithhandsandfeet,standsamomentontherailing,leapsbelowtothestage,fallsoutofposition,catchinghisbootheelinthecopiousdrapery(theAmericanflag),fallsononeknee,quicklyrecovershimself,risesasifnothinghadhappened(hereallysprainshisankle,unfeltthen)--andthefigure,Booth,themurderer,dressedinplainblackbroadcloth,bareheaded,withafullheadofglossy,ravenhair,andhiseyes,likesomemadanimal's,flashingwithlightandresolution,yetwithacertainstrangecalmnessholdsaloftinonehandalargeknife--walksalongnotmuchbackofthefootlights--turnsfullytowardstheaudience,hisfaceofstatuesquebeauty,litbythosebasiliskeyes,flashingwithdesperation,perhapsinsanity--launchesoutinafirmandsteadyvoicethewords,'Sicsempertyrannis'--andthenwalkswithneitherslownorveryrapidpacediagonallyacrosstothebackofthestage,anddisappears.
"(Hadnotallthisterriblescene--makingthemimiconespreposterous--haditnotallbeenrehearsed,inblank,byBooth,beforehand?)
"Amoment'shush,incredulous--ascream--acryofmurder--Mrs.Lincolnleaningoutofthebox,withashycheeksandlips,withinvoluntarycry,pointingtotheretreatingfigure,'HehaskilledthePresident!'
"Andstillamoment'sstrange,increduloussuspense--andthenthedeluge!--thenthatmixtureofhorror,noises,uncertainty--thesound,somewhereback,ofahorse'shoofsclatteringwithspeed--thepeopleburstthroughchairsandrailings,andbreakthemup--thatnoiseaddstothequeernessofthescene--thereisinextricableconfusionandterror--womenfaint--quitefeeblepersonsfall,andaretrampledon--manycriesofagonyareheard--thebroadstagesuddenlyfillstosuffocationwithadenseandmotleycrowd,likesomehorriblecarnival--theaudiencerushgenerallyuponit--atleastthestrongmendo--theactorsandactressesa
rethereintheirplaycostumesandpaintedfaces,withmortalfrightshowingthroughtherouge--sometrembling,someintears--thescreamsandcalls,confusedtalk--redoubled,trebled--twoorthreemanagetopassupwaterfromthestagetothePresident'sbox,otherstrytoclamberup,etc.,etc.
"InthemidstofallthisthesoldiersofthePresident'sGuard,withothers,suddenlydrawntothescene,burstin--sometwohundredaltogether--theystormthehouse,throughallthetiers,especiallytheupperones--inflamedwithfury,literallychargingtheaudiencewithfixedbayonets,musketsandpistols,shouting,'Clearout!clearout!'
"Suchawildscene,orasuggestionofit,rather,insidetheplayhousethatnight!
"Outside,too,intheatmosphereofshockandcraze,crowdsofpeoplefilledwithfrenzy,readytoseizeanyoutletforit,camenearcommittingmurderseveraltimesoninnocentindividuals.
"Onesuchcasewasparticularlyexciting.Theinfuriatedcrowd,throughsomechance,gotstartedagainstoneman,eitherforwordsheuttered,orperhapswithoutanycauseatall,andwereproceedingtohanghimatoncetoaneighboringlamp-post,whenhewasrescuedbyafewheroicpolicemen,whoplacedhimintheirmidstandfoughttheirwayslowlyandamidgreatperiltowardthestation-house.
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"Itwasafittingepisodeofthewholeaffair.Thecrowdrushingandeddyingtoandfro,thenight,theyells,thepalefaces,manyfrightenedpeopletryinginvaintoextricatethemselves,theattackedman,notyetfreedfromthejawsofdeath,lookinglikeacorpse;thesilent,resolutehalf-dozenpolicemen,withnoweaponsbuttheirlittleclubs,yetsternandsteadythroughallthoseeddyingswarms,made,indeed,afittingsidescenetothegrandtragedyofthemurder.Theygainedthestation-housewiththeprotectedman,whomtheyplacedinsecurityforthenight,anddischargedinthemorning.
"Andinthemidstofthatnightpandemoniumofsenselesshate,infuriatedsoldiers,theaudienceandthecrowd--thestage,andallitsactorsandactresses,itspaintpots,spangles,gas-light--thelife-bloodfromthoseveins,thebestandsweetestoftheland,dripsslowlydown,anddeath'soozealreadybeginsitslittlebubblesonthelips.
"Such,hurriedlysketched,weretheaccompanimentsofthedeathofPresidentLincoln.Sosuddenly,andinmurderandhorrorunsurpassed,hewastakenfromus.Buthisdeathwaspainless."
Theassassin'sbulletdidnotproduceinstantdeath,butthePresidentneveragainbecameconscious.Hewascarriedtoahouseoppositethetheatre,wherehediedthenextmorning.Inthemeantimetheauthoritieshadbecomeawareofthewide-reachingconspiracy,andthecapitalwasinastateofterror.
OnthenightofthePresident'sassassination,Mr.Seward,SecretaryofState,wasattackedwhileinbedwithabrokenarm,byBooth'sfellow-conspirators,andbadlywounded.
TheconspiratorshadalsoplannedtotakethelivesofVice-PresidentJohnsonandSecretaryStanton.BoothhadcalledonVice-PresidentJohnsonthedaybefore,and,notfindinghimin,leftacard.
SecretaryStantonactedwithhisusualpromptnessandcourage.DuringtheperiodofexcitementheactedasPresident,anddirectedtheplansforthecaptureofBooth.
Amongotherthings,heissuedthefollowingreward:
REWARDOFFEREDBYSECRETARYSTANTON.WarDepartment,Washington,April20,1865.Major-GeneralJohnA.Dix,NewYork:
ThemurdererofourlatebelovedPresident,AbrahamLincoln,isstillatlarge.FiftythousanddollarsrewardwillbepaidbythisDepartmentforhisapprehension,inadditiontoanyrewardofferedbymunicipalauthoritiesorStateExecutives.
Twenty-fivethousanddollarsrewardwillbepaidfortheapprehensionofG.W.Atzerodt,sometimescalled"PortTobacco,"oneofBooth'saccomplices.Twenty-fivethousanddollarsrewardwillbepaidfortheapprehensionofDavidC.Herold,
anotherofBooth'saccomplices.
Aliberalrewardwillbepaidforanyinformationthatshallconducetothearrestofeithertheabove-namedcriminalsortheiraccomplices.
Allpersonsharboringorsecretingthesaidpersons,oreitherofthem,oraidingorassistingtheirconcealmentorescape,willbetreatedasaccomplicesinthemurderofthePresidentandtheattemptedassassinationoftheSecretaryofState,andshallbesubjecttotrialbeforeamilitarycommission,andthepunishmentofdeath.
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Letthestainofinnocentbloodberemovedfromthelandbythearrestandpunishmentofthemurderers.
Allgoodcitizensareexhortedtoaidpublicjusticeonthisoccasion.Everymanshouldconsiderhisownconsciencechargedwiththissolemnduty,andrestneithernightnordayuntilitbeaccomplished.
EDWINM.STANTON,SecretaryofWar.
BOOTHFOUNDINABARN.
Booth,accompaniedbyDavidC.Herold,afellow-conspirator,finallymadehiswayintoMaryland,whereelevendaysaftertheassassinationthetwowerediscoveredinabarnonGarrett'sfarmnearPortRoyalontheRappahannock.Thebarnwassurroundedbyasquadofcavalrymen,whocalledupontheassassinstosurrender.HeroldgavehimselfupandwasroundlycursedandabusedbyBooth,whodeclaredthathewouldneverbetakenalive.
Thecavalrymenthensetfiretothebarnandastheflamesleapedupthefigureoftheassassincouldbeplainlyseen,althoughthewalloffirepreventedhimfromseeingthesoldiers.ColonelCongersawhimstandinguprightuponacrutch
withacarbineinhishands.
WhenthefirefirstblazedupBoothcreptonhishandsandkneestothespot,evidentlyforthepurposeofshootingthemanwhohadappliedthetorch,buttheblazepreventedhimfromseeinganyone.Thenitseemedasifhewerepreparingtoextinguishtheflames,butseeingtheimpossibilityofthishestartedtowardthedoorwithhiscarbineheldreadyforaction.
Hiseyesshonewiththelightoffever,buthewaspaleasdeathandhisgeneralappearancewashaggardandunkempt.Hehadshavedoffhismustacheandhishairwascloselycropped.BothheandHeroldworetheuniformsofConfederatesoldiers.
BOOTHSHOTBY"BOSTON"CORBETT.
ThelastordersgiventothesquadpursuingBoothwere:"Don'tshootBooth,buttakehimalive."JustasBoothstartedtothedoorofthebarnthisorderwasdisobeyedbyasergeantnamedBostonCorbett,whofiredthroughacreviceandshotBoothintheneck.Thewoundedmanwascarriedoutofthebarnanddiedfourhoursafterwardonthegrasswheretheyhadlaidhim.BeforehediedhewhisperedtoLieutenantBaker,"TellmotherIdiedformycountry;IthoughtIdidforthebest."WhatbecameofBooth'sbodyhasalwaysbeenandprobablyalwayswillbeamystery.Manydifferentstorieshavebeentoldconcerninghisfinalrestingplace,butallthatisknownpositivelyisthatthebodywasfirsttakentoWashi
ngtonandapost-mortemexaminationofitheldontheMonitorMontauk.OnthenightofApril27thitwasturnedovertotwomenwhotookitinarowboatanddisposedofitsecretly.Howtheydisposedofitnonebutthemselvesknowandtheyhavenevertold.
FATEOFTHECONSPIRATORS.
TheconspiracytoassassinatethePresidentinvolvedaltogethertwenty-fivepeo
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ple.AmongthenumbercapturedandtriedwereDavidC.Herold,G.W.Atzerodt,LouisPayne,EdwardSpangler,MichaelO'Loughlin,SamuelArnold,Mrs.SurrattandDr.SamuelMudd,aphysician,whosetBooth'sleg,whichwassprainedbyhisfallfromthestagebox.OftheseHerold,Atzerodt,PayneandMrs.Surrattwerehanged.Dr.MuddwasdeportedtotheDryTortugas.WhilethereanepidemicofyellowfeverbrokeoutandherenderedsuchgoodservicethathewasgrantedapardonanddiedanumberofyearsagoinMaryland.
JohnSurratt,thesonofthewomanwhowashanged,madehisescapetoItaly,wherehebecameoneofthePapalguardsintheVaticanatRome.HispresencetherewasdiscoveredbyArchbishopHughes,and,althoughtherewerenoextraditionlawstocoverhiscase,theItalianGovernmentgavehimuptotheUnitedStatesauthorities.
Hehadtwotrials.Atthefirstthejurydisagreed;thelongdelaybeforehissecondtrialallowedhimtoescapebypleadingthestatuteoflimitation.SpanglerandO'LoughlinweresenttotheDryTortugasandservedtheirtime.
Ford,theownerofthetheatreinwhichthePresidentwasassassinated,wasaSouthernsympathizer,andwhenheattemptedtore-openhistheatreafterthegreatnationaltragedy,SecretaryStantonrefusedtoallowit.TheGovernmentafterwardboughtthetheatreandturneditintoaNationalmuseum.
PresidentLincolnwasburiedatSpringfield,andonthedayofhisfuneralther
ewasuniversalgrief.
HENRYWARDBEECHER'SEULOGY.
NofinalwordsofthatgreatlifecanbemorefitlyspokenthantheeulogypronouncedbyHenryWardBeecher:
"Andnowthemartyrismovingintriumphalmarch,mightierthanwhenalive.Thenationrisesupateverystageofhiscoming.CitiesandStatesarehispall-bearers,andthecannonspeaksthehourswithsolemnprogression.Dead,dead,dead,heyetspeaketh.
"IsWashingtondead?IsHampdendead?Isanymanthatwaseverfittolivedead?Disenthralledofflesh,risentotheunobstructedspherewherepassionnevercomes,hebeginshisillimitablework.Hislifeisnowgraftedupontheinfinite,andwillbefruitfulasnoearthlylifecanbe.
"Passon,thouthathastovercome.Yepeople,beholdthemartyrwhoseblood,assomanyarticulatewords,pleadsforfidelity,forlaw,forliberty."
ABRAHAMLINCOLN'SFAMILY.
AbrahamLincolnwasmarriedonNovember4,1842,toMissMaryTodd,foursonsbeingtheissueoftheunion.
RobertTodd,bornAugust1,1843,removedtoChicagoafterhisfather'sdeath,practicedlaw,andbecamewealthy;in1881hewasappointedSecretaryofWarbyPresidentGarfield,andservedthroughPresidentArthur'sterm;wasmadeMinistertoEnglandin1889,andservedfouryears;becamecounselforthePullmanPalaceCarCompany,andsucceededtothepresidencyofthatcorporationuponthedeathofGeorgeM.Pullman.
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EdwardBaker,bornMarch10,1846,diedininfancy.
WilliamWallace,bornDecember21,1850,diedintheWhiteHouseinFebruary,1862.
Thomas(knownas"Tad"),bornApril4,1853,diedin1871.
Mrs.Lincolndiedinhersixty-fourthyearatthehomeofhersister,Mrs.NinianW.Edwards,atSpringfield,Illinois,in1882.ShewasthedaughterofRobertS.Todd,ofKentucky.Hergreat-uncle,JohnTodd,andhergrandfather,LeviTodd,accompaniedGeneralGeorgeRogersClarktoIllinois,andwerepresentatthecaptureofKaskaskiaandVincennes.InDecember,1778,JohnToddwasappointedbyPatrickHenry,GovernorofVirginia,tobelieutenantoftheCountyofIllinois,thenapartofVirginia.ColonelJohnToddwasoneoftheoriginalproprietorsofthetownofLexington,Kentucky.Whileencampedonthesiteofthepresentcity,heheardoftheopeningbattleoftheRevolution,andnamedhisinfantsettlementinitshonor.
Mrs.Lincolnwasaproud,ambitiouswoman,well-educated,speakingFrenchfluently,andfamiliarwiththewaysofthebestsocietyinLexington,Kentucky,whereshewasbornDecember13,1818.ShewasapupilofMadameMantelli,whosecelebratedseminaryinLexingtonwasdirectlyoppositetheresidenceofHenryClay.TheconversationattheseminarywascarriedonentirelyinFrench.
ShevisitedSpringfield,Illinois,in1837,remainedthreemonthsandthenreturnedtohernativeState.In1839shemadeSpringfieldherpermanenthome.Shelivedwithhereldestsister,Elizabeth,wifeofNinianW.Edwards,Lincoln'scolleagueintheLegislature,anditwasnotstrangesheandLincolnshouldmeet.StephenA.DouglaswasalsoafriendoftheEdwardsfamily,andasuitorforherhand,butsherejectedhimtoacceptthefuturePresident.Shewasoneofthebellesofthetown.
SheisthusdescribedatthetimeshemadeherhomeinSpringfield--1839:
"Shewasoftheaverageheight,weighingaboutahundredandthirtypounds.Shewasrathercompactlybuilt,hadawellroundedface,richdark-brownhair,andbluish-grayeyes.Inherbearingshewasproud,buthandsomeandvivacious;she
wasagoodconversationalist,usingwithequalfluencytheFrenchandEnglishlanguages.
"Whensheusedapen,itspointwassuretobesharp,andshewrotewithwitandability.Shenotonlyhadaquickintellectbutanintuitivejudgmentofmenandtheirmotives.Ordinarilyshewasaffableandevencharminginhermanners;butwhenoffendedorantagonizedshecouldbeverybitterandsarcastic.
"Inherfigureandphysicalproportions,ineducation,bearing,temperament,history--ineverythingshewastheexactreverseofLincoln."
ThatMrs.Lincolnwasveryproudofherhusbandthereisnodoubt;anditisprobablethatshemarriedhimlargelyfrommotivesofambition.SheknewLincolnb
etterthanheknewhimself;sheinstinctivelyfeltthathewouldoccupyaproudpositionsomeday,anditisamatterofrecordthatshetoldWardLamon,herhusband'slawpartner,that"Mr.LincolnwillyetbePresidentoftheUnitedStates."
Mrs.Lincolnwasdecidedlypro-slaveryinherviews,butthisneverdisturbedLincoln.Invariouswaystheywereunlike.Herfearless,witty,andausterenaturehadnothingincommonwiththecalm,imperturbable,andsimplewaysofherthoughtfulandabsent-mindedhusband.Shewasbrightandsparklinginconversation,andfittograceanydrawing-room.ShewellknewthattomarryLincolnmeantno
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talifeofluxuryandease,forLincolnwasnotamantoaccumulatewealth;butinhimshesawpositioninsociety,prominenceintheworld,andthegrandestsocialdistinction.Bythatmeansherambitionwascertainlysatisfied,fornineteenyearsafterhermarriageshewas"thefirstladyoftheland,"andthemistressoftheWhiteHouse.
Afterhismarriage,bydintofuntiringeffortsandtherecognitionofinfluentialfriends,thecouplemanagedthroughrarefrugalitytomovealong.
InLincoln'sstruggles,bothinthelawandforpoliticaladvancement,hiswifesharedhissacrifices.Shewasapluckylittlewoman,andinfactendowedwithamorerestlessambitionthanhe.Shewasgiftedwitharareinsightintothemotivesthatactuatemankind,andthereisnodoubtthatmuchofLincoln'ssuccesswasinameasureattributabletoheracutenessandthestimulusofherinfluence.
HiselectiontoCongresswithinfouryearsaftertheirmarriageaffordedherextremegratification.Shelovedpowerandprominence,andwasinordinatelyproudofhertallandungainlyhusband.Shesawinhimbrightprospectsahead,andhiseverymovewaswatchedbyherwiththeclosestinterest.Iftootherpersonsheseemedhomely,toherhewastheembodimentofnoblemanhood,andeachsucceedingdayimpresseduponherthewisdomofherchoiceofLincolnoverDouglas--ifinrealitysheeverseriouslyacceptedthelatter'sattentions.
"Mr.Lincolnmaynotbeashandsomeafigure,"shesaidonedayinLincoln'slawofficeduringherhusband'sabsence,whentheconversationturnedonDouglas,"butthepeopleareperhapsnotawarethathisheartisaslargeashisarmsarelong."
LINCOLNMONUMENTATSPRINGFIELD.
TheremainsofAbrahamLincolnrestbeneathamagnificentmonumentinOakRidgeCemetery,Springfield,Ill.Beforetheyweredepositedintheirfinalrestingplacetheyweremovedmanytimes.
OnMay4,1865,allthatwasmortalofAbrahamLincolnwasdepositedinthereceivingvaultatthecemetery,untilatombcouldbebuilt.In1876thievesmadeanunsuccessfulattempttostealtheremains.FromthetombthebodyofthemartyredPresidentwasremovedlatertothemonument.
Aflightofironsteps,commencingaboutfiftyyardseastofthevault,ascendsinacurvedlinetothemonument,anelevationofmorethanfiftyfeet.
ExcavationforthismonumentcommencedSeptember9,1869.Itisbuiltofgranite,fromquarriesatBiddeford,Maine.TheroughashlerswereshippedtoQuincy,Massachusetts,wheretheyweredressedandnumbered,thenceshippedtoSpringfield.Itis721feetfromeasttowest,1191/2feetfromnorthtosouth,and100feethigh.Thetotalcostisabout$230,000toMay1,1885.Allthestatuaryis
orange-coloredbronze.ThewholemonumentwasdesignedbyLarkinG.Mead;thestatuarywasmodeledinplasterbyhiminFlorence,Italy,andcastbytheAmesManufacturingCompany,ofChicopee,Massachusetts.AstatueofLincolnandCoatofArmswerefirstplacedonthemonument;thestatuewasunveiledandthemonumentdedicatedOctober15,1874.InfantryandNavalGroupswereputoninSeptember,1877,anArtilleryGroup,April13,1882,andaCavalryGroup,March13,1883.
Theprincipalfrontofthemonumentisonthesouthside,thestatueofLincolnbeingonthatsideoftheobelisk,overMemorialHall.Ontheeastsidearethreetablets,uponwhicharethelettersU.S.A.Totherightofthat,andbeginn
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ingwithVirginia,wefindtheabbreviationsoftheoriginalthirteenStates.NextcomesVermont,thefirststateadmittedaftertheUnionwasperfected,theStatesfollowingintheordertheywereadmitted,endingwithNebraskaontheeast,thusformingthecordonofthirty-sevenStatescomposingtheUnitedStatesofAmericawhenthemonumentwaserected.ThenewStatesadmittedsincethemonumentwasbuilthavebeenadded.
ThestatueofLincolnisjustabovetheCoatofArmsoftheUnitedStates.ThegrandclimaxisindicatedbyPresidentLincoln,withhislefthandholdingoutasagoldensceptertheemancipationProclamation,whileinhisrightheholdsthepenwithwhichhehasjustwrittenit.Therighthandisrestingonanotherbadgeofauthority,theAmericanflag,thrownoverthefasces.Atthefootofthef li h f l l i h hi h h id h i
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