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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:21 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:21 -0700 |
| commit | 7019e16067b06d27e20d717ff0e9a4a5cce4a79e (patch) | |
| tree | 68e75d2471a14fe5f5a3a6b00b7ebc69dc563119 /2517-h | |
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diff --git a/2517-h/2517-h.htm b/2517-h/2517-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ddea6d8 --- /dev/null +++ b/2517-h/2517-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,26756 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Lincoln's Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. Mcclure + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Lincoln's Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +Title: Lincoln's Yarns and Stories + +Author: Alexander K. McClure + +Release Date: February, 2001 [EBook #2517] +Last Updated: November 15, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LINCOLN'S YARNS AND STORIES *** + + +Produced by Dianne Bean, and David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + LINCOLN’S YARNS AND STORIES + </h1> + <h4> + A Complete Collection of the Funny and Witty Anecdotes that + made Abraham Lincoln Famous as America’s Greatest Story Teller With + Introduction and Anecdotes <br /> + </h4> + <h2> + By Alexander K. McClure + </h2> + <h4> + THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY <br /> CHICAGO & PHILADELPHIA <br /> <br /> + </h4> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0001}.jpg" alt="{0001}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0001}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0005}.jpg" alt="{0005}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0005}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + ABRAHAM LINCOLN, the Great Story Telling President, whose Emancipation + Proclamation freed more than four million slaves, was a keen politician, + profound statesman, shrewd diplomatist, a thorough judge of men and + possessed of an intuitive knowledge of affairs. He was the first Chief + Executive to die at the hands of an assassin. Without school education he + rose to power by sheer merit and will-power. Born in a Kentucky log cabin + in 1809, his surroundings being squalid, his chances for advancement were + apparently hopeless. President Lincoln died April 15th, 1865, having been + shot by J. Wilkes Booth the night before. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> LINCOLN’S NAME AROUSES AN AUDIENCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> LINCOLN AND McCLURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> “ABE” LINCOLN’S YARNS AND STORIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> LINCOLN ASKED TO BE SHOT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> TIME LOST DIDN’T COUNT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> NO VICES, NO VIRTUES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> LINCOLN’S DUES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> “DONE WITH THE BIBLE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> HIS KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN NATURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> A MISCHIEVOUS OX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE PRESIDENTIAL “CHIN-FLY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> ‘SQUIRE BAGLY’S PRECEDENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> HE’D NEED HIS GUN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> KEPT UP THE ARGUMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> EQUINE INGRATITUDE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> ‘TWAS “MOVING DAY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> “ABE’S” HAIR NEEDED COMBING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> WOULD “TAKE TO THE WOODS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> LINCOLN CARRIED HER TRUNK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> BOAT HAD TO STOP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> MCCLELLAN’S “SPECIAL TALENT.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> HOW “JAKE” GOT AWAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklight"> MORE LIGHT AND LESS NOISE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> ONE BULLET AND A HATFUL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> LINCOLN’S STORY TO PEACE COMMISSIONERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> “ABE” GOT THE WORST OF IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> IT DEPENDED UPON HIS CONDITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> “GOT DOWN TO THE RAISINS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> “HONEST ABE” SWALLOWS HIS ENEMIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> SAVING HIS WIND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> RIGHT FOR, ONCE, ANYHOW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> “PITY THE POOR ORPHAN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> A LOW-DOWN TRICK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> END FOR END. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> LET SIX SKUNKS GO. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> HOW HE GOT BLACKSTONE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> A JOB FOR THE NEW CABINETMAKER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> “I CAN STAND IT IF THEY CAN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> LINCOLN MISTAKEN FOR ONCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> FORGOT EVERYTHING HE KNEW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> HE LOVED A GOOD STORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> HEELS RAN AWAY WITH THEM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> WANTED TO BURN HIM DOWN TO THE STUMP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> HAD A “KICK” COMING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> THE CASE OF BETSY ANN DOUGHERTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> HAD TO WEAR A WOODEN SWORD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> “ABE” STIRRING THE “BLACK” COALS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> GETTING RID OF AN ELEPHANT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> GROTESQUE, YET FRIGHTFUL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> “ABE” WAS NO DUDE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> CHARACTERISTIC OF LINCOLN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> “PLOUGH ALL ‘ROUND HIM.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> “I’VE LOST MY APPLE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> LOST HIS CERTIFICATE OF CHARACTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> NOTE PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> DOG WAS A “LEETLE BIT AHEAD.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> “ABE’S” FIGHT WITH NEGROES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> NOISE LIKE A TURNIP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> WARDING OFF GOD’S VENGEANCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> JEFF DAVIS AND CHARLES THE FIRST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> LOVED SOLDIERS’ HUMOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0062"> BAD TIME FOR A BARBECUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> HE’D SEE IT AGAIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0064"> CALL ANOTHER WITNESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0065"> A CONTEST WITH LITTLE “TAD.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> REMINDED HIM OF “A LITTLE STORY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0067"> “FETCHED SEVERAL SHORT ONES.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0068"> LINCOLN LUGS THE OLD MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0069"> McCLELLAN WAS “INTRENCHING.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0070"> MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF IT, ANYWAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0071"> VICIOUS OXEN HAVE SHORT HORNS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0072"> LINCOLN’S NAME FOR “WEEPING WATER.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0073"> PETER CARTWRIGHT’S DESCRIPTION OF LINCOLN. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0074"> NO DEATHS IN HIS HOUSE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0075"> PAINTED HIS PRINCIPLES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0076"> DIGNIFYING THE STATUTE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0077"> LINCOLN CAMPAIGN MOTTOES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0078"> GIVING AWAY THE CASE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0079"> POSING WITH A BROOMSTICK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0080"> “BOTH LENGTH AND BREADTH.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0081"> “ABE” RECITES A SONG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0082"> “MANAGE TO KEEP HOUSE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0083"> GRANT “TUMBLED” RIGHT AWAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0084"> “DON’T KILL HIM WITH YOUR FIST.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0085"> COULD BE ARBITRARY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0086"> A GENERAL BUSTIFICATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0087"> MAKING QUARTERMASTERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0088"> NO POSTMASTERS IN HIS POCKET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0089"> HE “SKEWED” THE LINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0090"> “WHEREAS,” HE STOLE NOTHING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0091"> NOT LIKE THE POPE’S BULL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0092"> COULD HE TELL? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0093"> DARNED UNCOMFORTABLE SITTING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0094"> “WHAT’S-HIS-NAME” GOT THERE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0095"> A REALLY GREAT GENERAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0096"> “SHRUNK UP NORTH.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0097"> LINCOLN ADOPTED THE SUGGESTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0098"> SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0099"> TOO MANY PIGS FOR THE TEATS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0100"> GREELEY CARRIES LINCOLN TO THE LUNATIC ASYLUM. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0101"> THE LAST TIME HE SAW DOUGLAS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0102"> HURT HIS LEGS LESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0103"> A LITTLE SHY OR GRAMMAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0104"> HIS FIRST SATIRICAL WRITING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0105"> LIKELY TO DO IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0106"> “THE ENEMY ARE ‘OURN’” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0107"> “AND—HERE I AM!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0108"> SAFE AS LONG AS THEY WERE GOOD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0109"> “SMELT NO ROYALTY IN OUR CARRIAGE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0110"> HELL A MILE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0111"> HIS “GLASS HACK” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0112"> LEAVE HIM KICKING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0113"> “WHO COMMENCED THIS FUSS?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0114"> “ABE’S” LITTLE JOKE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0115"> WHAT SUMMER THOUGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0116"> A USELESS DOG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0117"> ORIGIN OF THE “INFLUENCE” STORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0118"> FELT SORRY FOR BOTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0119"> WHERE DID IT COME FROM? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0120"> “LONG ABE” FOUR YEARS LONGER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0121"> “ALL SICKER’N YOUR MAN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0122"> EASIER TO EMPTY THE POTOMAC. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0123"> HE WANTED A STEADY HAND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0124"> LINCOLN SAW STANTON ABOUT IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0125"> MRS. LINCOLN’S SURPRISE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0126"> MENACE TO THE GOVERNMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0127"> TROOPS COULDN’T FLY OVER IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0128"> PAT WAS “FORNINST THE GOVERNMENT.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0129"> “CAN’T SPARE THIS MAN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0130"> HIS TEETH CHATTERED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0131"> “AARON GOT HIS COMMISSION.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0132"> LINCOLN AND THE MINISTERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0133"> HARDTACK BETTER THAN GENERALS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0134"> GOT THE PREACHER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0135"> BIG JOKE ON HALLECK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0136"> STORIES BETTER THAN DOCTORS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0137"> SHORT, BUT EXCITING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0138"> MR. BULL DIDN’T GET HIS COTTON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0139"> STICK TO AMERICAN PRINCIPLES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0140"> USED “RUDE TACT.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0141"> “ABE” ON A WOODPILE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0142"> TAKING DOWN A DANDY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0143"> WHEN OLD ABE GOT MAD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0144"> WANTED TO “BORROW” THE ARMY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0145"> YOUNG “SUCKER” VISITORS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0146"> “AND YOU DON’T WEAR HOOPSKIRTS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0147"> LIEUTENANT TAD LINCOLN’S SENTINELS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0148"> DOUGLAS HELD LINCOLN’S HAT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0149"> THE DEAD MAN SPOKE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0150"> MILITARY SNAILS NOT SPEEDY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0151"> OUTRAN THE JACK-RABBIT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkfooling"> “FOOLING” THE PEOPLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0152"> “ABE, YOU CAN’T PLAY THAT ON ME.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0153"> HIS “BROAD” STORIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0154"> SORRY FOR THE HORSES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0155"> MILD REBUKE TO A DOCTOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0156"> COLD MOLASSES WAS SWIFTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0157"> LINCOLN CALLS MEDILL A COWARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0158"> THEY DIDN’T BUILD IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0159"> STANTON’S ABUSE OF LINCOLN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0160"> THE NEGRO AND THE CROCODILE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0161"> LINCOLN WAS READY TO FIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0162"> IT WAS UP-HILL WORK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0163"> LEE’S SLIM ANIMAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0164"> “MRS. NORTH AND HER ATTORNEY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0165"> SATISFACTION TO THE SOUL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0166"> WITHDREW THE COLT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0167"> “TAD” GOT HIS DOLLAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0168"> TELLS AN EDITOR ABOUT NASBY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0169"> LONG AND SHORT OF IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0170"> MORE PEGS THAN HOLES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0171"> “WEBSTER COULDN’T HAVE DONE MORE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0172"> LINCOLN MET CLAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0173"> REMINDED “ABE” OF A LITTLE JOKE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0174"> HIS DIGNITY SAVED HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0175"> THE MAN HE WAS LOOKING FOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0176"> HIS CABINET CHANCES POOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkheaded"> THE GENERAL WAS “HEADED IN” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0177"> SUGAR-COATED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0178"> COULD MAKE “RABBIT-TRACKS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0179"> LINCOLN PROTECTED CURRENCY ISSUES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0180"> LINCOLN’S APOLOGY TO GRANT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0181"> LINCOLN SAID “BY JING.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0183"> IT TICKLED THE LITTLE WOMAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0184"> “SHALL ALL FALL TOGETHER.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0185"> DEAD DOG NO CURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0186"> “THOROUGH” IS A GOOD WORD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0187"> THE CABINET WAS A-SETTIN’. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0188"> A BULLET THROUGH HIS HAT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0189"> NO KIND TO GET TO HEAVEN ON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0190"> THE ONLY REAL PEACEMAKER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0191"> THE APPLE WOMAN’S PASS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0192"> SPLIT RAILS BY THE YARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0193"> THE QUESTION OF LEGS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0194"> TOO MANY WIDOWS ALREADY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0195"> GOD NEEDED THAT CHURCH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0196"> THE MAN DOWN SOUTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0197"> COULDN’T LET GO THE HOG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0198"> THE CABINET LINCOLN WANTED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0199"> READY FOR “BUTCHER-DAY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0200"> “THE BAD BIRD AND THE MUDSILL.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0201"> GAVE THE SOLDIER HIS FISH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0202"> A PECULIAR LAWYER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0203"> IF THEY’D ONLY “SKIP.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0204"> FATHER OF THE “GREENBACK.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0205"> MAJOR ANDERSON’S BAD MEMORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0206"> NO VANDERBILT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0207"> SQUASHED A BRUTAL LIE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0208"> “ONE WAR AT A TIME.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0209"> PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S LAST PUBLIC ADDRESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0210"> NO OTHERS LIKE THEM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0211"> CASH WAS AT HAND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0212"> WELCOMED THE LITTLE GIRLS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0213"> “DON’T SWAP HORSES” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0214"> MOST VALUABLE POLITICAL ATTRIBUTE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0215"> “ABE” RESENTED THE INSULT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0216"> ONE MAN ISN’T MISSED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0217"> “STRETCHED THE FACTS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0218"> IT LENGTHENED THE WAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0219"> HIS THEORY OF THE REBELLION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0220"> RAN AWAY WHEN VICTORIOUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0221"> WANTED STANTON SPANKED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0222"> STANTON WAS OUT OF TOWN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0223"> IDENTIFIED THE COLORED MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0224"> OFFICE SEEKERS WORSE THAN WAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0225"> HE “SET ‘EM UP.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0226"> WASN’T STANTON’S SAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0227"> “JEFFY” THREW UP THE SPONGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0228"> DIDN’T KNOW GRANT’S PREFERENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0229"> JUSTICE vs. NUMBERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0230"> NO FALSE PRIDE IN LINCOLN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0231"> EXTRA MEMBER OF THE CABINET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0232"> HOW LINCOLN WAS ABUSED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0233"> HOW “FIGHTING JOE” WAS APPOINTED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0234"> KEPT HIS COURAGE UP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0235"> A FORTUNE-TELLER’S PREDICTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0236"> TOO MUCH POWDER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0237"> SLEEP STANDING UP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0238"> SHOULD HAVE FOUGHT ANOTHER BATTLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0239"> LINCOLN UPBRAIDED LAMON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0240"> MARKED OUT A FEW WORDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0241"> LINCOLN SILENCES SEWARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0242"> BROUGHT THE HUSBAND UP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0243"> NO WAR WITHOUT BLOOD-LETTING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0244"> LINCOLN’S TWO DIFFICULTIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0245"> WHITE ELEPHANT ON HIS HANDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0246"> WHEN LINCOLN AND GRANT CLASHED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0247"> WON JAMES GORDON BENNETT’S SUPPORT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0248"> STOOD BY THE “SILENT MAN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0249"> A VERY BRAINY NUBBIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0250"> SENT TO HIS “FRIENDS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0251"> GO DOWN WITH COLORS FLYING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0252"> ALL WERE TRAGEDIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0253"> “HE’S THE BEST OF US.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0254"> HOW LINCOLN “COMPOSED.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0255"> HAMLIN MIGHT DO IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0256"> THE GUN SHOT BETTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0257"> LENIENT WITH McCLELLAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0258"> DIDN’T WANT A MILITARY REPUTATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0259"> “SURRENDER NO SLAVE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0260"> CONSCRIPTING DEAD MEN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0261"> LINCOLN’S REJECTED MANUSCRIPT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0262"> LINCOLN AS A STORY WRITER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0263"> LINCOLN’S IDEAS ON CROSSING A RIVER WHEN HE + GOT TO IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0264"> PRESIDENT NOMINATED FIRST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0265"> “THEM GILLITEENS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0266"> “CONSIDER THE SYMPATHY OF LINCOLN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0267"> SAVED A LIFE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0268"> LINCOLN PLAYED BALL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0269"> HIS PASSES TO RICHMOND NOT HONORED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0270"> “PUBLIC HANGMAN” FOR THE UNITED STATES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0271"> FEW, BUT BOISTEROUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0272"> KEEP PEGGING AWAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0273"> BEWARE OF THE TAIL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0274"> “LINCOLN’S DREAM.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0275"> THERE WAS NO NEED OF A STORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0276"> LINCOLN A MAN OF SIMPLE HABITS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0277"> HIS LAST SPEECH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0278"> FORGOT EVERYTHING HE KNEW BEFORE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0279"> LINCOLN BELIEVED IN EDUCATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0280"> LINCOLN ON THE DRED SCOTT DECISION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0281"> LINCOLN MADE MANY NOTABLE SPEECHES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0282"> WHAT AILED THE BOYS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0283"> TAD’S CONFEDERATE FLAG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0284"> CALLED BLESSINGS ON THE AMERICAN WOMEN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0285"> LINCOLN’S “ORDER NO. 252.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0286"> TALKED TO THE NEGROES OF RICHMOND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0287"> “ABE” ADDED A SAVING CLAUSE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0288"> HOW “JACK” WAS “DONE UP.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0289"> ANGELS COULDN’T SWEAR IT RIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0290"> “MUST GO, AND GO TO STAY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0291"> LINCOLN WASN’T BUYING NOMINATIONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0292"> HE ENVIED THE SOLDIER AT THE FRONT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0293"> DON’T TRUST TOO FAR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0294"> HE’D “RISK THE DICTATORSHIP.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0295"> “MAJOR GENERAL, I RECKON.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0296"> WOULD SEE THE TRACKS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0297"> “ABE” GAVE HER A “SURE TIP.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0298"> THE PRESIDENT HAD KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0299"> ONLY HALF A MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0300"> GRANT CONGRATULATED LINCOLN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0301"> “BRUTUS AND CAESAR.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0302"> HOW STANTON GOT INTO THE CABINET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkfather"> “ABE” LIKE HIS FATHER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0303"> “NO MOON AT ALL.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0304"> “ABE” A SUPERB MIMIC. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0305"> WHY HE WAS CALLED “HONEST ABE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0306"> “ABE’S” NAME REMAINED ON THE SIGN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0307"> VERY HOMELY AT FIRST SIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0308"> THE MAN TO TRUST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0309"> “WUZ GOIN’ TER BE ‘HITCHED.”’ </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0310"> HE PROPOSED TO SAVE THE UNION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0311"> THE SAME OLD RUM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0312"> SAVED LINCOLN’S LIFE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0313"> WOULD NOT RECALL A SINGLE WORD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0314"> OLD BROOM BEST AFTER ALL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0315"> GOD WITH A LITTLE “g.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0316"> “ABE’S” LOG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0317"> IT WAS A FINE FIZZLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0318"> A TEETOTALER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0319"> NOT TO “OPEN SHOP” THERE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0320"> WE HAVE LIBERTY OF ALL KINDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0321"> TOM CORWINS’S LATEST STORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0322"> “CATCH ‘EM AND CHEAT ‘EM.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0323"> A JURYMAN’S SCORN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0324"> HE “BROKE” TO WIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0325"> WANTED HER CHILDREN BACK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0326"> SIX FEET FOUR AT SEVENTEEN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0327"> HAD RESPECT FOR THE EGGS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0328"> HOW WAS THE MILK UPSET? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0329"> “PULLED FODDER” FOR A BOOK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0330"> PRAISES HIS RIVAL FOR OFFICE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0331"> ONE THING “ABE” DIDN’T LOVE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0332"> THE MODESTY OF GENIUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0333"> WHY SHE MARRIED HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0334"> NIAGARA FALLS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0335"> MADE IT HOT FOR LINCOLN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0336"> WOULDN’T HOLD TITLE AGAINST HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0337"> ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0338"> COULDN’T LOCATE HIS BIRTHPLACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0339"> “SAMBO” WAS “AFEARED.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0340"> WHEN MONEY MIGHT BE USED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0341"> “ABE” WAS NO BEAUTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0342"> “HE’S JUST BEAUTIFUL.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0343"> BIG ENOUGH HOG FOR HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0344"> “ABE” OFFERS A SPEECH FOR SOMETHING TO EAT. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0345"> THEY UNDERSTOOD EACH OTHER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0346"> FEW FENCE RAILS LEFT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0347"> THE “GREAT SNOW” OF 1830-31. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0348"> CREDITOR PAID DEBTORS DEBT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0349"> HELPED OUT THE SOLDIERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0350"> EVERY FELLOW FOR HIMSELF. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0351"> “BUTCHER-KNIFE BOYS” AT THE POLLS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0352"> NO “SECOND COMING” FOR SPRINGFIELD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0353"> HOW HE WON A FRIEND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0354"> NEVER SUED A CLIENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0355"> THE LINCOLN HOUSEHOLD GOODS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0356"> RUNNING THE MACHINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0357"> WAS “BOSS” WHEN NECESSARY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0358"> “RATHER STARVE THAN SWINDLE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0359"> DON’T AIM TOO HIGH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0360"> NOT MUCH AT RAIL-SPLITTING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0361"> GAVE THE SOLDIER THE PREFERENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0362"> THE PRESIDENT WAS NOT SCARED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0363"> JEFF. DAVIS’ REPLY TO LINCOLN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0364"> LINCOLN WAS a GENTLEMAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0365"> HIS POOR RELATIONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0366"> DESERTER’S SINS WASHED OUT IN BLOOD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0367"> SURE CURE FOR BOILS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0368"> PAY FOR EVERYTHING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0369"> BASHFUL WITH LADIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0370"> SAW HUMOR IN EVERYTHING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0371"> SPECIFIC FOR FOREIGN “RASH.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0372"> FAVORED THE OTHER SIDE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0373"> LINCOLN AND THE “SHOW” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0374"> “MIXING” AND “MINGLING.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0375"> TOOK PART OF THE BLAME. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0376"> THOUGHT OF LEARNING A TRADE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0377"> LINCOLN DEFENDS FIFTEEN MRS. NATIONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0378"> AVOIDED EVEN APPEARANCE OF EVIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0379"> WAR DIDN’T ADMIT OF HOLIDAYS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0380"> “NEUTRALITY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0381"> DAYS OF GLADNESS PAST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0382"> WOULDN’T TAKE THE MONEY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0383"> GRANT HELD ON ALL THE TIME. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0384"> CHEWED THE CUD IN SOLITUDE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0385"> “ABE’S” YANKEE INGENUITY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0386"> LINCOLN PAID HOMAGE TO WASHINGTON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0387"> STIRRED EVEN THE REPORTERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0388"> WHEN “ABE” CAME IN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0389"> ETERNAL FIDELITY TO THE CAUSE OF LIBERTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0390"> “ABE’S” “DEFALCATIONS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0391"> HE WASN’T GUILELESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0392"> SWEET, BUT MILD REVENGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0393"> DIDN’T TRUST THE COURT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0394"> HANDSOMEST MAN ON EARTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0395"> THAT COON CAME DOWN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0396"> WROTE “PIECES” WHEN VERY YOUNG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0397"> “TRY TO STEER HER THROUGH.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0398"> GRAND, GLOOMY AND PECULIAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0399"> ON THE WAY TO GETTYSBURG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0400"> STOOD UP THE LONGEST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0401"> A MORTIFYING EXPERIENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0402"> NO HALFWAY BUSINESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0403"> DISCOURAGED LITIGATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0404"> GOING HOME TO GET READY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0405"> “THE ‘RAIL-SPUTTER’ REPAIRING THE UNION.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0406"> “FIND OUT FOR YOURSELVES.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0407"> ROUGH ON THE NEGRO. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0408"> CHALLENGED ALL COMERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0409"> “GOVERNMENT RESTS IN PUBLIC OPINION.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0410"> HURRY MIGHT MAKE TROUBLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0411"> SAW HIMSELF DEAD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0412"> EVERY LITTLE HELPED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0413"> ABOUT TO LAY DOWN THE BURDEN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0414"> LINCOLN WOULD HAVE PREFERRED DEATH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0415"> “PUNCH” AND HIS LITTLE PICTURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0416"> FASCINATED By THE WONDERFUL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0417"> “WHY DON’T THEY COME!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0418"> GRANT’S BRAND OF WHISKEY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0419"> HIS FINANCIAL STANDING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0420"> THE DANDY AND THE BOYS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0421"> “SOME UGLY OLD LAWYER.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0422"> GOOD MEMORY OF NAMES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0423"> SETTLED OUT OF COURT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0424"> THE FIVE POINTS SUNDAY SCHOOL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0425"> SENTINEL OBEYED ORDERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0426"> WHY LINCOLN GROWED WHISKERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0427"> LINCOLN AS A DANCER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0428"> SIMPLY PRACTICAL HUMANITY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0429"> HAPPY FIGURES OF SPEECH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0430"> A FEW “RHYTHMIC SHOTS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0431"> OLD MAN GLENN’S RELIGION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0432"> LAST ACTS OF MERCY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0433"> JUST LIKE SEWARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0434"> A CHEERFUL PROSPECT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0435"> THOUGHT GOD WOULD HAVE TOLD HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0436"> LINCOLN AND A BIBLE HERO. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0437"> BOY WAS CARED FOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0438"> THE JURY ACQUITTED HIM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0439"> TOOK NOTHING BUT MONEY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0440"> NAUGHTY BOY HAD TO TAKE HIS MEDICINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0441"> WOULD BLOW THEM TO H—-. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0442"> “YANKEE” GOODNESS OF HEART. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0443"> WALKED AS HE TALKED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0444"> THE SONG DID THE BUSINESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0445"> A “FREE FOR ALL.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0446"> THREE INFERNAL BORES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0447"> LINCOLN’S MEN WERE “HUSTLERS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0448"> A SLOW HORSE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0449"> DODGING “BROWSING PRESIDENTS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0450"> A GREENBACK LEGEND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0451"> GOD’S BEST GIFT TO MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0452"> SCALPING IN THE BLACK HAWK WAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0453"> MATRIMONIAL ADVICE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0454"> OWED LOTS OF MONEY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0455"> “ON THE LORD’S SIDE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0456"> WANTED TO BE NEAR “ABE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0457"> GOT HIS FOOT IN IT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0458"> SAVED BY A LETTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0460"> HIS FAVORITE POEM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0461"> FIVE-LEGGED CALF. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0462"> A STAGE-COACH STORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0463"> THE “400” GATHERED THERE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0464"> ONLY LEVEL-HEADED MEN WANTED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0465"> HIS FAITH IN THE MONITOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0466"> HER ONLY IMPERFECTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0467"> THE OLD LADY’S PROPHECY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0468"> HOW THE TOWN OF LINCOLN, ILL., WAS NAMED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0469"> “OLD JEFF’S” BIG NIGHTMARE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0470"> LINCOLN’S LAST OFFICIAL ACT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linksleep"> THE LAD NEEDED THE SLEEP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0471"> “MASSA LINKUM LIKE DE LORD!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0472"> HOW LINCOLN TOOK THE NEWS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0473"> PROFANITY AS A SAFETY-VALVE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0474"> WHY WE WON AT GETTYSBURG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0475"> HAD TO WAIT FOR HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0476"> PRESIDENT AND CABINET JOINED IN PRAYER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0477"> BELIEVED HE WAS A CHRISTIAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0478"> WITH THE HELP OF GOD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0479"> TURNED TEARS TO SMILES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0480"> LINCOLN’S LAST WRITTEN WORDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0481"> WOMEN PLEAD FOR PARDONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0482"> LINCOLN WISHED TO SEE RICHMOND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0483"> SPOKEN LIKE A CHRISTIAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0484"> “LINCOLN GOES IN WHEN THE QUAKERS ARE OUT” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0485"> HAD CONFIDENCE IN HIM—“BUT—.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0486"> HOW HOMINY WAS ORIGINATED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0487"> HIS IDEA’S OLD, AFTER ALL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0488"> LINCOLN’S FIRST SPEECH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0489"> “ABE WANTED NO SNEAKIN’ ‘ROUND.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0490"> DIDN’T EVEN NEED STILTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0491"> “HOW DO YOU GET OUT OF THIS PLACE?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0492"> “TAD” INTRODUCES “OUR FRIENDS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0493"> MIXED UP WORSE THAN BEFORE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0494"> “LONG ABE’S” FEET “PROTRUDED OVER.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0495"> COULD LICK ANY MAN IN THE CROWD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0496"> HIS WAY TO A CHILD’S HEART. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0497"> “LEFT IT THE WOMEN TO HOWL ABOUT ME.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0498"> HE’D RUIN ALL THE OTHER CONVICTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0499"> IN A HOPELESS MINORITY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0500"> “DID YE ASK MORRISSEY YET?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0501"> GOT THE LAUGH ON DOUGLAS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0503"> “FIXED UP” A BIT FOR THE “CITY FOLKS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0504"> EVEN REBELS OUGHT TO BE SAVED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0505"> TRIED TO DO WHAT SEEMED BEST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0506"> “HOLDING A CANDLE TO THE CZAR.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0507"> NASHVILLE WAS NOT SURRENDERED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0508"> HE COULDN’T WAIT FOR THE COLONEL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0509"> LINCOLN PRONOUNCED THIS STORY FUNNY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0510"> JOKE WAS ON LINCOLN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0511"> THE OTHER ONE WAS WORSE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0512"> “I’D A BEEN MISSED BY MYSE’F.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0513"> IT ALL “DEPENDED” UPON THE EFFECT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0514"> TOO SWIFT TO STAY IN THE ARMY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0515"> ADMIRED THE STRONG MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0516"> WISHED THE ARMY CHARGED LIKE THAT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0517"> “UNCLE ABRAHAM” HAD EVERYTHING READY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0518"> NOT AS SMOOTH AS HE LOOKED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0519"> A SMALL CROP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0520"> “NEVER REGRET WHAT YOU DON’T WRITE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0521"> A VAIN GENERAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0522"> DEATH BED REPENTANCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0523"> NO CAUSE FOR PRIDE. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0524"> <b>THE STORY OF LINCOLN’S LIFE</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0525"> A YOUTHFUL POET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0526"> MADE SPEECHES WHEN A BOY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0527"> ASSISTANT PILOT ON A STEAMBOAT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0528"> “CAPTAIN LINCOLN” PLEASED HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0529"> FAILURE AS A BUSINESS MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0530"> GAINS FAME AS A STORY TELLER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0531"> SURVEYOR WITH NO STRINGS ON HIM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0532"> A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0533"> THE FAMOUS “LONG NINE.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0534"> BEGINS TO OPPOSE SLAVERY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0535"> BEGINS TO PRACTICE LAW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0536"> HIS FIRST JOINT DEBATE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0537"> MARRIES A SPRINGFIELD BELLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0538"> STORY OF ANNE RUTLEDGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0539"> HIS DUEL WITH SHIELDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0540"> FORMS NEW PARTNERSHIP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0541"> DEFEATS PETER CARTWRIGHT FOR CONGRESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0542"> MAKES SPEECHES FOR “OLD ZACH.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0543"> DECLINES A HIGH OFFICE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0544"> LINCOLN AS A LAWYER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0545"> TELLING STORIES ON THE CIRCUIT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0546"> THE LION IS AROUSED TO ACTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0547"> SEEKS A SEAT IN THE SENATE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0548"> HELPS TO ORGANIZE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0549"> THE RAIL-SPLITTER vs. THE LITTLE GIANT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0550"> WERE LIKE CROWDS AT A CIRCUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0551"> HIS BUCKEYE CAMPAIGN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0552"> FIRST VISIT TO NEW YORK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0553"> FIRST NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0554"> FORMATION OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0555"> GOOD-BYE TO THE OLD FOLK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0556"> THE “SECRET PASSAGE” TO WASHINGTON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0557"> HIS ELOQUENT INAUGURAL ADDRESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0558"> FOLLOWS PRECEDENT OF WASHINGTON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0559"> GREATER DIPLOMAT THAN SEWARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0560"> LINCOLN A GREAT GENERAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0561"> ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN GRANT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0562"> REASONS FOB FREEING THE SLAVES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0563"> HARD TO REFUSE PARDONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0564"> A FUN-LOVING AND HUMOR-LOVING MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0565"> WARNINGS OF HIS TRAGIC DEATH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0566"> LINCOLN AT THE THEATRE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0567"> LAMON’S REMARKABLE REQUEST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0568"> HOW LINCOLN WAS MURDERED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0569"> BOOTH BRANDISHES HIS DAGGER AND ESCAPES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0570"> WALT WHITMAN’S DESCRIPTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0571"> BOOTH FOUND IN A BARN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0572"> BOOTH SHOT BY “BOSTON” CORBETT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0573"> FATE OF THE CONSPIRATORS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0574"> HENRY WARD BEECHER’S EULOGY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0575"> ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S FAMILY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0576"> LINCOLN MONUMENT AT SPRINGFIELD. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + Dean Swift said that the man who makes two blades of grass grow where one + grew before serves well of his kind. Considering how much grass there is + in the world and comparatively how little fun, we think that a still more + deserving person is the man who makes many laughs grow where none grew + before. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes it happens that the biggest crop of laugh is produced by a man + who ranks among the greatest and wisest. Such a man was Abraham Lincoln + whose wholesome fun mixed with true philosophy made thousands laugh and + think at the same time. He was a firm believer in the saying, “Laugh and + the world laughs with you.” + </p> + <p> + Whenever Abraham Lincoln wanted to make a strong point he usually began by + saying, “Now, that reminds me of a story.” And when he had told a story + every one saw the point and was put into a good humor. + </p> + <p> + The ancients had Aesop and his fables. The moderns had Abraham Lincoln and + his stories. + </p> + <p> + Aesop’s Fables have been printed in book form in almost every language and + millions have read them with pleasure and profit. Lincoln’s stories were + scattered in the recollections of thousands of people in various parts of + the country. The historians who wrote histories of Lincoln’s life + remembered only a few of them, but the most of Lincoln’s stories and the + best of them remained unwritten. More than five years ago the author of + this book conceived the idea of collecting all the yarns and stories, the + droll sayings, and witty and humorous anecdotes of Abraham Lincoln into + one large book, and this volume is the result of that idea. + </p> + <p> + Before Lincoln was ever heard of as a lawyer or politician, he was famous + as a story teller. As a politician, he always had a story to fit the other + side; as a lawyer, he won many cases by telling the jury a story which + showed them the justice of his side better than any argument could have + done. + </p> + <p> + While nearly all of Lincoln’s stories have a humorous side, they also + contain a moral, which every good story should have. + </p> + <p> + They contain lessons that could be taught so well in no other way. Every + one of them is a sermon. Lincoln, like the Man of Galilee, spoke to the + people in parables. + </p> + <p> + Nothing that can be written about Lincoln can show his character in such a + true light as the yarns and stories he was so fond of telling, and at + which he would laugh as heartily as anyone. + </p> + <p> + For a man whose life was so full of great responsibilities, Lincoln had + many hours of laughter when the humorous, fun-loving side of his great + nature asserted itself. + </p> + <p> + Every person to keep healthy ought to have one good hearty laugh every + day. Lincoln did, and the author hopes that the stories at which he + laughed will continue to furnish laughter to all who appreciate good + humor, with a moral point and spiced with that true philosophy bred in + those who live close to nature and to the people around them. + </p> + <p> + In producing this new Lincoln book, the publishers have followed an + entirely new and novel method of illustrating it. The old shop-worn + pictures that are to be seen in every “History of Lincoln,” and in every + other book written about him, such as “A Flatboat on the Sangamon River,” + “State Capitol at Springfield,” “Old Log Cabin,” etc., have all been left + out and in place of them the best special artists that could be employed + have supplied original drawings illustrating the “point” of Lincoln’s + stories. + </p> + <p> + These illustrations are not copies of other pictures, but are original + drawings made from the author’s original text expressly for this book. + </p> + <p> + In these high-class outline pictures the artists have caught the true + spirit of Lincoln’s humor, and while showing the laughable side of many + incidents in his career, they are true to life in the scenes and + characters they portray. + </p> + <p> + In addition to these new and original pictures, the book contains many + rare and valuable photograph portraits, together with biographies, of the + famous men of Lincoln’s day, whose lives formed a part of his own life + history. + </p> + <p> + No Lincoln book heretofore published has ever been so profusely, so + artistically and expensively illustrated. + </p> + <p> + The parables, yarns, stories, anecdotes and sayings of the “Immortal Abe” + deserve a place beside Aesop’s Fables, Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress and all + other books that have added to the happiness and wisdom of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s stories are like Lincoln himself. The more we know of them the + better we like them. + </p> + <p> + BY COLONEL ALEXANDER K. McCLURE. + </p> + <p> + While Lincoln would have been great among the greatest of the land as a + statesman and politician if like Washington, Jefferson and Jackson, he had + never told a humorous story, his sense of humor was the most fascinating + feature of his personal qualities. + </p> + <p> + He was the most exquisite humorist I have ever known in my life. His humor + was always spontaneous, and that gave it a zest and elegance that the + professional humorist never attains. + </p> + <p> + As a rule, the men who have become conspicuous in the country as humorists + have excelled in nothing else. S. S. Cox, Proctor Knott, John P. Hale and + others were humorists in Congress. When they arose to speak if they failed + to be humorous they utterly failed, and they rarely strove to be anything + but humorous. Such men often fail, for the professional humorist, however + gifted, cannot always be at his best, and when not at his best he is + grievously disappointing. + </p> + <p> + I remember Corwin, of Ohio, who was a great statesman as well as a great + humorist, but whose humor predominated in his public speeches in Senate + and House, warning a number of the younger Senators and Representatives on + a social occasion when he had returned to Congress in his old age, against + seeking to acquire the reputation of humorists. He said it was the mistake + of his life. He loved it as did his hearers, but the temptation to be + humorous was always uppermost, and while his speech on the Mexican War was + the greatest ever delivered in the Senate, excepting Webster’s reply to + Hayne, he regretted that he was more known as a humorist than as a + statesman. + </p> + <p> + His first great achievement in the House was delivered in 1840 in reply to + General Crary, of Michigan, who had attacked General Harrison’s military + career. Corwin’s reply in defense of Harrison is universally accepted as + the most brilliant combination of humor and invective ever delivered in + that body. The venerable John Quincy Adams a day or two after Corwin’s + speech, referred to Crary as “the late General Crary,” and the justice of + the remark from the “Old Man Eloquent” was accepted by all. Mr. Lincoln + differed from the celebrated humorists of the country in the important + fact that his humor was unstudied. He was not in any sense a professional + humorist, but I have never in all my intercourse with public men, known + one who was so apt in humorous illustration us Mr. Lincoln, and I have + known him many times to silence controversy by a humorous story with + pointed application to the issue. + </p> + <p> + His face was the saddest in repose that I have ever seen among + accomplished and intellectual men, and his sympathies for the people, for + the untold thousands who were suffering bereavement from the war, often + made him speak with his heart upon his sleeve, about the sorrows which + shadowed the homes of the land and for which his heart was freely + bleeding. + </p> + <p> + I have many times seen him discussing in the most serious and heartfelt + manner the sorrows and bereavements of the country, and when it would seem + as though the tension was so strained that the brittle cord of life must + break, his face would suddenly brighten like the sun escaping from behind + the cloud to throw its effulgence upon the earth, and he would tell an + appropriate story, and much as his stories were enjoyed by his hearers + none enjoyed them more than Mr. Lincoln himself. + </p> + <p> + I have often known him within the space of a few minutes to be transformed + from the saddest face I have ever looked upon to one of the brightest and + most mirthful. It was well known that he had his great fountain of humor + as a safety valve; as an escape and entire relief from the fearful + exactions his endless duties put upon him. In the gravest consultations of + the cabinet where he was usually a listener rather than a speaker, he + would often end dispute by telling a story and none misunderstood it; and + often when he was pressed to give expression on particular subjects, and + his always abundant caution was baffled, he many times ended the interview + by a story that needed no elaboration. + </p> + <p> + I recall an interview with Mr. Lincoln at the White House in the spring of + 1865, just before Lee retreated from Petersburg. It was well understood + that the military power of the Confederacy was broken, and that the + question of reconstruction would soon be upon us. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Forney and I had called upon the President simply to pay our + respects, and while pleasantly chatting with him General Benjamin F. + Butler entered. Forney was a great enthusiast, and had intense hatred of + the Southern leaders who had hindered his advancement when Buchanan was + elected President, and he was bubbling over with resentment against them. + He introduced the subject to the President of the treatment to be awarded + to the leaders of the rebellion when its powers should be confessedly + broken, and he was earnest in demanding that Davis and other conspicuous + leaders of the Confederacy should be tried, condemned and executed as + traitors. + </p> + <p> + General Butler joined Colonel Forney in demanding that treason must be + made odious by the execution of those who had wantonly plunged the country + into civil war. Lincoln heard them patiently, as he usually heard all, and + none could tell, however carefully they scanned his countenance what + impression the appeal made upon him. + </p> + <p> + I said to General Butler that, as a lawyer pre-eminent in his profession, + he must know that the leaders of a government that had beleaguered our + capital for four years, and was openly recognized as a belligerent power + not only by our government but by all the leading governments of the + world, could not be held to answer to the law for the crime of treason. + </p> + <p> + Butler was vehement in declaring that the rebellious leaders must be tried + and executed. Lincoln listened to the discussion for half an hour or more + and finally ended it by telling the story of a common drunkard out in + Illinois who had been induced by his friends time and again to join the + temperance society, but had always broken away. He was finally gathered up + again and given notice that if he violated his pledge once more they would + abandon him as an utterly hopeless vagrant. He made an earnest struggle to + maintain his promise, and finally he called for lemonade and said to the + man who was preparing it: “Couldn’t you put just a drop of the cratur in + unbeknownst to me?” + </p> + <p> + After telling the story Lincoln simply added: “If these men could get away + from the country unbeknownst to us, it might save a world of trouble.” All + understood precisely what Lincoln meant, although he had given expression + in the most cautious manner possible and the controversy was ended. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln differed from professional humorists in the fact that he never + knew when he was going to be humorous. It bubbled up on the most + unexpected occasions, and often unsettled the most carefully studied + arguments. I have many times been with him when he gave no sign of humor, + and those who saw him under such conditions would naturally suppose that + he was incapable of a humorous expression. At other times he would + effervesce with humor and always of the most exquisite and impressive + nature. His humor was never strained; his stories never stale, and even if + old, the application he made of them gave them the freshness of + originality. + </p> + <p> + I recall sitting beside him in the White House one day when a message was + brought to him telling of the capture of several brigadier-generals and a + number of horses somewhere out in Virginia. He read the dispatch and then + in an apparently soliloquizing mood, said: “Sorry for the horses; I can + make brigadier-generals.” + </p> + <p> + There are many who believe that Mr. Lincoln loved to tell obscene or + profane stories, but they do great injustice to one of the purest and best + men I have ever known. His humor must be judged by the environment that + aided in its creation. + </p> + <p> + As a prominent lawyer who traveled the circuit in Illinois, he was much in + the company of his fellow lawyers, who spent their evenings in the rude + taverns of what was then almost frontier life. The Western people thus + thrown together with but limited sources of culture and enjoyment, + logically cultivated the story teller, and Lincoln proved to be the most + accomplished in that line of all the members of the Illinois bar. They had + no private rooms for study, and the evenings were always spent in the + common barroom of the tavern, where Western wit, often vulgar or profane, + was freely indulged in, and the best of them at times told stories which + were somewhat “broad;” but even while thus indulging in humor that would + grate harshly upon severely refined hearers, they despised the vulgarian; + none despised vulgarity more than Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + I have heard him tell at one time or another almost or quite all of the + stories he told during his Presidential term, and there were very few of + them which might not have been repeated in a parlor and none descended to + obscene, vulgar or profane expressions. I have never known a man of purer + instincts than Abraham Lincoln, and his appreciation of all that was + beautiful and good was of the highest order. + </p> + <p> + It was fortunate for Mr. Lincoln that he frequently sought relief from the + fearfully oppressive duties which bore so heavily upon him. He had + immediately about him a circle of men with whom he could be “at home” in + the White House any evening as he was with his old time friends on the + Illinois circuit. + </p> + <p> + David Davis was one upon whom he most relied as an adviser, and Leonard + Swett was probably one of his closest friends, while Ward Lamon, whom he + made Marshal of the District of Columbia to have him by his side, was one + with whom he felt entirely “at home.” Davis was of a more sober order but + loved Lincoln’s humor, although utterly incapable of a humorous expression + himself. Swett was ready with Lincoln to give and take in storyland, as + was Lamon, and either of them, and sometimes all of them, often dropped in + upon Lincoln and gave him an hour’s diversion from his exacting cares. + They knew that he needed it and they sought him for the purpose of + diverting him from what they feared was an excessive strain. + </p> + <p> + His devotion to Lamon was beautiful. I well remember at Harrisburg on the + night of February 22, 1861, when at a dinner given by Governor Curtin to + Mr. Lincoln, then on his way to Washington, we decided, against the + protest of Lincoln, that he must change his route to Washington and make + the memorable midnight journey to the capital. It was thought to be best + that but one man should accompany him, and he was asked to choose. There + were present of his suite Colonel Sumner, afterwards one of the heroic + generals of the war, Norman B. Judd, who was chairman of the Republican + State Committee of Illinois, Colonel Lamon and others, and he promptly + chose Colonel Lamon, who alone accompanied him on his journey from + Harrisburg to Philadelphia and thence to Washington. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving the room Governor Curtin asked Colonel Lamon whether he was + armed, and he answered by exhibiting a brace of fine pistols, a huge bowie + knife, a black jack, and a pair of brass knuckles. Curtin answered: + “You’ll do,” and they were started on their journey after all the + telegraph wires had been cut. We awaited through what seemed almost an + endless night, until the east was purpled with the coming of another day, + when Colonel Scott, who had managed the whole scheme, reunited the wires + and soon received from Colonel Lamon this dispatch: “Plums delivered nuts + safely,” which gave us the intensely gratifying information that Lincoln + had arrived in Washington. + </p> + <p> + Of all the Presidents of the United States, and indeed of all the great + statesmen who have made their indelible impress upon the policy of the + Republic, Abraham Lincoln stands out single and alone in his individual + qualities. He had little experience in statesmanship when he was called to + the Presidency. He had only a few years of service in the State + Legislature of Illinois, and a single term in Congress ending twelve years + before he became President, but he had to grapple with the gravest + problems ever presented to the statesmanship of the nation for solution, + and he met each and all of them in turn with the most consistent mastery, + and settled them so successfully that all have stood unquestioned until + the present time, and are certain to endure while the Republic lives. + </p> + <p> + In this he surprised not only his own cabinet and the leaders of his party + who had little confidence in him when he first became President, but + equally surprised the country and the world. + </p> + <p> + He was patient, tireless and usually silent when great conflicts raged + about him to solve the appalling problems which were presented at various + stages of the war for determination, and when he reached his conclusion he + was inexorable. The wrangles of faction and the jostling of ambition were + compelled to bow when Lincoln had determined upon his line of duty. + </p> + <p> + He was much more than a statesman; he was one of the most sagacious + politicians I have ever known, although he was entirely unschooled in the + machinery by which political results are achieved. His judgment of men was + next to unerring, and when results were to be attained he knew the men who + should be assigned to the task, and he rarely made a mistake. + </p> + <p> + I remember one occasion when he summoned Colonel Forney and myself to + confer on some political problem, he opened the conversation by saying: + “You know that I never was much of a conniver; I don’t know the methods of + political management, and I can only trust to the wisdom of leaders to + accomplish what is needed.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s public acts are familiar to every schoolboy of the nation, but + his personal attributes, which are so strangely distinguished from the + attributes of other great men, are now the most interesting study of young + and old throughout our land, and I can conceive of no more acceptable + presentation to the public than a compilation of anecdotes and incidents + pertaining to the life of the greatest of all our Presidents. + </p> + <p> + A.K. McClure + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S NAME AROUSES AN AUDIENCE, BY DR. NEWMAN HALL, of London. + </h2> + <p> + When I have had to address a fagged and listless audience, I have found + that nothing was so certain to arouse them as to introduce the name of + Abraham Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + REVERE WASHINGTON AND LOVE LINCOLN, REV. DR. THEODORE L. CUYLER. + </p> + <p> + No other name has such electric power on every true heart, from Maine to + Mexico, as the name of Lincoln. If Washington is the most revered, Lincoln + is the best loved man that ever trod this continent. + </p> + <p> + GREATEST CHARACTER SINCE CHRIST BY JOHN HAY, Former Private Secretary to + President Lincoln, and Later Secretary of State in President McKinley’s + Cabinet. + </p> + <p> + As, in spite of some rudeness, republicanism is the sole hope of a sick + world, so Lincoln, with all his foibles, is the greatest character since + Christ. + </p> + <p> + STORIES INFORM THE COMMON PEOPLE, BY CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW, United States + Senator from New York. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln said to me once: “They say I tell a great many stories; I + reckon I do, but I have found in the course of a long experience that + common people, take them as they run, are more easily informed through the + medium of a broad illustration than in any other way, and as to what the + hypercritical few may think, I don’t care.” + </p> + <p> + HUMOR A PASSPORT TO THE HEART BY GEO. S. BOUTWELL, Former Secretary of the + United States Treasury. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s wit and mirth will give him a passport to the thoughts and + hearts of millions who would take no interest in the sterner and more + practical parts of his character. + </p> + <p> + DROLL, ORIGINAL AND APPROPRIATE. BY ELIHU B. WASHBURNE, Former United + States Minister to France. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s anecdotes were all so droll, so original, so appropriate and + so illustrative of passing incidents, that one never wearied. + </p> + <p> + LINCOLN’S HUMOR A SPARKLING SPRING, BY DAVID R. LOCKE (PETROLEUM V. + NASBY), Lincoln’s Favorite Humorist. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s flow of humor was a sparkling spring, gushing out of a rock—the + flashing water had a somber background which made it all the brighter. + </p> + <p> + LIKE AESOP’S FABLES, BY HUGH McCULLOCH, Former Secretary of the United + States Treasury. + </p> + <p> + Many of Mr. Lincoln’s stories were as apt and instructive as the best of + Aesop’s Fables. + </p> + <p> + FULL OF FUN, BY GENERAL JAMES B. FRY, Former Adjutant-General United + States Army. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln was a humorist so full of fun that he could not keep it all + in. + </p> + <p> + INEXHAUSTIBLE FUND OF STORIES, BY LAWRENCE WELDON, Judge United States + Court of Claims. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s resources as a story-teller were inexhaustible, and no + condition could arise in a case beyond his capacity to furnish an + illustration with an appropriate anecdote. + </p> + <p> + CHAMPION STORY-TELLER, BY BEN. PERLEY POORE, Former Editor of The + Congressional Record. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln was recognized as the champion story-teller of the Capitol. + </p> + <p> + LINCOLN CHRONOLOGY. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1806—Marriage of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, June 12th, + Washington County, Kentucky. + 1809—Born February 12th, Hardin (now La Rue County), Kentucky. + 1816—Family Removed to Perry County, Indiana. + 1818—Death of Abraham’s Mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. + 1819—Second Marriage Thomas Lincoln; Married Sally Bush + Johnston, December 2nd, at Elizabethtown, Kentucky. + 1830—Lincoln Family Removed to Illinois, Locating in Macon County. + 1831—Abraham Located at New Salem. + 1832—Abraham a Captain in the Black Hawk War. + 1833—Appointed Postmaster at New Salem. + 1834—Abraham as a Surveyor. First Election to the Legislature. + 1835—Love Romance with Anne Rutledge. + 1836—Second Election to the Legislature. + 1837—Licensed to Practice Law. + 1838—Third Election to the Legislature. + 1840—Presidential Elector on Harrison Ticket. + Fourth Election to the Legislature. + 1842—Married November 4th, to Mary Todd. “Duel” with General Shields. + 1843—Birth of Robert Todd Lincoln, August 1st. + 1846—Elected to Congress. Birth of Edward Baker Lincoln, March 10th. + 1848—Delegate to the Philadelphia National Convention. + 1850—Birth of William Wallace Lincoln, December 2nd. + 1853—Birth of Thomas Lincoln, April 4th. + 1856—Assists in Formation Republican Party. + 1858—Joint Debater with Stephen A. Douglas. Defeated for the + United States Senate. + 1860—Nominated and Elected to the Presidency. + 1861—Inaugurated as President, March 4th. 1863-Issued + Emancipation Proclamation. 1864-Re-elected to the Presidency. + 1865—Assassinated by J. Wilkes Booth, April 14th. Died April + 15th. Remains Interred at Springfield, Illinois, May 4th. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0021}.jpg" alt="{0021}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0021}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AND McCLURE. + </h2> + <h3> + (From Harper’s Weekly, April 13, 1901.) + </h3> + <p> + Colonel Alexander K. McClure, the editorial director of the Philadelphia + Times, which he founded in 1875, began his forceful career as a tanner’s + apprentice in the mountains of Pennsylvania threescore years ago. He + tanned hides all day, and read exchanges nights in the neighboring weekly + newspaper office. The learned tanner’s boy also became the aptest Inner in + the county, and the editor testified his admiration for young McClure’s + attainments by sending him to edit a new weekly paper which the exigencies + of politics called into being in an adjoining county. + </p> + <p> + The lad was over six feet high, had the thews of Ajax and the voice of + Boanerges, and knew enough about shoe-leather not to be afraid of any man + that stood in it. He made his paper a success, went into politics, and + made that a success, studied law with William McLellan, and made that a + success, and actually went into the army—and made that a success, by + an interesting accident which brought him into close personal relations + with Abraham Lincoln, whom he had helped to nominate, serving as chairman + of the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania through the campaign. + </p> + <p> + In 1862 the government needed troops badly, and in each Pennsylvania + county Republicans and Democrats were appointed to assist in the + enrollment, under the State laws. McClure, working day and night at + Harrisburg, saw conscripts coming in at the rate of a thousand a day, only + to fret in idleness against the army red-tape which held them there + instead of sending a regiment a day to the front, as McClure demanded + should be done. The military officer continued to dispatch two companies a + day—leaving the mass of the conscripts to be fed by the contractors. + </p> + <p> + McClure went to Washington and said to the President, “You must send a + mustering officer to Harrisburg who will do as I say; I can’t stay there + any longer under existing conditions.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln sent into another room for Adjutant-General Thomas. “General,” + said he, “what is the highest rank of military officer at Harrisburg?” + “Captain, sir,” said Thomas. “Bring me a commission for an Assistant + Adjutant-General of the United States Army,” said Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + So Adjutant-General McClure was mustered in, and after that a regiment a + day of boys in blue left Harrisburg for the front. Colonel McClure is one + of the group of great Celt-American editors, which included Medill, + McCullagh and McLean. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” LINCOLN’S YARNS AND STORIES. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN ASKED TO BE SHOT. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was, naturally enough, much surprised one day, when a man of + rather forbidding countenance drew a revolver and thrust the weapon almost + into his face. In such circumstances “Abe” at once concluded that any + attempt at debate or argument was a waste of time and words. + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8023}.jpg" alt="{8023} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8023}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “What seems to be the matter?” inquired Lincoln with all the calmness and + self-possession he could muster. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the stranger, who did not appear at all excited, “some + years ago I swore an oath that if I ever came across an uglier man than + myself I’d shoot him on the spot.” + </p> + <p> + A feeling of relief evidently took possession of Lincoln at this + rejoinder, as the expression upon his countenance lost all suggestion of + anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Shoot me,” he said to the stranger; “for if I am an uglier man than you I + don’t want to live.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TIME LOST DIDN’T COUNT. + </h2> + <p> + Thurlow Weed, the veteran journalist and politician, once related how, + when he was opposing the claims of Montgomery Blair, who aspired to a + Cabinet appointment, that Mr. Lincoln inquired of Mr. Weed whom he would + recommend, “Henry Winter Davis,” was the response. + </p> + <p> + “David Davis, I see, has been posting you up on this question,” retorted + Lincoln. “He has Davis on the brain. I think Maryland must be a good State + to move from.” + </p> + <p> + The President then told a story of a witness in court in a neighboring + county, who, on being asked his age, replied, “Sixty.” Being satisfied he + was much older the question was repeated, and on receiving the same answer + the court admonished the witness, saying, “The court knows you to be much + older than sixty.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I understand now,” was the rejoinder, “you’re thinking of those ten + years I spent on the eastern share of Maryland; that was so much time + lost, and didn’t count.” + </p> + <p> + Blair was made Postmaster-General. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO VICES, NO VIRTUES. + </h2> + <h3> + Lincoln always took great pleasure in relating this yarn: + </h3> + <p> + Riding at one time in a stage with an old Kentuckian who was returning + from Missouri, Lincoln excited the old gentleman’s surprise by refusing to + accept either of tobacco or French brandy. + </p> + <p> + When they separated that afternoon—the Kentuckian to take another + stage bound for Louisville—he shook hands warmly with Lincoln, and + said, good-humoredly: + </p> + <p> + “See here, stranger, you’re a clever but strange companion. I may never + see you again, and I don’t want to offend you, but I want to say this: My + experience has taught me that a man who has no vices has d——d + few virtues. Good-day.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S DUES. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Todd (afterwards Mrs. Lincoln) had a keen sense of the ridiculous, + and wrote several articles in the Springfield (Ill.) “Journal” reflecting + severely upon General James Shields (who won fame in the Mexican and Civil + Wars, and was United States Senator from three states), then Auditor of + State. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln assumed the authorship, and was challenged by Shields to meet him + on the “field of honor.” Meanwhile Miss Todd increased Shields’ ire by + writing another letter to the paper, in which she said: “I hear the way of + these fire-eaters is to give the challenged party the choice of weapons, + which being the case, I’ll tell you in confidence that I never fight with + anything but broom-sticks, or hot water, or a shovelful of coals, the + former of which, being somewhat like a shillalah, may not be objectionable + to him.” + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0025}.jpg" alt="{0025}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0025}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Lincoln accepted the challenge, and selected broadswords as the weapons. + Judge Herndon (Lincoln’s law partner) gives the closing of this affair as + follows: + </p> + <p> + “The laws of Illinois prohibited dueling, and Lincoln demanded that the + meeting should be outside the state. Shields undoubtedly knew that Lincoln + was opposed to fighting a duel—that his moral sense would revolt at + the thought, and that he would not be likely to break the law by fighting + in the state. Possibly he thought Lincoln would make a humble apology. + Shields was brave, but foolish, and would not listen to overtures for + explanation. It was arranged that the meeting should be in Missouri, + opposite Alton. They proceeded to the place selected, but friends + interfered, and there was no duel. There is little doubt that the man who + had swung a beetle and driven iron wedges into gnarled hickory logs could + have cleft the skull of his antagonist, but he had no such intention. He + repeatedly said to the friends of Shields that in writing the first + article he had no thought of anything personal. The Auditor’s vanity had + been sorely wounded by the second letter, in regard to which Lincoln could + not make any explanation except that he had had no hand in writing it. The + affair set all Springfield to laughing at Shields.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “DONE WITH THE BIBLE.” + </h2> + <h3> + Lincoln never told a better story than this: + </h3> + <p> + A country meeting-house, that was used once a month, was quite a distance + from any other house. + </p> + <p> + The preacher, an old-line Baptist, was dressed in coarse linen pantaloons, + and shirt of the same material. The pants, manufactured after the old + fashion, with baggy legs, and a flap in the front, were made to attach to + his frame without the aid of suspenders. + </p> + <p> + A single button held his shirt in position, and that was at the collar. He + rose up in the pulpit, and with a loud voice announced his text thus: “I + am the Christ whom I shall represent to-day.” + </p> + <p> + About this time a little blue lizard ran up his roomy pantaloons. The old + preacher, not wishing to interrupt the steady flow of his sermon, slapped + away on his leg, expecting to arrest the intruder, but his efforts were + unavailing, and the little fellow kept on ascending higher and higher. + </p> + <p> + Continuing the sermon, the preacher loosened the central button which + graced the waistband of his pantaloons, and with a kick off came that + easy-fitting garment. + </p> + <p> + But, meanwhile, Mr. Lizard had passed the equatorial line of the + waistband, and was calmly exploring that part of the preacher’s anatomy + which lay underneath the back of his shirt. + </p> + <p> + Things were now growing interesting, but the sermon was still grinding on. + The next movement on the preacher’s part was for the collar button, and + with one sweep of his arm off came the tow linen shirt. + </p> + <p> + The congregation sat for an instant as if dazed; at length one old lady in + the rear part of the room rose up, and, glancing at the excited object in + the pulpit, shouted at the top of her voice: “If you represent Christ, + then I’m done with the Bible.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN NATURE. + </h2> + <p> + Once, when Lincoln was pleading a case, the opposing lawyer had all the + advantage of the law; the weather was warm, and his opponent, as was + admissible in frontier courts, pulled off his coat and vest as he grew + warm in the argument. + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8027}.jpg" alt="{8027} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8027}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + At that time, shirts with buttons behind were unusual. Lincoln took in the + situation at once. Knowing the prejudices of the primitive people against + pretension of all sorts, or any affectation of superior social rank, + arising, he said: “Gentlemen of the jury, having justice on my side, I + don’t think you will be at all influenced by the gentleman’s pretended + knowledge of the law, when you see he does not even know which side of his + shirt should be in front.” There was a general laugh, and Lincoln’s case + was won. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A MISCHIEVOUS OX. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln once told the following story of Colonel W., who had + been elected to the Legislature, and had also been judge of the County + Court. His elevation, however, had made him somewhat pompous, and he + became very fond of using big words. On his farm he had a very large and + mischievous ox, called “Big Brindle,” which very frequently broke down his + neighbors’ fences, and committed other depredations, much to the Colonel’s + annoyance. + </p> + <p> + One morning after breakfast, in the presence of Lincoln, who had stayed + with him over night, and who was on his way to town, he called his + overseer and said to him: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Allen, I desire you to impound ‘Big Brindle,’ in order that I may + hear no animadversions on his eternal depredations.” + </p> + <p> + Allen bowed and walked off, sorely puzzled to know what the Colonel wanted + him to do. After Colonel W. left for town, he went to his wife and asked + her what the Colonel meant by telling him to impound the ox. + </p> + <p> + “Why, he meant to tell you to put him in a pen,” said she. + </p> + <p> + Allen left to perform the feat, for it was no inconsiderable one, as the + animal was wild and vicious, but, after a great deal of trouble and + vexation, succeeded. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said he, wiping the perspiration from his brow and soliloquizing, + “this is impounding, is it? Now, I am dead sure that the Colonel will ask + me if I impounded ‘Big Brindle,’ and I’ll bet I puzzle him as he did me.” + </p> + <p> + The next day the Colonel gave a dinner party, and as he was not + aristocratic, Allen, the overseer, sat down with the company. After the + second or third glass was discussed, the Colonel turned to the overseer + and said: + </p> + <p> + “Eh, Mr. Allen, did you impound ‘Big Brindle,’ sir?” + </p> + <p> + Allen straightened himself, and looking around at the company, replied: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did, sir; but ‘Old Brindle’ transcended the impanel of the + impound, and scatterlophisticated all over the equanimity of the forest.” + </p> + <p> + The company burst into an immoderate fit of laughter, while the Colonel’s + face reddened with discomfiture. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that, sir?” demanded the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I mean, Colonel,” replied Allen, “that ‘Old Brindle,’ being + prognosticated with an idea of the cholera, ripped and teared, snorted and + pawed dirt, jumped the fence, tuck to the woods, and would not be + impounded nohow.” + </p> + <p> + This was too much; the company roared again, the Colonel being forced to + join in the laughter, and in the midst of the jollity Allen left the + table, saying to himself as he went, “I reckon the Colonel won’t ask me to + impound any more oxen.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PRESIDENTIAL “CHIN-FLY.” + </h2> + <p> + Some of Mr. Lincoln’s intimate friends once called his attention to a + certain member of his Cabinet who was quietly working to secure a + nomination for the Presidency, although knowing that Mr. Lincoln was to be + a candidate for re-election. His friends insisted that the Cabinet officer + ought to be made to give up his Presidential aspirations or be removed + from office. The situation reminded Mr. Lincoln of a story: + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8029}.jpg" alt="{8029} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8029}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “My brother and I,” he said, “were once plowing corn, I driving the horse + and he holding the plow. The horse was lazy, but on one occasion he rushed + across the field so that I, with my long legs, could scarcely keep pace + with him. On reaching the end of the furrow, I found an enormous chin-fly + fastened upon him, and knocked him off. My brother asked me what I did + that for. I told him I didn’t want the old horse bitten in that way. + ‘Why,’ said my brother, ‘that’s all that made him go.’ Now,” said Mr. + Lincoln, “if Mr.—— has a Presidential chin-fly biting him, I’m + not going to knock him off, if it will only make his department go.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ‘SQUIRE BAGLY’S PRECEDENT. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. T. W. S. Kidd, of Springfield, says that he once heard a lawyer + opposed to Lincoln trying to convince a jury that precedent was superior + to law, and that custom made things legal in all cases. When Lincoln arose + to answer him he told the jury he would argue his case in the same way. + </p> + <p> + “Old ‘Squire Bagly, from Menard, came into my office and said, ‘Lincoln, I + want your advice as a lawyer. Has a man what’s been elected justice of the + peace a right to issue a marriage license?’ I told him he had not; when + the old ‘squire threw himself back in his chair very indignantly, and + said, ‘Lincoln, I thought you was a lawyer. Now Bob Thomas and me had a + bet on this thing, and we agreed to let you decide; but if this is your + opinion I don’t want it, for I know a thunderin’ sight better, for I have + been ‘squire now for eight years and have done it all the time.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE’D NEED HIS GUN. + </h2> + <p> + When the President, early in the War, was anxious about the defenses of + Washington, he told a story illustrating his feelings in the case. General + Scott, then Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army, had but 1,500 + men, two guns and an old sloop of war, the latter anchored in the Potomac, + with which to protect the National Capital, and the President was uneasy. + </p> + <p> + To one of his queries as to the safety of Washington, General Scott had + replied, “It has been ordained, Mr. President, that the city shall not be + captured by the Confederates.” + </p> + <p> + “But we ought to have more men and guns here,” was the Chief Executive’s + answer. “The Confederates are not such fools as to let a good chance to + capture Washington go by, and even if it has been ordained that the city + is safe, I’d feel easier if it were better protected. All this reminds me + of the old trapper out in the West who had been assured by some ‘city + folks’ who had hired him as a guide that all matters regarding life and + death were prearranged. + </p> + <p> + “‘It is ordained,’ said one of the party to the old trapper, ‘that you are + to die at a certain time, and no one can kill you before that time. If you + met a thousand Indians, and your death had not been ordained for that day, + you would certainly escape.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I don’t exactly understand this “ordained” business,’ was the trapper’s + reply. ‘I don’t care to run no risks. I always have my gun with me, so + that if I come across some reds I can feel sure that I won’t cross the + Jordan ‘thout taking some of ‘em with me. Now, for instance, if I met an + Indian in the woods; he drew a bead on me—sayin’, too, that he + wasn’t more’n ten feet away—an’ I didn’t have nothing to protect + myself; say it was as bad as that, the redskin bein’ dead ready to kill + me; now, even if it had been ordained that the Indian (sayin’ he was a + good shot), was to die that very minute, an’ I wasn’t, what would I do + ‘thout my gun?’ + </p> + <p> + “There you are,” the President remarked; “even if it has been ordained + that the city of Washington will never be taken by the Southerners, what + would we do in case they made an attack upon the place, without men and + heavy guns?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + KEPT UP THE ARGUMENT. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0031}.jpg" alt="{0031}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0031}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Judge T. Lyle Dickey of Illinois related that when the excitement over the + Kansas Nebraska bill first broke out, he was with Lincoln and several + friends attending court. One evening several persons, including himself + and Lincoln, were discussing the slavery question. Judge Dickey contended + that slavery was an institution which the Constitution recognized, and + which could not be disturbed. Lincoln argued that ultimately slavery must + become extinct. “After awhile,” said Judge Dickey, “we went upstairs to + bed. There were two beds in our room, and I remember that Lincoln sat up + in his night shirt on the edge of the bed arguing the point with me. At + last we went to sleep. Early in the morning I woke up and there was + Lincoln half sitting up in bed. ‘Dickey,’ said he, ‘I tell you this nation + cannot exist half slave and half free.’ ‘Oh, Lincoln,’ said I, ‘go to + sleep.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EQUINE INGRATITUDE. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln, while eager that the United States troops should be + supplied with the most modern and serviceable weapons, often took occasion + to put his foot down upon the mania for experimenting with which some of + his generals were afflicted. While engaged in these experiments much + valuable time was wasted, the enemy was left to do as he thought best, no + battles were fought, and opportunities for winning victories allowed to + pass. + </p> + <p> + The President was an exceedingly practical man, and when an invention, + idea or discovery was submitted to him, his first step was to ascertain + how any or all of them could be applied in a way to be of benefit to the + army. As to experimenting with “contrivances” which, to his mind, could + never be put to practical use, he had little patience. + </p> + <p> + “Some of these generals,” said he, “experiment so long and so much with + newfangled, fancy notions that when they are finally brought to a head + they are useless. Either the time to use them has gone by, or the machine, + when put in operation, kills more than it cures. + </p> + <p> + “One of these generals, who has a scheme for ‘condensing’ rations, is + willing to swear his life away that his idea, when carried to perfection, + will reduce the cost of feeding the Union troops to almost nothing, while + the soldiers themselves will get so fat that they’ll ‘bust out’ of their + uniforms. Of course, uniforms cost nothing, and real fat men are more + active and vigorous than lean, skinny ones, but that is getting away from + my story. + </p> + <p> + “There was once an Irishman—a cabman—who had a notion that he + could induce his horse to live entirely on shavings. The latter he could + get for nothing, while corn and oats were pretty high-priced. So he daily + lessened the amount of food to the horse, substituting shavings for the + corn and oats abstracted, so that the horse wouldn’t know his rations were + being cut down. + </p> + <p> + “However, just as he had achieved success in his experiment, and the horse + had been taught to live without other food than shavings, the ungrateful + animal ‘up and died,’ and he had to buy another. + </p> + <p> + “So far as this general referred to is concerned, I’m afraid the soldiers + will all be dead at the time when his experiment is demonstrated as + thoroughly successful.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ‘TWAS “MOVING DAY.” + </h2> + <p> + Speed, who was a prosperous young merchant of Springfield, reports that + Lincoln’s personal effects consisted of a pair of saddle-bags, containing + two or three lawbooks, and a few pieces of clothing. Riding on a borrowed + horse, he thus made his appearance in Springfield. When he discovered that + a single bedstead would cost seventeen dollars he said, “It is probably + cheap enough, but I have not enough money to pay for it.” When Speed + offered to trust him, he said: “If I fail here as a lawyer, I will + probably never pay you at all.” Then Speed offered to share large double + bed with him. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0033}.jpg" alt="{0033}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0033}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + “Where is your room?” Lincoln asked. + </p> + <p> + “Upstairs,” said Speed, pointing from the store leading to his room. + </p> + <p> + Without saying a word, he took his saddle-bags on his arm, went upstairs, + set them down on the floor, came down again, and with a face beaming with + pleasure and smiles, exclaimed: “Well, Speed, I’m moved.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE’S” HAIR NEEDED COMBING. + </h2> + <p> + “By the way,” remarked President Lincoln one day to Colonel Cannon, a + close personal friend, “I can tell you a good story about my hair. When I + was nominated at Chicago, an enterprising fellow thought that a great many + people would like to see how ‘Abe’ Lincoln looked, and, as I had not long + before sat for a photograph, the fellow, having seen it, rushed over and + bought the negative. + </p> + <p> + “He at once got no end of wood-cuts, and so active was their circulation + they were soon selling in all parts of the country. + </p> + <p> + “Soon after they reached Springfield, I heard a boy crying them for sale + on the streets. ‘Here’s your likeness of “Abe” Lincoln!’ he shouted. ‘Buy + one; price only two shillings! Will look a great deal better when he gets + his hair combed!”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WOULD “TAKE TO THE WOODS.” + </h2> + <p> + Secretary of State Seward was bothered considerably regarding the + complication into which Spain had involved the United States government in + connection with San Domingo, and related his troubles to the President. + Negotiations were not proceeding satisfactorily, and things were mixed + generally. We wished to conciliate Spain, while the negroes had appealed + against Spanish oppression. + </p> + <p> + The President did not, to all appearances, look at the matter seriously, + but, instead of treating the situation as a grave one, remarked that + Seward’s dilemma reminded him of an interview between two negroes in + Tennessee. + </p> + <p> + One was a preacher, who, with the crude and strange notions of his + ignorant race, was endeavoring to admonish and enlighten his brother + African of the importance of religion and the danger of the future. + </p> + <p> + “Dar are,” said Josh, the preacher, “two roads befo’ you, Joe; be ca’ful + which ob dese you take. Narrow am de way dat leads straight to + destruction; but broad am de way dat leads right to damnation.” + </p> + <p> + Joe opened his eyes with affright, and under the spell of the awful danger + before him, exclaimed, “Josh, take which road you please; I shall go troo + de woods.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not willing,” concluded the President, “to assume any new troubles + or responsibilities at this time, and shall therefore avoid going to the + one place with Spain, or with the negro to the other, but shall ‘take to + the woods.’ We will maintain an honest and strict neutrality.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN CARRIED HER TRUNK. + </h2> + <p> + “My first strong impression of Mr. Lincoln,” says a lady of Springfield, + “was made by one of his kind deeds. I was going with a little friend for + my first trip alone on the railroad cars. It was an epoch of my life. I + had planned for it and dreamed of it for weeks. The day I was to go came, + but as the hour of the train approached, the hackman, through some + neglect, failed to call for my trunk. As the minutes went on, I realized, + in a panic of grief, that I should miss the train. I was standing by the + gate, my hat and gloves on, sobbing as if my heart would break, when Mr. + Lincoln came by. + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8035}.jpg" alt="{8035} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8035}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “‘Why, what’s the matter?’ he asked, and I poured out all my story. + </p> + <p> + “‘How big’s the trunk? There’s still time, if it isn’t too big.’ And he + pushed through the gate and up to the door. My mother and I took him up to + my room, where my little old-fashioned trunk stood, locked and tied. ‘Oh, + ho,’ he cried, ‘wipe your eyes and come on quick.’ And before I knew what + he was going to do, he had shouldered the trunk, was down stairs, and + striding out of the yard. Down the street he went fast as his long legs + could carry him, I trotting behind, drying my tears as I went. We reached + the station in time. Mr. Lincoln put me on the train, kissed me good-bye, + and told me to have a good time. It was just like him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOAT HAD TO STOP. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln never failed to take part in all political campaigns in Illinois, + as his reputation as a speaker caused his services to be in great demand. + As was natural, he was often the target at which many of the “Smart + Alecks” of that period shot their feeble bolts, but Lincoln was so ready + with his answers that few of them cared to engage him a second time. + </p> + <p> + In one campaign Lincoln was frequently annoyed by a young man who + entertained the idea that he was a born orator. He had a loud voice, was + full of language, and so conceited that he could not understand why the + people did not recognize and appreciate his abilities. + </p> + <p> + This callow politician delighted in interrupting public speakers, and at + last Lincoln determined to squelch him. One night while addressing a large + meeting at Springfield, the fellow became so offensive that “Abe” dropped + the threads of his speech and turned his attention to the tormentor. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t object,” said Lincoln, “to being interrupted with sensible + questions, but I must say that my boisterous friend does not always make + inquiries which properly come under that head. He says he is afflicted + with headaches, at which I don’t wonder, as it is a well-known fact that + nature abhors a vacuum, and takes her own way of demonstrating it. + </p> + <p> + “This noisy friend reminds me of a certain steamboat that used to run on + the Illinois river. It was an energetic boat, was always busy. When they + built it, however, they made one serious mistake, this error being in the + relative sizes of the boiler and the whistle. The latter was usually busy, + too, and people were aware that it was in existence. + </p> + <p> + “This particular boiler to which I have reference was a six-foot one, and + did all that was required of it in the way of pushing the boat along; but + as the builders of the vessel had made the whistle a six-foot one, the + consequence was that every time the whistle blew the boat had to stop.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MCCLELLAN’S “SPECIAL TALENT.” + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln one day remarked to a number of personal friends who had + called upon him at the White House: + </p> + <p> + “General McClellan’s tardiness and unwillingness to fight the enemy or + follow up advantages gained, reminds me of a man back in Illinois who knew + a few law phrases but whose lawyer lacked aggressiveness. The man finally + lost all patience and springing to his feet vociferated, ‘Why don’t you go + at him with a fi. fa., a demurrer, a capias, a surrebutter, or a ne exeat, + or something; or a nundam pactum or a non est?’ + </p> + <p> + “I wish McClellan would go at the enemy with something—I don’t care + what. General McClellan is a pleasant and scholarly gentleman. He is an + admirable engineer, but he seems to have a special talent for a stationary + engine.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW “JAKE” GOT AWAY. + </h2> + <p> + One of the last, if not the very last story told by President Lincoln, was + to one of his Cabinet who came to see him, to ask if it would be proper to + permit “Jake” Thompson to slip through Maine in disguise and embark for + Portland. + </p> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9037}.jpg" alt="{9037}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9037}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The President, as usual, was disposed to be merciful, and to permit the + arch-rebel to pass unmolested, but Secretary Stanton urged that he should + be arrested as a traitor. + </p> + <p> + “By permitting him to escape the penalties of treason,” persisted the War + Secretary, “you sanction it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Mr. Lincoln, “let me tell you a story. There was an Irish + soldier here last summer, who wanted something to drink stronger than + water, and stopped at a drug-shop, where he espied a soda-fountain. ‘Mr. + Doctor,’ said he, ‘give me, plase, a glass of soda-wather, an’ if yez can + put in a few drops of whiskey unbeknown to any one, I’ll be obleeged.’ + Now,” continued Mr. Lincoln, “if ‘Jake’ Thompson is permitted to go + through Maine unbeknown to any one, what’s the harm? So don’t have him + arrested.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklight" id="linklight"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MORE LIGHT AND LESS NOISE. + </h2> + <p> + The President was bothered to death by those persons who boisterously + demanded that the War be pushed vigorously; also, those who shouted their + advice and opinions into his weary ears, but who never suggested anything + practical. These fellows were not in the army, nor did they ever take any + interest, in a personal way, in military matters, except when engaged in + dodging drafts. + </p> + <p> + “That reminds me,” remarked Mr. Lincoln one day, “of a farmer who lost his + way on the Western frontier. Night came on, and the embarrassments of his + position were increased by a furious tempest which suddenly burst upon + him. To add to his discomfort, his horse had given out, leaving him + exposed to all the dangers of the pitiless storm. + </p> + <p> + “The peals of thunder were terrific, the frequent flashes of lightning + affording the only guide on the road as he resolutely trudged onward, + leading his jaded steed. The earth seemed fairly to tremble beneath him in + the war of elements. One bolt threw him suddenly upon his knees. + </p> + <p> + “Our traveler was not a prayerful man, but finding himself involuntarily + brought to an attitude of devotion, he addressed himself to the Throne of + Grace in the following prayer for his deliverance: + </p> + <p> + “‘O God! hear my prayer this time, for Thou knowest it is not often that I + call upon Thee. And, O Lord! if it is all the same to Thee, give us a + little more light and a little less noise.’ + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” the President said, sadly, “there was a stronger disposition + manifested on the part of our civilian warriors to unite in suppressing + the rebellion, and a little less noise as to how and by whom the chief + executive office shall be administered.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ONE BULLET AND A HATFUL. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln made the best of everything, and if he couldn’t get what he wanted + he took what he could get. In matters of policy, while President he acted + according to this rule. He would take perilous chances, even when the + result was, to the minds of his friends, not worth the risk he had run. + </p> + <p> + One day at a meeting of the Cabinet, it being at the time when it seemed + as though war with England and France could not be avoided, Secretary of + State Seward and Secretary of War Stanton warmly advocated that the United + States maintain an attitude, the result of which would have been a + declaration of hostilities by the European Powers mentioned. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0039}.jpg" alt="{0039}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0039}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0040}.jpg" alt="{0040}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0040}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + “Why take any more chances than are absolutely necessary?” asked the + President. + </p> + <p> + “We must maintain our honor at any cost,” insisted Secretary Seward. + </p> + <p> + “We would be branded as cowards before the entire world,” Secretary + Stanton said. + </p> + <p> + “But why run the greater risk when we can take a smaller one?” queried the + President calmly. “The less risk we run the better for us. That reminds me + of a story I heard a day or two ago, the hero of which was on the firing + line during a recent battle, where the bullets were flying thick. + </p> + <p> + “Finally his courage gave way entirely, and throwing down his gun, he ran + for dear life. + </p> + <p> + “As he was flying along at top speed he came across an officer who drew + his revolver and shouted, ‘Go back to your regiment at once or I will + shoot you!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Shoot and be hanged,’ the racer exclaimed. ‘What’s one bullet to a whole + hatful?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S STORY TO PEACE COMMISSIONERS. + </h2> + <p> + Among the reminiscences of Lincoln left by Editor Henry J. Raymond, is the + following: + </p> + <p> + Among the stories told by Lincoln, which is freshest in my mind, one which + he related to me shortly after its occurrence, belongs to the history of + the famous interview on board the River Queen, at Hampton Roads, between + himself and Secretary Seward and the rebel Peace Commissioners. It was + reported at the time that the President told a “little story” on that + occasion, and the inquiry went around among the newspapers, “What was it?” + </p> + <p> + The New York Herald published what purported to be a version of it, but + the “point” was entirely lost, and it attracted no attention. Being in + Washington a few days subsequent to the interview with the Commissioners + (my previous sojourn there having terminated about the first of last + August), I asked Mr. Lincoln one day if it was true that he told Stephens, + Hunter and Campbell a story. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes,” he replied, manifesting some surprise, “but has it leaked out? + I was in hopes nothing would be said about it, lest some over-sensitive + people should imagine there was a degree of levity in the intercourse + between us.” He then went on to relate the circumstances which called it + out. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said he, “we had reached and were discussing the slavery + question. Mr. Hunter said, substantially, that the slaves, always + accustomed to an overseer, and to work upon compulsion, suddenly freed, as + they would be if the South should consent to peace on the basis of the + ‘Emancipation Proclamation,’ would precipitate not only themselves, but + the entire Southern society, into irremediable ruin. No work would be + done, nothing would be cultivated, and both blacks and whites would + starve!” + </p> + <p> + Said the President: “I waited for Seward to answer that argument, but as + he was silent, I at length said: ‘Mr. Hunter, you ought to know a great + deal better about this argument than I, for you have always lived under + the slave system. I can only say, in reply to your statement of the case, + that it reminds me of a man out in Illinois, by the name of Case, who + undertook, a few years ago, to raise a very large herd of hogs. It was a + great trouble to feed them, and how to get around this was a puzzle to + him. At length he hit on the plan of planting an immense field of + potatoes, and, when they were sufficiently grown, he turned the whole herd + into the field, and let them have full swing, thus saving not only the + labor of feeding the hogs, but also that of digging the potatoes. Charmed + with his sagacity, he stood one day leaning against the fence, counting + his hogs, when a neighbor came along. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, well,’ said he, ‘Mr. Case, this is all very fine. Your hogs are + doing very well just now, but you know out here in Illinois the frost + comes early, and the ground freezes for a foot deep. Then what you going + to do?’ + </p> + <p> + “This was a view of the matter which Mr. Case had not taken into account. + Butchering time for hogs was ‘way on in December or January! He scratched + his head, and at length stammered: ‘Well, it may come pretty hard on their + snouts, but I don’t see but that it will be “root, hog, or die.”’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” GOT THE WORST OF IT. + </h2> + <p> + When Lincoln was a young lawyer in Illinois, he and a certain Judge once + got to bantering one another about trading horses; and it was agreed that + the next morning at nine o’clock they should make a trade, the horses to + be unseen up to that hour, and no backing out, under a forfeiture of $25. + At the hour appointed, the Judge came up, leading the sorriest-looking + specimen of a horse ever seen in those parts. In a few minutes Mr. Lincoln + was seen approaching with a wooden saw-horse upon his shoulders. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0043}.jpg" alt="{0043}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0043}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Great were the shouts and laughter of the crowd, and both were greatly + increased when Lincoln, on surveying the Judge’s animal, set down his + saw-horse, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Well, Judge, this is the first time I ever got the worst of it in a horse + trade.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IT DEPENDED UPON HIS CONDITION. + </h2> + <p> + The President had made arrangements to visit New York, and was told that + President Garrett, of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, would be glad to + furnish a special train. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t doubt it a bit,” remarked the President, “for I know Mr. Garrett, + and like him very well, and if I believed—which I don’t, by any + means—all the things some people say about his ‘secesh’ principles, + he might say to you as was said by the Superintendent of a certain + railroad to a son of one my predecessors in office. Some two years after + the death of President Harrison, the son of his successor in this office + wanted to take his father on an excursion somewhere or other, and went to + the Superintendent’s office to order a special train. + </p> + <p> + “This Superintendent was a Whig of the most uncompromising sort, who hated + a Democrat more than all other things on the earth, and promptly refused + the young man’s request, his language being to the effect that this + particular railroad was not running special trains for the accommodation + of Presidents of the United States just at that season. + </p> + <p> + “The son of the President was much surprised and exceedingly annoyed. + ‘Why,’ he said, ‘you have run special Presidential trains, and I know it. + Didn’t you furnish a special train for the funeral of President Harrison?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Certainly we did,’ calmly replied the Superintendent, with no relaxation + of his features, ‘and if you will only bring your father here in the same + shape as General Harrison was, you shall have the best train on the + road.”’ + </p> + <p> + When the laughter had subsided, the President said: “I shall take pleasure + in accepting Mr. Garrett’s offer, as I have no doubts whatever as to his + loyalty to the United States government or his respect for the occupant of + the Presidential office.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “GOT DOWN TO THE RAISINS.” + </h2> + <p> + A. B. Chandler, chief of the telegraph office at the War Department, + occupied three rooms, one of which was called “the President’s room,” so + much of his time did Mr. Lincoln spend there. Here he would read over the + telegrams received for the several heads of departments. Three copies of + all messages received were made—one for the President, one for the + War Department records and one for Secretary Stanton. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Chandler told a story as to the manner in which the President read the + despatches: + </p> + <p> + “President Lincoln’s copies were kept in what we called the ‘President’s + drawer’ of the ‘cipher desk.’ He would come in at any time of the night or + day, and go at once to this drawer, and take out a file of telegrams, and + begin at the top to read them. His position in running over these + telegrams was sometimes very curious. + </p> + <p> + “He had a habit of sitting frequently on the edge of his chair, with his + right knee dragged down to the floor. I remember a curious expression of + his when he got to the bottom of the new telegrams and began on those that + he had read before. It was, ‘Well, I guess I have got down to the + raisins.’ + </p> + <p> + “The first two or three times he said this he made no explanation, and I + did not ask one. But one day, after he had made the remark, he looked up + under his eyebrows at me with a funny twinkle in his eyes, and said: ‘I + used to know a little girl out West who sometimes was inclined to eat too + much. One day she ate a good many more raisins than she ought to, and + followed them up with a quantity of other goodies. They made her very + sick. After a time the raisins began to come. + </p> + <p> + “She gasped and looked at her mother and said: ‘Well, I will be better now + I guess, for I have got down to the raisins.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “HONEST ABE” SWALLOWS HIS ENEMIES. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0045}.jpg" alt="{0045}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0045}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + “‘Honest Abe’ Taking Them on the Half-Shell” was one of the cartoons + published in 1860 by one of the illustrated periodicals. As may be seen, + it represents Lincoln in a “Political Oyster House,” preparing to swallow + two of his Democratic opponents for the Presidency—Douglas and + Breckinridge. He performed the feat at the November election. The + Democratic party was hopelessly split in 1860 The Northern wing nominated + Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, as their candidate, the Southern wing + naming John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky; the Constitutional Unionists + (the old American of Know-Nothing party) placed John Bell, of Tennessee, + in the field, and against these was put Abraham Lincoln, who received the + support of the Abolitionists. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln made short work of his antagonists when the election came around. + He received a large majority in the Electoral College, while nearly every + Northern State voted majorities for him at the polls. Douglas had but + twelve votes in the Electoral College, while Bell had thirty-nine. The + votes of the Southern States, then preparing to secede, were, for the most + part, thrown for Breckinridge. The popular vote was: Lincoln, 1,857,610; + Douglas, 1,365,976; Breckinridge, 847,953; Bell, 590,631; total vote, + 4,662,170. In the Electoral College Lincoln received 180; Douglas, 12; + Breckinridge, 72; Bell, 39; Lincoln’s majority over all, 57. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SAVING HIS WIND. + </h2> + <p> + Judge H. W. Beckwith of Danville, Ill., said that soon after the Ottawa + debate between Lincoln and Douglas he passed the Chenery House, then the + principal hotel in Springfield. The lobby was crowded with partisan + leaders from various sections of the state, and Mr. Lincoln, from his + greater height, was seen above the surging mass that clung about him like + a swarm of bees to their ruler. The day was warm, and at the first chance + he broke away and came out for a little fresh air, wiping the sweat from + his face. + </p> + <p> + “As he passed the door he saw me,” said Judge Beckwith, “and, taking my + hand, inquired for the health and views of his ‘friends over in Vermillion + county.’ He was assured they were wide awake, and further told that they + looked forward to the debate between him and Senator Douglas with deep + concern. From the shadow that went quickly over his face, the pained look + that came to give way quickly to a blaze of eyes and quiver of lips, I + felt that Mr. Lincoln had gone beneath my mere words and caught my inner + and current fears as to the result. And then, in a forgiving, jocular way + peculiar to him, he said: ‘Sit down; I have a moment to spare, and will + tell you a story.’ Having been on his feet for some time, he sat on the + end of the stone step leading into the hotel door, while I stood closely + fronting him. + </p> + <p> + “‘You have,’ he continued, ‘seen two men about to fight?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, many times.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, one of them brags about what he means to do. He jumps high in the + air, cracking his heels together, smites his fists, and wastes his wreath + trying to scare somebody. You see the other fellow, he says not a word,’—here + Mr. Lincoln’s voice and manner changed to great earnestness, and repeating—‘you + see the other man says not a word. His arms are at his sides, his fists + are closely doubled up, his head is drawn to the shoulder, and his teeth + are set firm together. He is saving his wind for the fight, and as sure as + it comes off he will win it, or die a-trying.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + RIGHT FOR, ONCE, ANYHOW. + </h2> + <p> + Where men bred in courts, accustomed to the world, or versed in diplomacy, + would use some subterfuge, or would make a polite speech, or give a shrug + of the shoulders, as the means of getting out of an embarrassing position, + Lincoln raised a laugh by some bold west-country anecdote, and moved off + in the cloud of merriment produced by the joke.</p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8047}.jpg" alt="{8047} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8047}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + +<p>When Attorney-General + Bates was remonstrating apparently against the appointment of some + indifferent lawyer to a place of judicial importance, the President + interposed with: “Come now, Bates, he’s not half as bad as you think. + Besides that, I must tell you, he did me a good turn long ago. When I took + to the law, I was going to court one morning, with some ten or twelve + miles of bad road before me, and I had no horse. + </p> + <p> + “The judge overtook me in his carriage. + </p> + <p> + “‘Hallo, Lincoln! are you not going to the court-house? Come in and I will + give you a seat!’ + </p> + <p> + “Well, I got in, and the Judge went on reading his papers. Presently the + carriage struck a stump on one side of the road, then it hopped off to the + other. I looked out, and I saw the driver was jerking from side to side in + his seat, so I says: + </p> + <p> + “‘Judge, I think your coachman has been taking a little too much this + morning.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, I declare, Lincoln,’ said he, ‘I should not much wonder if you + were right, for he has nearly upset me half a dozen times since starting.’ + </p> + <p> + “So, putting his head out of the window, he shouted, ‘Why, you infernal + scoundrel, you are drunk!’ + </p> + <p> + “Upon which, pulling up his horses, and turning round with great gravity, + the coachman said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Begorra! that’s the first rightful decision that you have given for the + last twelvemonth.’” + </p> + <p> + While the company were laughing, the President beat a quiet retreat from + the neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “PITY THE POOR ORPHAN.” + </h2> + <p> + After the War was well on, and several battles had been fought, a lady + from Alexandria asked the President for an order to release a certain + church which had been taken for a Federal hospital. The President said he + could do nothing, as the post surgeon at Alexandria was immovable, and + then asked the lady why she did not donate money to build a hospital. + </p> + <p> + “We have been very much embarrassed by the war,” she replied, “and our + estates are much hampered.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not ruined?” asked the President. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, but we do not feel that we should give up anything we have + left.” + </p> + <p> + The President, after some reflection, then said: “There are more battles + yet to be fought, and I think God would prefer that your church be devoted + to the care and alleviation of the sufferings of our poor fellows. So, + madam, you will excuse me. I can do nothing for you.” + </p> + <p> + Afterward, in speaking of this incident, President Lincoln said that the + lady, as a representative of her class in Alexandria, reminded him of the + story of the young man who had an aged father and mother owning + considerable property. The young man being an only son, and believing that + the old people had outlived their usefulness, assassinated them both. He + was accused, tried and convicted of the murder. When the judge came to + pass sentence upon him, and called upon him to give any reason he might + have why the sentence of death should not be passed upon him, he with + great promptness replied that he hoped the court would be lenient upon him + because he was a poor orphan! + </p> + <h2> + “BAP.” McNABB’S BOOSTER. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9049}.jpg" alt="{9049}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9049}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + It is true that Lincoln did not drink, never swore, was a stranger to + smoking and lived a moral life generally, but he did like horse-racing and + chicken fighting. New Salem, Illinois, where Lincoln was “clerking,” was + known the neighborhood around as a “fast” town, and the average young man + made no very desperate resistance when tempted to join in the drinking and + gambling bouts. + </p> + <p> + “Bap.” McNabb was famous for his ability in both the raising and the + purchase of roosters of prime fighting quality, and when his birds fought + the attendance was large. It was because of the “flunking” of one of + “Bap.‘s” roosters that Lincoln was enabled to make a point when + criticising McClellan’s unreadiness and lack of energy. + </p> + <p> + One night there was a fight on the schedule, one of “Bap.” McNabb’s birds + being a contestant. “Bap.” brought a little red rooster, whose fighting + qualities had been well advertised for days in advance, and much interest + was manifested in the outcome. As the result of these contests was + generally a quarrel, in which each man, charging foul play, seized his + victim, they chose Lincoln umpire, relying not only on his fairness but + his ability to enforce his decisions. Judge Herndon, in his “Abraham + Lincoln,” says of this notable event: + </p> + <p> + “I cannot improve on the description furnished me in February, 1865, by + one who was present. + </p> + <p> + “They formed a ring, and the time having arrived, Lincoln, with one hand + on each hip and in a squatting position, cried, ‘Ready.’ Into the ring + they toss their fowls, ‘Bap.‘s’ red rooster along with the rest. But no + sooner had the little beauty discovered what was to be done than he + dropped his tail and ran. + </p> + <p> + “The crowd cheered, while ‘Bap.,’ in disappointment, picked him up and + started away, losing his quarter (entrance fee) and carrying home his + dishonored fowl. Once arrived at the latter place he threw his pet down + with a feeling of indignation and chagrin. + </p> + <p> + “The little fellow, out of sight of all rivals, mounted a woodpile and + proudly flirting out his feathers, crowed with all his might. ‘Bap.’ + looked on in disgust. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, you little cuss,’ he exclaimed, irreverently, ‘you’re great on + dress parade, but not worth a darn in a fight.”’ + </p> + <p> + It is said, according to Judge Herndon, that Lincoln considered McClellan + as “great on dress parade,” but not so much in a fight. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A LOW-DOWN TRICK. + </h2> + <p> + When Lincoln was a candidate of the Know Nothings for the State + Legislature, the party was over-confident, and the Democrats pursued a + still-hunt. Lincoln was defeated. He compared the situation to one of the + camp-followers of General Taylor’s army, who had secured a barrel of + cider, erected a tent, and commenced selling it to the thirsty soldiers at + twenty-five cents a drink, but he had sold but little before another sharp + one set up a tent at his back, and tapped the barrel so as to flow on his + side, and peddled out No. 1 cider at five cents a drink, of course, + getting the latter’s entire trade on the borrowed capital. + </p> + <p> + “The Democrats,” said Mr. Lincoln, “had played Knownothing on a cheaper + scale than had the real devotees of Sam, and had raked down his pile with + his own cider!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + END FOR END. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8051}.jpg" alt="{8051} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8051}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Judge H. W. Beckwith, of Danville, Ill., in his “Personal Recollections of + Lincoln,” tells a story which is a good example of Lincoln’s way of + condensing the law and the facts of an issue in a story: “A man, by vile + words, first provoked and then made a bodily attack upon another. The + latter, in defending himself, gave the other much the worst of the + encounter. The aggressor, to get even, had the one who thrashed him tried + in our Circuit Court on a charge of an assault and battery. Mr. Lincoln + defended, and told the jury that his client was in the fix of a man who, + in going along the highway with a pitchfork on his shoulder, was attacked + by a fierce dog that ran out at him from a farmer’s dooryard. In parrying + off the brute with the fork, its prongs stuck into the brute and killed + him. + </p> + <p> + “‘What made you kill my dog?’ said the farmer. + </p> + <p> + “‘What made him try to bite me?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘But why did you not go at him with the other end of the pitchfork?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why did he not come after me with his other end?’ + </p> + <p> + “At this Mr. Lincoln whirled about in his long arms an imaginary dog, and + pushed its tail end toward the jury. This was the defensive plea of ‘son + assault demesne’—loosely, that ‘the other fellow brought on the + fight,’—quickly told, and in a way the dullest mind would grasp and + retain.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LET SIX SKUNKS GO. + </h2> + <p> + The President had decided to select a new War Minister, and the Leading + Republican Senators thought the occasion was opportune to change the whole + seven Cabinet ministers. They, therefore, earnestly advised him to make a + clean sweep, and select seven new men, and so restore the waning + confidence of the country. + </p> + <p> + The President listened with patient courtesy, and when the Senators had + concluded, he said, with a characteristic gleam of humor in his eye: + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, your request for a change of the whole Cabinet because I have + made one change reminds me of a story I once heard in Illinois, of a + farmer who was much troubled by skunks. His wife insisted on his trying to + get rid of them. + </p> + <p> + “He loaded his shotgun one moonlight night and awaited developments. After + some time the wife heard the shotgun go off, and in a few minutes the + farmer entered the house. + </p> + <p> + “‘What luck have you?’ asked she. + </p> + <p> + “‘I hid myself behind the wood-pile,’ said the old man, ‘with the shotgun + pointed towards the hen roost, and before long there appeared not one + skunk, but seven. I took aim, blazed away, killed one, and he raised such + a fearful smell that I concluded it was best to let the other six go.”’ + </p> + <p> + The Senators laughed and retired. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW HE GOT BLACKSTONE. + </h2> + <p> + The following story was told by Mr. Lincoln to Mr. A. J. Conant, the + artist, who painted his portrait in Springfield in 1860: + </p> + <p> + “One day a man who was migrating to the West drove up in front of my store + with a wagon which contained his family and household plunder. He asked me + if I would buy an old barrel for which he had no room in his wagon, and + which he said contained nothing of special value. I did not want it, but + to oblige him I bought it, and paid him, I think, half a dollar for it. + Without further examination, I put it away in the store and forgot all + about it. Some time after, in overhauling things, I came upon the barrel, + and, emptying it upon the floor to see what it contained, I found at the + bottom of the rubbish a complete edition of Blackstone’s Commentaries. I + began to read those famous works, and I had plenty of time; for during the + long summer days, when the farmers were busy with their crops, my + customers were few and far between. The more I read”—this he said + with unusual emphasis—“the more intensely interested I became. Never + in my whole life was my mind so thoroughly absorbed. I read until I + devoured them.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A JOB FOR THE NEW CABINETMAKER. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8053}.jpg" alt="{8053} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8053}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + This cartoon, labeled “A Job for the New Cabinetmaker,” was printed in + “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper” on February 2d, 1861, a month and + two days before Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President of the United + States. The Southern states had seceded from the Union, the Confederacy + was established, with Jefferson Davis as its President, the Union had been + split in two, and the task Lincoln had before him was to glue the two + parts of the Republic together. In his famous speech, delivered a short + time before his nomination for the Presidency by the Republican National + Convention at Chicago, in 1860, Lincoln had said: “A house divided against + itself cannot stand; this nation cannot exist half slave and half free.” + After his inauguration as President, Mr. Lincoln went to work to glue the + two pieces together, and after four years of bloody war, and at immense + cost, the job was finished; the house of the Great American Republic was + no longer divided; the severed sections—the North and the South—were + cemented tightly; the slaves were freed, peace was firmly established, and + the Union of states was glued together so well that the nation is stronger + now than ever before. Lincoln was just the man for that job, and the work + he did will last for all time. “The New Cabinetmaker” knew his business + thoroughly, and finished his task of glueing in a workmanlike manner. At + the very moment of its completion, five days after the surrender of Lee to + Grant at Appomattox, the Martyr President fell at the hands of the + assassin, J. Wilkes Booth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “I CAN STAND IT IF THEY CAN.” + </h2> + <p> + United States Senator Benjamin Wade, of Ohio, Henry Winter Davis, of + Maryland, and Wendell Phillips were strongly opposed to President + Lincoln’s re-election, and Wade and Davis issued a manifesto. Phillips + made several warm speeches against Lincoln and his policy. + </p> + <p> + When asked if he had read the manifesto or any of Phillips’ speeches, the + President replied: + </p> + <p> + “I have not seen them, nor do I care to see them. I have seen enough to + satisfy me that I am a failure, not only in the opinion of the people in + rebellion, but of many distinguished politicians of my own party. But time + will show whether I am right or they are right, and I am content to abide + its decision. + </p> + <p> + “I have enough to look after without giving much of my time to the + consideration of the subject of who shall be my successor in office. The + position is not an easy one; and the occupant, whoever he may be, for the + next four years, will have little leisure to pluck a thorn or plant a rose + in his own pathway.” + </p> + <p> + It was urged that this opposition must be embarrassing to his + Administration, as well as damaging to the party. He replied: “Yes, that + is true; but our friends, Wade, Davis, Phillips, and others are hard to + please. I am not capable of doing so. I cannot please them without + wantonly violating not only my oath, but the most vital principles upon + which our government was founded. + </p> + <p> + “As to those who, like Wade and the rest, see fit to depreciate my policy + and cavil at my official acts, I shall not complain of them. I accord them + the utmost freedom of speech and liberty of the press, but shall not + change the policy I have adopted in the full belief that I am right. + </p> + <p> + “I feel on this subject as an old Illinois farmer once expressed himself + while eating cheese. He was interrupted in the midst of his repast by the + entrance of his son, who exclaimed, ‘Hold on, dad! there’s skippers in + that cheese you’re eating!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Never mind, Tom,’ said he, as he kept on munching his cheese, ‘if they + can stand it I can.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN MISTAKEN FOR ONCE. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln was compelled to acknowledge that he made at least one + mistake in “sizing up” men. One day a very dignified man called at the + White House, and Lincoln’s heart fell when his visitor approached. The + latter was portly, his face was full of apparent anxiety, and Lincoln was + willing to wager a year’s salary that he represented some Society for the + Easy and Speedy Repression of Rebellions. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0055}.jpg" alt="{0055}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0055}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + The caller talked fluently, but at no time did he give advice or suggest a + way to put down the Confederacy. He was full of humor, told a clever story + or two, and was entirely self-possessed. + </p> + <p> + At length the President inquired, “You are a clergyman, are you not, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Not by a jug full,” returned the stranger heartily. + </p> + <p> + Grasping him by the hand Lincoln shook it until the visitor squirmed. “You + must lunch with us. I am glad to see you. I was afraid you were a + preacher.” + </p> + <p> + “I went to the Chicago Convention,” the caller said, “as a friend of Mr. + Seward. I have watched you narrowly ever since your inauguration, and I + called merely to pay my respects. What I want to say is this: I think you + are doing everything for the good of the country that is in the power of + man to do. You are on the right track. As one of your constituents I now + say to you, do in future as you d—— please, and I will support + you!” + </p> + <p> + This was spoken with tremendous effect. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Mr. Lincoln in great astonishment, “I took you to be a + preacher. I thought you had come here to tell me how to take Richmond,” + and he again grasped the hand of his strange visitor. + </p> + <p> + Accurate and penetrating as Mr. Lincoln’s judgment was concerning men, for + once he had been wholly mistaken. The scene was comical in the extreme. + The two men stood gazing at each other. A smile broke from the lips of the + solemn wag and rippled over the wide expanse of his homely face like + sunlight overspreading a continent, and Mr. Lincoln was convulsed with + laughter. + </p> + <p> + He stayed to lunch. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0057}.jpg" alt="{0057}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0057}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0058}.jpg" alt="{0058}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0058}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FORGOT EVERYTHING HE KNEW. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln, while entertaining a few friends, is said to have + related the following anecdote of a man who knew too much: + </p> + <p> + During the administration of President Jackson there was a singular young + gentleman employed in the Public Postoffice in Washington. + </p> + <p> + His name was G.; he was from Tennessee, the son of a widow, a neighbor of + the President, on which account the old hero had a kind feeling for him, + and always got him out of difficulties with some of the higher officials, + to whom his singular interference was distasteful. + </p> + <p> + Among other things, it is said of him that while employed in the General + Postoffice, on one occasion he had to copy a letter to Major H., a high + official, in answer to an application made by an old gentleman in Virginia + or Pennsylvania, for the establishment of a new postoffice. + </p> + <p> + The writer of the letter said the application could not be granted, in + consequence of the applicant’s “proximity” to another office. + </p> + <p> + When the letter came into G.‘s hand to copy, being a great stickler for + plainness, he altered “proximity” to “nearness to.” + </p> + <p> + Major H. observed it, and asked G. why he altered his letter. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” replied G., “because I don’t think the man would understand what + you mean by proximity.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Major H., “try him; put in the ‘proximity’ again.” + </p> + <p> + In a few days a letter was received from the applicant, in which he very + indignantly said that his father had fought for liberty in the second war + for independence, and he should like to have the name of the scoundrel who + brought the charge of proximity or anything else wrong against him. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said G., “did I not say so?” + </p> + <p> + G. carried his improvements so far that Mr. Berry, the Postmaster-General, + said to him: “I don’t want you any longer; you know too much.” + </p> + <p> + Poor G. went out, but his old friend got him another place. + </p> + <p> + This time G.‘s ideas underwent a change. He was one day very busy writing, + when a stranger called in and asked him where the Patent Office was. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said G. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me where the Treasury Department is?” said the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said G. + </p> + <p> + “Nor the President’s house?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger finally asked him if he knew where the Capitol was. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied G. + </p> + <p> + “Do you live in Washington, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said G. + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord! and don’t you know where the Patent Office, Treasury, + President’s House and Capitol are?” + </p> + <p> + “Stranger,” said G., “I was turned out of the postoffice for knowing too + much. I don’t mean to offend in that way again. + </p> + <p> + “I am paid for keeping this book. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I know that much; but if you find me knowing anything more you + may take my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Good morning,” said the stranger. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE LOVED A GOOD STORY. + </h2> + <p> + Judge Breese, of the Supreme bench, one of the most distinguished of + American jurists, and a man of great personal dignity, was about to open + court at Springfield, when Lincoln called out in his hearty way: “Hold on, + Breese! Don’t open court yet! Here’s Bob Blackwell just going to tell a + story!” The judge passed on without replying, evidently regarding it as + beneath the dignity of the Supreme Court to delay proceedings for the sake + of a story. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HEELS RAN AWAY WITH THEM. + </h2> + <p> + In an argument against the opposite political party at one time during a + campaign, Lincoln said: “My opponent uses a figurative expression to the + effect that ‘the Democrats are vulnerable in the heel, but they are sound + in the heart and head.’ The first branch of the figure—that is the + Democrats are vulnerable in the heel—I admit is not merely + figuratively but literally true. Who that looks but for a moment at their + hundreds of officials scampering away with the public money to Texas, to + Europe, and to every spot of the earth where a villain may hope to find + refuge from justice, can at all doubt that they are most distressingly + affected in their heels with a species of running itch? + </p> + <p> + “It seems that this malady of their heels operates on the sound-headed and + honest-hearted creatures very much as the cork leg in the comic song did + on its owner, which, when he once got started on it, the more he tried to + stop it, the more it would run away. + </p> + <p> + “At the hazard of wearing this point threadbare, I will relate an anecdote + the situation calls to my mind, which seems to be too strikingly in point + to be omitted. A witty Irish soldier, who was always boasting of his + bravery when no danger was near, but who invariably retreated without + orders at the first charge of the engagement, being asked by his captain + why he did so, replied, ‘Captain, I have as brave a heart as Julius Caesar + ever had, but somehow or other, whenever danger approaches, my cowardly + legs will run away with it.’ + </p> + <p> + “So with the opposite party—they take the public money into their + hands for the most laudable purpose that wise heads and honest hearts can + dictate; but before they can possibly get it out again, their rascally, + vulnerable heels will run away with them.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WANTED TO BURN HIM DOWN TO THE STUMP. + </h2> + <p> + Preston King once introduced A. J. Bleeker to the President, and the + latter, being an applicant for office, was about to hand Mr. Lincoln his + vouchers, when he was asked to read them. Bleeker had not read very far + when the President disconcerted him by the exclamation, “Stop a minute! + You remind me exactly of the man who killed the dog; in fact, you are just + like him.” + </p> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9061}.jpg" alt="{9061}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9061}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “In what respect?” asked Bleeker, not feeling he had received a + compliment. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the President, “this man had made up his mind to kill his + dog, an ugly brute, and proceeded to knock out his brains with a club. He + continued striking the dog after the latter was dead until a friend + protested, exclaiming, ‘You needn’t strike him any more; the dog is dead; + you killed him at the first blow.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh, yes,’ said he, ‘I know that; but I believe in punishment after + death.’ So, I see, you do.” + </p> + <p> + Bleeker acknowledged it was possible to overdo a good thing, and then came + back at the President with an anecdote of a good priest who converted an + Indian from heathenism to Christianity; the only difficulty he had with + him was to get him to pray for his enemies. “This Indian had been taught + to overcome and destroy all his friends he didn’t like,” said Bleeker, + “but the priest told him that while that might be the Indian method, it + was not the doctrine of Christianity or the Bible. ‘Saint Paul distinctly + says,’ the priest told him, ‘If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he + thirst, give him drink.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Indian shook his head at this, but when the priest added, ‘For in so + doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head,’ Poor Lo was overcome + with emotion, fell on his knees, and with outstretched hands and uplifted + eyes invoked all sorts of blessings on the heads of all his enemies, + supplicating for pleasant hunting-grounds, a large supply of squaws, lots + of papooses, and all other Indian comforts. + </p> + <p> + “Finally the good priest interrupted him (as you did me, Mr. President), + exclaiming, ‘Stop, my son! You have discharged your Christian duty, and + have done more than enough.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh, no, father,’ replied the Indian; ‘let me pray! I want to burn him + down to the stump!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HAD A “KICK” COMING. + </h2> + <p> + During the war, one of the Northern Governors, who was able, earnest and + untiring in aiding the administration, but always complaining, sent + dispatch after dispatch to the War Office, protesting against the methods + used in raising troops. After reading all his papers, the President said, + in a cheerful and reassuring tone to the Adjutant-General: + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, never mind; those dispatches don’t mean anything. Just go + right ahead. The Governor is like a boy I once saw at a launching. When + everything was ready, they picked out a boy and sent him under the ship to + knock away the trigger and let her go. + </p> + <p> + “At the critical moment everything depended on the boy. He had to do the + job well by a direct, vigorous blow, and then lie flat and keep still + while the boat slid over him. + </p> + <p> + “The boy did everything right, but he yelled as if he were being murdered + from the time he got under the keel until he got out. I thought the hide + was all scraped off his back, but he wasn’t hurt at all. + </p> + <p> + “The master of the yard told me that this boy was always chosen for that + job; that he did his work well; that he never had been hurt, but that he + always squealed in that way. + </p> + <p> + “That’s just the way with Governor—. Make up your mind that he is + not hurt, and that he is doing the work right, and pay no attention to his + squealing. He only wants to make you understand how hard his task is, and + that he is on hand performing it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CASE OF BETSY ANN DOUGHERTY. + </h2> + <p> + Many requests and petitions made to Mr. Lincoln when he was President were + ludicrous and trifling, but he always entered into them with that + humor-loving spirit that was such a relief from the grave duties of his + great office. + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8063}.jpg" alt="{8063} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8063}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Once a party of Southerners called on him in behalf of one Betsy Ann + Dougherty. The spokesman, who was an ex-Governor, said: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. President, Betsy Ann Dougherty is a good woman. She lived in my + county and did my washing for a long time. Her husband went off and joined + the rebel army, and I wish you would give her a protection paper.” The + solemnity of this appeal struck Mr. Lincoln as uncommonly ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + The two men looked at each other—the Governor desperately earnest, + and the President masking his humor behind the gravest exterior. At last + Mr. Lincoln asked, with inimitable gravity, “Was Betsy Ann a good + washerwoman?” “Oh, yes, sir, she was, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Was your Betsy Ann an obliging woman?” “Yes, she was certainly very + kind,” responded the Governor, soberly. “Could she do other things than + wash?” continued Mr. Lincoln with the same portentous gravity. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; she was very kind—very.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is Betsy Ann?” + </p> + <p> + “She is now in New York, and wants to come back to Missouri, but she is + afraid of banishment.” + </p> + <p> + “Is anybody meddling with her?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but she is afraid to come back unless you will give her a protection + paper.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Mr. Lincoln wrote on a visiting card the following: + </p> + <p> + “Let Betsy Ann Dougherty alone as long as she behaves herself. + </p> + <p> + “A. LINCOLN.” + </p> + <p> + He handed this card to her advocate, saying, “Give this to Betsy Ann.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mr. President, couldn’t you write a few words to the officers that + would insure her protection?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Mr. Lincoln, “officers have no time now to read letters. Tell + Betsy Ann to put a string in this card and hang it around her neck. When + the officers see this, they will keep their hands off your Betsy Ann.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HAD TO WEAR A WOODEN SWORD. + </h2> + <p> + Captain “Abe” Lincoln and his company (in the Black Hawk War) were without + any sort of military knowledge, and both were forced to acquire such + knowledge by attempts at drilling. Which was the more awkward, the “squad” + or the commander, it would have been difficult to decide. + </p> + <p> + In one of Lincoln’s earliest military problems was involved the process of + getting his company “endwise” through a gate. Finally he shouted, “This + company is dismissed for two minutes, when it will fall in again on the + other side of the gate!” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was one of the first of his company to be arraigned for unmilitary + conduct. Contrary to the rules he fired a gun “within the limits,” and had + his sword taken from him. The next infringement of rules was by some of + the men, who stole a quantity of liquor, drank it, and became unfit for + duty, straggling out of the ranks the next day, and not getting together + again until late at night. + </p> + <p> + For allowing this lawlessness the captain was condemned to wear a wooden + sword for two days. These were merely interesting but trivial incidents of + the campaign. Lincoln was from the very first popular with his men, + although one of them told him to “go to the devil.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” STIRRING THE “BLACK” COALS. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9065}.jpg" alt="{9065}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9065}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Under the caption, “The American Difficulty,” “Punch” printed on May 11th, + 1861, the cartoon reproduced here. The following text was placed beneath + the illustration: PRESIDENT ABE: “What a nice White House this would be, + if it were not for the blacks!” It was the idea in England, and, in fact, + in all the countries on the European continent, that the War of the + Rebellion was fought to secure the freedom of the negro slaves. Such was + not the case. The freedom of the slaves was one of the necessary + consequences of the Civil War, but not the cause of that bloody four + years’ conflict. The War was the result of the secession of the states of + the South from the Union, and President “Abe’s” main aim was to compel the + seceding states to resume their places in the Federal Union of states. + </p> + <p> + The blacks did not bother President “Abe” in the least as he knew he would + be enabled to give them their freedom when the proper time came. He had + the project of freeing them in his mind long before he issued his + Emancipation Proclamation, the delay in promulgating that document being + due to the fact that he did not wish to estrange the hundreds of thousands + of patriots of the border states who were fighting for the preservation of + the Union, and not for the freedom of the negro slaves. President “Abe” + had patience, and everything came out all right in the end. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GETTING RID OF AN ELEPHANT. + </h2> + <p> + Charles A. Dana, who was Assistant Secretary of War under Mr. Stanton, + relates the following: A certain Thompson had been giving the government + considerable trouble. Dana received information that Thompson was about to + escape to Liverpool. + </p> + <p> + Calling upon Stanton, Dana was referred to Mr. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “The President was at the White House, business hours were over, Lincoln + was washing his hands. ‘Hallo, Dana,’ said he, as I opened the door, ‘what + is it now?’ ‘Well, sir,’ I said, ‘here is the Provost Marshal of Portland, + who reports that Jacob Thompson is to be in town to-night, and inquires + what orders we have to give.’ ‘What does Stanton say?’ he asked. ‘Arrest + him,’ I replied. ‘Well,’ he continued, drawling his words, ‘I rather guess + not. When you have an elephant on your hands, and he wants to run away, + better let him run.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GROTESQUE, YET FRIGHTFUL. + </h2> + <p> + The nearest Lincoln ever came to a fight was when he was in the vicinity + of the skirmish at Kellogg’s Grove, in the Black Hawk War. The rangers + arrived at the spot after the engagement and helped bury the five men who + were killed. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln told Noah Brooks, one of his biographers, that he “remembered just + how those men looked as we rode up the little hill where their camp was. + The red light of the morning sun was streaming upon them as they lay, + heads toward us, on the ground. And every man had a round, red spot on the + top of his head about as big as a dollar, where the redskins had taken his + scalp. It was frightful, but it was grotesque; and the red sunlight seemed + to paint everything all over.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln paused, as if recalling the vivid picture, and added, somewhat + irrelevantly, “I remember that one man had on buckskin breeches.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” WAS NO DUDE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9067}.jpg" alt="{9067}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9067}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Always indifferent in matters of dress, Lincoln cut but small figure in + social circles, even in the earliest days of Illinois. His trousers were + too short, his hat too small, and, as a rule, the buttons on the back of + his coat were nearer his shoulder blades than his waist. + </p> + <p> + No man was richer than his fellows, and there was no aristocracy; the + women wore linsey-woolsey of home manufacture, and dyed them in accordance + with the tastes of the wearers; calico was rarely seen, and a woman + wearing a dress of that material was the envy of her sisters. + </p> + <p> + There being no shoemakers the women wore moccasins, and the men made their + own boots. A hunting shirt, leggins made of skins, buckskin breeches, dyed + green, constituted an apparel no maiden could withstand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHARACTERISTIC OF LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + One man who knew Lincoln at New Salem, says the first time he saw him he + was lying on a trundle-bed covered with books and papers and rocking a + cradle with his foot. + </p> + <p> + The whole scene was entirely characteristic—Lincoln reading and + studying, and at the same time helping his landlady by quieting her child. + </p> + <p> + A gentleman who knew Mr. Lincoln well in early manhood says: “Lincoln at + this period had nothing but plenty of friends.” + </p> + <p> + After the customary hand-shaking on one occasion in the White House at + Washington several gentlemen came forward and asked the President for his + autograph. One of them gave his name as “Cruikshank.” “That reminds me,” + said Mr. Lincoln, “of what I used to be called when a young man—‘Long-shanks!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “PLOUGH ALL ‘ROUND HIM.” + </h2> + <h3> + Governor Blank went to the War Department one day in a towering rage: + </h3> + <p> + “I suppose you found it necessary to make large concessions to him, as he + returned from you perfectly satisfied,” suggested a friend. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” the President replied, “I did not concede anything. You have + heard how that Illinois farmer got rid of a big log that was too big to + haul out, too knotty to split, and too wet and soggy to burn. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, now,’ said he, in response to the inquiries of his neighbors one + Sunday, as to how he got rid of it, ‘well, now, boys, if you won’t divulge + the secret, I’ll tell you how I got rid of it—I ploughed around it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Now,” remarked Lincoln, in conclusion, “don’t tell anybody, but that’s + the way I got rid of Governor Blank. I ploughed all round him, but it took + me three mortal hours to do it, and I was afraid every minute he’d see + what I was at.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “I’VE LOST MY APPLE.” + </h2> + <p> + During a public “reception,” a farmer from one of the border counties of + Virginia told the President that the Union soldiers, in passing his farm, + had helped themselves not only to hay, but his horse, and he hoped the + President would urge the proper officer to consider his claim immediately. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln said that this reminded him of an old acquaintance of his, + “Jack” Chase, a lumberman on the Illinois, a steady, sober man, and the + best raftsman on the river. It was quite a trick to take the logs over the + rapids; but he was skilful with a raft, and always kept her straight in + the channel. Finally a steamer was put on, and “Jack” was made captain of + her. He always used to take the wheel, going through the rapids. One day + when the boat was plunging and wallowing along the boiling current, and + “Jack’s” utmost vigilance was being exercised to keep her in the narrow + channel, a boy pulled his coat-tail and hailed him with: + </p> + <p> + “Say, Mister Captain! I wish you would just stop your boat a minute—I’ve + lost my apple overboard!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LOST HIS CERTIFICATE OF CHARACTER. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8069}.jpg" alt="{8069} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8069}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln prepared his first inaugural address in a room over a store in + Springfield. His only reference works were Henry Clay’s great compromise + speech of 1850, Andrew Jackson’s Proclamation against Nullification, + Webster’s great reply to Hayne, and a copy of the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, to be inaugurated, the inaugural + address was placed in a special satchel and guarded with special care. At + Harrisburg the satchel was given in charge of Robert T. Lincoln, who + accompanied his father. Before the train started from Harrisburg the + precious satchel was missing. Robert thought he had given it to a waiter + at the hotel, but a long search failed to reveal the missing satchel with + its precious document. Lincoln was annoyed, angry, and finally in despair. + He felt certain that the address was lost beyond recovery, and, as it only + lacked ten days until the inauguration, he had no time to prepare another. + He had not even preserved the notes from which the original copy had been + written. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln went to Ward Lamon, his former law partner, then one of his + bodyguards, and informed him of the loss in the following words: + </p> + <p> + “Lamon, I guess I have lost my certificate of moral character, written by + myself. Bob has lost my gripsack containing my inaugural address.” Of + course, the misfortune reminded him of a story. + </p> + <p> + “I feel,” said Mr. Lincoln, “a good deal as the old member of the + Methodist Church did when he lost his wife at the camp meeting, and went + up to an old elder of the church and asked him if he could tell him + whereabouts in h—l his wife was. In fact, I am in a worse fix than + my Methodist friend, for if it were only a wife that were missing, mine + would be sure to bob up somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk at the hotel told Mr. Lincoln that he would probably find his + missing satchel in the baggage-room. Arriving there, Mr. Lincoln saw a + satchel which he thought was his, and it was passed out to him. His key + fitted the lock, but alas! when it was opened the satchel contained only a + soiled shirt, some paper collars, a pack of cards and a bottle of whisky. + A few minutes later the satchel containing the inaugural address was found + among the pile of baggage. + </p> + <p> + The recovery of the address also reminded Mr. Lincoln of a story, which is + thus narrated by Ward Lamon in his “Recollections of Abraham Lincoln”: + </p> + <p> + The loss of the address and the search for it was the subject of a great + deal of amusement. Mr. Lincoln said many funny things in connection with + the incident. One of them was that he knew a fellow once who had saved up + fifteen hundred dollars, and had placed it in a private banking + establishment. The bank soon failed, and he afterward received ten per + cent of his investment. He then took his one hundred and fifty dollars and + deposited it in a savings bank, where he was sure it would be safe. In a + short time this bank also failed, and he received at the final settlement + ten per cent on the amount deposited. When the fifteen dollars was paid + over to him, he held it in his hand and looked at it thoughtfully; then he + said, “Now, darn you, I have got you reduced to a portable shape, so I’ll + put you in my pocket.” Suiting the action to the word, Mr. Lincoln took + his address from the bag and carefully placed it in the inside pocket of + his vest, but held on to the satchel with as much interest as if it still + contained his “certificate of moral character.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8071}.jpg" alt="{8071} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8071}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The great English funny paper, London “Punch,” printed this cartoon on + September 27th, 1862. It is intended to convey the idea that Lincoln, + having asserted that the war would be over in ninety days, had not + redeemed his word: The text under the Cartoon in Punch was: + </p> + <p> + MR. SOUTH TO MR. NORTH: “Your ‘ninety-day’ promissory note isn’t taken up + yet, sirree!” + </p> + <p> + The tone of the cartoon is decidedly unfriendly. The North finally took up + the note, but the South had to pay it. “Punch” was not pleased with the + result, but “Mr. North” did not care particularly what this periodical + thought about it. The United States, since then, has been prepared to take + up all of its obligations when due, but it must be acknowledged that at + the time this cartoon was published the outlook was rather dark and + gloomy. Lincoln did not despair, however; but although business was in + rather bad shape for a time, the financial skies finally cleared, business + was resumed at the old stand, and Uncle Sam’s credit is now as good, or + better, than other nations’ cash in hand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DOG WAS A “LEETLE BIT AHEAD.” + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln could not sympathize with those Union generals who were prone to + indulge in high-sounding promises, but whose performances did not by any + means come up to their predictions as to what they would do if they ever + met the enemy face to face. He said one day, just after one of these + braggarts had been soundly thrashed by the Confederates: + </p> + <p> + “These fellows remind me of the fellow who owned a dog which, so he said, + just hungered and thirsted to combat and eat up wolves. It was a difficult + matter, so the owner declared, to keep that dog from devoting the entire + twenty-four hours of each day to the destruction of his enemies. He just + ‘hankered’ to get at them. + </p> + <p> + “One day a party of this dog-owner’s friends thought to have some sport. + These friends heartily disliked wolves, and were anxious to see the dog + eat up a few thousand. So they organized a hunting party and invited the + dog-owner and the dog to go with them. They desired to be personally + present when the wolf-killing was in progress. + </p> + <p> + “It was noticed that the dog-owner was not over-enthusiastic in the + matter; he pleaded a ‘business engagement,’ but as he was the most + notorious and torpid of the town loafers, and wouldn’t have recognized a + ‘business engagement’ had he met it face to face, his excuse was treated + with contempt. Therefore he had to go. + </p> + <p> + “The dog, however, was glad enough to go, and so the party started out. + Wolves were in plenty, and soon a pack was discovered, but when the + ‘wolf-hound’ saw the ferocious animals he lost heart, and, putting his + tail between his legs, endeavored to slink away. At last—after many + trials—he was enticed into the small growth of underbrush where the + wolves had secreted themselves, and yelps of terror betrayed the fact that + the battle was on. + </p> + <p> + “Away flew the wolves, the dog among them, the hunting party following on + horseback. The wolves seemed frightened, and the dog was restored to + public favor. It really looked as if he had the savage creatures on the + run, as he was fighting heroically when last sighted. + </p> + <p> + “Wolves and dog soon disappeared, and it was not until the party arrived + at a distant farmhouse that news of the combatants was gleaned. + </p> + <p> + “‘Have you seen anything of a wolf-dog and a pack of wolves around here?’ + was the question anxiously put to the male occupant of the house, who + stood idly leaning upon the gate. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yep,’ was the short answer. + </p> + <p> + “‘How were they going?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Purty fast.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What was their position when you saw them?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ replied the farmer, in a most exasperatingly deliberate way, ‘the + dog was a leetle bit ahead.’ + </p> + <p> + “Now, gentlemen,” concluded the President, “that’s the position in which + you’ll find most of these bragging generals when they get into a fight + with the enemy. That’s why I don’t like military orators.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE’S” FIGHT WITH NEGROES. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0073}.jpg" alt="{0073}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0073}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + When Lincoln was nineteen years of age, he went to work for a Mr. Gentry, + and, in company with Gentry’s son, took a flatboat load of provisions to + New Orleans. At a plantation six miles below Baton Rouge, while the boat + was tied up to the shore in the dead hours of the night, and Abe and Allen + were fast asleep in the bed, they were startled by footsteps on board. + They knew instantly that it was a gang of negroes come to rob and perhaps + murder them. Allen, thinking to frighten the negroes, called out, “Bring + guns, Lincoln, and shoot them!” Abe came without the guns, but fell among + the negroes with a huge bludgeon and belabored them most cruelly, + following them onto the bank. They rushed back to their boat and hastily + put out into the stream. It is said that Lincoln received a scar in this + tussle which he carried with him to his grave. It was on this trip that he + saw the workings of slavery for the first time. The sight of New Orleans + was like a wonderful panorama to his eyes, for never before had he seen + wealth, beauty, fashion and culture. He returned home with new and larger + ideas and stronger opinions of right and justice. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0075}.jpg" alt="{0075}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0075}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0076}.jpg" alt="{0076}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0076}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOISE LIKE A TURNIP. + </h2> + <p> + “Every man has his own peculiar and particular way of getting at and doing + things,” said President Lincoln one day, “and he is often criticised + because that way is not the one adopted by others. The great idea is to + accomplish what you set out to do. When a man is successful in whatever he + attempts, he has many imitators, and the methods used are not so closely + scrutinized, although no man who is of good intent will resort to mean, + underhanded, scurvy tricks. + </p> + <p> + “That reminds me of a fellow out in Illinois, who had better luck in + getting prairie chickens than any one in the neighborhood. He had a rusty + old gun no other man dared to handle; he never seemed to exert himself, + being listless and indifferent when out after game, but he always brought + home all the chickens he could carry, while some of the others, with their + finely trained dogs and latest improved fowling-pieces, came home alone. + </p> + <p> + “‘How is it, Jake?’ inquired one sportsman, who, although a good shot, and + knew something about hunting, was often unfortunate, ‘that you never come + home without a lot of birds?’ + </p> + <p> + “Jake grinned, half closed his eyes, and replied: ‘Oh, I don’t know that + there’s anything queer about it. I jes’ go ahead an’ git ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, I know you do; but how do you do it?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘You’ll tell.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Honest, Jake, I won’t say a word. Hope to drop dead this minute.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Never say nothing, if I tell you?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Cross my heart three times.’ + </p> + <p> + “This reassured Jake, who put his mouth close to the ear of his eager + questioner, and said, in a whisper: + </p> + <p> + “‘All you got to do is jes’ to hide in a fence corner an’ make a noise + like a turnip. That’ll bring the chickens every time.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WARDING OFF GOD’S VENGEANCE. + </h2> + <p> + When Lincoln was a candidate for re-election to the Illinois Legislature + in 1836, a meeting was advertised to be held in the court-house in + Springfield, at which candidates of opposing parties were to speak. This + gave men of spirit and capacity a fine opportunity to show the stuff of + which they were made. + </p> + <p> + George Forquer was one of the most prominent citizens; he had been a Whig, + but became a Democrat—possibly for the reason that by means of the + change he secured the position of Government land register, from President + Andrew Jackson. He had the largest and finest house in the city, and there + was a new and striking appendage to it, called a lightning-rod! The + meeting was very large. Seven Whig and seven Democratic candidates spoke. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln closed the discussion. A Kentuckian (Joshua F. Speed), who had + heard Henry Clay and other distinguished Kentucky orators, stood near + Lincoln, and stated afterward that he “never heard a more effective + speaker;... the crowd seemed to be swayed by him as he pleased.” What + occurred during the closing portion of this meeting must be given in full, + from Judge Arnold’s book: + </p> + <p> + “Forquer, although not a candidate, asked to be heard for the Democrats, + in reply to Lincoln. He was a good speaker, and well known throughout the + county. His special task that day was to attack and ridicule the young + countryman from Salem. + </p> + <p> + “Turning to Lincoln, who stood within a few feet of him, he said: ‘This + young man must be taken down, and I am truly sorry that the task devolves + upon me.’ He then proceeded, in a very overbearing way, and with an + assumption of great superiority, to attack Lincoln and his speech. He was + fluent and ready with the rough sarcasm of the stump, and he went on to + ridicule the person, dress and arguments of Lincoln with so much success + that Lincoln’s friends feared that he would be embarrassed and + overthrown.” + </p> + <p> + “The Clary’s Grove boys were present, and were restrained with difficulty + from ‘getting up a fight’ in behalf of their favorite (Lincoln), they and + all his friends feeling that the attack was ungenerous and unmanly. + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln, however, stood calm, but his flashing eye and pale cheek + indicated his indignation. As soon as Forquer had closed he took the + stand, and first answered his opponent’s arguments fully and triumphantly. + So impressive were his words and manner that a hearer (Joshua F. Speed) + believes that he can remember to this day and repeat some of the + expressions. + </p> + <p> + “Among other things he said: ‘The gentleman commenced his speech by saying + that “this young man,” alluding to me, “must be taken down.” I am not so + young in years as I am in the tricks and the trades of a politician, but,’ + said he, pointing to Forquer, ‘live long or die young, I would rather die + now than, like the gentleman, change my politics, and with the change + receive an office worth $3,000 a year, and then,’ continued he, ‘feel + obliged to erect a lightning-rod over my house, to protect a guilty + conscience from an offended God!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JEFF DAVIS AND CHARLES THE FIRST. + </h2> + <p> + Jefferson Davis insisted on being recognized by his official title as + commander or President in the regular negotiation with the Government. + This Mr. Lincoln would not consent to. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hunter thereupon referred to the correspondence between King Charles + the First and his Parliament as a precedent for a negotiation between a + constitutional ruler and rebels. Mr. Lincoln’s face then wore that + indescribable expression which generally preceded his hardest hits, and he + remarked: “Upon questions of history, I must refer you to Mr. Seward, for + he is posted in such things, and I don’t profess to be; but my only + distinct recollection of the matter is, that Charles lost his head.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LOVED SOLDIERS’ HUMOR. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln loved anything that savored of wit or humor among the soldiers. He + used to relate two stories to show, he said, that neither death nor danger + could quench the grim humor of the American soldier: + </p> + <p> + “A soldier of the Army of the Potomac was being carried to the rear of + battle with both legs shot off, who, seeing a pie-woman, called out, ‘Say, + old lady, are them pies sewed or pegged?’ + </p> + <p> + “And there was another one of the soldiers at the battle of + Chancellorsville, whose regiment, waiting to be called into the fight, was + taking coffee. The hero of the story put to his lips a crockery mug which + he had carried with care through several campaigns. A stray bullet, just + missing the tinker’s head, dashed the mug into fragments and left only the + handle on his finger. Turning his head in that direction, he scowled, + ‘Johnny, you can’t do that again!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0062" id="link2H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BAD TIME FOR A BARBECUE. + </h2> + <p> + Captain T. W. S. Kidd of Springfield was the crier of the court in the + days when Mr. Lincoln used to ride the circuit. + </p> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9079}.jpg" alt="{9079}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9079}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “I was younger than he,” says Captain Kidd, “but he had a sort of + admiration for me, and never failed to get me into his stories. I was a + story-teller myself in those days, and he used to laugh very heartily at + some of the stories I told him. + </p> + <p> + “Now and then he got me into a good deal of trouble. I was a Democrat, and + was in politics more or less. A good many of our Democratic voters at that + time were Irishmen. They came to Illinois in the days of the old canal, + and did their honest share in making that piece of internal improvement an + accomplished fact. + </p> + <p> + “One time Mr. Lincoln told the story of one of those important young + fellows—not an Irishman—who lived in every town, and have the + cares of state on their shoulders. This young fellow met an Irishman on + the street, and called to him, officiously: ‘Oh, Mike, I’m awful glad I + met you. We’ve got to do something to wake up the boys. The campaign is + coming on, and we’ve got to get out voters. We’ve just had a meeting up + here, and we’re going to have the biggest barbecue that ever was heard of + in Illinois. We are going to roast two whole oxen, and we’re going to have + Douglas and Governor Cass and some one from Kentucky, and all the big + Democratic guns, and we’re going to have a great big time.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘By dad, that’s good!’ says the Irishman. ‘The byes need stirrin’ up.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, and you’re on one of the committees, and you want to hustle around + and get them waked up, Mike.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘When is the barbecue to be?’ asked Mike. + </p> + <p> + “‘Friday, two weeks.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Friday, is it? Well, I’ll make a nice committeeman, settin’ the barbecue + on a day with half of the Dimocratic party of Sangamon county can’t ate a + bite of mate. Go on wid ye.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln told that story in one of his political speeches, and when the + laugh was over he said: ‘Now, gentlemen, I know that story is true, for + Tom Kidd told it to me.’ And then the Democrats would make trouble for me + for a week afterward, and I’d have to explain.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE’D SEE IT AGAIN. + </h2> + <p> + About two years before Lincoln was nominated for the Presidency he went to + Bloomington, Illinois, to try a case of some importance. His opponent—who + afterward reached a high place in his profession—was a young man of + ability, sensible but sensitive, and one to whom the loss of a case was a + great blow. He therefore studied hard and made much preparation. + </p> + <p> + This particular case was submitted to the jury late at night, and, + although anticipating a favorable verdict, the young attorney spent a + sleepless night in anxiety. Early next morning he learned, to his great + chagrin, that he had lost the case. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln met him at the court-house some time after the jury had come in, + and asked him what had become of his case. + </p> + <p> + With lugubrious countenance and in a melancholy tone the young man + replied, “It’s gone to hell.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well,” replied Lincoln, “then you will see it again.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0064" id="link2H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CALL ANOTHER WITNESS. + </h2> + <p> + When arguing a case in court, Mr. Lincoln never used a word which the + dullest juryman could not understand. Rarely, if ever, did a Latin term + creep into his arguments. A lawyer, quoting a legal maxim one day in + court, turned to Lincoln, and said: “That is so, is it not, Mr. Lincoln?” + </p> + <p> + “If that’s Latin.” Lincoln replied, “you had better call another witness.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0065" id="link2H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A CONTEST WITH LITTLE “TAD.” + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9081}.jpg" alt="{9081}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9081}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Mr. Carpenter, the artist, relates the following incident: “Some + photographers came up to the White House to make some stereoscopic studies + for me of the President’s office. They requested a dark closet in which to + develop the pictures, and, without a thought that I was infringing upon + anybody’s rights, I took them to an unoccupied room of which little ‘Tad’ + had taken possession a few days before, and, with the aid of a couple of + servants, had fitted up a miniature theater, with stage, curtains, + orchestra, stalls, parquette and all. Knowing that the use required would + interfere with none of his arrangements, I led the way to this apartment. + </p> + <p> + “Everything went on well, and one or two pictures had been taken, when + suddenly there was an uproar. The operator came back to the office and + said that ‘Tad’ had taken great offense at the occupation of his room + without his consent, and had locked the door, refusing all admission. + </p> + <p> + “The chemicals had been taken inside, and there was no way of getting at + them, he having carried off the key. In the midst of this conversation + ‘Tad’ burst in, in a fearful passion. He laid all the blame upon me—said + that I had no right to use his room, and the men should not go in even to + get their things. He had locked the door and they should not go there + again—‘they had no business in his room!’ + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln was sitting for a photograph, and was still in the chair. He + said, very mildly, ‘Tad, go and unlock the door.’ Tad went off muttering + into his mother’s room, refusing to obey. I followed him into the passage, + but no coaxing would pacify him. Upon my return to the President, I found + him still patiently in the chair, from which he had not risen. He said: + ‘Has not the boy opened the door?’ I replied that we could do nothing with + him—he had gone off in a great pet. Mr. Lincoln’s lips came together + firmly, and then, suddenly rising, he strode across the passage with the + air of one bent on punishment, and disappeared in the domestic apartments. + Directly he returned with the key to the theater, which he unlocked + himself. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tad,’ said he, half apologetically, ‘is a peculiar child. He was + violently excited when I went to him. I said, “Tad, do you know that you + are making your father a great deal of trouble?” He burst into tears, + instantly giving me up the key.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0066" id="link2H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + REMINDED HIM OF “A LITTLE STORY.” + </h2> + <p> + When Lincoln’s attention was called to the fact that, at one time in his + boyhood, he had spelled the name of the Deity with a small “g,” he + replied: + </p> + <p> + “That reminds me of a little story. It came about that a lot of + Confederate mail was captured by the Union forces, and, while it was not + exactly the proper thing to do, some of our soldiers opened several + letters written by the Southerners at the front to their people at home. + </p> + <p> + “In one of these missives the writer, in a postscript, jotted down this + assertion: + </p> + <p> + “‘We’ll lick the Yanks termorrer, if goddlemity (God Almighty) spares our + lives.’ + </p> + <p> + “That fellow was in earnest, too, as the letter was written the day before + the second battle of Manassas.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0067" id="link2H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “FETCHED SEVERAL SHORT ONES.” + </h2> + <p> + “The first time I ever remember seeing ‘Abe’ Lincoln,” is the testimony of + one of his neighbors, “was when I was a small boy and had gone with my + father to attend some kind of an election. One of the neighbors, James + Larkins, was there. + </p> + <p> + “Larkins was a great hand to brag on anything he owned. This time it was + his horse. He stepped up before ‘Abe,’ who was in a crowd, and commenced + talking to him, boasting all the while of his animal. + </p> + <p> + “‘I have got the best horse in the country,’ he shouted to his young + listener. ‘I ran him nine miles in exactly three minutes, and he never + fetched a long breath.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I presume,’ said ‘Abe,’ rather dryly, ‘he fetched a good many short + ones, though.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0068" id="link2H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN LUGS THE OLD MAN. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9083}.jpg" alt="{9083}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9083}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + On May 3rd, 1862, “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper” printed this + cartoon, over the title of “Sandbag Lincoln and the Old Man of the Sea, + Secretary of the Navy Welles.” It was intended to demonstrate that the + head of the Navy Department was incompetent to manage the affairs of the + Navy; also that the Navy was not doing as good work as it might. + </p> + <p> + When this cartoon was published, the United States Navy had cleared and + had under control the Mississippi River as far south as Memphis; had + blockaded all the cotton ports of the South; had assisted in the reduction + of a number of Confederate forts; had aided Grant at Fort Donelson and the + battle of Shiloh; the Monitor had whipped the ironclad terror, Merrimac + (the Confederates called her the Virginia); Admiral Farragut’s fleet had + compelled the surrender of the city of New Orleans, the great forts which + had defended it, and the Federal Government obtained control of the lower + Mississippi. + </p> + <p> + “The Old Man of the Sea” was therefore, not a drag or a weight upon + President Lincoln, and the Navy was not so far behind in making a good + record as the picture would have the people of the world believe. It was + not long after the Monitor’s victory that the United States Navy was the + finest that ever plowed the seas. The building of the Monitor also + revolutionized naval warfare. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0069" id="link2H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + McCLELLAN WAS “INTRENCHING.” + </h2> + <p> + About a week after the Chicago Convention, a gentleman from New York + called upon the President, in company with the Assistant Secretary of War, + Mr. Dana. + </p> + <p> + In the course of conversation, the gentleman said: “What do you think, Mr. + President, is the reason General McClellan does not reply to the letter + from the Chicago Convention?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” replied Mr. Lincoln, with a characteristic twinkle of the eye, “he + is intrenching!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0070" id="link2H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF IT, ANYWAY. + </h2> + <p> + From the day of his nomination by the Chicago convention, gifts poured in + upon Lincoln. Many of these came in the form of wearing apparel. Mr. + George Lincoln, of Brooklyn, who brought to Springfield, in January, 1861, + a handsome silk hat to the President-elect, the gift of a New York hatter, + told some friends that in receiving the hat Lincoln laughed heartily over + the gifts of clothing, and remarked to Mrs. Lincoln: “Well, wife, if + nothing else comes out of this scrape, we are going to have some new + clothes, are we not?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0071" id="link2H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VICIOUS OXEN HAVE SHORT HORNS. + </h2> + <p> + In speaking of the many mean and petty acts of certain members of + Congress, the President, while talking on the subject one day with + friends, said: + </p> + <p> + “I have great sympathy for these men, because of their temper and their + weakness; but I am thankful that the good Lord has given to the vicious ox + short horns, for if their physical courage were equal to their vicious + disposition, some of us in this neck of the woods would get hurt.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0072" id="link2H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S NAME FOR “WEEPING WATER.” + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8085}.jpg" alt="{8085} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8085}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “I was speaking one time to Mr. Lincoln,” said Governor Saunders, “of + Nebraska, of a little Nebraskan settlement on the Weeping Water, a stream + in our State.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Weeping Water!’ said he. + </p> + <p> + “Then with a twinkle in his eye, he continued. + </p> + <p> + “‘I suppose the Indians out there call Minneboohoo, don’t they? They ought + to, if Laughing Water is Minnehaha in their language.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0073" id="link2H_4_0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PETER CARTWRIGHT’S DESCRIPTION OF LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + Peter Cartwright, the famous and eccentric old Methodist preacher, who + used to ride a church circuit, as Mr. Lincoln and others did the court + circuit, did not like Lincoln very well, probably because Mr. Lincoln was + not a member of his flock, and once defeated the preacher for Congress. + This was Cartwright’s description of Lincoln: “This Lincoln is a man six + feet four inches tall, but so angular that if you should drop a plummet + from the center of his head it would cut him three times before it touched + his feet.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0074" id="link2H_4_0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO DEATHS IN HIS HOUSE. + </h2> + <p> + A gentleman was relating to the President how a friend of his had been + driven away from New Orleans as a Unionist, and how, on his expulsion, + when he asked to see the writ by which he was expelled, the deputation + which called on him told him the Government would do nothing illegal, and + so they had issued no illegal writs, and simply meant to make him go of + his own free will. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Lincoln, “that reminds me of a hotel-keeper down at St. + Louis, who boasted that he never had a death in his hotel, for whenever a + guest was dying in his house he carried him out to die in the gutter.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0075" id="link2H_4_0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PAINTED HIS PRINCIPLES. + </h2> + <p> + The day following the adjournment of the Baltimore Convention, at which + President Lincoln was renominated, various political organizations called + to pay their respects to the President. While the Philadelphia delegation + was being presented, the chairman of that body, in introducing one of the + members, said: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. President, this is Mr. S., of the second district of our State,—a + most active and earnest friend of yours and the cause. He has, among other + things, been good enough to paint, and present to our league rooms, a most + beautiful portrait of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln took the gentleman’s hand in his, and shaking it + cordially said, with a merry voice, “I presume, sir, in painting your + beautiful portrait, you took your idea of me from my principles and not + from my person.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0076" id="link2H_4_0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DIGNIFYING THE STATUTE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was married—he balked at the first date set for the ceremony + and did not show up at all—November 4, 1842, under most happy + auspices. The officiating clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Dresser, used the + Episcopal church service for marriage. Lincoln placed the ring upon the + bride’s finger, and said, “With this ring I now thee wed, and with all my + worldly goods I thee endow.” + </p> + <p> + Judge Thomas C. Browne, who was present, exclaimed, “Good gracious, + Lincoln! the statute fixes all that!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well,” drawled Lincoln, “I just thought I’d add a little dignity to + the statute.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0077" id="link2H_4_0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN CAMPAIGN MOTTOES. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9087}.jpg" alt="{9087}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9087}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The joint debates between Lincoln and Douglas were attended by crowds of + people, and the arrival of both at the places of speaking were in the + nature of a triumphal procession. In these processions there were many + banners bearing catch-phrases and mottoes expressing the sentiment of the + people on the candidates and the issues. + </p> + <p> + The following were some of the mottoes on the Lincoln banners: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="mottoes" style="border-top:1px solid black;border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black;padding:1%;margin-bottom:3%;"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Westward the star of empire takes its way; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The girls link on to Lincoln, their mothers were for Clay. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="mottoes" style="border-top:1px solid black;border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black;padding:1%;margin-bottom:3%;"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Abe, the Giant-Killer. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="mottoes" style="border-top:1px solid black;border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black;padding:1%;margin-bottom:3%;"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Edgar County for the Tall Sucker. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="mottoes" style="border-top:1px solid black;border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black;padding:1%;margin-bottom:3%;"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Free Territories and Free Men, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Free Pulpits and Free Preachers, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Free Press and a Free Pen, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Free Schools and Free Teachers. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0078" id="link2H_4_0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GIVING AWAY THE CASE. + </h2> + <p> + Between the first election and inauguration of Mr. Lincoln the disunion + sentiment grew rapidly in the South, and President Buchanan’s failure to + stop the open acts of secession grieved Mr. Lincoln sorely. Mr. Lincoln + had a long talk with his friend, Judge Gillespie, over the state of + affairs. One incident of the conversation is thus narrated by the Judge: + </p> + <p> + “When I retired, it was the master of the house and chosen ruler of the + country who saw me to my room. ‘Joe,’ he said, as he was about to leave + me, ‘I am reminded and I suppose you will never forget that trial down in + Montgomery county, where the lawyer associated with you gave away the + whole case in his opening speech. I saw you signaling to him, but you + couldn’t stop him. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now, that’s just the way with me and Buchanan. He is giving away the + case, and I have nothing to say, and can’t stop him. Good-night.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0079" id="link2H_4_0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + POSING WITH A BROOMSTICK. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Leonard Volk, the artist, relates that, being in Springfield when + Lincoln’s nomination for President was announced, he called upon Mr. + Lincoln, whom he found looking smiling and happy. “I exclaimed, ‘I am the + first man from Chicago, I believe, who has had the honor of congratulating + you on your nomination for President.’ Then those two great hands took + both of mine with a grasp never to be forgotten, and while shaking, I + said, ‘Now that you will doubtless be the next President of the United + States, I want to make a statue of you, and shall try my best to do you + justice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Said he, ‘I don’t doubt it, for I have come to the conclusion that you + are an honest man,’ and with that greeting, I thought my hands in a fair + way of being crushed. + </p> + <p> + “On the Sunday following, by agreement, I called to make a cast of Mr. + Lincoln’s hands. I asked him to hold something in his hands, and told him + a stick would do. Thereupon he went to the woodshed, and I heard the saw + go, and he soon returned to the dining-room, whittling off the end of a + piece of broom handle. I remarked to him that he need not whittle off the + edges. ‘Oh, well,’ said he, ‘I thought I would like to have it nice.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0080" id="link2H_4_0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “BOTH LENGTH AND BREADTH.” + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8089}.jpg" alt="{8089} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8089}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + During Lincoln’s first and only term in Congress—he was elected in + 1846—he formed quite a cordial friendship with Stephen A. Douglas, a + member of the United States Senate from Illinois, and the beaten one in + the contest as to who should secure the hand of Miss Mary Todd. Lincoln + was the winner; Douglas afterwards beat him for the United States Senate, + but Lincoln went to the White House. + </p> + <p> + During all of the time that they were rivals in love and in politics they + remained the best of friends personally. They were always glad to see each + other, and were frequently together. The disparity in their size was + always the more noticeable upon such occasions, and they well deserved + their nicknames of “Long Abe” and the “Little Giant.” Lincoln was the + tallest man in the National House of Representatives, and Douglas the + shortest (and perhaps broadest) man the Senate, and when they appeared on + the streets together much merriment was created. Lincoln, when joked about + the matter, replied, in a very serious tone, “Yes, that’s about the length + and breadth of it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0081" id="link2H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” RECITES A SONG. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln couldn’t sing, and he also lacked the faculty of musical + adaptation. He had a liking for certain ballads and songs, and while he + memorized and recited their lines, someone else did the singing. Lincoln + often recited for the delectation of his friends, the following, the + authorship of which is unknown: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="song"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The first factional fight in old Ireland, they say, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Was all on account of St. Patrick’s birthday; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + It was somewhere about midnight without any doubt, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And certain it is, it made a great rout. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + On the eighth day of March, as some people say, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + St. Patrick at midnight he first saw the day; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + While others assert ‘twas the ninth he was born— + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + ‘Twas all a mistake—between midnight and morn. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Some blamed the baby, some blamed the clock; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Some blamed the doctor, some the crowing cock. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + With all these close questions sure no one could know, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Whether the babe was too fast or the clock was too slow. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Some fought for the eighth, for the ninth some would die; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + He who wouldn’t see right would have a black eye. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + At length these two factions so positive grew, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + They each had a birthday, and Pat he had two. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Till Father Mulcahay who showed them their sins, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + He said none could have two birthdays but as twins. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Now boys, don’t be fighting for the eight or the nine; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Don’t quarrel so always, now why not combine.” + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Combine eight with nine. It is the mark; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Let that be the birthday. Amen! said the clerk. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + So all got blind drunk, which completed their bliss, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And they’ve kept up the practice from that day to this. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0082" id="link2H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “MANAGE TO KEEP HOUSE.” + </h2> + <p> + Senator John Sherman, of Ohio, introduced his brother, William T. Sherman + (then a civilian) to President Lincoln in March, 1861. Sherman had offered + his services, but, as in the case of Grant, they had been refused. + </p> + <p> + After the Senator had transacted his business with the President, he said: + “Mr. President, this is my brother, Colonel Sherman, who is just up from + Louisiana; he may give you some information you want.” + </p> + <p> + To this Lincoln replied, as reported by Senator Sherman himself: “Ah! How + are they getting along down there?” + </p> + <p> + Sherman answered: “They think they are getting along swimmingly; they are + prepared for war.” + </p> + <p> + To which Lincoln responded: “Oh, well, I guess we’ll manage to keep the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “Tecump,” whose temper was not the mildest, broke out on “Brother John” as + soon as they were out of the White House, cursed the politicians roundly, + and wound up with, “You have got things in a h—l of a fix, and you + may get out as best you can.” + </p> + <p> + Sherman was one of the very few generals who gave Lincoln little or no + worry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0083" id="link2H_4_0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GRANT “TUMBLED” RIGHT AWAY. + </h2> + <h3> + General Grant told this story about Lincoln some years after the War: + </h3> + <p> + “Just after receiving my commission as lieutenant-general the President + called me aside to speak to me privately. After a brief reference to the + military situation, he said he thought he could illustrate what he wanted + to say by a story. Said he: + </p> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9091}.jpg" alt="{9091}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9091}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “‘At one time there was a great war among the animals, and one side had + great difficulty in getting a commander who had sufficient confidence in + himself. Finally they found a monkey by the name of Jocko, who said he + thought he could command their army if his tail could be made a little + longer. So they got more tail and spliced it on to his caudal appendage. + </p> + <p> + “‘He looked at it admiringly, and then said he thought he ought to have + still more tail. This was added, and again he called for more. The + splicing process was repeated many times until they had coiled Jocko’s + tail around the room, filling all the space. + </p> + <p> + “‘Still he called for more tail, and, there being no other place to coil + it, they began wrapping it around his shoulders. He continued his call for + more, and they kept on winding the additional tail around him until its + weight broke him down.’ + </p> + <p> + “I saw the point, and, rising from my chair, replied, ‘Mr. President, I + will not call for any more assistance unless I find it impossible to do + with what I already have.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0084" id="link2H_4_0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “DON’T KILL HIM WITH YOUR FIST.” + </h2> + <p> + Ward Lamon, Marshal of the District of Columbia during Lincoln’s time in + Washington, was a powerful man; his strength was phenomenal, and a blow + from his fist was like unto that coming from the business end of a sledge. + </p> + <p> + Lamon tells this story, the hero of which is not mentioned by name, but in + all probability his identity can be guessed: + </p> + <p> + “On one occasion, when the fears of the loyal element of the city + (Washington) were excited to fever-heat, a free fight near the old + National Theatre occurred about eleven o’clock one night. An officer, in + passing the place, observed what was going on, and seeing the great number + of persons engaged, he felt it to be his duty to command the peace. + </p> + <p> + “The imperative tone of his voice stopped the fighting for a moment, but + the leader, a great bully, roughly pushed back the officer and told him to + go away or he would whip him. The officer again advanced and said, ‘I + arrest you,’ attempting to place his hand on the man’s shoulder, when the + bully struck a fearful blow at the officer’s face. + </p> + <p> + “This was parried, and instantly followed by a blow from the fist of the + officer, striking the fellow under the chin and knocking him senseless. + Blood issued from his mouth, nose and ears. It was believed that the man’s + neck was broken. A surgeon was called, who pronounced the case a critical + one, and the wounded man was hurried away on a litter to the hospital. + </p> + <p> + “There the physicians said there was concussion of the brain, and that the + man would die. All the medical skill that the officer could procure was + employed in the hope of saving the life of the man. His conscience smote + him for having, as he believed, taken the life of a fellow-creature, and + he was inconsolable. + </p> + <p> + “Being on terms of intimacy with the President, about two o’clock that + night the officer went to the White House, woke up Mr. Lincoln, and + requested him to come into his office, where he told him his story. Mr. + Lincoln listened with great interest until the narrative was completed, + and then asked a few questions, after which he remarked: + </p> + <p> + “‘I am sorry you had to kill the man, but these are times of war, and a + great many men deserve killing. This one, according to your story, is one + of them; so give yourself no uneasiness about the matter. I will stand by + you.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That is not why I came to you. I knew I did my duty, and had no fears of + your disapproval of what I did,’ replied the officer; and then he added: + ‘Why I came to you was, I felt great grief over the unfortunate affair, + and I wanted to talk to you about it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln then said, with a smile, placing his hand on the officer’ + shoulder: ‘You go home now and get some sleep; but let me give you this + piece of advice—hereafter, when you have occasion to strike a man, + don’t hit him with your fist; strike him with a club, a crowbar, or with + something that won’t kill him.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0085" id="link2H_4_0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0093}.jpg" alt="{0093}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0093}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0094}.jpg" alt="{0094}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0094}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <h2> + COULD BE ARBITRARY. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln could be arbitrary when occasion required. This is the letter he + wrote to one of the Department heads: + </p> + <p> + “You must make a job of it, and provide a place for the bearer of this, + Elias Wampole. Make a job of it with the collector and have it done. You + can do it for me, and you must.” + </p> + <p> + There was no delay in taking action in this matter. Mr. Wampole, or “Eli,” + as he was thereafter known, “got there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0086" id="link2H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A GENERAL BUSTIFICATION. + </h2> + <p> + Many amusing stories are told of President Lincoln and his gloves. At + about the time of his third reception he had on a tight-fitting pair of + white kids, which he had with difficulty got on. He saw approaching in the + distance an old Illinois friend named Simpson, whom he welcomed with a + genuine Sangamon county (Illeenoy) shake, which resulted in bursting his + white kid glove, with an audible sound. Then, raising his brawny hand up + before him, looking at it with an indescribable expression, he said, while + the whole procession was checked, witnessing this scene: + </p> + <p> + “Well, my old friend, this is a general bustification. You and I were + never intended to wear these things. If they were stronger they might do + well enough to keep out the cold, but they are a failure to shake hands + with between old friends like us. Stand aside, Captain, and I’ll see you + shortly.” + </p> + <p> + Simpson stood aside, and after the unwelcome ceremony was terminated he + rejoined his old Illinois friend in familiar intercourse. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0087" id="link2H_4_0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MAKING QUARTERMASTERS. + </h2> + <p> + H. C. Whitney wrote in 1866: “I was in Washington in the Indian service + for a few days before August, 1861, and I merely said to President Lincoln + one day: ‘Everything is drifting into the war, and I guess you will have + to put me in the army.’ + </p> + <p> + “The President looked up from his work and said, good-humoredly: ‘I’m + making generals now; in a few days I will be making quartermasters, and + then I’ll fix you.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0088" id="link2H_4_0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO POSTMASTERS IN HIS POCKET. + </h2> + <h3> + In the “Diary of a Public Man” appears this jocose anecdote: + </h3> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln walked into the corridor with us; and, as he bade us good-by + and thanked Blank for what he had told him, he again brightened up for a + moment and asked him in an abrupt kind of way, laying his hand as he spoke + with a queer but not uncivil familiarity on his shoulder, ‘You haven’t + such a thing as a postmaster in your pocket, have you?’ + </p> + <p> + “Blank stared at him in astonishment, and I thought a little in alarm, as + if he suspected a sudden attack of insanity; then Mr. Lincoln went on: + </p> + <p> + ‘You see it seems to me kind of unnatural that you shouldn’t have at least + a postmaster in your pocket. Everybody I’ve seen for days past has had + foreign ministers and collectors, and all kinds, and I thought you + couldn’t have got in here without having at least a postmaster get into + your pocket!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0089" id="link2H_4_0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE “SKEWED” THE LINE. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0097}.jpg" alt="{0097}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0097}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + When a surveyor, Mr. Lincoln first platted the town of Petersburg, Ill. + Some twenty or thirty years afterward the property-owners along one of the + outlying streets had trouble in fixing their boundaries. They consulted + the official plat and got no relief. A committee was sent to Springfield + to consult the distinguished surveyor, but he failed to recall anything + that would give them aid, and could only refer them to the record. The + dispute therefore went into the courts. While the trial was pending, an + old Irishman named McGuire, who had worked for some farmer during the + summer, returned to town for the winter. The case being mentioned in his + presence, he promptly said: “I can tell you all about it. I helped carry + the chain when Abe Lincoln laid out this town. Over there where they are + quarreling about the lines, when he was locating the street, he + straightened up from his instrument and said: ‘If I run that street right + through, it will cut three or four feet off the end of ——‘s + house. It’s all he’s got in the world and he never could get another. I + reckon it won’t hurt anything out here if I skew the line a little and + miss him.”’ + </p> + <p> + The line was “skewed,” and hence the trouble, and more testimony furnished + as to Lincoln’s abounding kindness of heart, that would not willingly harm + any human being. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0090" id="link2H_4_0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “WHEREAS,” HE STOLE NOTHING. + </h2> + <p> + One of the most celebrated courts-martial during the War was that of + Franklin W. Smith and his brother, charged with defrauding the government. + These men bore a high character for integrity. At this time, however, + courts-martial were seldom invoked for any other purpose than to convict + the accused, and the Smiths shared the usual fate of persons whose cases + were submitted to such arbitrament. They were kept in prison, their papers + seized, their business destroyed, and their reputations ruined, all of + which was followed by a conviction. + </p> + <p> + The finding of the court was submitted to the President, who, after a + careful investigation, disapproved the judgment, and wrote the following + endorsement upon the papers: + </p> + <p> + “Whereas, Franklin W. Smith had transactions with the Navy Department to + the amount of a million and a quarter of dollars; and: + </p> + <p> + “Whereas, he had a chance to steal at least a quarter of a million and was + only charged with stealing twenty-two hundred dollars, and the question + now is about his stealing one hundred, I don’t believe he stole anything + at all. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore, the record and the findings are disapproved, declared null and + void, and the defendants are fully discharged.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0091" id="link2H_4_0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOT LIKE THE POPE’S BULL. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln, after listening to the arguments and appeals of a + committee which called upon him at the White House not long before the + Emancipation Proclamation was issued, said: + </p> + <p> + “I do not want to issue a document that the whole world will see must + necessarily be inoperative, like the Pope’s bull against the comet.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0092" id="link2H_4_0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COULD HE TELL? + </h2> + <p> + A “high” private of the One Hundred and Fortieth Infantry Regiment, + Pennsylvania Volunteers, wounded at Chancellorsville, was taken to + Washington. One day, as he was becoming convalescent, a whisper ran down + the long row of cots that the President was in the building and would soon + pass by. Instantly every boy in blue who was able arose, stood erect, + hands to the side, ready to salute his Commander-in-Chief. + </p> + <p> + The Pennsylvanian stood six feet seven inches in his stockings. Lincoln + was six feet four. As the President approached this giant towering above + him, he stopped in amazement, and casting his eyes from head to foot and + from foot to head, as if contemplating the immense distance from one + extremity to the other, he stood for a moment speechless. + </p> + <p> + At length, extending his hand, he exclaimed, “Hello, comrade, do you know + when your feet get cold?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0093" id="link2H_4_0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DARNED UNCOMFORTABLE SITTING. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8099}.jpg" alt="{8099} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8099}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper” of March 2nd, 1861, two days + previous to the inauguration of President-elect Lincoln, contained the + caricature reproduced here. It was intended to convey the idea that the + National Administration would thereafter depend upon the support of + bayonets to uphold it, and the text underneath the picture ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + OLD ABE: “Oh, it’s all well enough to say that I must support the dignity + of my high office by force—but it’s darned uncomfortable sitting, I + can tell yer.” + </p> + <p> + This journal was not entirely friendly to the new Chief Magistrate, but it + could not see into the future. Many of the leading publications of the + East, among them some of those which condemned slavery and were opposed to + secession, did not believe Lincoln was the man for the emergency, but + instead of doing what they could do to help him along, they attacked him + most viciously. No man, save Washington, was more brutally lied about than + Lincoln, but he bore all the slurs and thrusts, not to mention the open, + cruel antagonism of those who should have been his warmest friends, with a + fortitude and patience few men have ever shown. He was on the right road, + and awaited the time when his course should receive the approval it + merited. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0094" id="link2H_4_0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “WHAT’S-HIS-NAME” GOT THERE. + </h2> + <p> + General James B. Fry told a good one on Secretary of War Stanton, who was + worsted in a contention with the President. Several brigadier-generals + were to be selected, and Lincoln maintained that “something must be done + in the interest of the Dutch.” Many complaints had come from prominent + men, born in the Fatherland, but who were fighting for the Union. + </p> + <p> + “Now, I want Schimmelpfennig given one of those brigadierships.” + </p> + <p> + Stanton was stubborn and headstrong, as usual, but his manner and tone + indicated that the President would have his own way in the end. However, + he was not to be beaten without having made a fight. + </p> + <p> + “But, Mr. President,” insisted the Iron War Secretary, “it may be that + this Mr. Schim—what’s-his-name—has no recommendations showing + his fitness. Perhaps he can’t speak English.” + </p> + <p> + “That doesn’t matter a bit, Stanton,” retorted Lincoln, “he may be deaf + and dumb for all I know, but whatever language he speaks, if any, we can + furnish troops who will understand what he says. That name of his will + make up for any differences in religion, politics or understanding, and + I’ll take the risk of his coming out all right.” + </p> + <p> + Then, slamming his great hand upon the Secretary’s desk, he said, + “Schim-mel-fen-nig must be appointed.” + </p> + <p> + And he was, there and then. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0095" id="link2H_4_0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A REALLY GREAT GENERAL. + </h2> + <p> + “Do you know General A—?” queried the President one day to a friend + who had “dropped in” at the White House. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; but you are not wasting any time thinking about him, are you?” + was the rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + “You wrong him,” responded the President, “he is a really great man, a + philosopher.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you make that out? He isn’t worth the powder and ball necessary to + kill him so I have heard military men say,” the friend remarked. + </p> + <p> + “He is a mighty thinker,” the President returned, “because he has mastered + that ancient and wise admonition, ‘Know thyself;’ he has formed an + intimate acquaintance with himself, knows as well for what he is fitted + and unfitted as any man living. Without doubt he is a remarkable man. This + War has not produced another like him.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it you are so highly pleased with General A—— all at + once?” + </p> + <p> + “For the reason,” replied Mr. Lincoln, with a merry twinkle of the eye, + “greatly to my relief, and to the interests of the country, he has + resigned. The country should express its gratitude in some substantial + way.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0096" id="link2H_4_0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “SHRUNK UP NORTH.” + </h2> + <p> + There was no member of the Cabinet from the South when Attorney-General + Bates handed in his resignation, and President Lincoln had a great deal of + trouble in making a selection. Finally Titian F. Coffey consented to fill + the vacant place for a time, and did so until the appointment of Mr. + Speed. + </p> + <p> + In conversation with Mr. Coffey the President quaintly remarked: + </p> + <p> + “My Cabinet has shrunk up North, and I must find a Southern man. I suppose + if the twelve Apostles were to be chosen nowadays, the shrieks of locality + would have to be heeded.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0097" id="link2H_4_0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN ADOPTED THE SUGGESTION. + </h2> + <p> + It is not generally known that President Lincoln adopted a suggestion made + by Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase in regard to the Emancipation + Proclamation, and incorporated it in that famous document. + </p> + <p> + After the President had read it to the members of the Cabinet he asked if + he had omitted anything which should be added or inserted to strengthen + it. It will be remembered that the closing paragraph of the Proclamation + reads in this way: + </p> + <p> + “And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice warranted + by the Constitution, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the + gracious favor of Almighty God!” President Lincoln’s draft of the paper + ended with the word “mankind,” and the words, “and the gracious favor of + Almighty God,” were those suggested by Secretary Chase. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0098" id="link2H_4_0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. + </h2> + <p> + It was the President’s overweening desire to accommodate all persons who + came to him soliciting favors, but the opportunity was never offered until + an untimely and unthinking disease, which possessed many of the + characteristics of one of the most dreaded maladies, confined him to his + bed at the White House. + </p> + <p> + The rumor spread that the President was afflicted with this disease, while + the truth was that it was merely a very mild attack of varioloid. The + office-seekers didn’t know the facts, and for once the Executive Mansion + was clear of them. + </p> + <p> + One day, a man from the West, who didn’t read the papers, but wanted the + postoffice in his town, called at the White House. The President, being + then practically a well man, saw him. The caller was engaged in a voluble + endeavor to put his capabilities in the most favorable light, when the + President interrupted him with the remark that he would be compelled to + make the interview short, as his doctor was due. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mr. President, are you sick?” queried the visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nothing much,” replied Mr. Lincoln, “but the physician says he fears + the worst.” + </p> + <p> + “What worst, may I ask?” + </p> + <p> + “Smallpox,” was the answer; “but you needn’t be scared. I’m only in the + first stages now.” + </p> + <p> + The visitor grabbed his hat, sprang from his chair, and without a word + bolted for the door. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be in a hurry,” said the President placidly; “sit down and talk + awhile.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir; I’ll call again,” shouted the Westerner, as he + disappeared through the opening in the wall. + </p> + <p> + “Now, that’s the way with people,” the President said, when relating the + story afterward. “When I can’t give them what they want, they’re + dissatisfied, and say harsh things about me; but when I’ve something to + give to everybody they scamper off.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0099" id="link2H_4_0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOO MANY PIGS FOR THE TEATS. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9103}.jpg" alt="{9103}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9103}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + An applicant for a sutlership in the army relates this story: “In the + winter of 1864, after serving three years in the Union Army, and being + honorably discharged, I made application for the post sutlership at Point + Lookout. My father being interested, we made application to Mr. Stanton, + the Secretary of War. We obtained an audience, and were ushered into the + presence of the most pompous man I ever met. As I entered he waved his + hand for me to stop at a given distance from him, and then put these + questions, viz.: + </p> + <p> + “‘Did you serve three years in the army?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I did, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Were you honorably discharged?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I was, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Let me see your discharge.’ + </p> + <p> + “I gave it to him. He looked it over, then said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Were you ever wounded?’ I told him yes, at the battle of Williamsburg, + May 5, 1861. + </p> + <p> + “He then said: ‘I think we can give this position to a soldier who has + lost an arm or leg, he being more deserving; and he then said I looked + hearty and healthy enough to serve three years more. He would not give me + a chance to argue my case. + </p> + <p> + “The audience was at an end. He waved his hand to me. I was then dismissed + from the august presence of the Honorable Secretary of War. + </p> + <p> + “My father was waiting for me in the hallway, who saw by my countenance + that I was not successful. I said to my father: + </p> + <p> + “‘Let us go over to Mr. Lincoln; he may give us more satisfaction.’ + </p> + <p> + “He said it would do me no good, but we went over. Mr. Lincoln’s reception + room was full of ladies and gentlemen when we entered. + </p> + <p> + “My turn soon came. Lincoln turned to my father and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Now, gentlemen, be pleased to be as quick as possible with your + business, as it is growing late.’ + </p> + <p> + “My father then stepped up to Lincoln and introduced me to him. Lincoln + then said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Take a seat, gentlemen, and state your business as quickly as possible.’ + </p> + <p> + “There was but one chair by Lincoln, so he motioned my father to sit, + while I stood. My father stated the business to him as stated above. He + then said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Have you seen Mr. Stanton?’ + </p> + <p> + “We told him yes, that he had refused. He (Mr. Lincoln) then said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Gentlemen, this is Mr. Stanton’s business; I cannot interfere with him; + he attends to all these matters and I am sorry I cannot help you.’ + </p> + <p> + “He saw that we were disappointed, and did his best to revive our spirits. + He succeeded well with my father, who was a Lincoln man, and who was a + staunch Republican. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln then said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Now, gentlemen, I will tell you, what it is; I have thousands of + applications like this every day, but we cannot satisfy all for this + reason, that these positions are like office seekers—there are too + many pigs for the teats.’ + </p> + <p> + “The ladies who were listening to the conversation placed their + handkerchiefs to their faces and turned away. But the joke of ‘Old Abe’ + put us all in a good humor. We then left the presence of the greatest and + most just man who ever lived to fill the Presidential chair.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0100" id="link2H_4_0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GREELEY CARRIES LINCOLN TO THE LUNATIC ASYLUM. + </h2> + <p> + No sooner was Abraham Lincoln made the candidate for the Presidency of the + Republican Party, in 1860, than the opposition began to lampoon and + caricature him. In the cartoon here reproduced, which is given the title + of: + </p> + <p> + “The Republican Party Going to the Right House,” Lincoln is represented as + entering the Lunatic Asylum, riding on a rail, carried by Horace Greeley, + the great Abolitionist; Lincoln, followed by his “fellow-cranks,” is + assuring the latter that the millennium is “going to begin,” and that all + requests will be granted. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0105}.jpg" alt="{0105}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0105}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Lincoln’s followers are depicted as those men and women composing the + “free love” element; those who want religion abolished; negroes, who want + it understood that the white man has no rights his black brother is bound + to respect; women suffragists, who demand that men be made subject to + female authority; tramps, who insist upon free lodging-houses; criminals, + who demand the right to steal from all they meet; and toughs, who want the + police forces abolished, so that “the b’hoys” can “run wid de masheen,” + and have “a muss” whenever they feel like it, without interference by the + authorities. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0101" id="link2H_4_0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LAST TIME HE SAW DOUGLAS. + </h2> + <p> + Speaking of his last meeting with Judge Douglas, Mr. Lincoln said: “One + day Douglas came rushing in and said he had just got a telegraph dispatch + from some friends in Illinois urging him to come out and help set things + right in Egypt, and that he would go, or stay in Washington, just where I + thought he could do the most good. + </p> + <p> + “I told him to do as he chose, but that probably he could do best in + Illinois. Upon that he shook hands with me, and hurried away to catch the + next train. I never saw him again.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0102" id="link2H_4_0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HURT HIS LEGS LESS. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was one of the attorneys in a case of considerable importance, + court being held in a very small and dilapidated schoolhouse out in the + country; Lincoln was compelled to stoop very much in order to enter the + door, and the seats were so low that he doubled up his legs like a + jackknife. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was obliged to sit upon a school bench, and just in front of him + was another, making the distance between him and the seat in front of him + very narrow and uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + His position was almost unbearable, and in order to carry out his + preference which he secured as often as possible, and that was “to sit as + near to the jury as convenient,” he took advantage of his discomfort and + finally said to the Judge on the “bench”: + </p> + <p> + “Your Honor, with your permission, I’ll sit up nearer to the gentlemen of + the jury, for it hurts my legs less to rub my calves against the bench + than it does to skin my shins.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0103" id="link2H_4_0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A LITTLE SHY OR GRAMMAR. + </h2> + <p> + When Mr. Lincoln had prepared his brief letter accepting the Presidential + nomination he took it to Dr. Newton Bateman, the State Superintendent of + Education. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Schoolmaster,” he said, “here is my letter of acceptance. I am not + very strong on grammar and I wish you to see if it is all right. I + wouldn’t like to have any mistakes in it.”. + </p> + <p> + The doctor took the letter and after reading it, said: + </p> + <p> + “There is only one change I should suggest, Mr. Lincoln, you have written + ‘It shall be my care to not violate or disregard it in any part,’ you + should have written ‘not to violate.’ Never split an infinitive, is the + rule.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln took the manuscript, regarding it a moment with a puzzled air, + “So you think I better put those two little fellows end to end, do you?” + he said as he made the change. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0104" id="link2H_4_0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS FIRST SATIRICAL WRITING. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9107}.jpg" alt="{9107}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9107}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Reuben and Charles Grigsby were married in Spencer county, Indiana, on the + same day to Elizabeth Ray and Matilda Hawkins, respectively. They met the + next day at the home of Reuben Grigsby, Sr., and held a double infare, to + which most of the county was invited, with the exception of the Lincolns. + This Abraham duly resented, and it resulted in his first attempt at + satirical writing, which he called “The Chronicles of Reuben.” + </p> + <p> + The manuscript was lost, and not recovered until 1865, when a house + belonging to one of the Grigsbys was torn down. In the loft a boy found a + roll of musty old papers, and was intently reading them, when he was asked + what he was doing. + </p> + <p> + “Reading a portion of the Scriptures that haven’t been revealed yet,” was + the response. This was Lincoln’s “Chronicles,” which is herewith given: + </p> + <p> + “THE CHRONICLES OF REUBEN.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, there was a man whose name was Reuben, and the same was very great + in substance, in horses and cattle and swine, and a very great household. + </p> + <p> + “It came to pass when the sons of Reuben grew up that they were desirous + of taking to themselves wives, and, being too well known as to honor in + their own country, they took a journey into a far country and there + procured for themselves wives. + </p> + <p> + “It came to pass also that when they were about to make the return home + they sent a messenger before them to bear the tidings to their parents. + </p> + <p> + “These, inquiring of the messenger what time their sons and wives would + come, made a great feast and called all their kinsmen and neighbors in, + and made great preparation. + </p> + <p> + “When the time drew nigh, they sent out two men to meet the grooms and + their brides, with a trumpet to welcome them, and to accompany them. + </p> + <p> + “When they came near unto the house of Reuben, the father, the messenger + came before them and gave a shout, and the whole multitude ran out with + shouts of joy and music, playing on all kinds of instruments. + </p> + <p> + “Some were playing on harps, some on viols, and some blowing on rams’ + horns. + </p> + <p> + “Some also were casting dust and ashes toward Heaven, and chief among them + all was Josiah, blowing his bugle and making sounds so great the + neighboring hills and valleys echoed with the resounding acclamation. + </p> + <p> + “When they had played and their harps had sounded till the grooms and + brides approached the gates, Reuben, the father, met them and welcomed + them to his house. + </p> + <p> + “The wedding feast being now ready, they were all invited to sit down and + eat, placing the bridegrooms and their brides at each end of the table. + </p> + <p> + “Waiters were then appointed to serve and wait on the guests. When all had + eaten and were full and merry, they went out again and played and sung + till night. + </p> + <p> + “And when they had made an end of feasting and rejoicing the multitude + dispersed, each going to his own home. + </p> + <p> + “The family then took seats with their waiters to converse while + preparations were being made in two upper chambers for the brides and + grooms. + </p> + <p> + “This being done, the waiters took the two brides upstairs, placing one in + a room at the right hand of the stairs and the other on the left. + </p> + <p> + “The waiters came down, and Nancy, the mother, then gave directions to the + waiters of the bridegrooms, and they took them upstairs, but placed them + in the wrong rooms. + </p> + <p> + “The waiters then all came downstairs. + </p> + <p> + “But the mother, being fearful of a mistake, made inquiry of the waiters, + and learning the true facts, took the light and sprang upstairs. + </p> + <p> + “It came to pass she ran to one of the rooms and exclaimed, ‘O Lord, + Reuben, you are with the wrong wife.’ + </p> + <p> + “The young men, both alarmed at this, ran out with such violence against + each other, they came near knocking each other down. + </p> + <p> + “The tumult gave evidence to those below that the mistake was certain. + </p> + <p> + “At last they all came down and had a long conversation about who made the + mistake, but it could not be decided. + </p> + <p> + “So ended the chapter.” + </p> + <p> + The original manuscript of “The Chronicles of Reuben” was last in the + possession of Redmond Grigsby, of Rockport, Indiana. A newspaper which had + obtained a copy of the “Chronicles,” sent a reporter to interview + Elizabeth Grigsby, or Aunt Betsy, as she was called, and asked her about + the famous manuscript and the mistake made at the double wedding. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they did have a joke on us,” said Aunt Betsy. “They said my man got + into the wrong room and Charles got into my room. But it wasn’t so. + Lincoln just wrote that for mischief. Abe and my man often laughed about + that.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0105" id="link2H_4_0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIKELY TO DO IT. + </h2> + <p> + An officer, having had some trouble with General Sherman, being very + angry, presented himself before Mr. Lincoln, who was visiting the camp, + and said, “Mr. President, I have a cause of grievance. This morning I went + to General Sherman and he threatened to shoot me.” + </p> + <p> + “Threatened to shoot you?” asked Mr. Lincoln. “Well, (in a stage whisper) + if I were you I would keep away from him; if he threatens to shoot, I + would not trust him, for I believe he would do it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0106" id="link2H_4_0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “THE ENEMY ARE ‘OURN’” + </h2> + <p> + Early in the Presidential campaign of 1864, President Lincoln said one + night to a late caller at the White House: + </p> + <p> + “We have met the enemy and they are ‘ourn!’ I think the cabal of + obstructionists ‘am busted.’ I feel certain that, if I live, I am going to + be re-elected. Whether I deserve to be or not, it is not for me to say; + but on the score even of remunerative chances for speculative service, I + now am inspired with the hope that our disturbed country further requires + the valuable services of your humble servant. ‘Jordan has been a hard road + to travel,’ but I feel now that, notwithstanding the enemies I have made + and the faults I have committed, I’ll be dumped on the right side of that + stream. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, however, that I may never have another four years of such + anxiety, tribulation and abuse. My only ambition is and has been to put + down the rebellion and restore peace, after which I want to resign my + office, go abroad, take some rest, study foreign governments, see + something of foreign life, and in my old age die in peace with all of the + good of God’s creatures.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0107" id="link2H_4_0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “AND—HERE I AM!” + </h2> + <p> + An old acquaintance of the President visited him in Washington. Lincoln + desired to give him a place. Thus encouraged, the visitor, who was an + honest man, but wholly inexperienced in public affairs or business, asked + for a high office, Superintendent of the Mint. + </p> + <p> + The President was aghast, and said: “Good gracious! Why didn’t he ask to + be Secretary of the Treasury, and have done with it?” + </p> + <p> + Afterward, he said: “Well, now, I never thought Mr.—— had + anything more than average ability, when we were young men together. But, + then, I suppose he thought the same thing about me, and—here I am!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0108" id="link2H_4_0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SAFE AS LONG AS THEY WERE GOOD. + </h2> + <p> + At the celebrated Peace Conference, whereat there was much “pow-wow” and + no result, President Lincoln, in response to certain remarks by the + Confederate commissioners, commented with some severity upon the conduct + of the Confederate leaders, saying they had plainly forfeited all right to + immunity from punishment for their treason. + </p> + <p> + Being positive and unequivocal in stating his views concerning individual + treason, his words were of ominous import. There was a pause, during which + Commissioner Hunter regarded the speaker with a steady, searching look. At + length, carefully measuring his words, Mr. Hunter said: + </p> + <p> + “Then, Mr. President, if we understand you correctly, you think that we of + the Confederacy have committed treason; are traitors to your Government; + have forfeited our rights, and are proper subjects for the hangman. Is not + that about what your words imply?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied President Lincoln, “you have stated the proposition better + than I did. That is about the size of it!” + </p> + <p> + Another pause, and a painful one succeeded, and then Hunter, with a + pleasant smile remarked: + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Lincoln, we have about concluded that we shall not be hanged as + long as you are President—if we behave ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + And Hunter meant what he said. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0111}.jpg" alt="{0111}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0111}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0112}.jpg" alt="{0112}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0112}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0109" id="link2H_4_0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “SMELT NO ROYALTY IN OUR CARRIAGE.” + </h2> + <p> + On one occasion, in going to meet an appointment in the southern part of + the Sucker State—that section of Illinois called Egypt—Lincoln, + with other friends, was traveling in the “caboose” of a freight train, + when the freight was switched off the main track to allow a special train + to pass. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s more aristocratic rival (Stephen A. Douglas) was being conveyed + to the same town in this special. The passing train was decorated with + banners and flags, and carried a band of music, which was playing “Hail to + the Chief.” + </p> + <p> + As the train whistled past, Lincoln broke out in a fit of laughter, and + said: “Boys, the gentleman in that car evidently smelt no royalty in our + carriage.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0110" id="link2H_4_0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HELL A MILE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE. + </h2> + <p> + Ward Lamon told this story of President Lincoln, whom he found one day in + a particularly gloomy frame of mind. Lamon said: + </p> + <p> + “The President remarked, as I came in, ‘I fear I have made Senator Wade, + of Ohio, my enemy for life.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘How?’ I asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ continued the President, ‘Wade was here just now urging me to + dismiss Grant, and, in response to something he said, I remarked, + “Senator, that reminds me of a story.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What did Wade say?’ I inquired of the President. + </p> + <p> + “‘He said, in a petulant way,’ the President responded, ‘“It is with you, + sir, all story, story! You are the father of every military blunder that + has been made during the war. You are on your road to hell, sir, with this + government, by your obstinacy, and you are not a mile off this minute.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What did you say then?’ + </p> + <p> + “I good-naturedly said to him,’ the President replied, ‘“Senator, that is + just about from here to the Capitol, is it not?” He was very angry, + grabbed up his hat and cane, and went away.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0111" id="link2H_4_0111"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS “GLASS HACK” + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln had not been in the White House very long before Mrs. + Lincoln became seized with the idea that a fine new barouche was about the + proper thing for “the first lady in the land.” The President did not care + particularly about it one way or the other, and told his wife to order + whatever she wanted. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln forgot all about the new vehicle, and was overcome with + astonishment one afternoon when, having acceded to Mrs. Lincoln’s desire + to go driving, he found a beautiful barouche standing in front of the door + of the White House. + </p> + <p> + His wife watched him with an amused smile, but the only remark he made + was, “Well, Mary, that’s about the slickest ‘glass hack’ in town, isn’t + it?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0112" id="link2H_4_0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LEAVE HIM KICKING. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln, in the days of his youth, was often unfaithful to his Quaker + traditions. On the day of election in 1840, word came to him that one + Radford, a Democratic contractor, had taken possession of one of the + polling places with his workmen, and was preventing the Whigs from voting. + Lincoln started off at a gait which showed his interest in the matter in + hand. + </p> + <p> + He went up to Radford and persuaded him to leave the polls, remarking at + the same time: “Radford, you’ll spoil and blow, if you live much longer.” + </p> + <p> + Radford’s prudence prevented an actual collision, which, it is said, + Lincoln regretted. He told his friend Speed he wanted Radford to show + fight so that he might “knock him down and leave him kicking.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0113" id="link2H_4_0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “WHO COMMENCED THIS FUSS?” + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln was at all times an advocate of peace, provided it could + be obtained honorably and with credit to the United States. As to the + cause of the Civil War, which side of Mason and Dixon’s line was + responsible for it, who fired the first shots, who were the aggressors, + etc., Lincoln did not seem to bother about; he wanted to preserve the + Union, above all things. Slavery, he was assured, was dead, but he thought + the former slaveholders should be recompensed. + </p> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9115}.jpg" alt="{9115}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9115}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + To illustrate his feelings in the matter he told this story: + </p> + <p> + “Some of the supporters of the Union cause are opposed to accommodate or + yield to the South in any manner or way because the Confederates began the + war; were determined to take their States out of the Union, and, + consequently, should be held responsible to the last stage for whatever + may come in the future. Now this reminds me of a good story I heard once, + when I lived in Illinois. + </p> + <p> + “A vicious bull in a pasture took after everybody who tried to cross the + lot, and one day a neighbor of the owner was the victim. This man was a + speedy fellow and got to a friendly tree ahead of the bull, but not in + time to climb the tree. So he led the enraged animal a merry race around + the tree, finally succeeding in seizing the bull by the tail. + </p> + <p> + “The bull, being at a disadvantage, not able to either catch the man or + release his tail, was mad enough to eat nails; he dug up the earth with + his feet, scattered gravel all around, bellowed until you could hear him + for two miles or more, and at length broke into a dead run, the man + hanging onto his tail all the time. + </p> + <p> + “While the bull, much out of temper, was legging it to the best of his + ability, his tormentor, still clinging to the tail, asked, ‘Darn you, who + commenced this fuss?’ + </p> + <p> + “It’s our duty to settle this fuss at the earliest possible moment, no + matter who commenced it. That’s my idea of it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0114" id="link2H_4_0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE’S” LITTLE JOKE. + </h2> + <p> + When General W. T. Sherman, November 12th, 1864, severed all communication + with the North and started for Savannah with his magnificent army of sixty + thousand men, there was much anxiety for a month as to his whereabouts. + President Lincoln, in response to an inquiry, said: “I know what hole + Sherman went in at, but I don’t know what hole he’ll come out at.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel McClure had been in consultation with the President one day, about + two weeks after Sherman’s disappearance, and in this connection related + this incident: + </p> + <p> + “I was leaving the room, and just as I reached the door the President + turned around, and, with a merry twinkling of the eye, inquired, ‘McClure, + wouldn’t you like to hear something from Sherman?’ + </p> + <p> + “The inquiry electrified me at the instant, as it seemed to imply that + Lincoln had some information on the subject. I immediately answered, ‘Yes, + most of all, I should like to hear from Sherman.’ + </p> + <p> + “To this President Lincoln answered, with a hearty laugh: ‘Well, I’ll be + hanged if I wouldn’t myself.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0115" id="link2H_4_0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHAT SUMMER THOUGHT. + </h2> + <p> + Although himself a most polished, even a fastidious, gentleman, Senator + Sumner never allowed Lincoln’s homely ways to hide his great qualities. He + gave him a respect and esteem at the start which others accorded only + after experience. The Senator was most tactful, too, in his dealings with + Mrs. Lincoln, and soon had a firm footing in the household. That he was + proud of this, perhaps a little boastful, there is no doubt. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln himself appreciated this. “Sumner thinks he runs me,” he said, + with an amused twinkle, one day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0116" id="link2H_4_0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A USELESS DOG. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8117}.jpg" alt="{8117} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8117}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + When Hood’s army had been scattered into fragments, President Lincoln, + elated by the defeat of what had so long been a menacing force on the + borders of Tennessee was reminded by its collapse of the fate of a savage + dog belonging to one of his neighbors in the frontier settlements in which + he lived in his youth. “The dog,” he said, “was the terror of the + neighborhood, and its owner, a churlish and quarrelsome fellow, took + pleasure in the brute’s forcible attitude. + </p> + <p> + “Finally, all other means having failed to subdue the creature, a man + loaded a lump of meat with a charge of powder, to which was attached a + slow fuse; this was dropped where the dreaded dog would find it, and the + animal gulped down the tempting bait. + </p> + <p> + “There was a dull rumbling, a muffled explosion, and fragments of the dog + were seen flying in every direction. The grieved owner, picking up the + shattered remains of his cruel favorite, said: ‘He was a good dog, but as + a dog, his days of usefulness are over.’ Hood’s army was a good army,” + said Lincoln, by way of comment, “and we were all afraid of it, but as an + army, its usefulness is gone.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0117" id="link2H_4_0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ORIGIN OF THE “INFLUENCE” STORY. + </h2> + <p> + Judge Baldwin, of California, being in Washington, called one day on + General Halleck, then Commander-in-Chief of the Union forces, and, + presuming upon a familiar acquaintance in California a few years since, + solicited a pass outside of our lines to see a brother in Virginia, not + thinking that he would meet with a refusal, as both his brother and + himself were good Union men. + </p> + <p> + “We have been deceived too often,” said General Halleck, “and I regret I + can’t grant it.” + </p> + <p> + Judge B. then went to Stanton, and was very briefly disposed of with the + same result. Finally, he obtained an interview with Mr. Lincoln, and + stated his case. + </p> + <p> + “Have you applied to General Halleck?” inquired the President. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and met with a flat refusal,” said Judge B. + </p> + <p> + “Then you must see Stanton,” continued the President. + </p> + <p> + “I have, and with the same result,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said Mr. Lincoln, with a smile, “I can do nothing; for you + must know that I have very little influence with this Administration, + although I hope to have more with the next.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0118" id="link2H_4_0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FELT SORRY FOR BOTH. + </h2> + <p> + Many ladies attended the famous debates between Lincoln and Douglas, and + they were the most unprejudiced listeners. “I can recall only one fact of + the debates,” says Mrs. William Crotty, of Seneca, Illinois, “that I felt + so sorry for Lincoln while Douglas was speaking, and then to my surprise I + felt so sorry for Douglas when Lincoln replied.” + </p> + <p> + The disinterested to whom it was an intellectual game, felt the power and + charm of both men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0119" id="link2H_4_0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHERE DID IT COME FROM? + </h2> + <p> + “What made the deepest impression upon you?” inquired a friend one day, + “when you stood in the presence of the Falls of Niagara, the greatest of + natural wonders?” + </p> + <p> + “The thing that struck me most forcibly when I saw the Falls,” Lincoln + responded, with characteristic deliberation, “was, where in the world did + all that water come from?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0120" id="link2H_4_0120"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “LONG ABE” FOUR YEARS LONGER. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8119}.jpg" alt="{8119} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8119}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The second election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United + States was the reward of his courage and genius bestowed upon him by the + people of the Union States. General George B. McClellan was his opponent + in 1864 upon the platform that “the War is a failure,” and carried but + three States—New Jersey, Delaware and Kentucky. The States which did + not think the War was a failure were those in New England, New York, + Pennsylvania, all the Western commonwealths, West Virginia, Tennessee, + Louisiana, Arkansas and the new State of Nevada, admitted into the Union + on October 31st. President Lincoln’s popular majority over McClellan, who + never did much toward making the War a success, was more than four hundred + thousand. Underneath the cartoon reproduced here, from “Harper’s Weekly” + of November 26th, 1864, were the words, “Long Abraham Lincoln a Little + Longer.” + </p> + <p> + But the beloved President’s time upon earth was not to be much longer, as + he was assassinated just one month and ten days after his second + inauguration. Indeed, the words, “a little longer,” printed below the + cartoon, were strangely prophetic, although not intended to be such. + </p> + <p> + The people of the United States had learned to love “Long Abe,” their + affection being of a purely personal nature, in the main. No other Chief + Executive was regarded as so sincerely the friend of the great mass of the + inhabitants of the Republic as Lincoln. He was, in truth, one of “the + common people,” having been born among them, and lived as one of them. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s great height made him an easy subject for the cartoonist, and + they used it in his favor as well as against him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0121" id="link2H_4_0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ALL SICKER’N YOUR MAN.” + </h2> + <p> + A Commissioner to the Hawaiian Islands was to be appointed, and eight + applicants had filed their papers, when a delegation from the South + appeared at the White House on behalf of a ninth. Not only was their man + fit—so the delegation urged—but was also in bad health, and a + residence in that balmy climate would be of great benefit to him. + </p> + <p> + The President was rather impatient that day, and before the members of the + delegation had fairly started in, suddenly closed the interview with this + remark: + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, I am sorry to say that there are eight other applicants for + that place, and they are all ‘sicker’n’ your man.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0122" id="link2H_4_0122"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EASIER TO EMPTY THE POTOMAC. + </h2> + <p> + An officer of low volunteer rank persisted in telling and re-telling his + troubles to the President on a summer afternoon when Lincoln was tired and + careworn. + </p> + <p> + After listening patiently, he finally turned upon the man, and, looking + wearily out upon the broad Potomac in the distance, said in a peremptory + tone that ended the interview: + </p> + <p> + “Now, my man, go away, go away. I cannot meddle in your case. I could as + easily bail out the Potomac River with a teaspoon as attend to all the + details of the army.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0123" id="link2H_4_0123"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE WANTED A STEADY HAND. + </h2> + <p> + When the Emancipation Proclamation was taken to Mr. Lincoln by Secretary + Seward, for the President’s signature, Mr. Lincoln took a pen, dipped it + in the ink, moved his hand to the place for the signature, held it a + moment, then removed his hand and dropped the pen. After a little + hesitation, he again took up the pen and went through the same movement as + before. Mr. Lincoln then turned to Mr. Seward and said: + </p> + <p> + “I have been shaking hands since nine o’clock this morning, and my right + arm is almost paralyzed. If my name ever goes into history, it will be for + this act, and my whole soul is in it. If my hand trembles when I sign the + Proclamation, all who examine the document hereafter will say, ‘He + hesitated.’” + </p> + <p> + He then turned to the table, took up the pen again, and slowly, firmly + wrote “Abraham Lincoln,” with which the whole world is now familiar. + </p> + <p> + He then looked up, smiled, and said, “That will do.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0124" id="link2H_4_0124"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN SAW STANTON ABOUT IT. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lovejoy, heading a committee of Western men, discussed an important + scheme with the President, and the gentlemen were then directed to explain + it to Secretary of War Stanton. + </p> + <p> + Upon presenting themselves to the Secretary, and showing the President’s + order, the Secretary said: “Did Lincoln give you an order of that kind?” + </p> + <p> + “He did, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he is a d—d fool,” said the angry Secretary. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that the President is a d—d fool?” asked + Lovejoy, in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, if he gave you such an order as that.” + </p> + <p> + The bewildered Illinoisan betook himself at once to the President and + related the result of the conference. + </p> + <p> + “Did Stanton say I was a d—d fool?” asked Lincoln at the close of + the recital. + </p> + <p> + “He did, sir, and repeated it.” + </p> + <p> + After a moment’s pause, and looking up, the President said: “If Stanton + said I was a d—d fool, then I must be one, for he is nearly always + right, and generally says what he means. I will slip over and see him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0125" id="link2H_4_0125"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MRS. LINCOLN’S SURPRISE. + </h2> + <p> + A good story is told of how Mrs. Lincoln made a little surprise for her + husband. + </p> + <p> + In the early days it was customary for lawyers to go from one county to + another on horseback, a journey which often required several weeks. On + returning from one of these trips, late one night, Mr. Lincoln dismounted + from his horse at the familiar corner and then turned to go into the + house, but stopped; a perfectly unknown structure was before him. + Surprised, and thinking there must be some mistake, he went across the way + and knocked at a neighbor’s door. The family had retired, and so called + out: + </p> + <p> + “Who’s there?” + </p> + <p> + “Abe Lincoln,” was the reply. “I am looking for my house. I thought it was + across the way, but when I went away a few weeks ago there was only a + one-story house there and now there is a two-story house in its place. I + think I must be lost.” + </p> + <p> + The neighbors then explained that Mrs. Lincoln had added another story + during his absence. And Mr. Lincoln laughed and went to his remodeled + house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0126" id="link2H_4_0126"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MENACE TO THE GOVERNMENT. + </h2> + <p> + The persistence of office-seekers nearly drove President Lincoln wild. + They slipped in through the half-opened doors of the Executive Mansion; + they dogged his steps if he walked; they edged their way through the + crowds and thrust their papers in his hands when he rode; and, taking it + all in all, they well-nigh worried him to death. + </p> + <p> + He once said that if the Government passed through the Rebellion without + dismemberment there was the strongest danger of its falling a prey to the + rapacity of the office-seeking class. + </p> + <p> + “This human struggle and scramble for office, for a way to live without + work, will finally test the strength of our institutions,” were the words + he used. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0127" id="link2H_4_0127"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TROOPS COULDN’T FLY OVER IT. + </h2> + <p> + On April 20th a delegation from Baltimore appeared at the White House and + begged the President that troops for Washington be sent around and not + through Baltimore. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln replied, laughingly: “If I grant this concession, you + will be back tomorrow asking that no troops be marched ‘around’ it.” + </p> + <p> + The President was right. That afternoon, and again on Sunday and Monday, + committees sought him, protesting that Maryland soil should not be + “polluted” by the feet of soldiers marching against the South. + </p> + <p> + The President had but one reply: “We must have troops, and as they can + neither crawl under Maryland nor fly over it, they must come across it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0128" id="link2H_4_0128"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PAT WAS “FORNINST THE GOVERNMENT.” + </h2> + <p> + The Governor-General of Canada, with some of his principal officers, + visited President Lincoln in the summer of 1864. + </p> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9123}.jpg" alt="{9123}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9123}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + They had been very troublesome in harboring blockade runners, and they + were said to have carried on a large trade from their ports with the + Confederates. Lincoln treated his guests with great courtesy. + </p> + <p> + After a pleasant interview, the Governor, alluding to the coming + Presidential election said, jokingly, but with a grain of sarcasm: “I + understand Mr. President, that everybody votes in this country. If we + remain until November, can we vote?” + </p> + <p> + “You remind me,” replied the President, “of a countryman of yours, a green + emigrant from Ireland. Pat arrived on election day, and perhaps was as + eager as your Excellency to vote, and to vote early, and late and often. + </p> + <p> + “So, upon landing at Castle Garden, he hastened to the nearest voting + place, and as he approached, the judge who received the ballots inquired, + ‘Who do you want to vote for? On which side are you?’ Poor Pat was + embarrassed; he did not know who were the candidates. He stopped, + scratched his head, then, with the readiness of his countrymen, he said: + </p> + <p> + “‘I am forninst the Government, anyhow. Tell me, if your Honor plase: + which is the rebellion side, and I’ll tell you haw I want to vote. In ould + Ireland, I was always on the rebellion side, and, by Saint Patrick, I’ll + do that same in America.’ Your Excellency,” said Mr. Lincoln, “would, I + should think, not be at all at a loss on which side to vote!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0129" id="link2H_4_0129"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “CAN’T SPARE THIS MAN.” + </h2> + <p> + One night, about eleven o’clock, Colonel A. K. McClure, whose intimacy + with President Lincoln was so great that he could obtain admittance to the + Executive Mansion at any and all hours, called at the White House to urge + Mr. Lincoln to remove General Grant from command. + </p> + <p> + After listening patiently for a long time, the President, gathering + himself up in his chair, said, with the utmost earnestness: + </p> + <p> + “I can’t spare this man; he fights!” + </p> + <p> + In relating the particulars of this interview, Colonel McClure said: + </p> + <p> + “That was all he said, but I knew that it was enough, and that Grant was + safe in Lincoln’s hands against his countless hosts of enemies. The only + man in all the nation who had the power to save Grant was Lincoln, and he + had decided to do it. He was not influenced by any personal partiality for + Grant, for they had never met. + </p> + <p> + “It was not until after the battle of Shiloh, fought on the 6th and 7th of + April, 1862, that Lincoln was placed in a position to exercise a + controlling influence in shaping the destiny of Grant. The first reports + from the Shiloh battle-field created profound alarm throughout the entire + country, and the wildest exaggerations were spread in a floodtide of + vituperation against Grant. + </p> + <p> + “The few of to-day who can recall the inflamed condition of public + sentiment against Grant caused by the disastrous first day’s battle at + Shiloh will remember that he was denounced as incompetent for his command + by the public journals of all parties in the North, and with almost entire + unanimity by Senators and Congressmen, regardless of political affinities. + </p> + <p> + “I appealed to Lincoln for his own sake to remove Grant at once, and in + giving my reasons for it I simply voiced the admittedly overwhelming + protest from the loyal people of the land against Grant’s continuance in + command. + </p> + <p> + “I did not forget that Lincoln was the one man who never allowed himself + to appear as wantonly defying public sentiment. It seemed to me impossible + for him to save Grant without taking a crushing load of condemnation upon + himself; but Lincoln was wiser than all those around him, and he not only + saved Grant, but he saved him by such well-concerted effort that he soon + won popular applause from those who were most violent in demanding Grant’s + dismissal.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0130" id="link2H_4_0130"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS TEETH CHATTERED. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8125}.jpg" alt="{8125} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8125}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + During the Lincoln-Douglas joint debates of 1858, the latter accused + Lincoln of having, when in Congress, voted against the appropriation for + supplies to be sent the United States soldiers in Mexico. In reply, + Lincoln said: “This is a perversion of the facts. I was opposed to the + policy of the administration in declaring war against Mexico; but when war + was declared I never failed to vote for the support of any proposition + looking to the comfort of our poor fellows who were maintaining the + dignity of our flag in a war that I thought unnecessary and unjust.” + </p> + <p> + He gradually became more and more excited; his voice thrilled and his + whole frame shook. Sitting on the stand was O. B. Ficklin, who had served + in Congress with Lincoln in 1847. Lincoln reached back, took Ficklin by + the coat-collar, back of his neck, and in no gentle manner lifted him from + his seat as if he had been a kitten, and roared: “Fellow-citizens, here is + Ficklin, who was at that time in Congress with me, and he knows it is a + lie.” + </p> + <p> + He shook Ficklin until his teeth chattered. Fearing he would shake + Ficklin’s head off, Ward Lamon grasped Lincoln’s hand and broke his grip. + </p> + <p> + After the speaking was over, Ficklin, who had warm personal friendship + with him, said: “Lincoln, you nearly shook all the Democracy out of me + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0131" id="link2H_4_0131"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “AARON GOT HIS COMMISSION.” + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln was censured for appointing one that had zealously + opposed his second term. + </p> + <p> + He replied: “Well, I suppose Judge E., having been disappointed before, + did behave pretty ugly, but that wouldn’t make him any less fit for the + place; and I think I have Scriptural authority for appointing him. + </p> + <p> + “You remember when the Lord was on Mount Sinai getting out a commission + for Aaron, that same Aaron was at the foot of the mountain making a false + god for the people to worship. Yet Aaron got his commission, you know.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0132" id="link2H_4_0132"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AND THE MINISTERS. + </h2> + <p> + At the time of Lincoln’s nomination, at Chicago, Mr. Newton Bateman, + Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Illinois, occupied a + room adjoining and opening into the Executive Chamber at Springfield. + Frequently this door was open during Mr. Lincoln’s receptions, and + throughout the seven months or more of his occupation he saw him nearly + every day. Often, when Mr. Lincoln was tired, he closed the door against + all intruders, and called Mr. Bateman into his room for a quiet talk. On + one of these occasions, Mr. Lincoln took up a book containing canvass of + the city of Springfield, in which he lived, showing the candidate for whom + each citizen had declared it his intention to vote in the approaching + election. Mr. Lincoln’s friends had, doubtless at his own request, placed + the result of the canvass in his hands. This was towards the close of + October, and only a few days before election. Calling Mr. Bateman to a + seat by his side, having previously locked all the doors, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Let us look over this book; I wish particularly to see how the ministers + if Springfield are going to vote.” The leaves were turned, one by one, and + as the names were examined Mr. Lincoln frequently asked if this one and + that one was not a minister, or an elder, or a member of such and such a + church, and sadly expressed his surprise on receiving an affirmative + answer. In that manner he went through the book, and then he closed it, + and sat silently for some minutes regarding a memorandum in pencil which + lay before him. At length he turned to Mr. Bateman, with a face full of + sadness, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Here are twenty-three ministers of different denominations, and all of + them are against me but three, and here are a great many prominent members + of churches, a very large majority are against me. Mr. Bateman, I am not a + Christian—God knows I would be one—but I have carefully read + the Bible, and I do not so understand this book,” and he drew forth a + pocket New Testament. + </p> + <p> + “These men well know,” he continued, “that I am for freedom in the + Territories, freedom everywhere, as free as the Constitution and the laws + will permit, and that my opponents are for slavery. They know this, and + yet, with this book in their hands, in the light of which human bondage + cannot live a moment, they are going to vote against me; I do not + understand it at all.” + </p> + <p> + Here Mr. Lincoln paused—paused for long minutes, his features + surcharged with emotion. Then he rose and walked up and down the + reception-room in the effort to retain or regain his self-possession. + Stopping at last, he said, with a trembling voice and cheeks wet with + tears: + </p> + <p> + “I know there is a God, and that He hates injustice and slavery. I see the + storm coming, and I know that His hand is in it. If He has a place and + work for me, and I think He has, I believe I am ready. I am nothing, but + Truth is everything. I know I am right, because I know that liberty is + right, for Christ teaches it, and Christ is God. I have told them that a + house divided against itself cannot stand; and Christ and Reason say the + same, and they will find it so. + </p> + <p> + “Douglas doesn’t care whether slavery is voted up or down, but God cares, + and humanity cares, and I care; and with God’s help I shall not fail. I + may not see the end, but it will come, and I shall be vindicated; and + these men will find they have not read their Bible right.” + </p> + <p> + Much of this was uttered as if he were speaking to himself, and with a + sad, earnest solemnity of manner impossible to be described. After a pause + he resumed: + </p> + <p> + “Doesn’t it seem strange that men can ignore the moral aspect of this + contest? No revelation could make it plainer to me that slavery or the + Government must be destroyed. The future would be something awful, as I + look at it, but for this rock on which I stand” (alluding to the Testament + which he still held in his hand), “especially with the knowledge of how + these ministers are going to vote. It seems as if God had borne with this + thing (slavery) until the teachers of religion have come to defend it from + the Bible, and to claim for it a divine character and sanction; and now + the cup of iniquity is full, and the vials of wrath will be poured out.” + </p> + <p> + Everything he said was of a peculiarly deep, tender, and religious tone, + and all was tinged with a touching melancholy. He repeatedly referred to + his conviction that the day of wrath was at hand, and that he was to be an + actor in the terrible struggle which would issue in the overthrow of + slavery, although he might not live to see the end. + </p> + <p> + After further reference to a belief in the Divine Providence and the fact + of God in history, the conversation turned upon prayer. He freely stated + his belief in the duty, privilege, and efficacy of prayer, and intimated, + in no unmistakable terms, that he had sought in that way Divine guidance + and favor. The effect of this conversation upon the mind of Mr. Bateman, a + Christian gentleman whom Mr. Lincoln profoundly respected, was to convince + him that Mr. Lincoln had, in a quiet way, found a path to the Christian + standpoint—that he had found God, and rested on the eternal truth of + God. As the two men were about to separate, Mr. Bateman remarked: + </p> + <p> + “I have not supposed that you were accustomed to think so much upon this + class of subjects; certainly your friends generally are ignorant of the + sentiments you have expressed to me.” + </p> + <p> + He replied quickly: “I know they are, but I think more on these subjects + than upon all others, and I have done so for years; and I am willing you + should know it.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0129}.jpg" alt="{0129}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0129}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0130}.jpg" alt="{0130}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0130}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0133" id="link2H_4_0133"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HARDTACK BETTER THAN GENERALS. + </h2> + <p> + Secretary of War Stanton told the President the following story, which + greatly amused the latter, as he was especially fond of a joke at the + expense of some high military or civil dignitary. + </p> + <p> + Stanton had little or no sense of humor. + </p> + <p> + When Secretary Stanton was making a trip up the Broad River in North + Carolina, in a tugboat, a Federal picket yelled out, “What have you got on + board of that tug?” + </p> + <p> + The severe and dignified answer was, “The Secretary of War and + Major-General Foster.” + </p> + <p> + Instantly the picket roared back, “We’ve got Major-Generals enough up + here. Why don’t you bring us up some hardtack?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0134" id="link2H_4_0134"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOT THE PREACHER. + </h2> + <p> + A story told by a Cabinet member tended to show how accurately Lincoln + could calculate political results in advance—a faculty which + remained with him all his life. + </p> + <p> + “A friend, who was a Democrat, had come to him early in the canvass and + told him he wanted to see him elected, but did not like to vote against + his party; still he would vote for him, if the contest was to be so close + that every vote was needed. + </p> + <p> + “A short time before the election Lincoln said to him: ‘I have got the + preacher, and I don’t want your vote.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0135" id="link2H_4_0135"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BIG JOKE ON HALLECK. + </h2> + <p> + When General Halleck was Commander-in-Chief of the Union forces, with + headquarters at Washington, President Lincoln unconsciously played a big + practical joke upon that dignified officer. The President had spent the + night at the Soldiers’ Home, and the next morning asked Captain Derickson, + commanding the company of Pennsylvania soldiers, which was the + Presidential guard at the White House and the Home—wherever the + President happened to be—to go to town with him. + </p> + <p> + Captain Derickson told the story in a most entertaining way: + </p> + <p> + “When we entered the city, Mr. Lincoln said he would call at General + Halleck’s headquarters and get what news had been received from the army + during the night. I informed him that General Cullum, chief aid to General + Halleck, was raised in Meadville, and that I knew him when I was a boy. + </p> + <p> + “He replied, ‘Then we must see both the gentlemen.’ When the carriage + stopped, he requested me to remain seated, and said he would bring the + gentlemen down to see me, the office being on the second floor. In a short + time the President came down, followed by the other gentlemen. When he + introduced them to me, General Cullum recognized and seemed pleased to see + me. + </p> + <p> + “In General Halleck I thought I discovered a kind of quizzical look, as + much as to say, ‘Isn’t this rather a big joke to ask the + Commander-in-Chief of the army down to the street to be introduced to a + country captain?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0136" id="link2H_4_0136"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STORIES BETTER THAN DOCTORS. + </h2> + <p> + A gentleman, visiting a hospital at Washington, heard an occupant of one + of the beds laughing and talking about the President, who had been there a + short time before and gladdened the wounded with some of his stories. The + soldier seemed in such good spirits that the gentleman inquired: + </p> + <p> + “You must be very slightly wounded?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the brave fellow, “very slightly—I have only lost one + leg, and I’d be glad enough to lose the other, if I could hear some more + of ‘Old Abe’s’ stories.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0137" id="link2H_4_0137"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SHORT, BUT EXCITING. + </h2> + <p> + William B. Wilson, employed in the telegraph office at the War Department, + ran over to the White House one day to summon Mr. Lincoln. He described + the trip back to the War Department in this manner: + </p> + <p> + “Calling one of his two younger boys to join him, we then started from the + White House, between stately trees, along a gravel path which led to the + rear of the old War Department building. It was a warm day, and Mr. + Lincoln wore as part of his costume a faded gray linen duster which hung + loosely around his long gaunt frame; his kindly eye was beaming with good + nature, and his ever-thoughtful brow was unruffled. + </p> + <p> + “We had barely reached the gravel walk before he stooped over, picked up a + round smooth pebble, and shooting it off his thumb, challenged us to a + game of ‘followings,’ which we accepted. Each in turn tried to hit the + outlying stone, which was being constantly projected onward by the + President. The game was short, but exciting; the cheerfulness of + childhood, the ambition of young manhood, and the gravity of the statesman + were all injected into it. + </p> + <p> + “The game was not won until the steps of the War Department were reached. + Every inch of progression was toughly contested, and when the President + was declared victor, it was only by a hand span. He appeared to be as much + pleased as if he had won a battle.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0138" id="link2H_4_0138"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MR. BULL DIDN’T GET HIS COTTON. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9133}.jpg" alt="{9133}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9133}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Because of the blockade, by the Union fleets, of the Southern cotton + ports, England was deprived of her supply of cotton, and scores of + thousands of British operatives were thrown out of employment by the + closing of the cotton mills at Manchester and other cities in Great + Britain. England (John Bull) felt so badly about this that the British + wanted to go to war on account of it, but when the United States eagle + ruffled up its wings the English thought over the business and concluded + not to fight. + </p> + <p> + “Harper’s Weekly” of May 16th, 1863, contained the cartoon we reproduce, + which shows John Bull as manifesting much anxiety regarding the cotton he + had bought from the Southern planters, but which the latter could not + deliver. Beneath the cartoon is this bit of dialogue between John Bull and + President Lincoln: MR. BULL (confiding creature): “Hi want my cotton, + bought at fi’pence a pound.” + </p> + <p> + MR. LINCOLN: “Don’t know anything about it, my dear sir. Your friends, the + rebels, are burning all the cotton they can find, and I confiscate the + rest. Good-morning, John!” + </p> + <p> + As President Lincoln has a big fifteen-inch gun at his side, the black + muzzle of which is pressed tightly against Mr. Bull’s waistcoat, the + President, to all appearances, has the best of the argument “by a long + shot.” Anyhow, Mr. Bull had nothing more to say, but gave the cotton + matter up as a bad piece of business, and pocketed the loss. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0139" id="link2H_4_0139"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STICK TO AMERICAN PRINCIPLES. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln’s first conclusion (that Mason and Slidell should be + released) was the real ground on which the Administration submitted. “We + must stick to American principles concerning the rights of neutrals.” It + was to many, as Secretary of the Treasury Chase declared it was to him, + “gall and wormwood.” James Russell Lowell’s verse expressed best the + popular feeling: + </p> + <p> + We give the critters back, John, Cos Abram thought ‘twas right; It warn’t + your bullyin’ clack, John, Provokin’ us to fight. + </p> + <p> + The decision raised Mr. Lincoln immeasurably in the view of thoughtful + men, especially in England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0140" id="link2H_4_0140"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + USED “RUDE TACT.” + </h2> + <p> + General John C. Fremont, with headquarters at St. Louis, astonished the + country by issuing a proclamation declaring, among other things, that the + property, real and personal, of all the persons in the State of Missouri + who should take up arms against the United States, or who should be + directly proved to have taken an active part with its enemies in the + field, would be confiscated to public use and their slaves, if they had + any, declared freemen. + </p> + <p> + The President was dismayed; he modified that part of the proclamation + referring to slaves, and finally replaced Fremont with General Hunter. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Fremont (daughter of Senator T. H. Benton), her husband’s real chief + of staff, flew to Washington and sought Mr. Lincoln. It was midnight, but + the President gave her an audience. Without waiting for an explanation, + she violently charged him with sending an enemy to Missouri to look into + Fremont’s case, and threatening that if Fremont desired to he could set up + a government for himself. + </p> + <p> + “I had to exercise all the rude tact I have to avoid quarreling with her,” + said Mr. Lincoln afterwards. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0141" id="link2H_4_0141"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” ON A WOODPILE. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8135}.jpg" alt="{8135} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8135}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Lincoln’s attempt to make a lawyer of himself under adverse and + unpromising circumstances—he was a bare-footed farm-hand—excited + comment. And it was not to be wondered. One old man, who was yet alive as + late as 1901, had often employed Lincoln to do farm work for him, and was + surprised to find him one day sitting barefoot on the summit of a woodpile + and attentively reading a book. + </p> + <p> + “This being an unusual thing for farm-hands in that early day to do,” said + the old man, when relating the story, “I asked him what he was reading. + </p> + <p> + “‘I’m not reading,’ he answered. ‘I’m studying.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Studying what?’ I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “‘Law, sir,’ was the emphatic response. + </p> + <p> + “It was really too much for me, as I looked at him sitting there proud as + Cicero. ‘Great God Almighty!’ I exclaimed, and passed on.” Lincoln merely + laughed and resumed his “studies.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0142" id="link2H_4_0142"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TAKING DOWN A DANDY. + </h2> + <p> + In a political campaign, Lincoln once replied to Colonel Richard Taylor, a + self-conceited, dandified man, who wore a gold chain and ruffled shirt. + His party at that time was posing as the hard-working bone and sinew of + the land, while the Whigs were stigmatized as aristocrats, ruffled-shirt + gentry. Taylor making a sweeping gesture, his overcoat became torn open, + displaying his finery. Lincoln in reply said, laying his hand on his + jeans-clad breast: + </p> + <p> + “Here is your aristocrat, one of your silk-stocking gentry, at your + service.” Then, spreading out his hands, bronzed and gaunt with toil: + “Here is your rag-basin with lily-white hands. Yes, I suppose, according + to my friend Taylor, I am a bloated aristocrat.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0143" id="link2H_4_0143"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHEN OLD ABE GOT MAD. + </h2> + <p> + Soon after hostilities broke out between the North and South, Congress + appointed a Committee on the Conduct of the War. This committee beset Mr. + Lincoln and urged all sorts of measures. Its members were aggressive and + patriotic, and one thing they determined upon was that the Army of the + Potomac should move. But it was not until March that they became convinced + that anything would be done. + </p> + <p> + One day early in that month, Senator Chandler, of Michigan, a member of + the committee, met George W. Julian. He was in high glee. “‘Old’ Abe is + mad,” said Julian, “and the War will now go on.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0144" id="link2H_4_0144"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WANTED TO “BORROW” THE ARMY. + </h2> + <p> + During one of the periods when things were at a standstill, the Washington + authorities, being unable to force General McClellan to assume an + aggressive attitude, President Lincoln went to the general’s headquarters + to have a talk with him, but for some reason he was unable to get an + audience. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln returned to the White House much disturbed at his failure to + see the commander of the Union forces, and immediately sent for two + general officers, to have a consultation. On their arrival, he told them + he must have some one to talk to about the situation, and as he had failed + to see General McClellan, he wished their views as to the possibility or + probability of commencing active operations with the Army of the Potomac. + </p> + <p> + “Something’s got to be done,” said the President, emphatically, “and done + right away, or the bottom will fall out of the whole thing. Now, if + McClellan doesn’t want to use the army for awhile, I’d like to borrow it + from him and see if I can’t do something or other with it. + </p> + <p> + “If McClellan can’t fish, he ought at least to be cutting bait at a time + like this.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0145" id="link2H_4_0145"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + YOUNG “SUCKER” VISITORS. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9137}.jpg" alt="{9137}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9137}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + After Mr. Lincoln’s nomination for the Presidency, the Executive Chamber, + a large, fine room in the State House at Springfield, was set apart for + him, where he met the public until after his election. + </p> + <p> + As illustrative of the nature of many of his calls, the following incident + was related by Mr. Holland, an eye-witness: “Mr. Lincoln being in + conversation with a gentleman one day, two raw, plainly-dressed young + ‘Suckers’ entered the room, and bashfully lingered near the door. As soon + as he observed them, and saw their embarrassment, he rose and walked to + them, saying: ‘How do you do, my good fellows? What can I do for you? Will + you sit down?’ The spokesman of the pair, the shorter of the two, declined + to sit, and explained the object of the call thus: He had had a talk about + the relative height of Mr. Lincoln and his companion, and had asserted his + belief that they were of exactly the same height. He had come in to verify + his judgment. Mr. Lincoln smiled, went and got his cane, and, placing the + end of it upon the wall, said” ‘Here, young man, come under here.’ “The + young man came under the cane as Mr. Lincoln held it, and when it was + perfectly adjusted to his height, Mr. Lincoln said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Now, come out, and hold the cane.’ + </p> + <p> + “This he did, while Mr. Lincoln stood under. Rubbing his head back and + forth to see that it worked easily under the measurement, he stepped out, + and declared to the sagacious fellow who was curiously looking on, that he + had guessed with remarkable accuracy—that he and the young man were + exactly the same height. Then he shook hands with them and sent them on + their way. Mr. Lincoln would just as soon have thought of cutting off his + right hand as he would have thought of turning those boys away with the + impression that they had in any way insulted his dignity.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0146" id="link2H_4_0146"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “AND YOU DON’T WEAR HOOPSKIRTS.” + </h2> + <p> + An Ohio Senator had an appointment with President Lincoln at six o’clock, + and as he entered the vestibule of the White House his attention was + attracted toward a poorly clad young woman, who was violently sobbing. He + asked her the cause of her distress. She said she had been ordered away by + the servants, after vainly waiting many hours to see the President about + her only brother, who had been condemned to death. Her story was this: + </p> + <p> + She and her brother were foreigners, and orphans. They had been in this + country several years. Her brother enlisted in the army, but, through bad + influences, was induced to desert. He was captured, tried and sentenced to + be shot—the old story. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl had obtained the signatures of some persons who had formerly + known him, to a petition for a pardon, and alone had come to Washington to + lay the case before the President. Thronged as the waiting-rooms always + were, she had passed the long hours of two days trying in vain to get an + audience, and had at length been ordered away. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman’s feelings were touched. He said to her that he had come to + see the President, but did not know as he should succeed. He told her, + however, to follow him upstairs, and he would see what could be done for + her. + </p> + <p> + Just before reaching the door, Mr. Lincoln came out, and, meeting his + friend, said good-humoredly, “Are you not ahead of time?” The gentleman + showed him his watch, with the hand upon the hour of six. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” returned Mr. Lincoln, “I have been so busy to-day that I have not + had time to get a lunch. Go in and sit down; I will be back directly.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman made the young woman accompany him into the office, and when + they were seated, said to her: “Now, my good girl, I want you to muster + all the courage you have in the world. When the President comes back, he + will sit down in that armchair. I shall get up to speak to him, and as I + do so you must force yourself between us, and insist upon his examination + of your papers, telling him it is a case of life and death, and admits of + no delay.” These instructions were carried out to the letter. Mr. Lincoln + was at first somewhat surprised at the apparent forwardness of the young + woman, but observing her distressed appearance, he ceased conversation + with his friend, and commenced an examination of the document she had + placed in his hands. + </p> + <p> + Glancing from it to the face of the petitioner, whose tears had broken + forth afresh, he studied its expression for a moment, and then his eye + fell upon her scanty but neat dress. Instantly his face lighted up. + </p> + <p> + “My poor girl,” said he, “you have come here with no Governor, or Senator, + or member of Congress to plead your cause. You seem honest and truthful; + and you don’t wear hoopskirts—and I will be whipped but I will + pardon your brother.” And he did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0147" id="link2H_4_0147"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIEUTENANT TAD LINCOLN’S SENTINELS. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln’s favorite son, Tad, having been sportively commissioned + a lieutenant in the United States Army by Secretary Stanton, procured + several muskets and drilled the men-servants of the house in the manual of + arms without attracting the attention of his father. And one night, to his + consternation, he put them all on duty, and relieved the regular sentries, + who, seeing the lad in full uniform, or perhaps appreciating the joke, + gladly went to their quarters. His brother objected; but Tad insisted upon + his rights as an officer. The President laughed but declined to interfere, + but when the lad had lost his little authority in his boyish sleep, the + Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States went down and + personally discharged the sentries his son had put on the post. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0148" id="link2H_4_0148"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DOUGLAS HELD LINCOLN’S HAT. + </h2> + <p> + When Mr. Lincoln delivered his first inaugural he was introduced by his + friend, United States Senator E. D. Baker, of Oregon. He carried a cane + and a little roll—the manuscript of his inaugural address. There was + moment’s pause after the introduction, as he vainly looked for a spot + where he might place his high silk hat. + </p> + <p> + Stephen A. Douglas, the political antagonist of his whole public life, the + man who had pressed him hardest in the campaign of 1860, was seated just + behind him. Douglas stepped forward quickly, and took the hat which Mr. + Lincoln held helplessly in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “If I can’t be President,” Douglas whispered smilingly to Mrs. Brown, a + cousin of Mrs. Lincoln and a member of the President’s party, “I at least + can hold his hat.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0149" id="link2H_4_0149"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DEAD MAN SPOKE. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln once said in a speech: “Fellow-citizens, my friend, Mr. + Douglas, made the startling announcement to-day that the Whigs are all + dead. + </p> + <p> + “If that be so, fellow-citizens, you will now experience the novelty of + hearing a speech from a dead man; and I suppose you might properly say, in + the language of the old hymn: + </p> + <p> + “‘Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0150" id="link2H_4_0150"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MILITARY SNAILS NOT SPEEDY. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln—as he himself put it in conversation one day with + a friend—“fairly ached” for his generals to “get down to business.” + These slow generals he termed “snails.” + </p> + <p> + Grant, Sherman and Sheridan were his favorites, for they were aggressive. + They did not wait for the enemy to attack. Too many of the others were + “lingerers,” as Lincoln called them. They were magnificent in defense, and + stubborn and brave, but their names figured too much on the “waiting + list.” + </p> + <p> + The greatest fault Lincoln found with so many of the commanders on the + Union side was their unwillingness to move until everything was exactly to + their liking. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln could not understand why these leaders of Northern armies + hesitated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0151" id="link2H_4_0151"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + OUTRAN THE JACK-RABBIT. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9141}.jpg" alt="{9141}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9141}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + When the Union forces were routed in the first battle of Bull Run, there + were many civilians present, who had gone out from Washington to witness + the battle. Among the number were several Congressmen. One of these was a + tall, long-legged fellow, who wore a long-tailed coat and a high plug hat. + When the retreat began, this Congressman was in the lead of the entire + crowd fleeing toward Washington. He outran all the rest, and was the first + man to arrive in the city. No person ever made such good use of long legs + as this Congressman. His immense stride carried him yards at every bound. + He went over ditches and gullies at a single leap, and cleared a six-foot + fence with a foot to spare. As he went over the fence his plug hat blew + off, but he did not pause. With his long coat-tails flying in the wind, he + continued straight ahead for Washington. + </p> + <p> + Many of those behind him were scared almost to death, but the flying + Congressman was such a comical figure that they had to laugh in spite of + their terror. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln enjoyed the description of how this Congressman led the race + from Bull’s Run, and laughed at it heartily. + </p> + <p> + “I never knew but one fellow who could run like that,” he said, “and he + was a young man out in Illinois. He had been sparking a girl, much against + the wishes of her father. In fact, the old man took such a dislike to him + that he threatened to shoot him if he ever caught him around his premises + again. + </p> + <p> + “One evening the young man learned that the girl’s father had gone to the + city, and he ventured out to the house. He was sitting in the parlor, with + his arm around Betsy’s waist, when he suddenly spied the old man coming + around the corner of the house with a shotgun. Leaping through a window + into the garden, he started down a path at the top of his speed. He was a + long-legged fellow, and could run like greased lightning. Just then a + jack-rabbit jumped up in the path in front of him. In about two leaps he + overtook the rabbit. Giving it a kick that sent it high in the air, he + exclaimed: ‘Git out of the road, gosh dern you, and let somebody run that + knows how.’ + </p> + <p> + “I reckon,” said Mr. Lincoln, “that the long-legged Congressman, when he + saw the rebel muskets, must have felt a good deal like that young fellow + did when he saw the old man’s shot-gun.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfooling" id="linkfooling"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “FOOLING” THE PEOPLE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was a strong believer in the virtue of dealing honestly with the + people. + </p> + <p> + “If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens,” he said to a + caller at the White House, “you can never regain their respect and esteem. + </p> + <p> + “It is true that you may fool all the people some of the time; you can + even fool some of the people all the time; but you can’t fool all of the + people all the time.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0152" id="link2H_4_0152"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE, YOU CAN’T PLAY THAT ON ME.” + </h2> + <p> + The night President-elect Lincoln arrived at Washington, one man was + observed watching Lincoln very closely as he walked out of the railroad + station. Standing a little to one side, the man looked very sharply at + Lincoln, and, as the latter passed, seized hold of his hand, and said in a + loud tone of voice, “Abe, you can’t play that on me!” + </p> + <p> + Ward Lamon and the others with Lincoln were instantly alarmed, and would + have struck the stranger had not Lincoln hastily said, “Don’t strike him! + It is Washburne. Don’t you know him?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Seward had given Congressman Washburne a hint of the time the train + would arrive, and he had the right to be at the station when the train + steamed in, but his indiscreet manner of loudly addressing the + President-elect might have led to serious consequences to the latter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0153" id="link2H_4_0153"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS “BROAD” STORIES. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Rose Linder Wilkinson, who often accompanied her father, Judge + Linder, in the days when he rode circuit with Mr. Lincoln, tells the + following story: + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8143}.jpg" alt="{8143} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8143}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “At night, as a rule, the lawyers spent awhile in the parlor, and + permitted the women who happened to be along to sit with them. But after + half an hour or so we would notice it was time for us to leave them. I + remember traveling the circuit one season when the young wife of one of + the lawyers was with him. The place was so crowded that she and I were + made to sleep together. When the time came for banishing us from the + parlor, we went up to our room and sat there till bed-time, listening to + the roars that followed each ether swiftly while those lawyers down-stairs + told stories and laughed till the rafters rang. + </p> + <p> + “In the morning Mr. Lincoln said to me: ‘Rose, did we disturb your sleep + last night?’ I answered, ‘No, I had no sleep’—which was not entirely + true but the retort amused him. Then the young lawyer’s wife complained to + him that we were not fairly used. We came along with them, young women, + and when they were having the best time we were sent away like children to + go to bed in the dark. + </p> + <p> + “‘But, Madame,’ said Mr. Lincoln, ‘you would not enjoy the things we laugh + at.’ And then he entered into a discussion on what have been termed his + ‘broad’ stories. He deplored the fact that men seemed to remember them + longer and with less effort than any others. + </p> + <p> + “My father said: ‘But, Lincoln, I don’t remember the “broad” part of your + stories so much as I do the moral that is in them,’ and it was a thing in + which they were all agreed.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0154" id="link2H_4_0154"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SORRY FOR THE HORSES. + </h2> + <p> + When President Lincoln heard of the Confederate raid at Fairfax, in which + a brigadier-general and a number of valuable horses were captured, he + gravely observed: + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am sorry for the horses.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorry for the horses, Mr. President!” exclaimed the Secretary of War, + raising his spectacles and throwing himself back in his chair in + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Mr., Lincoln, “I can make a brigadier-general in five + minutes, but it is not easy to replace a hundred and ten horses.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0155" id="link2H_4_0155"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MILD REBUKE TO A DOCTOR. + </h2> + <p> + Dr. Jerome Walker, of Brooklyn, told how Mr. Lincoln once administered to + him a mild rebuke. The doctor was showing Mr. Lincoln through the hospital + at City Point. + </p> + <p> + “Finally, after visiting the wards occupied by our invalid and + convalescing soldiers,” said Dr. Walker, “we came to three wards occupied + by sick and wounded Southern prisoners. With a feeling of patriotic duty, + I said: ‘Mr. President, you won’t want to go in there; they are only + rebels.’ + </p> + <p> + “I will never forget how he stopped and gently laid his large hand upon my + shoulder and quietly answered, ‘You mean Confederates!’ And I have meant + Confederates ever since. + </p> + <p> + “There was nothing left for me to do after the President’s remark but to + go with him through these three wards; and I could not see but that he was + just as kind, his hand-shakings just as hearty, his interest just as real + for the welfare of the men, as when he was among our own soldiers.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0156" id="link2H_4_0156"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COLD MOLASSES WAS SWIFTER. + </h2> + <p> + “Old Pap,” as the soldiers called General George H. Thomas, was + aggravatingly slow at a time when the President wanted him to “get a move + on”; in fact, the gallant “Rock of Chickamauga” was evidently entered in a + snail-race. + </p> + <p> + “Some of my generals are so slow,” regretfully remarked Lincoln one day, + “that molasses in the coldest days of winter is a race horse compared to + them. + </p> + <p> + “They’re brave enough, but somehow or other they get fastened in a fence + corner, and can’t figure their way out.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0157" id="link2H_4_0157"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN CALLS MEDILL A COWARD. + </h2> + <p> + Joseph Medill, for many years editor of the Chicago Tribune, not long + before his death, told the following story regarding the “talking to” + President Lincoln gave himself and two other Chicago gentlemen who went to + Washington to see about reducing Chicago’s quota of troops after the call + for extra men was made by the President in 1864: + </p> + <p> + “In 1864, when the call for extra troops came, Chicago revolted. She had + already sent 22,000 troops up to that time, and was drained. When the call + came there were no young men to go, and no aliens except what were bought. + The citizens held a mass meeting and appointed three persons, of whom I + was one, to go to Washington and ask Stanton to give Cook County a new + enrollment. On reaching Washington, we went to Stanton with our statement. + He refused entirely to give us the desired aid. Then we went to Lincoln. + ‘I cannot do it,’ he said, ‘but I will go with you to the War Department, + and Stanton and I will hear both sides.’ + </p> + <p> + “So we all went over to the War Department together. Stanton and General + Frye were there, and they, of course, contended that the quota should not + be changed. The argument went on for some time, and was finally referred + to Lincoln, who had been sitting silently listening. + </p> + <p> + “I shall never forget how he suddenly lifted his head and turned on us a + black and frowning face. + </p> + <p> + “‘Gentlemen,’ he said, in a voice full of bitterness, ‘after Boston, + Chicago has been the chief instrument in bringing war on this country. The + Northwest has opposed the South as New England has opposed the South. It + is you who are largely responsible for making blood flow as it has. + </p> + <p> + “‘You called for war until we had it. You called for Emancipation, and I + have given it to you. Whatever you have asked, you have had. Now you come + here begging to be let off from the call for men, which I have made to + carry out the war which you demanded. You ought to be ashamed of + yourselves. I have a right to expect better things of you. + </p> + <p> + “‘Go home and raise your six thousand extra men. And you, Medill, you are + acting like a coward. You and your Tribune have had more influence than + any paper in the Northwest in making this war. You can influence great + masses, and yet you cry to be spared at a moment when your cause is + suffering. Go home and send us those men!’ + </p> + <p> + “I couldn’t say anything. It was the first time I ever was whipped, and I + didn’t have an answer. We all got up and went out, and when the door + closed one of my colleagues said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, gentlemen, the old man is right. We ought to be ashamed of + ourselves. Let us never say anything about this, but go home and raise the + men.’ + </p> + <p> + “And we did—six thousand men—making twenty-eight thousand in + the War from a city of one hundred and fifty-six thousand. But there might + have been crape on every door, almost, in Chicago, for every family had + lost a son or a husband. I lost two brothers. It was hard for the + mothers.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0147}.jpg" alt="{0147}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0147}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0148}.jpg" alt="{0148}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0148}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0158" id="link2H_4_0158"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THEY DIDN’T BUILD IT. + </h2> + <p> + In 1862 a delegation of New York millionaires waited upon President + Lincoln to request that he furnish a gunboat for the protection of New + York harbor. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln, after listening patiently, said: “Gentlemen, the credit of + the Government is at a very low ebb; greenbacks are not worth more than + forty or fifty cents on the dollar; it is impossible for me, in the + present condition of things, to furnish you a gunboat, and, in this + condition of things, if I was worth half as much as you, gentlemen, are + represented to be, and as badly frightened as you seem to be, I would + build a gunboat and give it to the Government.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0159" id="link2H_4_0159"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STANTON’S ABUSE OF LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln’s sense of duty to the country, together with his keen + judgment of men, often led to the appointment of persons unfriendly to + him. Some of these appointees were, as well, not loyal to the National + Government, for that matter. + </p> + <p> + Regarding Secretary of War Stanton’s attitude toward Lincoln, Colonel A. + K. McClure, who was very close to President Lincoln, said: + </p> + <p> + “After Stanton’s retirement from the Buchanan Cabinet when Lincoln was + inaugurated, he maintained the closest confidential relations with + Buchanan, and wrote him many letters expressing the utmost contempt for + Lincoln, the Cabinet, the Republican Congress, and the general policy of + the Administration. + </p> + <p> + “These letters speak freely of the ‘painful imbecility of Lincoln,’ of the + ‘venality and corruption’ which ran riot in the government, and expressed + the belief that no better condition of things was possible ‘until Jeff + Davis turns out the whole concern.’ + </p> + <p> + “He was firmly impressed for some weeks after the battle of Bull Run that + the government was utterly overthrown, as he repeatedly refers to the + coming of Davis into the National Capital. + </p> + <p> + “In one letter he says that ‘in less than thirty days Davis will be in + possession of Washington;’ and it is an open secret that Stanton advised + the revolutionary overthrow of the Lincoln government, to be replaced by + General McClellan as military dictator. These letters, bad as they are, + are not the worst letters written by Stanton to Buchanan. Some of them + were so violent in their expressions against Lincoln and the + administration that they have been charitably withheld from the public, + but they remain in the possession of the surviving relatives of President + Buchanan. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Lincoln had no knowledge of the bitterness exhibited by + Stanton to himself personally and to his administration, but if he had + known the worst that Stanton ever said or wrote about him, I doubt not + that he would have called him to the Cabinet in January, 1862. The + disasters the army suffered made Lincoln forgetful of everything but the + single duty of suppressing the rebellion. + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln was not long in discovering that in his new Secretary of War he + had an invaluable but most troublesome Cabinet officer, but he saw only + the great and good offices that Stanton was performing for the imperilled + Republic. + </p> + <p> + “Confidence was restored in financial circles by the appointment of + Stanton, and his name as War Minister did more to strengthen the faith of + the people in the government credit than would have been probable from the + appointment of any other man of that day. + </p> + <p> + “He was a terror to all the hordes of jobbers and speculators and + camp-followers whose appetites had been whetted by a great war, and he + enforced the strictest discipline throughout our armies. + </p> + <p> + “He was seldom capable of being civil to any officer away from the army on + leave of absence unless he had been summoned by the government for + conference or special duty, and he issued the strictest orders from time + to time to drive the throng of military idlers from the capital and keep + them at their posts. He was stern to savagery in his enforcement of + military law. The wearied sentinel who slept at his post found no mercy in + the heart of Stanton, and many times did Lincoln’s humanity overrule his + fiery minister. + </p> + <p> + “Any neglect of military duty was sure of the swiftest punishment, and + seldom did he make even just allowance for inevitable military disaster. + He had profound, unfaltering faith in the Union cause, and, above all, he + had unfaltering faith in himself. + </p> + <p> + “He believed that he was in all things except in name Commander-in-Chief + of the armies and the navy of the nation, and it was with unconcealed + reluctance that he at times deferred to the authority of the President.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0160" id="link2H_4_0160"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE NEGRO AND THE CROCODILE. + </h2> + <p> + In one of his political speeches, Judge Douglas made use of the following + figure of speech: “As between the crocodile and the negro, I take the side + of the negro; but as between the negro and the white man—I would go + for the white man every time.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, at home, noted that; and afterwards, when he had occasion to + refer to the remark, he said: “I believe that this is a sort of + proposition in proportion, which may be stated thus: ‘As the negro is to + the white man, so is the crocodile to the negro; and as the negro may + rightfully treat the crocodile as a beast or reptile, so the white man may + rightfully treat the negro as a beast or reptile.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0161" id="link2H_4_0161"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN WAS READY TO FIGHT. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9151}.jpg" alt="{9151}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9151}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + On one occasion, Colonel Baker was speaking in a court-house, which had + been a storehouse, and, on making some remarks that were offensive to + certain political rowdies in the crowd, they cried: “Take him off the + stand!” + </p> + <p> + Immediate confusion followed, and there was an attempt to carry the demand + into execution. Directly over the speaker’s head was an old skylight, at + which it appeared Mr. Lincoln had been listening to the speech. In an + instant, Mr. Lincoln’s feet came through the skylight, followed by his + tall and sinewy frame, and he was standing by Colonel Baker’s side. He + raised his hand and the assembly subsided into silence. “Gentlemen,” said + Mr. Lincoln, “let us not disgrace the age and country in which we live. + This is a land where freedom of speech is guaranteed. Mr. Baker has a + right to speak, and ought to be permitted to do so. I am here to protect + him, and no man shall take him from this stand if I can prevent it.” The + suddenness of his appearance, his perfect calmness and fairness, and the + knowledge that he would do what he had promised to do, quieted all + disturbance, and the speaker concluded his remarks without difficulty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0162" id="link2H_4_0162"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IT WAS UP-HILL WORK. + </h2> + <p> + Two young men called on the President from Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln + shook hands with them, and asked about the crops, the weather, etc. + </p> + <p> + Finally one of the young men said, “Mother is not well, and she sent me up + to inquire of you how the suit about the Wells property is getting on.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, in the same even tone with which he had asked the question, said: + “Give my best wishes and respects to your mother, and tell her I have so + many outside matters to attend to now that I have put that case, and + others, in the hands of a lawyer friend of mine, and if you will call on + him (giving name and address) he will give you the information you want.” + </p> + <p> + After they had gone, a friend, who was present, said: “Mr. Lincoln, you + did not seem to know the young men?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed and replied: “No, I had never seen them before, and I had to + beat around the bush until I found who they were. It was up-hill work, but + I topped it at last.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0163" id="link2H_4_0163"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LEE’S SLIM ANIMAL. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln wrote to General Hooker on June 5, 1863, warning Hooker + not to run any risk of being entangled on the Rappahannock “like an ox + jumped half over a fence and liable to be torn by dogs, front and rear, + without a fair chance to give one way or kick the other.” On the 10th he + warned Hooker not to go south of the Rappahannock upon Lee’s moving north + of it. “I think Lee’s army and not Richmond is your true objective power. + If he comes toward the upper Potomac, follow on his flank, and on the + inside track, shortening your lines while he lengthens his. Fight him, + too, when opportunity offers. If he stay where he is, fret him, and fret + him.” + </p> + <p> + On the 14th again he says: “So far as we can make out here, the enemy have + Milroy surrounded at Winchester, and Tyler at Martinsburg. If they could + hold out for a few days, could you help them? If the head of Lee’s army is + at Martinsburg, and the tail of it on the flank road between + Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the animal must be very slim + somewhere; could you not break him?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0164" id="link2H_4_0164"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “MRS. NORTH AND HER ATTORNEY.” + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0153}.jpg" alt="{0153}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0153}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + In the issue of London “Punch” of September 24th, 1864, President Lincoln + is pictured as sitting at a table in his law office, while in a chair to + his right is a client, Mrs. North. The latter is a fine client for any + attorney to have on his list, being wealthy and liberal, but as the lady + is giving her counsel, who has represented her in a legal way for four + years, notice that she proposes to put her legal business in the hands of + another lawyer, the dejected look upon the face of Attorney Lincoln is + easily accounted for. “Punch” puts these words in the lady’s mouth: + </p> + <p> + MRS. NORTH: “You see, Mr. Lincoln, we have failed utterly in our course of + action; I want peace, and so, if you cannot effect an amicable + arrangement, I must put the case into other hands.” + </p> + <p> + In this cartoon, “Punch” merely reflected the idea, or sentiment, current + in England in 1864, that the North was much dissatisfied with the War + policy of President Lincoln; and would surely elect General McClellan to + succeed the Westerner in the White House. At the election McClellan + carried but one Northern State—New Jersey, where he was born—President + Lincoln sweeping the country like a prairie fire. + </p> + <p> + “Punch” had evidently been deceived by some bold, bad man, who wanted a + little spending money, and sold the prediction to the funny journal with a + certificate of character attached, written by—possibly—a + member of the Horse Marines. “Punch,” was very much disgusted to find that + its credulity and faith in mankind had been so imposed upon, especially + when the election returns showed that “the-War-is-a-failure” candidate ran + so slowly that Lincoln passed him as easily as though the Democratic + nominee was tied to a post. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0165" id="link2H_4_0165"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SATISFACTION TO THE SOUL. + </h2> + <p> + In the far-away days when “Abe” went to school in Indiana, they had + exercises, exhibitions and speaking-meetings in the schoolhouse or the + church, and “Abe” was the “star.” His father was a Democrat, and at that + time “Abe” agreed with his parent. He would frequently make political and + other speeches to the boys and explain tangled questions. + </p> + <p> + Booneville was the county seat of Warrick county, situated about fifteen + miles from Gentryville. Thither “Abe” walked to be present at the sittings + of the court, and listened attentively to the trials and the speeches of + the lawyers. + </p> + <p> + One of the trials was that of a murderer. He was defended by Mr. John + Breckinridge, and at the conclusion of his speech “Abe” was so + enthusiastic that he ventured to compliment him. Breckinridge looked at + the shabby boy, thanked him, and passed on his way. + </p> + <p> + Many years afterwards, in 1862, Breckinridge called on the President, and + he was told, “It was the best speech that I, up to that time, had ever + heard. If I could, as I then thought, make as good a speech as that, my + soul would be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0166" id="link2H_4_0166"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WITHDREW THE COLT. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8155}.jpg" alt="{8155} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8155}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Mr. Alcott, of Elgin, Ill., tells of seeing Mr. Lincoln coming away from + church unusually early one Sunday morning. “The sermon could not have been + more than half way through,” says Mr. Alcott. “‘Tad’ was slung across his + left arm like a pair of saddlebags, and Mr. Lincoln was striding along + with long, deliberate steps toward his home. On one of the street corners + he encountered a group of his fellow-townsmen. Mr. Lincoln anticipated the + question which was about to be put by the group, and, taking his figure of + speech from practices with which they were only too familiar, said: + ‘Gentlemen, I entered this colt, but he kicked around so I had to withdraw + him.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0167" id="link2H_4_0167"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “TAD” GOT HIS DOLLAR. + </h2> + <p> + No matter who was with the President, or how intently absorbed, his little + son “Tad” was always welcome. He almost always accompanied his father. + </p> + <p> + Once, on the way to Fortress Monroe, he became very troublesome. The + President was much engaged in conversation with the party who accompanied + him, and he at length said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Tad,’ if you will be a good boy, and not disturb me any more until we + get to Fortress Monroe, I will give you a dollar.” + </p> + <p> + The hope of reward was effectual for awhile in securing silence, but, + boylike, “Tad” soon forgot his promise, and was as noisy as ever. Upon + reaching their destination, however, he said, very promptly: “Father, I + want my dollar.” Mr. Lincoln looked at him half-reproachfully for an + instant, and then, taking from his pocketbook a dollar note, he said + “Well, my son, at any rate, I will keep my part of the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0168" id="link2H_4_0168"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TELLS AN EDITOR ABOUT NASBY. + </h2> + <p> + Henry J. Raymond, the famous New York editor, thus tells of Mr. Lincoln’s + fondness for the Nasby letters: + </p> + <p> + “It has been well said by a profound critic of Shakespeare, and it occurs + to me as very appropriate in this connection, that the spirit which held + the woe of Lear and the tragedy of “Hamlet” would have broken had it not + also had the humor of the “Merry Wives of Windsor” and the merriment of + the “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” + </p> + <p> + “This is as true of Mr. Lincoln as it was of Shakespeare. The capacity to + tell and enjoy a good anecdote no doubt prolonged his life. + </p> + <p> + “The Saturday evening before he left Washington to go to the front, just + previous to the capture of Richmond, I was with him from seven o’clock + till nearly twelve. It had been one of his most trying days. The pressure + of office-seekers was greater at this juncture than I ever knew it to be, + and he was almost worn out. + </p> + <p> + “Among the callers that evening was a party composed of two Senators, a + Representative, an ex-Lieutenant-Governor of a Western State, and several + private citizens. They had business of great importance, involving the + necessity of the President’s examination of voluminous documents. Pushing + everything aside, he said to one of the party: + </p> + <p> + “‘Have you seen the Nasby papers?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, I have not,’ was the reply; ‘who is Nasby?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘There is a chap out in Ohio,’ returned the President, ‘who has been + writing a series of letters in the newspapers over the signature of + Petroleum V. Nasby. Some one sent me a pamphlet collection of them the + other day. I am going to write to “Petroleum” to come down here, and I + intend to tell him if he will communicate his talent to me, I will swap + places with him!’ + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon he arose, went to a drawer in his desk, and, taking out the + ‘Letters,’ sat down and read one to the company, finding in their + enjoyment of it the temporary excitement and relief which another man + would have found in a glass of wine. The instant he had ceased, the book + was thrown aside, his countenance relapsed into its habitual serious + expression, and the business was entered upon with the utmost + earnestness.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0169" id="link2H_4_0169"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LONG AND SHORT OF IT. + </h2> + <p> + On the occasion of a serenade, the President was called for by the crowd + assembled. He appeared at a window with his wife (who was somewhat below + the medium height), and made the following “brief remarks”: + </p> + <p> + “Here I am, and here is Mrs. Lincoln. That’s the long and the short of + it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0170" id="link2H_4_0170"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MORE PEGS THAN HOLES. + </h2> + <p> + Some gentlemen were once finding fault with the President because certain + generals were not given commands. + </p> + <p> + “The fact is,” replied President Lincoln, “I have got more pegs than I + have holes to put them in.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0171" id="link2H_4_0171"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “WEBSTER COULDN’T HAVE DONE MORE.” + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln “got even” with the Illinois Central Railroad Company, in 1855, in + a most substantial way, at the same time secured sweet revenge for an + insult, unwarranted in every way, put upon him by one of the officials of + that corporation. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln and Herndon defended the Illinois Central Railroad in an action + brought by McLean County, Illinois, in August, 1853, to recover taxes + alleged to be due the county from the road. The Legislature had granted + the road immunity from taxation, and this was a case intended to test the + constitutionality of the law. The road sent a retainer fee of $250. + </p> + <p> + In the lower court the case was decided in favor of the railroad. An + appeal to the Supreme Court followed, was argued twice, and finally + decided in favor of the road. This last decision was rendered some time in + 1855. Lincoln then went to Chicago and presented the bill for legal + services. Lincoln and Herndon only asked for $2,000 more. + </p> + <p> + The official to whom he was referred, after looking at the bill, expressed + great surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir,” he exclaimed, “this is as much as Daniel Webster himself would + have charged. We cannot allow such a claim.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “We could have hired first-class lawyers at that figure,” was the + response. + </p> + <p> + “We won the case, didn’t we?” queried Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied the official. + </p> + <p> + “Daniel Webster, then,” retorted Lincoln in no amiable tone, “couldn’t + have done more,” and “Abe” walked out of the official’s office. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln withdrew the bill, and started for home. On the way he stopped at + Bloomington, where he met Grant Goodrich, Archibald Williams, Norman B. + Judd, O. H. Browning, and other attorneys, who, on learning of his modest + charge for the valuable services rendered the railroad, induced him to + increase the demand to $5,000, and to bring suit for that sum. + </p> + <p> + This was done at once. On the trial six lawyers certified that the bill + was reasonable, and judgment for that sum went by default; the judgment + was promptly paid, and, of course, his partner, Herndon, got “your half + Billy,” without delay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0172" id="link2H_4_0172"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN MET CLAY. + </h2> + <p> + When a member of Congress, Lincoln went to Lexington, Kentucky, to hear + Henry Clay speak. The Westerner, a Kentuckian by birth, and destined to + reach the great goal Clay had so often sought, wanted to meet the “Millboy + of the Slashes.” The address was a tame affair, as was the personal + greeting when Lincoln made himself known. Clay was courteous, but cold. He + may never have heard of the man, then in his presence, who was to secure, + without solicitation, the prize which he for many years had unsuccessfully + sought. Lincoln was disenchanted; his ideal was shattered. One reason why + Clay had not realized his ambition had become apparent. + </p> + <p> + Clay was cool and dignified; Lincoln was cordial and hearty. Clay’s hand + was bloodless and frosty, with no vigorous grip in it; Lincoln’s was warm, + and its clasp was expressive of kindliness and sympathy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0173" id="link2H_4_0173"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + REMINDED “ABE” OF A LITTLE JOKE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9159}.jpg" alt="{9159}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9159}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + President Lincoln had a little joke at the expense of General George B. + McClellan, the Democratic candidate for the Presidency in opposition to + the Westerner in 1864. McClellan was nominated by the Democratic National + Convention, which assembled at Chicago, but after he had been named, and + also during the campaign, the military candidate was characteristically + slow in coming to the front. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln had his eye upon every move made by General McClellan + during the campaign, and when reference was made one day, in his presence, + to the deliberation and caution of the New Jerseyite, Mr. Lincoln + remarked, with a twinkle in his eye, “Perhaps he is intrenching.” + </p> + <p> + The cartoon we reproduce appeared in “Harper’s Weekly,” September 17th, + 1864, and shows General McClellan, with his little spade in hand, being + subjected to the scrutiny of the President—the man who gave + McClellan, when the latter was Commander-in-Chief of the Union forces, + every opportunity in the world to distinguish himself. There is a smile on + the face of “Honest Abe,” which shows conclusively that he does not regard + his political opponent as likely to prove formidable in any way. President + Lincoln “sized up” McClellan in 1861-2, and knew, to a fraction, how much + of a man he was, what he could do, and how he went about doing it. + McClellan was no politician, while the President was the shrewdest of + political diplomats. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0174" id="link2H_4_0174"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS DIGNITY SAVED HIM. + </h2> + <p> + When Washington had become an armed camp, and full of soldiers, President + Lincoln and his Cabinet officers drove daily to one or another of these + camps. Very often his outing for the day was attending some ceremony + incident to camp life: a military funeral, a camp wedding, a review, a + flag-raising. He did not often make speeches. “I have made a great many + poor speeches,” he said one day, in excusing himself, “and I now feel + relieved that my dignity does not permit me to be a public speaker.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0175" id="link2H_4_0175"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAN HE WAS LOOKING FOR + </h2> + <p> + Judge Kelly, of Pennsylvania, who was one of the committee to advise + Lincoln of his nomination, and who was himself a great many feet high, had + been eyeing Lincoln’s lofty form with a mixture of admiration and possibly + jealousy. + </p> + <p> + This had not escaped Lincoln, and as he shook hands with the judge he + inquired, “What is your height?” + </p> + <p> + “Six feet three. What is yours, Mr. Lincoln?” + </p> + <p> + “Six feet four.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said the judge, “Pennsylvania bows to Illinois. My dear man, for + years my heart has been aching for a President that I could look up to, + and I’ve at last found him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0176" id="link2H_4_0176"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS CABINET CHANCES POOR. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Jeriah Bonham, in describing a visit he paid Lincoln at his room in + the State House at Springfield, where he found him quite alone, except + that two of his children, one of whom was “Tad,” were with him. + </p> + <p> + “The door was open. + </p> + <p> + “We walked in and were at once recognized and seated—the two boys + still continuing their play about the room. “Tad” was spinning his top; + and Lincoln, as we entered, had just finished adjusting the string for him + so as to give the top the greatest degree of force. He remarked that he + was having a little fun with the boys.” + </p> + <p> + At another time, at Lincoln’s residence, “Tad” came into the room, and, + putting his hand to his mouth, and his mouth to his father’s ear, said, in + a boy’s whisper: “Ma says come to supper.” + </p> + <p> + All heard the announcement; and Lincoln, perceiving this, said: “You have + heard, gentlemen, the announcement concerning the interesting state of + things in the dining-room. It will never do for me, if elected, to make + this young man a member of my Cabinet, for it is plain he cannot be + trusted with secrets of state.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkheaded" id="linkheaded"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE GENERAL WAS “HEADED IN” + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8161}.jpg" alt="{8161} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8161}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + A Union general, operating with his command in West Virginia, allowed + himself and his men to be trapped, and it was feared his force would be + captured by the Confederates. The President heard the report read by the + operator, as it came over the wire, and remarked: + </p> + <p> + “Once there was a man out West who was ‘heading’ a barrel, as they used to + call it. He worked like a good fellow in driving down the hoops, but just + about the time he thought he had the job done, the head would fall in. + Then he had to do the work all over again. + </p> + <p> + “All at once a bright idea entered his brain, and he wondered how it was + he hadn’t figured it out before. His boy, a bright, smart lad, was + standing by, very much interested in the business, and, lifting the young + one up, he put him inside the barrel, telling him to hold the head in its + proper place, while he pounded down the hoops on the sides. This worked + like a charm, and he soon had the ‘heading’ done. + </p> + <p> + “Then he realized that his boy was inside the barrel, and how to get him + out he couldn’t for his life figure out. General Blank is now inside the + barrel, ‘headed in,’ and the job now is to get him out.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0177" id="link2H_4_0177"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SUGAR-COATED. + </h2> + <p> + Government Printer Defrees, when one of the President’s messages was being + printed, was a good deal disturbed by the use of the term “sugar-coated,” + and finally went to Mr. Lincoln about it. + </p> + <p> + Their relations to each other being of the most intimate character, he + told the President frankly that he ought to remember that a message to + Congress was a different affair from a speech at a mass meeting in + Illinois; that the messages became a part of history, and should be + written accordingly. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter now?” inquired the President. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Defrees, “you have used an undignified expression in the + message”; and, reading the paragraph aloud, he added, “I would alter the + structure of that, if I were you.” + </p> + <p> + “Defrees,” replied the President, “that word expresses exactly my idea, + and I am not going to change it. The time will never come in this country + when people won’t know exactly what ‘sugar-coated’ means.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0178" id="link2H_4_0178"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COULD MAKE “RABBIT-TRACKS.” + </h2> + <p> + When a grocery clerk at New Salem, the annual election came around. A Mr. + Graham was clerk, but his assistant was absent, and it was necessary to + find a man to fill his place. Lincoln, a “tall young man,” had already + concentrated on himself the attention of the people of the town, and + Graham easily discovered him. Asking him if he could write, “Abe” modestly + replied, “I can make a few rabbit-tracks.” His rabbit-tracks proving to be + legible and even graceful, he was employed. + </p> + <p> + The voters soon discovered that the new assistant clerk was honest and + fair, and performed his duties satisfactorily, and when, the work done, he + began to “entertain them with stories,” they found that their town had + made a valuable personal and social acquisition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0179" id="link2H_4_0179"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN PROTECTED CURRENCY ISSUES. + </h2> + <p> + Marshal Ward Lamon was in President Lincoln’s office in the White House + one day, and casually asked the President if he knew how the currency of + the country was made. Greenbacks were then under full headway of + circulation, these bits of paper being the representatives of United State + money. + </p> + <p> + “Our currency,” was the President’s answer, “is made, as the lawyers would + put it, in their legal way, in the following manner, to-wit: The official + engraver strikes off the sheets, passes them over to the Register of the + Currency, who, after placing his earmarks upon them, signs the same; the + Register turns them over to old Father Spinner, who proceeds to embellish + them with his wonderful signature at the bottom; Father Spinner sends them + to Secretary of the Treasury Chase, and he, as a final act in the matter, + issues them to the public as money—and may the good Lord help any + fellow that doesn’t take all he can honestly get of them!” + </p> + <p> + Taking from his pocket a $5 greenback, with a twinkle in his eye, the + President then said: “Look at Spinner’s signature! Was there ever anything + like it on earth? Yet it is unmistakable; no one will ever be able to + counterfeit it!” + </p> + <p> + Lamon then goes on to say: + </p> + <p> + “‘But,’ I said, ‘you certainly don’t suppose that Spinner actually wrote + his name on that bill, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Certainly, I do; why not?’ queried Mr. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “I then asked, ‘How much of this currency have we afloat?’ + </p> + <p> + “He remained thoughtful for a moment, and then stated the amount. + </p> + <p> + “I continued: ‘How many times do you think a man can write a signature + like Spinner’s in the course of twenty-four hours?’ + </p> + <p> + “The beam of hilarity left the countenance of the President at once. He + put the greenback into his vest pocket, and walked the floor; after awhile + he stopped, heaved a long breath and said: ‘This thing frightens me!’ He + then rang for a messenger and told him to ask the Secretary of the + Treasury to please come over to see him. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Chase soon put in an appearance; President Lincoln stated the cause + of his alarm, and asked Mr. Chase to explain in detail the operations, + methods, system of checks, etc., in his office, and a lengthy discussion + followed, President Lincoln contending there were not sufficient + safeguards afforded in any degree in the money-making department, and + Secretary Chase insisting that every protection was afforded he could + devise.” + </p> + <p> + Afterward the President called the attention of Congress to this important + question, and devices were adopted whereby a check was put upon the issue + of greenbacks that no spurious ones ever came out of the Treasury + Department, at least. Counterfeiters were busy, though, but this was not + the fault of the Treasury. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0180" id="link2H_4_0180"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S APOLOGY TO GRANT. + </h2> + <p> + “General Grant is a copious worker and fighter,” President Lincoln wrote + to General Burnside in July, 1863, “but a meagre writer or telegrapher.” + </p> + <p> + Grant never wrote a report until the battle was over. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln wrote a letter to General Grant on July 13th, 1863, + which indicated the strength of the hold the successful fighter had upon + the man in the White House. + </p> + <p> + It ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. + </p> + <p> + “I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable + service you have done the country. + </p> + <p> + “I write to say a word further. + </p> + <p> + “When you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg, I thought you should do + what you finally did—march the troops across the neck, run the + batteries with the transports, and thus go below; and I never had any + faith, except a general hope, that you knew better than I, that the Yazoo + Pass expedition, and the like, could succeed. + </p> + <p> + “When you got below and took Port Gibson, Grand Gulf and vicinity, I + thought you should go down the river and join General Banks; and when you + turned northward, east of Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. + </p> + <p> + “I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right and I + was wrong.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0165}.jpg" alt="{0165}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0165}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0166}.jpg" alt="{0166}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0166}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0181" id="link2H_4_0181"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN SAID “BY JING.” + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln never used profanity, except when he quoted it to illustrate a + point in a story. His favorite expressions when he spoke with emphasis + were “By dear!” and “By jing!” + </p> + <p> + Just preceding the Civil War he sent Ward Lamon on a ticklish mission to + South Carolina. + </p> + <p> + When the proposed trip was mentioned to Secretary Seward, he opposed it, + saying, “Mr. President, I fear you are sending Lamon to his grave. I am + afraid they will kill him in Charleston, where the people are excited and + desperate. We can’t spare Lamon, and we shall feel badly if anything + happens to him.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln said in reply: “I have known Lamon to be in many a close + place, and he has never, been in one that he didn’t get out of, somehow. + By jing! I’ll risk him. Go ahead, Lamon, and God bless you! If you can’t + bring back any good news, bring a palmetto.” Lamon brought back a palmetto + branch, but no promise of peace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0183" id="link2H_4_0183"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IT TICKLED THE LITTLE WOMAN. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln had been in the telegraph office at Springfield during the casting + of the first and second ballots in the Republican National Convention at + Chicago, and then left and went over to the office of the State Journal, + where he was sitting conversing with friends while the third ballot was + being taken. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments came across the wires the announcement of the result. The + superintendent of the telegraph company wrote on a scrap of paper: “Mr. + Lincoln, you are nominated on the third ballot,” and a boy ran with the + message to Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + He looked at it in silence, amid the shouts of those around him; then + rising and putting it in his pocket, he said quietly: “There’s a little + woman down at our house would like to hear this; I’ll go down and tell + her.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0184" id="link2H_4_0184"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “SHALL ALL FALL TOGETHER.” + </h2> + <p> + After Lincoln had finished that celebrated speech in “Egypt” (as a section + of Southern Illinois was formerly designated), in the course of which he + seized Congressman Ficklin by the coat collar and shook him fiercely, he + apologized. In return, Ficklin said Lincoln had “nearly shaken the + Democracy out of him.” To this Lincoln replied: + </p> + <p> + “That reminds me of what Paul said to Agrippa, which, in language and + substance, was about this: ‘I would to God that such Democracy as you + folks here in Egypt have were not only almost, but altogether, shaken out + of, not only you, but all that heard me this day, and that you would all + join in assisting in shaking off the shackles of the bondmen by all + legitimate means, so that this country may be made free as the good Lord + intended it.’” + </p> + <p> + Said Ficklin in rejoinder: “Lincoln, I remember of reading somewhere in + the same book from which you get your Agrippa story, that Paul, whom you + seem to desire to personate, admonished all servants (slaves) to be + obedient to them that are their masters according to the flesh, in fear + and trembling. + </p> + <p> + “It would seem that neither our Savior nor Paul saw the iniquity of + slavery as you and your party do. But you must not think that where you + fail by argument to convince an old friend like myself and win him over to + your heterodox abolition opinions, you are justified in resorting to + violence such as you practiced on me to-day. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I never had such a shaking up in the whole course of my life. + Recollect that that good old book that you quote from somewhere says in + effect this: ‘Woe be unto him who goeth to Egypt for help, for he shall + fall. The holpen shall fall, and they shall all fall together.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0185" id="link2H_4_0185"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DEAD DOG NO CURE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s quarrel with Shields was his last personal encounter. In later + years it became his duty to give an official reprimand to a young officer + who had been court-martialed for a quarrel with one of his associates. The + reprimand is probably the gentlest on record: + </p> + <p> + “Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare + time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take all the + consequences, including the vitiating of his temper and the loss of + self-control. Yield larger things to which you can show no more than equal + right; and yield lesser ones, though clearly your own. + </p> + <p> + “Better give your path to a dog than be bitten by him in contesting for + the right. Even killing the dog would not cure the bite.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0186" id="link2H_4_0186"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “THOROUGH” IS A GOOD WORD. + </h2> + <p> + Some one came to the President with a story about a plot to accomplish + some mischief in the Government. Lincoln listened to what was a very + superficial and ill-formed story, and then said: “There is one thing that + I have learned, and that you have not. It is only one word—‘thorough.’” + </p> + <p> + Then, bringing his hand down on the table with a thump to emphasize his + meaning, he added, “thorough!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0187" id="link2H_4_0187"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CABINET WAS A-SETTIN’. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9169}.jpg" alt="{9169}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9169}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Being in Washington one day, the Rev. Robert Collyer thought he’d take a + look around. In passing through the grounds surrounding the White House, + he cast a glance toward the Presidential residence, and was astonished to + see three pairs of feet resting on the ledge of an open window in one of + the apartments of the second story. The divine paused for a moment, calmly + surveyed the unique spectacle, and then resumed his walk toward the War + Department. + </p> + <p> + Seeing a laborer at work not far from the Executive Mansion, Mr. Collyer + asked him what it all meant. To whom did the feet belong, and, + particularly, the mammoth ones? “You old fool,” answered the workman, + “that’s the Cabinet, which is a-settin’, an’ them thar big feet belongs to + ‘Old Abe.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0188" id="link2H_4_0188"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A BULLET THROUGH HIS HAT. + </h2> + <p> + A soldier tells the following story of an attempt upon the life of Mr. + Lincoln “One night I was doing sentinel duty at the entrance to the + Soldiers’ Home. This was about the middle of August, 1864. About eleven + o’clock I heard a rifle shot, in the direction of the city, and shortly + afterwards I heard approaching hoof-beats. In two or three minutes a horse + came dashing up. I recognized the belated President. The President was + bareheaded. The President simply thought that his horse had taken fright + at the discharge of the firearms. + </p> + <p> + “On going back to the place where the shot had been heard, we found the + President’s hat. It was a plain silk hat, and upon examination we + discovered a bullet hole through the crown. + </p> + <p> + “The next day, upon receiving the hat, the President remarked that it was + made by some foolish marksman, and was not intended for him; but added + that he wished nothing said about the matter. + </p> + <p> + “The President said, philosophically: ‘I long ago made up my mind that if + anybody wants to kill me, he will do it. Besides, in this case, it seems + to me, the man who would succeed me would be just as objectionable to my + enemies—if I have any.’ + </p> + <p> + “One dark night, as he was going out with a friend, he took along a heavy + cane, remarking, good-naturedly: ‘Mother (Mrs. Lincoln) has got a notion + into her head that I shall be assassinated, and to please her I take a + cane when I go over to the War Department at night—when I don’t + forget it.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0189" id="link2H_4_0189"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO KIND TO GET TO HEAVEN ON. + </h2> + <p> + Two ladies from Tennessee called at the White House one day and begged Mr. + Lincoln to release their husbands, who were rebel prisoners at Johnson’s + Island. One of the fair petitioners urged as a reason for the liberation + of her husband that he was a very religious man, and rang the changes on + this pious plea. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Mr. Lincoln, “you say your husband is a religious man. + Perhaps I am not a good judge of such matters, but in my opinion the + religion that makes men rebel and fight against their government is not + the genuine article; nor is the religion the right sort which reconciles + them to the idea of eating their bread in the sweat of other men’s faces. + It is not the kind to get to heaven on.” + </p> + <p> + Later, however, the order of release was made, President Lincoln + remarking, with impressive solemnity, that he would expect the ladies to + subdue the rebellious spirit of their husbands, and to that end he thought + it would be well to reform their religion. “True patriotism,” said he, “is + better than the wrong kind of piety.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0190" id="link2H_4_0190"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE ONLY REAL PEACEMAKER. + </h2> + <p> + During the Presidential campaign of 1864 much ill-feeling was displayed by + the opposition to President Lincoln. The Democratic managers issued + posters of large dimensions, picturing the Washington Administration as + one determined to rule or ruin the country, while the only salvation for + the United States was the election of McClellan. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0171}.jpg" alt="{0171}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0171}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + We reproduce one of these 1864 campaign posters on this page, the title of + which is, “The True Issue; or ‘That’s What’s the Matter.’” + </p> + <p> + The dominant idea or purpose of the cartoon-poster was to demonstrate + McClellan’s availability. Lincoln, the Abolitionist, and Davis, the + Secessionist, are pictured as bigots of the worst sort, who were + determined that peace should not be restored to the distracted country, + except upon the lines laid down by them. McClellan, the patriotic + peacemaker, is shown as the man who believed in the preservation of the + Union above all things—a man who had no fads nor vagaries. + </p> + <p> + This peacemaker, McClellan, standing upon “the War-is-a-failure” platform, + is portrayed as a military chieftain, who would stand no nonsense; who + would compel Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Davis to cease their quarreling; who + would order the soldiers on both sides to quit their blood-letting and + send the combatants back to the farm, workshop and counting-house; and the + man whose election would restore order out of chaos, and make everything + bright and lovely. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0191" id="link2H_4_0191"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE APPLE WOMAN’S PASS. + </h2> + <p> + One day when President Lincoln was receiving callers a buxom Irish woman + came into the office, and, standing before the President, with her hands + on her hips, said: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln, can’t I sell apples on the railroad?” + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln replied: “Certainly, madam, you can sell all you wish.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” she said, “you must give me a pass, or the soldiers will not let + me.” + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln then wrote a few lines and gave them to her. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir; God bless you!” she exclaimed as she departed joyfully. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0192" id="link2H_4_0192"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SPLIT RAILS BY THE YARD. + </h2> + <p> + It was in the spring of 1830 that “Abe” Lincoln, “wearing a jean jacket, + shrunken buckskin trousers, a coonskin cap, and driving an ox-team,” + became a citizen of Illinois. He was physically and mentally equipped for + pioneer work. His first desire was to obtain a new and decent suit of + clothes, but, as he had no money, he was glad to arrange with Nancy Miller + to make him a pair of trousers, he to split four hundred fence rails for + each yard of cloth—fourteen hundred rails in all. “Abe” got the + clothes after awhile. + </p> + <p> + It was three miles from his father’s cabin to her wood-lot, where he made + the forest ring with the sound of his ax. “Abe” had helped his father plow + fifteen acres of land, and split enough rails to fence it, and he then + helped to plow fifty acres for another settler. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0193" id="link2H_4_0193"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE QUESTION OF LEGS. + </h2> + <p> + Whenever the people of Lincoln’s neighborhood engaged in dispute; whenever + a bet was to be decided; when they differed on points of religion or + politics; when they wanted to get out of trouble, or desired advice + regarding anything on the earth, below it, above it, or under the sea, + they went to “Abe.” + </p> + <p> + Two fellows, after a hot dispute lasting some hours, over the problem as + to how long a man’s legs should be in proportion to the size of his body, + stamped into Lincoln’s office one day and put the question to him. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln listened gravely to the arguments advanced by both contestants, + spent some time in “reflecting” upon the matter, and then, turning around + in his chair and facing the disputants, delivered his opinion with all the + gravity of a judge sentencing a fellow-being to death. + </p> + <p> + “This question has been a source of controversy,” he said, slowly and + deliberately, “for untold ages, and it is about time it should be + definitely decided. It has led to bloodshed in the past, and there is no + reason to suppose it will not lead to the same in the future. + </p> + <p> + “After much thought and consideration, not to mention mental worry and + anxiety, it is my opinion, all side issues being swept aside, that a man’s + lower limbs, in order to preserve harmony of proportion, should be at + least long enough to reach from his body to the ground.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0194" id="link2H_4_0194"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOO MANY WIDOWS ALREADY. + </h2> + <h3> + A Union officer in conversation one day told this story: + </h3> + <p> + “The first week I was with my command there were twenty-four deserters + sentenced by court-martial to be shot, and the warrants for their + execution were sent to the President to be signed. He refused. + </p> + <p> + “I went to Washington and had an interview. I said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Mr. President, unless these men are made an example of, the army itself + is in danger. Mercy to the few is cruelty to the many.’ + </p> + <p> + “He replied: ‘Mr. General, there are already too many weeping widows in + the United States. For God’s sake, don’t ask me to add to the number, for + I won’t do it.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0195" id="link2H_4_0195"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOD NEEDED THAT CHURCH. + </h2> + <p> + In the early stages of the war, after several battles had been fought, + Union troops seized a church in Alexandria, Va., and used it as a + hospital. + </p> + <p> + A prominent lady of the congregation went to Washington to see Mr. Lincoln + and try to get an order for its release. + </p> + <p> + “Have you applied to the surgeon in charge at Alexandria?” inquired Mr. + Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, but I can do nothing with him,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, madam,” said Mr. Lincoln, “that is an end of it, then. We put him + there to attend to just such business, and it is reasonable to suppose + that he knows better what should be done under the circumstances than I + do.” + </p> + <p> + The lady’s face showed her keen disappointment. In order to learn her + sentiment, Mr. Lincoln asked: + </p> + <p> + “How much would you be willing to subscribe toward building a hospital + there?” + </p> + <p> + She said that the war had depreciated Southern property so much that she + could afford to give but little. + </p> + <p> + “This war is not over yet,” said Mr. Lincoln, “and there will likely be + another fight very soon. That church may be very useful in which to house + our wounded soldiers. It is my candid opinion that God needs that church + for our wounded fellows; so, madam, I can do nothing for you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0196" id="link2H_4_0196"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAN DOWN SOUTH. + </h2> + <p> + An amusing instance of the President’s preoccupation of mind occurred at + one of his levees, when he was shaking hands with a host of visitors + passing him in a continuous stream. + </p> + <p> + An intimate acquaintance received the usual conventional hand-shake and + salutation, but perceiving that he was not recognized, kept his ground + instead of moving on, and spoke again, when the President, roused to a dim + consciousness that something unusual had happened, perceived who stood + before him, and, seizing his friend’s hand, shook it again heartily, + saying: + </p> + <p> + “How do you do? How do you do? Excuse me for not noticing you. I was + thinking of a man down South.” + </p> + <p> + “The man down South” was General W. T. Sherman, then on his march to the + sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0197" id="link2H_4_0197"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COULDN’T LET GO THE HOG. + </h2> + <p> + When Governor Custer of Pennsylvania described the terrible butchery at + the battle of Fredericksburg, Mr. Lincoln was almost broken-hearted. + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8175}.jpg" alt="{8175} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8175}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The Governor regretted that his description had so sadly affected the + President. He remarked: “I would give all I possess to know how to rescue + you from this terrible war.” Then Mr. Lincoln’s wonderful recuperative + powers asserted themselves and this marvelous man was himself. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s whole aspect suddenly changed, and he relieved his mind by + telling a story. + </p> + <p> + “This reminds me, Governor,” he said, “of an old farmer out in Illinois + that I used to know. + </p> + <p> + “He took it into his head to go into hog-raising. He sent out to Europe + and imported the finest breed of hogs he could buy. + </p> + <p> + “The prize hog was put in a pen, and the farmer’s two mischievous boys, + James and John, were told to be sure not to let it out. But James, the + worst of the two, let the brute out the next day. The hog went straight + for the boys, and drove John up a tree, then the hog went for the seat of + James’ trousers, and the only way the boy could save himself was by + holding on to the hog’s tail. + </p> + <p> + “The hog would not give up his hunt, nor the boy his hold! After they had + made a good many circles around the tree, the boy’s courage began to give + out, and he shouted to his brother, ‘I say, John, come down, quick, and + help me let go this hog!’ + </p> + <p> + “Now, Governor, that is exactly my case. I wish some one would come and + help me to let the hog go.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0198" id="link2H_4_0198"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CABINET LINCOLN WANTED. + </h2> + <p> + Judge Joseph Gillespie, of Chicago, was a firm friend of Mr. Lincoln, and + went to Springfield to see him shortly before his departure for the + inauguration. + </p> + <p> + “It was,” said judge Gillespie, “Lincoln’s Gethsemane. He feared he was + not the man for the great position and the great events which confronted + him. Untried in national affairs, unversed in international diplomacy, + unacquainted with the men who were foremost in the politics of the nation, + he groaned when he saw the inevitable War of the Rebellion coming on. It + was in humility of spirit that he told me he believed that the American + people had made a mistake in selecting him. + </p> + <p> + “In the course of our conversation he told me if he could select his + cabinet from the old bar that had traveled the circuit with him in the + early days, he believed he could avoid war or settle it without a battle, + even after the fact of secession. + </p> + <p> + “‘But, Mr. Lincoln,’ said I, ‘those old lawyers are all Democrats.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I know it,’ was his reply. ‘But I would rather have Democrats whom I + know than Republicans I don’t know.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0199" id="link2H_4_0199"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + READY FOR “BUTCHER-DAY.” + </h2> + <h3> + Leonard Swett told this eminently characteristic story: + </h3> + <p> + “I remember one day being in his room when Lincoln was sitting at his + table with a large pile of papers before him, and after a pleasant talk he + turned quite abruptly and said: ‘Get out of the way, Swett; to-morrow is + butcher-day, and I must go through these papers and see if I cannot find + some excuse to let these poor fellows off.’ + </p> + <p> + “The pile of papers he had were the records of courts-martial of men who + on the following day were to be shot.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0200" id="link2H_4_0200"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “THE BAD BIRD AND THE MUDSILL.” + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9177}.jpg" alt="{9177}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9177}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + It took quite a long time, as well as the lives of thousands of men, to + say nothing of the cost in money, to take Richmond, the Capital City of + the Confederacy. In this cartoon, taken from “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated + Newspaper,” of February 21, 1863, Jeff Davis is sitting upon the Secession + eggs in the “Richmond” nest, smiling down upon President Lincoln, who is + up to his waist in the Mud of Difficulties. + </p> + <p> + The President finally waded through the morass, in which he had become + immersed, got to the tree, climbed its trunk, reached the limb, upon which + the “bad bird” had built its nest, threw the mother out, destroyed the + eggs of Secession and then took the nest away with him, leaving the “bad + bird” without any home at all. + </p> + <p> + The “bad bird” had its laugh first, but the last laugh belonged to the + “mudsill,” as the cartoonist was pleased to call the President of the + United States. It is true that the President got his clothes and hat all + covered with mud, but as the job was a dirty one, as well as one that had + to be done, the President didn’t care. He was able to get another suit of + clothes, as well as another hat, but the “bad bird” couldn’t, and didn’t, + get another nest. + </p> + <p> + The laugh was on the “bad bird” after all. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0201" id="link2H_4_0201"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GAVE THE SOLDIER HIS FISH. + </h2> + <p> + Once, when asked what he remembered about the war with Great Britain, + Lincoln replied: “Nothing but this: I had been fishing one day and caught + a little fish, which I was taking home. I met a soldier in the road, and, + having been always told at home that we must be good to the soldiers, I + gave him my fish.” + </p> + <p> + This must have been about 1814, when “Abe” was five years of age. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0202" id="link2H_4_0202"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A PECULIAR LAWYER. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was once associate counsel for a defendant in a murder case. He + listened to the testimony given by witness after witness against his + client, until his honest heart could stand it no longer; then, turning to + his associate, he said: “The man is guilty; you defend him—I can’t,” + and when his associate secured a verdict of acquittal, Lincoln refused to + share the fee to the extent of one cent. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln would never advise clients to enter into unwise or unjust + lawsuits, always preferring to refuse a retainer rather than be a party to + a case which did not commend itself to his sense of justice. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0203" id="link2H_4_0203"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IF THEY’D ONLY “SKIP.” + </h2> + <p> + General Creswell called at the White House to see the President the day of + the latter’s assassination. An old friend, serving in the Confederate + ranks, had been captured by the Union troops and sent to prison. He had + drawn an affidavit setting forth what he knew about the man, particularly + mentioning extenuating circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Creswell found the President very happy. He was greeted with: “Creswell, + old fellow, everything is bright this morning. The War is over. It has + been a tough time, but we have lived it out,—or some of us have,” + and he dropped his voice a little on the last clause of the sentence. “But + it is over; we are going to have good times now, and a united country.” + </p> + <p> + General Creswell told his story, read his affidavit, and said, “I know the + man has acted like a fool, but he is my friend, and a good fellow; let him + out; give him to me, and I will be responsible that he won’t have anything + more to do with the rebs.” + </p> + <p> + “Creswell,” replied Mr. Lincoln, “you make me think of a lot of young + folks who once started out Maying. To reach their destination, they had to + cross a shallow stream, and did so by means of an old flatboat. When the + time came to return, they found to their dismay that the old scow had + disappeared. They were in sore trouble, and thought over all manner of + devices for getting over the water, but without avail. + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8179}.jpg" alt="{8179} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8179}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “After a time, one of the boys proposed that each fellow should pick up + the girl he liked best and wade over with her. The masterly proposition + was carried out, until all that were left upon the island was a little + short chap and a great, long, gothic-built, elderly lady. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Creswell, you are trying to leave me in the same predicament. You + fellows are all getting your own friends out of this scrape; and you will + succeed in carrying off one after another, until nobody but Jeff Davis and + myself will be left on the island, and then I won’t know what to do. How + should I feel? How should I look, lugging him over? + </p> + <p> + “I guess the way to avoid such an embarrassing situation is to let them + all out at once.” + </p> + <p> + He made a somewhat similar illustration at an informal Cabinet meeting, at + which the disposition of Jefferson Davis and other prominent Confederates + was discussed. Each member of the Cabinet gave his opinion; most of them + were for hanging the traitors, or for some severe punishment. President + Lincoln said nothing. + </p> + <p> + Finally, Joshua F. Speed, his old and confidential friend, who had been + invited to the meeting, said, “I have heard the opinion of your Ministers, + and would like to hear yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Josh,” replied President Lincoln, “when I was a boy in Indiana, I + went to a neighbor’s house one morning and found a boy of my own size + holding a coon by a string. I asked him what he had and what he was doing. + </p> + <p> + “He says, ‘It’s a coon. Dad cotched six last night, and killed all but + this poor little cuss. Dad told me to hold him until he came back, and I’m + afraid he’s going to kill this one too; and oh, “Abe,” I do wish he would + get away!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, why don’t you let him loose?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That wouldn’t be right; and if I let him go, Dad would give me h—. + But if he got away himself, it would be all right.’ + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the President, “if Jeff Davis and those other fellows will + only get away, it will be all right. But if we should catch them, and I + should let them go, ‘Dad would give me h—!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0204" id="link2H_4_0204"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FATHER OF THE “GREENBACK.” + </h2> + <p> + Don Piatt, a noted journalist of Washington, told the story of the first + proposition to President Lincoln to issue interest-bearing notes as + currency, as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Amasa Walker, a distinguished financier of New England, suggested that + notes issued directly from the Government to the people, as currency, + should bear interest. This for the purpose, not only of making the notes + popular, but for the purpose of preventing inflation, by inducing people + to hoard the notes as an investment when the demands of trade would fail + to call them into circulation as a currency. + </p> + <p> + “This idea struck David Taylor, of Ohio, with such force that he sought + Mr. Lincoln and urged him to put the project into immediate execution. The + President listened patiently, and at the end said, ‘That is a good idea, + Taylor, but you must go to Chase. He is running that end of the machine, + and has time to consider your proposition.’ + </p> + <p> + “Taylor sought the Secretary of the Treasury, and laid before him Amasa + Walker’s plan. Secretary Chase heard him through in a cold, unpleasant + manner, and then said: ‘That is all very well, Mr. Taylor; but there is + one little obstacle in the way that makes the plan impracticable, and that + is the Constitution.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saying this, he turned to his desk, as if dismissing both Mr. Taylor and + his proposition at the same moment. + </p> + <p> + “The poor enthusiast felt rebuked and humiliated. He returned to the + President, however, and reported his defeat. Mr. Lincoln looked at the + would-be financier with the expression at times so peculiar to his homely + face, that left one in doubt whether he was jesting or in earnest. + ‘Taylor!’ he exclaimed, ‘go back to Chase and tell him not to bother + himself about the Constitution. Say that I have that sacred instrument + here at the White House, and I am guarding it with great care.’ + </p> + <p> + “Taylor demurred to this, on the ground that Secretary Chase showed by his + manner that he knew all about it, and didn’t wish to be bored by any + suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “‘We’ll see about that,’ said the President, and taking a card from the + table, he wrote upon it: + </p> + <p> + “‘The Secretary of the Treasury will please consider Mr. Taylor’s + proposition. We must have money, and I think this a good way to get it. + </p> + <p> + “‘A. LINCOLN.’” <a name="link2H_4_0205" id="link2H_4_0205"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MAJOR ANDERSON’S BAD MEMORY. + </h2> + <p> + Among the men whom Captain Lincoln met in the Black Hawk campaign were + Lieutenant-Colonel Zachary Taylor, Lieutenant Jefferson Davis, President + of the Confederacy, and Lieutenant Robert Anderson, all of the United + States Army. + </p> + <p> + Judge Arnold, in his “Life of Abraham Lincoln,” relates that Lincoln and + Anderson did not meet again until some time in 1861. After Anderson had + evacuated Fort Sumter, on visiting Washington, he called at the White + House to pay his respects to the President. Lincoln expressed his thanks + to Anderson for his conduct at Fort Sumter, and then said: + </p> + <p> + “Major, do you remember of ever meeting me before?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. President, I have no recollection of ever having had that + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “My memory is better than yours,” said Lincoln; “you mustered me into the + service of the United States in 1832, at Dixon’s Ferry, in the Black Hawk + war.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0206" id="link2H_4_0206"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO VANDERBILT. + </h2> + <p> + In February, 1860, not long before his nomination for the Presidency, + Lincoln made several speeches in Eastern cities. To an Illinois + acquaintance, whom he met at the Astor House, in New York, he said: “I + have the cottage at Springfield, and about three thousand dollars in + money. If they make me Vice-President with Seward, as some say they will, + I hope I shall be able to increase it to twenty thousand, and that is as + much as any man ought to want.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0183}.jpg" alt="{0183}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0183}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0184}.jpg" alt="{0184}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0184}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0207" id="link2H_4_0207"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SQUASHED A BRUTAL LIE. + </h2> + <h3> + In September, 1864, a New York paper printed the following brutal story: + </h3> + <p> + “A few days after the battle of Antietam, the President was driving over + the field in an ambulance, accompanied by Marshal Lamon, General McClellan + and another officer. Heavy details of men were engaged in the task of + burying the dead. The ambulance had just reached the neighborhood of the + old stone bridge, where the dead were piled highest, when Mr. Lincoln, + suddenly slapping Marshal Lamon on the knee, exclaimed: ‘Come, Lamon, give + us that song about “Picayune Butler”; McClellan has never heard it.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Not now, if you please,’ said General McClellan, with a shudder; ‘I + would prefer to hear it some other place and time.’” + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln refused to pay any attention to the story, would not + read the comments made upon it by the newspapers, and would permit neither + denial nor explanation to be made. The National election was coming on, + and the President’s friends appealed to him to settle the matter for once + and all. Marshal Lamon was particularly insistent, but the President + merely said: + </p> + <p> + “Let the thing alone. If I have not established character enough to give + the lie to this charge, I can only say that I am mistaken in my own + estimate of myself. In politics, every man must skin his own skunk. These + fellows are welcome to the hide of this one. Its body has already given + forth its unsavory odor.” + </p> + <p> + But Lamon would not “let the thing alone.” He submitted to Lincoln a draft + of what he conceived to be a suitable explanation, after reading which the + President said: + </p> + <p> + “Lamon, your ‘explanation’ is entirely too belligerent in tone for so + grave a matter. There is a heap of ‘cussedness’ mixed up with your usual + amiability, and you are at times too fond of a fight. If I were you, I + would simply state the facts as they were. I would give the statement as + you have here, without the pepper and salt. Let me try my hand at it.” + </p> + <p> + The President then took up a pen and wrote the following, which was copied + and sent out as Marshal Lamon’s refutation of the shameless slander: + </p> + <p> + “The President has known me intimately for nearly twenty years, and has + often heard me sing little ditties. The battle of Antietam was fought on + the 17th day of September, 1862. On the first day of October, just two + weeks after the battle, the President, with some others, including myself, + started from Washington to visit the Army, reaching Harper’s Ferry at noon + of that day. + </p> + <p> + “In a short while General McClellan came from his headquarters near the + battleground, joined the President, and with him reviewed the troops at + Bolivar Heights that afternoon, and at night returned to his headquarters, + leaving the President at Harper’s Ferry. + </p> + <p> + “On the morning of the second, the President, with General Sumner, + reviewed the troops respectively at Loudon Heights and Maryland Heights, + and at about noon started to General McClellan’s headquarters, reaching + there only in time to see very little before night. + </p> + <p> + “On the morning of the third all started on a review of the Third Corps + and the cavalry, in the vicinity of the Antietam battle-ground. After + getting through with General Burnside’s corps, at the suggestion of + General McClellan, he and the President left their horses to be led, and + went into an ambulance to go to General Fitz John Porter’s corps, which + was two or three miles distant. + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure whether the President and General McClellan were in the + same ambulance, or in different ones; but myself and some others were in + the same with the President. On the way, and on no part of the + battleground, and on what suggestions I do not remember, the President + asked me to sing the little sad song that follows (“Twenty Years Ago, + Tom”), which he had often heard me sing, and had always seemed to like + very much. + </p> + <p> + “After it was over, some one of the party (I do not think it was the + President) asked me to sing something else; and I sang two or three little + comic things, of which ‘Picayune Butler’ was one. Porter’s corps was + reached and reviewed; then the battle-ground was passed over, and the most + noted parts examined; then, in succession, the cavalry and Franklin’s + corps were reviewed, and the President and party returned to General + McClellan’s headquarters at the end of a very hard, hot and dusty day’s + work. + </p> + <p> + “Next day (the 4th), the President and General McClellan visited such of + the wounded as still remained in the vicinity, including the now lamented + General Richardson; then proceeded to and examined the South-Mountain + battle-ground, at which point they parted, General McClellan returning to + his camp, and the President returning to Washington, seeing, on the way, + General Hartsoff, who lay wounded at Frederick Town. + </p> + <p> + “This is the whole story of the singing and its surroundings. Neither + General McClellan nor any one else made any objections to the singing; the + place was not on the battle-field; the time was sixteen days after the + battle; no dead body was seen during the whole time the President was + absent from Washington, nor even a grave that had not been rained on since + the time it was made.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0208" id="link2H_4_0208"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ONE WAR AT A TIME.” + </h2> + <p> + Nothing in Lincoln’s entire career better illustrated the surprising + resources of his mind than his manner of dealing with “The Trent Affair.” + The readiness and ability with which he met this perilous emergency, in a + field entirely new to his experience, was worthy the most accomplished + diplomat and statesman. Admirable, also, was his cool courage and + self-reliance in following a course radically opposed to the prevailing + sentiment throughout the country and in Congress, and contrary to the + advice of his own Cabinet. + </p> + <p> + Secretary of the Navy Welles hastened to approve officially the act of + Captain Wilkes in apprehending the Confederate Commissioners Mason and + Slidell, Secretary Stanton publicly applauded, and even Secretary of State + Seward, whose long public career had made him especially conservative, + stated that he was opposed to any concession or surrender of Mason and + Slidell. + </p> + <p> + But Lincoln, with great sagacity, simply said, “One war at a time.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0209" id="link2H_4_0209"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S LAST PUBLIC ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p> + The President made his last public address on the evening of April 11th, + 1865, to a gathering at the White House. Said he: + </p> + <p> + “We meet this evening not in sorrow, but in gladness of heart. + </p> + <p> + “The evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond, and the surrender of the + principal insurgent army, give hope of a righteous and speedy peace, whose + joyous expression cannot be restrained. + </p> + <p> + “In the midst of this, however, He from whom all blessings flow must not + be forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “Nor must those whose harder part gives us the cause of rejoicing be + overlooked; their honors must not be parceled out with others. + </p> + <p> + “I myself was near the front, and had the high pleasure of transmitting + the good news to you; but no part of the honor, for plan or execution, is + mine. + </p> + <p> + “To General Grant, his skillful officers and brave men, all belongs.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0210" id="link2H_4_0210"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO OTHERS LIKE THEM. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9187}.jpg" alt="{9187}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9187}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + One day an old lady from the country called on President Lincoln, her + tanned face peering up to his through a pair of spectacles. Her errand was + to present Mr. Lincoln a pair of stockings of her own make a yard long. + Kind tears came to his eyes as she spoke to him, and then, holding the + stockings one in each hand, dangling wide apart for general inspection, he + assured her that he should take them with him to Washington, where (and + here his eyes twinkled) he was sure he should not be able to find any like + them. + </p> + <p> + Quite a number of well-known men were in the room with the President when + the old lady made her presentation. Among them was George S. Boutwell, who + afterwards became Secretary of the Treasury. + </p> + <p> + The amusement of the company was not at all diminished by Mr. Boutwell’s + remark, that the lady had evidently made a very correct estimate of Mr. + Lincoln’s latitude and longitude. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0211" id="link2H_4_0211"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CASH WAS AT HAND. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was appointed postmaster at New Salem by President Jackson. The + office was given him because everybody liked him, and because he was the + only man willing to take it who could make out the returns. Lincoln was + pleased, because it gave him a chance to read every newspaper taken in the + vicinity. He had never been able to get half the newspapers he wanted + before. + </p> + <p> + Years after the postoffice had been discontinued and Lincoln had become a + practicing lawyer at Springfield, an agent of the Postoffice Department + entered his office and inquired if Abraham Lincoln was within. Lincoln + responded to his name, and was informed that the agent had called to + collect the balance due the Department since the discontinuance of the New + Salem office. + </p> + <p> + A shade of perplexity passed over Lincoln’s face, which did not escape the + notice of friends present. One of them said at once: + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln, if you are in want of money, let us help you.” + </p> + <p> + He made no reply, but suddenly rose, and pulled out from a pile of books a + little old trunk, and, returning to the table, asked the agent how much + the amount of his debt was. + </p> + <p> + The sum was named, and then Lincoln opened the trunk, pulled out a little + package of coin wrapped in a cotton rag, and counted out the exact sum, + amounting to more than seventeen dollars. + </p> + <p> + After the agent had left the room, he remarked quietly that he had never + used any man’s money but his own. Although this sum had been in his hands + during all those years, he had never regarded it as available, even for + any temporary use of his own. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0212" id="link2H_4_0212"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WELCOMED THE LITTLE GIRLS. + </h2> + <p> + At a Saturday afternoon reception at the White House, many persons noticed + three little girls, poorly dressed, the children of some mechanic or + laboring man, who had followed the visitors into the White House to + gratify their curiosity. They passed around from room to room, and were + hastening through the reception-room, with some trepidation, when the + President called to them: + </p> + <p> + “Little girls, are you going to pass me without shaking hands?” + </p> + <p> + Then he bent his tall, awkward form down, and shook each little girl + warmly by the hand. Everybody in the apartment was spellbound by the + incident, so simple in itself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0213" id="link2H_4_0213"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “DON’T SWAP HORSES” + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0189}.jpg" alt="{0189}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0189}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Uncle Sam was pretty well satisfied with his horse, “Old Abe,” and, as + shown at the Presidential election of 1864, made up his mind to keep him, + and not “swap” the tried and true animal for a strange one. “Harper’s + Weekly” of November 12th, 1864, had a cartoon which illustrated how the + people of the United States felt about the matter better than anything + published at the time. We reproduce it on this page. Beneath the picture + was this text: + </p> + + <p> + JOHN BULL: “Why don’t you ride the other horse a bit? He’s the best + animal.” (Pointing to McClellan in the bushes at the rear.) + </p> + <p> + BROTHER JONATHAN: “Well, that may be; but the fact is, OLD ABE is just + where I can put my finger on him; and as for the other—though they + say he’s some when out in the scrub yonder—I never know where to + find him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0214" id="link2H_4_0214"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MOST VALUABLE POLITICAL ATTRIBUTE. + </h2> + <p> + “One time I remember I asked Mr. Lincoln what attribute he considered most + valuable to the successful politician,” said Captain T. W. S. Kidd, of + Springfield. + </p> + <p> + “He laid his hand on my shoulder and said, very earnestly: + </p> + <p> + “‘To be able to raise a cause which shall produce an effect, and then + fight the effect.’ + </p> + <p> + “The more you think about it, the more profound does it become.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0215" id="link2H_4_0215"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” RESENTED THE INSULT. + </h2> + <p> + A cashiered officer, seeking to be restored through the power of the + executive, became insolent, because the President, who believed the man + guilty, would not accede to his repeated requests, at last said, “Well, + Mr. President, I see you are fully determined not to do me justice!” + </p> + <p> + This was too aggravating even for Mr. Lincoln; rising he suddenly seized + the disgraced officer by the coat collar, and marched him forcibly to the + door, saying as he ejected him into the passage: + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I give you fair warning never to show your face in this room again. + I can bear censure, but not insult. I never wish to see your face again.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0216" id="link2H_4_0216"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ONE MAN ISN’T MISSED. + </h2> + <p> + Salmon P. Chase, when Secretary of the Treasury, had a disagreement with + other members of the Cabinet, and resigned. + </p> + <p> + The President was urged not to accept it, as “Secretary Chase is to-day a + national necessity,” his advisers said. + </p> + <p> + “How mistaken you are!” Lincoln quietly observed. “Yet it is not strange; + I used to have similar notions. No! If we should all be turned out + to-morrow, and could come back here in a week, we should find our places + filled by a lot of fellows doing just as well as we did, and in many + instances better. + </p> + <p> + “Now, this reminds me of what the Irishman said. His verdict was that ‘in + this country one man is as good as another; and, for the matter of that, + very often a great deal better.’ No; this Government does not depend upon + the life of any man.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0217" id="link2H_4_0217"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “STRETCHED THE FACTS.” + </h2> + <p> + George B. Lincoln, a prominent merchant of Brooklyn, was traveling through + the West in 1855-56, and found himself one night in a town on the Illinois + River, by the name of Naples. The only tavern of the place had evidently + been constructed with reference to business on a small scale. Poor as the + prospect seemed, Mr. Lincoln had no alternative but to put up at the + place. + </p> + <p> + The supper-room was also used as a lodging-room. Mr. Lincoln told his host + that he thought he would “go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Bed!” echoed the landlord. “There is no bed for you in this house unless + you sleep with that man yonder. He has the only one we have to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” returned Mr. Lincoln, “the gentleman has possession, and perhaps + would not like a bed-fellow.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this a grizzly head appeared out of the pillows, and said: + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “They call me Lincoln at home,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln!” repeated the stranger; “any connection of our Illinois + Abraham?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Mr. Lincoln. “I fear not.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the old gentleman, “I will let any man by the name of + ‘Lincoln’ sleep with me, just for the sake of the name. You have heard of + Abe?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, very often,” replied Mr. Lincoln. “No man could travel far in + this State without hearing of him, and I would be very glad to claim + connection if I could do so honestly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the old gentleman, “my name is Simmons. ‘Abe’ and I used to + live and work together when young men. Many a job of woodcutting and + rail-splitting have I done up with him. Abe Lincoln was the likeliest boy + in God’s world. He would work all day as hard as any of us and study by + firelight in the log-house half the night; and in this way he made himself + a thorough, practical surveyor. Once, during those days, I was in the + upper part of the State, and I met General Ewing, whom President Jackson + had sent to the Northwest to make surveys. I told him about Abe Lincoln, + what a student he was, and that I wanted he should give him a job. He + looked over his memorandum, and, holding out a paper, said: + </p> + <p> + “‘There is County must be surveyed; if your friend can do the work + properly, I shall be glad to have him undertake it—the compensation + will be six hundred dollars.’ + </p> + <p> + “Pleased as I could be, I hastened to Abe, after I got home, with an + account of what I had secured for him. He was sitting before the fire in + the log-cabin when I told him; and what do you think was his answer? When + I finished, he looked up very quietly, and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Mr. Simmons, I thank you very sincerely for your kindness, but I don’t + think I will undertake the job.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘In the name of wonder,’ said I, ‘why? Six hundred does not grow upon + every bush out here in Illinois.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I know that,’ said Abe, ‘and I need the money bad enough, Simmons, as + you know; but I have never been under obligation to a Democratic + Administration, and I never intend to be so long as I can get my living + another way. General Ewing must find another man to do his work.’” + </p> + <p> + A friend related this story to the President one day, and asked him if it + were true. + </p> + <p> + “Pollard Simmons!” said Lincoln. “Well do I remember him. It is correct + about our working together, but the old man must have stretched the facts + somewhat about the survey of the county. I think I should have been very + glad of the job at the time, no matter what Administration was in power.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0218" id="link2H_4_0218"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IT LENGTHENED THE WAR. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln said, long before the National political campaign of + 1864 had opened: + </p> + <p> + “If the unworthy ambition of politicians and the jealousy that exists in + the army could be repressed, and all unite in a common aim and a common + endeavor, the rebellion would soon be crushed.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0219" id="link2H_4_0219"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS THEORY OF THE REBELLION. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9193}.jpg" alt="{9193}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9193}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The President once explained to a friend the theory of the Rebellion by + the aid of the maps before him. + </p> + <p> + Running his long fore-finger down the map, he stopped at Virginia. + </p> + <p> + “We must drive them away from here” (Manassas Gap), he said, “and clear + them out of this part of the State so that they cannot threaten us here + (Washington) and get into Maryland. + </p> + <p> + “We must keep up a good and thorough blockade of their ports. We must + march an army into East Tennessee and liberate the Union sentiment there. + Finally we must rely on the people growing tired and saying to their + leaders, ‘We have had enough of this thing, we will bear it no longer.’” + </p> + <p> + Such was President Lincoln’s plan for heading off the Rebellion in the + summer of 1861. How it enlarged as the War progressed, from a call for + seventy thousand volunteers to one for five hundred thousand men and + $500,000,000 is a matter of well-known history. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0220" id="link2H_4_0220"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + RAN AWAY WHEN VICTORIOUS. + </h2> + <p> + Three or four days after the battle of Bull Run, some gentlemen who had + been on the field called upon the President. + </p> + <p> + He inquired very minutely regarding all the circumstances of the affair, + and, after listening with the utmost attention, said, with a touch of + humor: “So it is your notion that we whipped the rebels and then ran away + from them!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0221" id="link2H_4_0221"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WANTED STANTON SPANKED. + </h2> + <p> + Old Dennis Hanks was sent to Washington at one time by persons interested + in securing the release from jail of several men accused of being + copperheads. It was thought Old Dennis might have some influence with the + President. + </p> + <p> + The latter heard Dennis’ story and then said: “I will send for Mr. + Stanton. It is his business.” + </p> + <p> + Secretary Stanton came into the room, stormed up and down, and said the + men ought to be punished more than they were. Mr. Lincoln sat quietly in + his chair and waited for the tempest to subside, and then quietly said to + Stanton he would like to have the papers next day. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone, Dennis said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Abe,’ if I was as big and as ugly as you are, I would take him over my + knee and spank him.” + </p> + <p> + The President replied: “No, Stanton is an able and valuable man for this + Nation, and I am glad to bear his anger for the service he can give the + Nation.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0222" id="link2H_4_0222"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STANTON WAS OUT OF TOWN. + </h2> + <p> + The quaint remark of the President to an applicant, “My dear sir, I have + not much influence with the Administration,” was one of Lincoln’s little + jokes. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton, Secretary of War, once replied to an order from the President + to give a colonel a commission in place of the resigning brigadier: + </p> + <p> + “I shan’t do it, sir! I shan’t do it! It isn’t the way to do it, sir, and + I shan’t do it. I don’t propose to argue the question with you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + A few days after, the friend of the applicant who had presented the order + to Secretary Stanton called upon the President and related his reception. + A look of vexation came over the face of the President, and he seemed + unwilling to talk of it, and desired the friend to see him another day. He + did so, when he gave his visitor a positive order for the promotion. The + latter told him he would not speak to Secretary Stanton again until he + apologized. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said the President, “Stanton has gone to Fortress Monroe, and Dana + is acting. He will attend to it for you.” + </p> + <p> + This he said with a manner of relief, as if it was a piece of good luck to + find a man there who would obey his orders. + </p> + <p> + The nomination was sent to the Senate and confirmed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0223" id="link2H_4_0223"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IDENTIFIED THE COLORED MAN. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9195}.jpg" alt="{9195}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9195}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Many applications reached Lincoln as he passed to and from the White House + and the War Department. One day as he crossed the park he was stopped by a + negro, who told him a pitiful story. The President wrote him out a check, + which read. “Pay to colored man with one leg five dollars.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0224" id="link2H_4_0224"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + OFFICE SEEKERS WORSE THAN WAR. + </h2> + <p> + When the Republican party came into power, Washington swarmed with + office-seekers. They overran the White House and gave the President great + annoyance. The incongruity of a man in his position, and with the very + life of the country at stake, pausing to appoint postmasters, struck Mr. + Lincoln forcibly. “What is the matter, Mr. Lincoln,” said a friend one + day, when he saw him looking particularly grave and dispirited. “Has + anything gone wrong at the front?” “No,” said the President, with a tired + smile. “It isn’t the war; it’s the postoffice at Brownsville, Missouri.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0225" id="link2H_4_0225"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE “SET ‘EM UP.” + </h2> + <p> + Immediately after Mr. Lincoln’s nomination for President at the Chicago + Convention, a committee, of which Governor Morgan, of New York, was + chairman, visited him in Springfield, Ill., where he was officially + informed of his nomination. + </p> + <p> + After this ceremony had passed, Mr. Lincoln remarked to the company that + as a fit ending to an interview so important and interesting as that which + had just taken place, he supposed good manners would require that he + should treat the committee with something to drink; and opening the door + that led into the rear, he called out, “Mary! Mary!” A girl responded to + the call, to whom Mr. Lincoln spoke a few words in an undertone, and, + closing the door, returned again and talked with his guests. In a few + minutes the maid entered, bearing a large waiter, containing several glass + tumblers, and a large pitcher, and placed them upon the center-table. Mr. + Lincoln arose, and, gravely addressing the company, said: “Gentlemen, we + must pledge our mutual health in the most healthy beverage that God has + given to man—it is the only beverage I have ever used or allowed my + family to use, and I cannot conscientiously depart from it on the present + occasion. It is pure Adam’s ale from the spring.” And, taking the tumbler, + he touched it to his lips, and pledged them his highest respects in a cup + of cold water. Of course, all his guests admired his consistency, and + joined in his example. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0226" id="link2H_4_0226"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WASN’T STANTON’S SAY. + </h2> + <p> + A few days before the President’s death, Secretary Stanton tendered his + resignation as Secretary of War. He accompanied the act with a most + heartfelt tribute to Mr. Lincoln’s constant friendship and faithful + devotion to the country, saying, also, that he, as Secretary, had accepted + the position to hold it only until the war should end, and that now he + felt his work was done, and his duty was to resign. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln was greatly moved by the Secretary’s words, and, tearing in + pieces the paper containing the resignation, and throwing his arms about + the Secretary, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Stanton, you have been a good friend and a faithful public servant, and + it is not for you to say when you will no longer be needed here.” + </p> + <p> + Several friends of both parties were present on the occasion, and there + was not a dry eye that witnessed the scene. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0227" id="link2H_4_0227"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “JEFFY” THREW UP THE SPONGE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9197}.jpg" alt="{9197}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9197}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + When the War was fairly on, many people were astonished to find that “Old + Abe” was a fighter from “way back.” No one was the victim of greater + amazement than Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of + America. Davis found out that “Abe” was not only a hard hitter, but had + staying qualities of a high order. It was a fight to a “finish” with + “Abe,” no compromises being accepted. Over the title, “North and South,” + the issue of “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper” of December 24th, + 1864, contained the cartoon, see reproduce on this page. Underneath the + picture were the lines: + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jeffy, when you think you have had enough of this, say so, and I’ll + leave off.” (See President’s message.) In his message to Congress, + December 6th, + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln said: “No attempt at negotiation with the insurgent + leader could result in any good. He would accept of nothing short of the + severance of the Union.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore, Father Abraham, getting “Jeffy’s” head “in chancery,” proceeded + to change the appearance and size of the secessionist’s countenance, much + to the grief and discomfort of the Southerner. It was Lincoln’s idea to + re-establish the Union, and he carried out his purpose to the very letter. + But he didn’t “leave off” until “Jeffy” cried “enough.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0228" id="link2H_4_0228"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DIDN’T KNOW GRANT’S PREFERENCE. + </h2> + <p> + In October, 1864, President Lincoln, while he knew his re-election to the + White House was in no sense doubtful, knew that if he lost New York and + with it Pennsylvania on the home vote, the moral effect of his triumph + would be broken and his power to prosecute the war and make peace would be + greatly impaired. Colonel A. K. McClure was with Lincoln a good deal of + the time previous to the November election, and tells this story: + </p> + <p> + “His usually sad face was deeply shadowed with sorrow when I told him that + I saw no reasonable prospect of carrying Pennsylvania on the home vote, + although we had about held our own in the hand-to-hand conflict through + which we were passing. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, what is to be done?’ was Lincoln’s inquiry, after the whole + situation had been presented to him. I answered that the solution of the + problem was a very simple and easy one—that Grant was idle in front + of Petersburg; that Sheridan had won all possible victories in the Valley; + and that if five thousand Pennsylvania soldiers could be furloughed home + from each army, the election could be carried without doubt. + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln’s face’ brightened instantly at the suggestion, and I saw that he + was quite ready to execute it. I said to him: ‘Of course, you can trust + want to make the suggestion to him to furlough five thousand Pennsylvania + troops for two weeks?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘To my surprise, Lincoln made no answer, and the bright face of a few + moments before was instantly shadowed again. I was much disconcerted, as I + supposed that Grant was the one man to whom Lincoln could turn with + absolute confidence as his friend. I then said, with some earnestness: + ‘Surely, Mr. President, you can trust Grant with a confidential suggestion + to furlough Pennsylvania troops?’ + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln remained silent and evidently distressed at the proposition I was + pressing upon him. After a few moments, and speaking with emphasis, I + said: ‘It can’t be possible that Grant is not your friend; he can’t be + such an ingrate?’ + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln hesitated for some time, and then answered in these words: ‘Well, + McClure, I have no reason to believe that Grant prefers my election to + that of McClellan.’ + </p> + <p> + “I believe Lincoln was mistaken in his distrust of Grant.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0229" id="link2H_4_0229"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JUSTICE vs. NUMBERS. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was constantly bothered by members of delegations of + “goody-goodies,” who knew all about running the War, but had no inside + information as to what was going on. Yet, they poured out their advice in + streams, until the President was heartily sick of the whole business, and + wished the War would find some way to kill off these nuisances. + </p> + <p> + “How many men have the Confederates now in the field?” asked one of these + bores one day. + </p> + <p> + “About one million two hundred thousand,” replied the President. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my! Not so many as that, surely, Mr. Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + “They have fully twelve hundred thousand, no doubt of it. You see, all of + our generals when they get whipped say the enemy outnumbers them from + three or five to one, and I must believe them. We have four hundred + thousand men in the field, and three times four make twelve,—don’t + you see it? It is as plain to be seen as the nose on a man’s face; and at + the rate things are now going, with the great amount of speculation and + the small crop of fighting, it will take a long time to overcome twelve + hundred thousand rebels in arms. + </p> + <p> + “If they can get subsistence they have everything else, except a just + cause. Yet it is said that ‘thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel + just.’ I am willing, however, to risk our advantage of thrice in justice + against their thrice in numbers.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0230" id="link2H_4_0230"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO FALSE PRIDE IN LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + General McClellan had little or no conception of the greatness of Abraham + Lincoln. As time went on, he began to show plainly his contempt of the + President, frequently allowing him to wait in the ante-room of his house + while he transacted business with others. This discourtesy was so open + that McClellan’s staff noticed it, and newspaper correspondents commented + on it. The President was too keen not to see the situation, but he was + strong enough to ignore it. It was a battle he wanted from McClellan, not + deference. + </p> + <p> + “I will hold McClellan’s horse, if he will only bring us success,” he said + one day. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0201}.jpg" alt="{0201}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0201}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0202}.jpg" alt="{0202}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0202}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0231" id="link2H_4_0231"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EXTRA MEMBER OF THE CABINET. + </h2> + <p> + G. H. Giddings was selected as the bearer of a message from the President + to Governor Sam Houston, of Texas. A conflict had arisen there between the + Southern party and the Governor, Sam Houston, and on March 18 the latter + had been deposed. When Mr. Lincoln heard of this, he decided to try to get + a message to the Governor, offering United States support if he would put + himself at the head of the Union party of the State. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Giddings thus told of his interview with the President: + </p> + <p> + “He said to me that the message was of such importance that, before + handing it to me, he would read it to me. Before beginning to read he + said, ‘This is a confidential and secret message. No one besides my + Cabinet and myself knows anything about it, and we are all sworn to + secrecy. I am going to swear you in as one of my Cabinet.’ + </p> + <p> + “And then he said to me in a jocular way, ‘Hold up your right hand,’ which + I did. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now,’ said he, consider yourself a member of my Cabinet.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0232" id="link2H_4_0232"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW LINCOLN WAS ABUSED. + </h2> + <p> + With the possible exception of President Washington, whose political + opponents did not hesitate to rob the vocabulary of vulgarity and + wickedness whenever they desired to vilify the Chief Magistrate, Lincoln + was the most and “best” abused man who ever held office in the United + States. During the first half of his initial term there was no epithet + which was not applied to him. + </p> + <p> + One newspaper in New York habitually characterized him as “that hideous + baboon at the other end of the avenue,” and declared that “Barnum should + buy and exhibit him as a zoological curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + Although the President did not, to all appearances, exhibit annoyance + because of the various diatribes printed and spoken, yet the fact is that + his life was so cruelly embittered by these and other expressions quite as + virulent, that he often declared to those most intimate with him, “I would + rather be dead than, as President, thus abused in the house of my + friends.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0233" id="link2H_4_0233"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW “FIGHTING JOE” WAS APPOINTED. + </h2> + <p> + General “Joe” Hooker, the fourth commander of the noble but unfortunate + Army of the Potomac, was appointed to that position by President Lincoln + in January, 1863. General Scott, for some reason, disliked Hooker and + would not appoint him. Hooker, after some months of discouraging waiting, + decided to return to California, and called to pay his respects to + President Lincoln. He was introduced as Captain Hooker, and to the + surprise of the President began the following speech: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. President, my friend makes a mistake. I am not Captain Hooker, but + was once Lieutenant-Colonel Hooker of the regular army. I was lately a + farmer in California, but since the Rebellion broke out I have been trying + to get into service, but I find I am not wanted. + </p> + <p> + “I am about to return home; but before going, I was anxious to pay my + respects to you, and express my wishes for your personal welfare and + success in quelling this Rebellion. And I want to say to you a word more. + </p> + <p> + “I was at Bull Run the other day, Mr. President, and it is no vanity in me + to say, I am a darned sight better general than you had on the field.” + </p> + <p> + This was said, not in the tone of a braggart, but of a man who knew what + he was talking about. Hooker did not return to California, but in a few + weeks Captain Hooker received from the President a commission as + Brigadier-General Hooker. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0234" id="link2H_4_0234"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + KEPT HIS COURAGE UP. + </h2> + <p> + The President, like old King Saul, when his term was about to expire, was + in a quandary concerning a further lease of the Presidential office. He + consulted again the “prophetess” of Georgetown, immortalized by his + patronage. + </p> + <p> + She retired to an inner chamber, and, after raising and consulting more + than a dozen of distinguished spirits from Hades, she returned to the + reception-parlor, where the chief magistrate awaited her, and declared + that General Grant would capture Richmond, and that “Honest Old Abe” would + be next President. + </p> + <p> + She, however, as the report goes, told him to beware of Chase. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0235" id="link2H_4_0235"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A FORTUNE-TELLER’S PREDICTION. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln had been born and reared among people who were believers in + premonitions and supernatural appearances all his life, and he once + declared to his friends that he was “from boyhood superstitious.” + </p> + <p> + He at one time said to Judge Arnold that “the near approach of the + important events of his life were indicated by a presentiment or a strange + dream, or in some other mysterious way it was impressed upon him that + something important was to occur.” This was earlier than 1850. + </p> + <p> + It is said that on his second visit to New Orleans, Lincoln and his + companion, John Hanks, visited an old fortune-teller—a voodoo + negress. Tradition says that “during the interview she became very much + excited, and after various predictions, exclaimed: ‘You will be President, + and all the negroes will be free.’” + </p> + <p> + That the old voodoo negress should have foretold that the visitor would be + President is not at all incredible. She doubtless told this to many + aspiring lads, but Lincoln, so it is avowed took the prophecy seriously. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0236" id="link2H_4_0236"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOO MUCH POWDER. + </h2> + <p> + So great was Lincoln’s anxiety for the success of the Union arms that he + considered no labor on his part too arduous, and spent much of his time in + looking after even the small details. + </p> + <p> + Admiral Dahlgren was sent for one morning by the President, who said + “Well, captain, here’s a letter about some new powder.” + </p> + <p> + After reading the letter he showed the sample of powder, and remarked that + he had burned some of it, and did not believe it was a good article—here + was too much residuum. + </p> + <p> + “I will show you,” he said; and getting a small piece of paper, placed + thereupon some of the powder, then went to the fire and with the tongs + picked up a coal, which he blew, clapped it on the powder, and after the + resulting explosion, added, “You see there is too much left there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0237" id="link2H_4_0237"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SLEEP STANDING UP. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9205}.jpg" alt="{9205}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9205}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + McClellan was a thorn in Lincoln’s side—“always up in the air,” as + the President put it—and yet he hesitated to remove him. “The Young + Napoleon” was a good organizer, but no fighter. Lincoln sent him + everything necessary in the way of men, ammunition, artillery and + equipments, but he was forever unready. + </p> + <p> + Instead of making a forward movement at the time expected, he would notify + the President that he must have more men. These were given him as rapidly + as possible, and then would come a demand for more horses, more this and + that, usually winding up with a demand for still “more men.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln bore it all in patience for a long time, but one day, when he had + received another request for more men, he made a vigorous protest. + </p> + <p> + “If I gave McClellan all the men he asks for,” said the President, “they + couldn’t find room to lie down. They’d have to sleep standing up.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0238" id="link2H_4_0238"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SHOULD HAVE FOUGHT ANOTHER BATTLE. + </h2> + <p> + General Meade, after the great victory at Gettysburg, was again face to + face with General Lee shortly afterwards at Williamsport, and even the + former’s warmest friends agree that he might have won in another battle, + but he took no action. He was not a “pushing” man like Grant. It was this + negligence on the part of Meade that lost him the rank of + Lieutenant-General, conferred upon General Sheridan. + </p> + <p> + A friend of Meade’s, speaking to President Lincoln and intimating that + Meade should have, after that battle, been made Commander-in-Chief of the + Union Armies, received this reply from Lincoln: + </p> + <p> + “Now, don’t misunderstand me about General Meade. I am profoundly grateful + down to the bottom of my boots for what he did at Gettysburg, but I think + that if I had been General Meade I would have fought another battle.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0239" id="link2H_4_0239"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN UPBRAIDED LAMON. + </h2> + <p> + In one of his reminiscences of Lincoln, Ward Lamon tells how keenly the + President-elect always regretted the “sneaking in act” when he made the + celebrated “midnight ride,” which he took under protest, and landed him in + Washington known to but a few. Lamon says: + </p> + <p> + “The President was convinced that he committed a grave mistake in + listening to the solicitations of a ‘professional spy’ and of friends too + easily alarmed, and frequently upbraided me for having aided him to + degrade himself at the very moment in all his life when his behavior + should have exhibited the utmost dignity and composure. + </p> + <p> + “Neither he nor the country generally then understood the true facts + concerning the dangers to his life. It is now an acknowledged fact that + there never was a moment from the day he crossed the Maryland line, up to + the time of his assassination, that he was not in danger of death by + violence, and that his life was spared until the night of the 14th of + April, 1865, only through the ceaseless and watchful care of the guards + thrown around him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0240" id="link2H_4_0240"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MARKED OUT A FEW WORDS. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln was calm and unmoved when England and France were + blustering and threatening war. At Lincoln’s instance Secretary of State + Seward notified the English Cabinet and the French Emperor that as ours + was merely a family quarrel of a strictly private and confidential nature, + there was no call for meddling; also that they would have a war on their + hands in a very few minutes if they didn’t keep their hands off. + </p> + <p> + Many of Seward’s notes were couched in decidedly peppery terms, some + expressions being so tart that President Lincoln ran his pen through them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0241" id="link2H_4_0241"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN SILENCES SEWARD. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8207}.jpg" alt="{8207} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8207}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + General Farnsworth told the writer nearly twenty years ago that, being in + the War Office one day, Secretary Stanton told him that at the last + Cabinet meeting he had learned a lesson he should never forget, and + thought he had obtained an insight into Mr. Lincoln’s wonderful power over + the masses. The Secretary said a Cabinet meeting was called to consider + our relations with England in regard to the Mason-Slidell affair. One + after another of the Cabinet presented his views, and Mr. Seward read an + elaborate diplomatic dispatch, which he had prepared. + </p> + <p> + Finally Mr. Lincoln read what he termed “a few brief remarks upon the + subject,” and asked the opinions of his auditors. They unanimously agreed + that our side of the question needed no more argument than was contained + in the President’s “few brief remarks.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Seward said he would be glad to adopt the remarks, and, giving them + more of the phraseology usual in diplomatic circles, send them to Lord + Palmerston, the British premier. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Secretary Stanton, “came the demonstration. The President, + half wheeling in his seat, threw one leg over the chair-arm, and, holding + the letter in his hand, said, ‘Seward, do you suppose Palmerston will + understand our position from that letter, just as it is?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Certainly, Mr. President.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Do you suppose the London Times will?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Certainly.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Do you suppose the average Englishman of affairs will?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Certainly; it cannot be mistaken in England.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Do you suppose that a hackman out on his box (pointing to the street) + will understand it?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Very readily, Mr. President.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Very well, Seward, I guess we’ll let her slide just as she is.’ + </p> + <p> + “And the letter did ‘slide,’ and settled the whole business in a manner + that was effective.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0242" id="link2H_4_0242"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BROUGHT THE HUSBAND UP. + </h2> + <p> + One morning President Lincoln asked Major Eckert, on duty at the White + House, “Who is that woman crying out in the hall? What is the matter with + her?” + </p> + <p> + Eckert said it was a woman who had come a long distance expecting to go + down to the army to see her husband. An order had gone out a short time + before to allow no women in the army, except in special cases. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln sat moodily for a moment after hearing this story, and + suddenly looking up, said, “Let’s send her down. You write the order, + Major.” + </p> + <p> + Major Eckert hesitated a moment, and replied, “Would it not be better for + Colonel Hardie to write the order?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mr. Lincoln, “that is better; let Hardie write it.” + </p> + <p> + The major went out, and soon returned, saying, “Mr. President, would it + not be better in this case to let the woman’s husband come to Washington?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s face lighted up with pleasure. “Yes, yes,” was the + President’s answer in a relieved tone; “that’s the best way; bring him + up.” + </p> + <p> + The order was written, and the man was sent to Washington. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0243" id="link2H_4_0243"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO WAR WITHOUT BLOOD-LETTING. + </h2> + <h3> + “You can’t carry on war without blood-letting,” said Lincoln one day. + </h3> + <p> + The President, although almost feminine in his kind-heartedness, knew not + only this, but also that large bodies of soldiers in camp were at the + mercy of diseases of every sort, the result being a heavy casualty list. + </p> + <p> + Of the (estimated) half-million men of the Union armies who gave up their + lives in the War of the Rebellion—1861-65—fully seventy-five + per cent died of disease. The soldiers killed upon the field of battle + constituted a comparatively small proportion of the casualties. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0244" id="link2H_4_0244"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S TWO DIFFICULTIES. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9209}.jpg" alt="{9209}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9209}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + London “Punch” caricatured President Lincoln in every possible way, + holding him and the Union cause up to the ridicule of the world so far as + it could. On August 23rd, 1862, its cartoon entitled “Lincoln’s Two + Difficulties” had the text underneath: LINCOLN: “What? No money! No men!” + “Punch” desired to create the impression that the Washington Government + was in a bad way, lacking both money and men for the purpose of putting + down the Rebellion; that the United States Treasury was bankrupt, and the + people of the North so devoid of patriotism that they would not send men + for the army to assist in destroying the Confederacy. The truth is, that + when this cartoon was printed the North had five hundred thousand men in + the field, and, before the War closed, had provided fully two million and + a half troops. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury which showed + the financial affairs and situation of the United States up to July, 1862. + The receipts of the National Government for the year ending June 30th, + 1862, were $10,000,000 in excess of the expenditures, although the War was + costing the country $2,000,000 per day; the credit of the United States + was good, and business matters were in a satisfactory state. The Navy, by + August 23rd, 1862, had received eighteen thousand additional men, and was + in fine shape; the people of the North stood ready to supply anything the + Government needed, so that, all things taken together, the “Punch” cartoon + was not exactly true, as the facts and figures abundantly proved. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0245" id="link2H_4_0245"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHITE ELEPHANT ON HIS HANDS. + </h2> + <p> + An old and intimate friend from Springfield called on President Lincoln + and found him much depressed. + </p> + <p> + The President was reclining on a sofa, but rising suddenly he said to his + friend: + </p> + <p> + “You know better than any man living that from my boyhood up my ambition + was to be President. I am President of one part of this divided country at + least; but look at me! Oh, I wish I had never been born! + </p> + <p> + “I’ve a white elephant on my hands—one hard to manage. With a fire + in my front and rear to contend with, the jealousies of the military + commanders, and not receiving that cordial co-operative support from + Congress that could reasonably be expected with an active and formidable + enemy in the field threatening the very life-blood of the Government, my + position is anything but a bed of roses.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0246" id="link2H_4_0246"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHEN LINCOLN AND GRANT CLASHED. + </h2> + <p> + Ward Lamon, one of President Lincoln’s law partners, and his most intimate + friend in Washington, has this to relate: + </p> + <p> + “I am not aware that there was ever a serious discord or misunderstanding + between Mr. Lincoln and General Grant, except on a single occasion. From + the commencement of the struggle, Lincoln’s policy was to break the + backbone of the Confederacy by depriving it of its principal means of + subsistence. + </p> + <p> + “Cotton was its vital aliment; deprive it of this, and the rebellion must + necessarily collapse. The Hon. Elihu B. Washburne from the outset was + opposed to any contraband traffic with the Confederates. + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln had given permits and passes through the lines to two persons—Mr. + Joseph Mattox of Maryland and General Singleton of Illinois—to + enable them to bring cotton and other Southern products from Virginia. + Washburne heard of it, called immediately on Mr. Lincoln, and, after + remonstrating with him on the impropriety of such a demarche, threatened + to have General Grant countermand the permits if they were not revoked. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally, both became excited. Lincoln declared that he did not believe + General Grant would take upon himself the responsibility of such an act. + ‘I will show you, sir; I will show you whether Grant will do it or not,’ + responded Mr. Washburne, as he abruptly withdrew. + </p> + <p> + “By the next boat, subsequent to this interview, the Congressman left + Washington for the headquarters of General Grant. He returned shortly + afterward to the city, and so likewise did Mattox and Singleton. Grant had + countermanded the permits. + </p> + <p> + “Under all the circumstances, it was, naturally, a source of exultation to + Mr. Washburne and his friends, and of corresponding surprise and + mortification to the President. The latter, however, said nothing further + than this: + </p> + <p> + “‘I wonder when General Grant changed his mind on this subject? He was the + first man, after the commencement of this War, to grant a permit for the + passage of cotton through the lines, and that to his own father.’ + </p> + <p> + “The President, however, never showed any resentment toward General Grant. + </p> + <p> + “In referring afterwards to the subject, the President said: ‘It made me + feel my insignificance keenly at the moment; but if my friends Washburne, + Henry Wilson and others derive pleasure from so unworthy a victory over + me, I leave them to its full enjoyment.’ + </p> + <p> + “This ripple on the otherwise unruffled current of their intercourse did + not disturb the personal relations between Lincoln and Grant; but there + was little cordiality between the President and Messrs. Washburne and + Wilson afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0247" id="link2H_4_0247"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WON JAMES GORDON BENNETT’S SUPPORT. + </h2> + <p> + The story as to how President Lincoln won the support of James Gordon + Bennett, Sr., founder of the New York Herald, is a most interesting one. + It was one of Lincoln’s shrewdest political acts, and was brought about by + the tender, in an autograph letter, of the French Mission to Bennett. + </p> + <p> + The New York Times was the only paper in the metropolis which supported + him heartily, and President Lincoln knew how important it was to have the + support of the Herald. He therefore, according to the way Colonel McClure + tells it, carefully studied how to bring its editor into close touch with + himself. + </p> + <p> + The outlook for Lincoln’s re-election was not promising. Bennett had + strongly advocated the nomination of General McClellan by the Democrats, + and that was ominous of hostility to Lincoln; and when McClellan was + nominated he was accepted on all sides as a most formidable candidate. + </p> + <p> + It was in this emergency that Lincoln’s political sagacity served him + sufficiently to win the Herald to his cause, and it was done by the + confidential tender of the French Mission. Bennett did not break over to + Lincoln at once, but he went by gradual approaches. + </p> + <p> + His first step was to declare in favor of an entirely new candidate, which + was an utter impossibility. He opened a “leader” in the Herald on the + subject in this way: “Lincoln has proved a failure; McClellan has proved a + failure; Fremont has proved a failure; let us have a new candidate.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, McClellan and Fremont were then all in the field as nominated + candidates, and the Fremont defection was a serious threat to Lincoln. Of + course, neither Lincoln nor McClellan declined, and the Herald, failing to + get the new man it knew to be an impossibility, squarely advocated + Lincoln’s re-election. + </p> + <p> + Without consulting any one, and without any public announcement: whatever, + Lincoln wrote to Bennett, asking him to accept the mission to France. The + offer was declined. Bennett valued the offer very much more than the + office, and from that day until the day of the President’s death he was + one of Lincoln’s most appreciative friends and hearty supporters on his + own independent line. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0248" id="link2H_4_0248"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STOOD BY THE “SILENT MAN.” + </h2> + <p> + Once, in reply to a delegation, which visited the White House, the members + of which were unusually vociferous in their demands that the Silent Man + (as General Grant was called) should be relieved from duty, the President + remarked: + </p> + <p> + “What I want and what the people want is generals who will fight battles + and win victories. + </p> + <p> + “Grant has done this, and I propose to stand by him.” + </p> + <p> + This declaration found its way into the newspapers, and Lincoln was upheld + by the people of the North, who, also, wanted “generals who will fight + battles and win victories.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0249" id="link2H_4_0249"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A VERY BRAINY NUBBIN. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln and Secretary of State Seward met Alexander H. Stephens, + Vice-President of the Confederacy, on February 2nd, 1865, on the River + Queen, at Fortress Monroe. Stephens was enveloped in overcoats and shawls, + and had the appearance of a fair-sized man. He began to take off one + wrapping after another, until the small, shriveled old man stood before + them. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0213}.jpg" alt="{0213}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0213}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Lincoln quietly said to Seward: “This is the largest shucking for so small + a nubbin that I ever saw.” + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln had a friendly conference, but presented his ultimatum + that the one and only condition of peace was that Confederates “must cease + their resistance.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0250" id="link2H_4_0250"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SENT TO HIS “FRIENDS.” + </h2> + <p> + During the Civil War, Clement L. Vallandigham, of Ohio, had shown himself, + in the National House of Representatives and elsewhere, one of the + bitterest and most outspoken of all the men of that class which insisted + that “the war was a failure.” He declared that it was the design of “those + in power to establish a despotism,” and that they had “no intention of + restoring the Union.” He denounced the conscription which had been + ordered, and declared that men who submitted to be drafted into the army + were “unworthy to be called free men.” He spoke of the President as “King + Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + Such utterances at this time, when the Government was exerting itself to + the utmost to recruit the armies, were dangerous, and Vallandigham was + arrested, tried by court-martial at Cincinnati, and sentenced to be placed + in confinement during the war. + </p> + <p> + General Burnside, in command at Cincinnati, approved the sentence, and + ordered that he be sent to Fort Warren, in Boston Harbor; but the + President ordered that he be sent “beyond our lines into those of his + friends.” He was therefore escorted to the Confederate lines in Tennessee, + thence going to Richmond. He did not meet with a very cordial reception + there, and finally sought refuge in Canada. + </p> + <p> + Vallandigham died in a most peculiar way some years after the close of the + War, and it was thought by many that his death was the result of + premeditation upon his part. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0251" id="link2H_4_0251"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GO DOWN WITH COLORS FLYING. + </h2> + <p> + In August, 1864, the President called for five hundred thousand more men. + The country was much depressed. The Confederates had, in comparatively + small force, only a short time before, been to the very gates of + Washington, and returned almost unharmed. + </p> + <p> + The Presidential election was impending. Many thought another call for men + at such a time would insure, if not destroy, Mr. Lincoln’s chances for + re-election. A friend said as much to him one day, after the President had + told him of his purpose to make such a call. + </p> + <p> + “As to my re-election,” replied Mr. Lincoln, “it matters not. We must have + the men. If I go down, I intend to go, like the Cumberland, with my colors + flying!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0252" id="link2H_4_0252"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ALL WERE TRAGEDIES. + </h2> + <p> + The cartoon reproduced below was published in “Harper’s Weekly” on January + 31st, 1863, the explanatory text, underneath, reading in this way: + </p> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8215}.jpg" alt="{8215} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8215}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + MANAGER LINCOLN: “Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to say that the tragedy + entitled ‘The Army of the Potomac’ has been withdrawn on account of + quarrels among the leading performers, and I have substituted three new + and striking farces, or burlesques, one, entitled ‘The Repulse of + Vicksburg,’ by the well-known favorite, E. M. Stanton, Esq., and the + others, ‘The Loss of the Harriet Lane,’ and ‘The Exploits of the Alabama’—a + very sweet thing in farces, I assure you—by the veteran composer, + Gideon Welles. (Unbounded applause by the Copperheads).” + </p> + <p> + In July, after this cartoon appeared, the Army of the Potomac defeated Lee + at Gettysburg, and sounded the death-knell of the Confederacy; General + Hooker, with his corps from this Army opened the Tennessee River, thus + affording some relief to the Union troops in Chattanooga; Hooker’s men + also captured Lookout Mountain, and assisted in taking Missionary Ridge. + </p> + <p> + General Grant converted the farce “The Repulse of Vicksburg” into a + tragedy for the Copperheads, taking that stronghold on July 4th, and + Captain Winslow, with the Union man-of-war Kearsarge, meeting the + Confederate privateer Alabama, off the coast of France, near Cherbourg, + fought the famous ship to a finish and sunk her. Thus the tragedy of “The + Army of the Potomac” was given after all, and Playwright Stanton and + Composer Welles were vindicated, their compositions having been received + by the public with great favor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0253" id="link2H_4_0253"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “HE’S THE BEST OF US.” + </h2> + <p> + Secretary of State Seward did not appreciate President Lincoln’s ability + until he had been associated with him for quite a time, but he was + awakened to a full realization of the greatness of the Chief Executive + “all of a sudden.” + </p> + <p> + Having submitted “Some Thoughts for the President’s Consideration”—a + lengthy paper intended as an outline of the policy, both domestic and + foreign, the Administration should pursue—he was not more surprised + at the magnanimity and kindness of President Lincoln’s reply than the + thorough mastery of the subject displayed by the President. + </p> + <p> + A few months later, when the Secretary had begun to understand Mr. + Lincoln, he was quick and generous to acknowledge his power. + </p> + <p> + “Executive force and vigor are rare qualities,” he wrote to Mrs. Seward. + “The President is the best of us.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0254" id="link2H_4_0254"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW LINCOLN “COMPOSED.” + </h2> + <p> + Superintendent Chandler, of the Telegraph Office in the War Department, + once told how President Lincoln wrote telegrams. Said he: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln frequently wrote telegrams in my office. His method of + composition was slow and laborious. It was evident that he thought out + what he was going to say before he touched his pen to the paper. He would + sit looking out of the window, his left elbow on the table, his hand + scratching his temple, his lips moving, and frequently he spoke the + sentence aloud or in a half whisper. + </p> + <p> + “After he was satisfied that he had the proper expression, he would write + it out. If one examines the originals of Mr. Lincoln’s telegrams and + letters, he will find very few erasures and very little interlining. This + was because he had them definitely in his mind before writing them. + </p> + <p> + “In this he was the exact opposite of Mr. Stanton, who wrote with feverish + haste, often scratching out words, and interlining frequently. Sometimes + he would seize a sheet which he had filled, and impatiently tear it into + pieces.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0255" id="link2H_4_0255"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HAMLIN MIGHT DO IT. + </h2> + <p> + Several United States Senators urged President Lincoln to muster Southern + slaves into the Union Army. Lincoln replied: + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, I have put thousands of muskets into the hands of loyal + citizens of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Western North Carolina. They have + said they could defend themselves, if they had guns. I have given them the + guns. Now, these men do not believe in mustering-in the negro. If I do it, + these thousands of muskets will be turned against us. We should lose more + than we should gain.” + </p> + <p> + Being still further urged, President Lincoln gave them this answer: + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” he said, “I can’t do it. I can’t see it as you do. You may be + right, and I may be wrong; but I’ll tell you what I can do; I can resign + in favor of Mr. Hamlin. Perhaps Mr. Hamlin could do it.” + </p> + <p> + The matter ended there, for the time being. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0256" id="link2H_4_0256"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE GUN SHOT BETTER. + </h2> + <p> + The President took a lively interest in all new firearm improvements and + inventions, and it sometimes happened that, when an inventor could get + nobody else in the Government to listen to him, the President would + personally test his gun. A former clerk in the Navy Department tells an + incident illustrative. + </p> + <p> + He had stayed late one night at his desk, when he heard some one striding + up and down the hall muttering: “I do wonder if they have gone already and + left the building all alone.” Looking out, the clerk was surprised to see + the President. + </p> + <p> + “Good evening,” said Mr. Lincoln. “I was just looking for that man who + goes shooting with me sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk knew Mr. Lincoln referred to a certain messenger of the Ordnance + Department who had been accustomed to going with him to test weapons, but + as this man had gone home, the clerk offered his services. Together they + went to the lawn south of the White House, where Mr. Lincoln fixed up a + target cut from a sheet of white Congressional notepaper. + </p> + <p> + “Then pacing off a distance of about eighty or a hundred feet,” writes the + clerk, “he raised the rifle to a level, took a quick aim, and drove the + round of seven shots in quick succession, the bullets shooting all around + the target like a Gatling gun and one striking near the center. + </p> + <p> + “‘I believe I can make this gun shoot better,’ said Mr. Lincoln, after we + had looked at the result of the first fire. With this he took from his + vest pocket a small wooden sight which he had whittled from a pine stick, + and adjusted it over the sight of the carbine. He then shot two rounds, + and of the fourteen bullets nearly a dozen hit the paper!” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0219}.jpg" alt="{0219}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0219}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0220}.jpg" alt="{0220}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0220}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0257" id="link2H_4_0257"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LENIENT WITH McCLELLAN. + </h2> + <p> + General McClellan, aside from his lack of aggressiveness, fretted the + President greatly with his complaints about military matters, his + obtrusive criticism regarding political matters, and especially at his + insulting declaration to the Secretary of War, dated June 28th, 1862, just + after his retreat to the James River. + </p> + <p> + General Halleck was made Commander-in-Chief of the Union forces in July, + 1862, and September 1st McClellan was called to Washington. The day before + he had written his wife that “as a matter of self-respect, I cannot go + there.” President Lincoln and General Halleck called at McClellan’s house, + and the President said: “As a favor to me, I wish you would take command + of the fortifications of Washington and all the troops for the defense of + the capital.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln thought highly of McClellan’s ability as an organizer and his + strength in defense, yet any other President would have had him + court-martialed for using this language, which appeared in McClellan’s + letter of June 28th: + </p> + <p> + “If I save this army now, I tell you plainly that I owe no thanks to you + or to any other person in Washington. You have done your best to sacrifice + this army.” + </p> + <p> + This letter, although addressed to the Secretary of War, distinctly + embraced the President in the grave charge of conspiracy to defeat + McClellan’s army and sacrifice thousands of the lives of his soldiers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0258" id="link2H_4_0258"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DIDN’T WANT A MILITARY REPUTATION. + </h2> + <h3> + Lincoln was averse to being put up as a military hero. + </h3> + <p> + When General Cass was a candidate for the Presidency his friends sought to + endow him with a military reputation. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, at that time a representative in Congress, delivered a speech + before the House, which, in its allusion to Mr. Cass, was exquisitely + sarcastic and irresistibly humorous: + </p> + <p> + “By the way, Mr. Speaker,” said Lincoln, “do you know I am a military + hero? + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, in the days of the Black Hawk War, I fought, bled, and came + away. + </p> + <p> + “Speaking of General Cass’s career reminds me of my own. + </p> + <p> + “I was not at Stillman’s defeat, but I was about as near it as Cass to + Hull’s surrender; and like him I saw the place very soon afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “It is quite certain I did not break my sword, for I had none to break, + but I bent my musket pretty badly on one occasion. + </p> + <p> + “If General Cass went in advance of me picking whortleberries, I guess I + surpassed him in charging upon the wild onion. + </p> + <p> + “If he saw any live, fighting Indians, it was more than I did, but I had a + good many bloody struggles with the mosquitoes, and although I never + fainted from loss of blood, I can truly say that I was often very hungry.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln concluded by saying that if he ever turned Democrat and should run + for the Presidency, he hoped they would not make fun of him by attempting + to make him a military hero. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0259" id="link2H_4_0259"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “SURRENDER NO SLAVE.” + </h2> + <p> + About March, 1862, General Benjamin F. Butler, in command at Fortress + Monroe, advised President Lincoln that he had determined to regard all + slaves coming into his camps as contraband of war, and to employ their + labor under fair compensation, and Secretary of War Stanton replied to + him, in behalf of the President, approving his course, and saying, “You + are not to interfere between master and slave on the one hand, nor + surrender slaves who may come within your lines.” + </p> + <p> + This was a significant milestone of progress to the great end that was + thereafter to be reached. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0260" id="link2H_4_0260"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONSCRIPTING DEAD MEN. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln being found fault with for making another “call,” said that if + the country required it, he would continue to do so until the matter stood + as described by a Western provost marshal, who says: + </p> + <p> + “I listened a short time since to a butternut-clad individual, who + succeeded in making good his escape, expatiate most eloquently on the + rigidness with which the conscription was enforced south of the Tennessee + River. His response to a question propounded by a citizen ran somewhat in + this wise: + </p> + <p> + “‘Do they conscript close over the river?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Stranger, I should think they did! They take every man who hasn’t been + dead more than two days!’ + </p> + <p> + “If this is correct, the Confederacy has at least a ghost of a chance + left.” + </p> + <p> + And of another, a Methodist minister in Kansas, living on a small salary, + who was greatly troubled to get his quarterly instalment. He at last told + the non-paying trustees that he must have his money, as he was suffering + for the necessaries of life. + </p> + <p> + “Money!” replied the trustees; “you preach for money? We thought you + preached for the good of souls!” + </p> + <p> + “Souls!” responded the reverend; “I can’t eat souls; and if I could it + would take a thousand such as yours to make a meal!” + </p> + <p> + “That soul is the point, sir,” said the President. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0261" id="link2H_4_0261"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S REJECTED MANUSCRIPT. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8223}.jpg" alt="{8223} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8223}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + On February 5th, 1865, President Lincoln formulated a message to Congress, + proposing the payment of $400,000,000 to the South as compensation for + slaves lost by emancipation, and submitted it to his Cabinet, only to be + unanimously rejected. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln sadly accepted the decision, and filed away the manuscript + message, together with this indorsement thereon, to which his signature + was added: “February 5, 1865. To-day these papers, which explain + themselves, were drawn up and submitted to the Cabinet unanimously + disapproved by them.” + </p> + <p> + When the proposed message was disapproved, Lincoln soberly asked: “How + long will the war last?” + </p> + <p> + To this none could make answer, and he added: “We are spending now, in + carrying on the war, $3,000,000 a day, which will amount to all this + money, besides all the lives.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0262" id="link2H_4_0262"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AS A STORY WRITER. + </h2> + <p> + In his youth, Mr. Lincoln once got an idea for a thrilling, romantic + story. One day, in Springfield, he was sitting with his feet on the window + sill, chatting with an acquaintance, when he suddenly changed the drift of + the conversation by saying: “Did you ever write out a story in your mind? + I did when I was a little codger. One day a wagon with a lady and two + girls and a man broke down near us, and while they were fixing up, they + cooked in our kitchen. The woman had books and read us stories, and they + were the first I had ever heard. I took a great fancy to one of the girls; + and when they were gone I thought of her a great deal, and one day when I + was sitting out in the sun by the house I wrote out a story in my mind. I + thought I took my father’s horse and followed the wagon, and finally I + found it, and they were surprised to see me. I talked with the girl, and + persuaded her to elope with me; and that night I put her on my horse, and + we started off across the prairie. After several hours we came to a camp; + and when we rode up we found it was the one we had left a few hours + before, and went in. The next night we tried again, and the same thing + happened—the horse came back to the same place; and then we + concluded that we ought not to elope. I stayed until I had persuaded her + father to give her to me. I always meant to write that story out and + publish it, and I began once; but I concluded that it was not much of a + story. But I think that was the beginning of love with me.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0263" id="link2H_4_0263"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S IDEAS ON CROSSING A RIVER WHEN HE GOT TO IT. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s reply to a Springfield (Illinois) clergyman, who asked him what + was to be his policy on the slavery question was most apt: + </p> + <p> + “Well, your question is rather a cool one, but I will answer it by telling + you a story: + </p> + <p> + “You know Father B., the old Methodist preacher? and you know Fox River + and its freshets? + </p> + <p> + “Well, once in the presence of Father B., a young Methodist was worrying + about Fox River, and expressing fears that he should be prevented from + fulfilling some of his appointments by a freshet in the river. + </p> + <p> + “Father B. checked him in his gravest manner. Said he: + </p> + <p> + “‘Young man, I have always made it a rule in my life not to cross Fox + River till I get to it.’ + </p> + <p> + “And,” said the President, “I am not going to worry myself over the + slavery question till I get to it.” + </p> + <p> + A few days afterward a Methodist minister called on the President, and on + being presented to him, said, simply: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. President, I have come to tell you that I think we have got to Fox + River!” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln thanked the clergyman, and laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0264" id="link2H_4_0264"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PRESIDENT NOMINATED FIRST. + </h2> + <p> + The day of Lincoln’s second nomination for the Presidency he forgot all + about the Republican National Convention, sitting at Baltimore, and + wandered over to the War Department. While there, a telegram came + announcing the nomination of Johnson as Vice-President. + </p> + <p> + “What,” said Lincoln to the operator, “do they nominate a Vice-President + before they do a President?” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” replied the astonished official, “have you not heard of your own + nomination? It was sent to the White House two hours ago.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all right,” replied the President; “I shall probably find it on my + return.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0265" id="link2H_4_0265"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “THEM GILLITEENS.” + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9225}.jpg" alt="{9225}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9225}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The illustrated newspapers of the United States and England had a good + deal of fun, not only with President Lincoln, but the latter’s Cabinet + officers and military commanders as well. It was said by these funny + publications that the President had set up a guillotine in his + “back-yard,” where all those who offended were beheaded with both + neatness, and despatch. “Harper’s Weekly” of January 3rd, 1863, contained + a cartoon labeled “Those Guillotines; a Little Incident at the White + House,” the personages figuring in the “incident” being Secretary of War + Stanton and a Union general who had been unfortunate enough to lose a + battle to the Confederates. Beneath the cartoon was the following + dialogue: + </p> + <p> + SERVANT: “If ye plase, sir, them Gilliteens has arrove.” MR. LINCOLN: “All + right, Michael. Now, gentlemen, will you be kind enough to step out in the + back-yard?” + </p> + <p> + The hair and whiskers of Secretary of War Stanton are ruffled and awry, + and his features are not calm and undisturbed, indicating that he has an + idea of what’s the matter in that back-yard; the countenance of the + officer in the rear of the Secretary of War wears rather an anxious, or + worried, look, and his hair isn’t combed smoothly, either. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln’s frequent changes among army commanders—before he + found Grant, Sherman and Sheridan—afforded an opportunity the + caricaturists did not neglect, and some very clever cartoons were the + consequence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0266" id="link2H_4_0266"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “CONSIDER THE SYMPATHY OF LINCOLN.” + </h2> + <p> + Consider the sympathy of Abraham Lincoln. Do you know the story of William + Scott, private? He was a boy from a Vermont farm. + </p> + <p> + There had been a long march, and the night succeeding it he had stood on + picket. The next day there had been another long march, and that night + William Scott had volunteered to stand guard in the place of a sick + comrade who had been drawn for the duty. + </p> + <p> + It was too much for William Scott. He was too tired. He had been found + sleeping on his beat. + </p> + <p> + The army was at Chain Bridge. It was in a dangerous neighborhood. + Discipline must be kept. + </p> + <p> + William Scott was apprehended, tried by court-martial, sentenced to be + shot. News of the case was carried to Lincoln. William Scott was a + prisoner in his tent, expecting to be shot next day. + </p> + <p> + But the flaps of his tent were parted, and Lincoln stood before him. Scott + said: + </p> + <p> + “The President was the kindest man I had ever seen; I knew him at once by + a Lincoln medal I had long worn. + </p> + <p> + “I was scared at first, for I had never before talked with a great man; + but Mr. Lincoln was so easy with me, so gentle, that I soon forgot my + fright. + </p> + <p> + “He asked me all about the people at home, the neighbors, the farm, and + where I went to school, and who my schoolmates were. Then he asked me + about mother and how she looked; and I was glad I could take her + photograph from my bosom and show it to him. + </p> + <p> + “He said how thankful I ought to be that my mother still lived, and how, + if he were in my place, he would try to make her a proud mother, and never + cause her a sorrow or a tear. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot remember it all, but every word was so kind. + </p> + <p> + “He had said nothing yet about that dreadful next morning; I thought it + must be that he was so kind-hearted that he didn’t like to speak of it. + </p> + <p> + “But why did he say so much about my mother, and my not causing her a + sorrow or a tear, when I knew that I must die the next morning? + </p> + <p> + “But I supposed that was something that would have to go unexplained; and + so I determined to brace up and tell him that I did not feel a bit guilty, + and ask him wouldn’t he fix it so that the firing party would not be from + our regiment. + </p> + <p> + “That was going to be the hardest of all—to die by the hands of my + comrades. + </p> + <p> + “Just as I was going to ask him this favor, he stood up, and he says to + me: + </p> + <p> + “‘My boy, stand up here and look me in the face.’ + </p> + <p> + “I did as he bade me. + </p> + <p> + “‘My boy,’ he said, ‘you are not going to be shot to-morrow. I believe you + when you tell me that you could not keep awake. + </p> + <p> + “‘I am going to trust you, and send you back to your regiment. + </p> + <p> + “‘But I have been put to a good deal of trouble on your account. + </p> + <p> + “‘I have had to come up here from Washington when I have got a great deal + to do; and what I want to know is, how are you going to pay my bill?’ + </p> + <p> + “There was a big lump in my throat; I could scarcely speak. I had expected + to die, you see, and had kind of got used to thinking that way. + </p> + <p> + “To have it all changed in a minute! But I got it crowded down, and + managed to say: + </p> + <p> + “‘I am grateful, Mr. Lincoln! I hope I am as grateful as ever a man can be + to you for saving my life. + </p> + <p> + “‘But it comes upon me sudden and unexpected like. I didn’t lay out for it + at all; but there is some way to pay you, and I will find it after a + little. + </p> + <p> + “‘There is the bounty in the savings bank; I guess we could borrow some + money on the mortgage of the farm.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘There was my pay was something, and if he would wait until pay-day I was + sure the boys would help; so I thought we could make it up if it wasn’t + more than five or six hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + “‘But it is a great deal more than that,’ he said. + </p> + <p> + “Then I said I didn’t just see how, but I was sure I would find some way—if + I lived. + </p> + <p> + “Then Mr. Lincoln put his hands on my shoulders, and looked into my face + as if he was sorry, and said; “‘My boy, my bill is a very large one. Your + friends cannot pay it, nor your bounty, nor the farm, nor all your + comrades! + </p> + <p> + “‘There is only one man in all the world who can pay it, and his name is + William Scott! + </p> + <p> + “‘If from this day William Scott does his duty, so that, if I was there + when he comes to die, he can look me in the face as he does now, and say, + I have kept my promise, and I have done my duty as a soldier, then my debt + will be paid. + </p> + <p> + “‘Will you make that promise and try to keep it?” + </p> + <p> + The promise was given. Thenceforward there never was such a soldier as + William Scott. + </p> + <p> + This is the record of the end. It was after one of the awful battles of + the Peninsula. He was shot all to pieces. He said: + </p> + <p> + “Boys, I shall never see another battle. I supposed this would be my last. + I haven’t much to say. + </p> + <p> + “You all know what you can tell them at home about me. + </p> + <p> + “I have tried to do the right thing! If any of you ever have the chance I + wish you would tell President Lincoln that I have never forgotten the kind + words he said to me at the Chain Bridge; that I have tried to be a good + soldier and true to the flag; that I should have paid my whole debt to him + if I had lived; and that now, when I know that I am dying, I think of his + kind face, and thank him again, because he gave me the chance to fall like + a soldier in battle, and not like a coward, by the hands of my comrades.” + </p> + <p> + What wonder that Secretary Stanton said, as he gazed upon the tall form + and kindly face as he lay there, smitten down by the assassin’s bullet, + “There lies the most perfect ruler of men who ever lived.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0267" id="link2H_4_0267"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SAVED A LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + One day during the Black Hawk War a poor old Indian came into the camp + with a paper of safe conduct from General Lewis Cass in his possession. + The members of Lincoln’s company were greatly exasperated by late Indian + barbarities, among them the horrible murder of a number of women and + children, and were about to kill him; they said the safe-conduct paper was + a forgery, and approached the old savage with muskets cocked to shoot him. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln rushed forward, struck up the weapons with his hands, and standing + in front of the victim, declared to the Indian that he should not be + killed. It was with great difficulty that the men could be kept from their + purpose, but the courage and firmness of Lincoln thwarted them. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was physically one of the bravest of men, as his company + discovered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0268" id="link2H_4_0268"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN PLAYED BALL. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8229}.jpg" alt="{8229} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8229}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Frank P. Blair, of Chicago, tells an incident, showing Mr. Lincoln’s love + for children and how thoroughly he entered into all of their sports: + </p> + <p> + “During the war my grandfather, Francis P. Blair, Sr., lived at Silver + Springs, north of Washington, seven miles from the White House. It was a + magnificent place of four or five hundred acres, with an extensive lawn in + the rear of the house. The grandchildren gathered there frequently. + </p> + <p> + “There were eight or ten of us, our ages ranging from eight to twelve + years. Although I was but seven or eight years of age, Mr. Lincoln’s + visits were of such importance to us boys as to leave a clear impression + on my memory. He drove out to the place quite frequently. We boys, for + hours at a time played ‘town ball’ on the vast lawn, and Mr. Lincoln would + join ardently in the sport. I remember vividly how he ran with the + children; how long were his strides, and how far his coat-tails stuck out + behind, and how we tried to hit him with the ball, as he ran the bases. He + entered into the spirit of the play as completely as any of us, and we + invariably hailed his coming with delight.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0269" id="link2H_4_0269"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS PASSES TO RICHMOND NOT HONORED. + </h2> + <h3> + A man called upon the President and solicited a pass for Richmond. + </h3> + <p> + “Well,” said the President, “I would be very happy to oblige, if my passes + were respected; but the fact is, sir, I have, within the past two years, + given passes to two hundred and fifty thousand men to go to Richmond, and + not one has got there yet.” + </p> + <p> + The applicant quietly and respectfully withdrew on his tiptoes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0270" id="link2H_4_0270"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “PUBLIC HANGMAN” FOR THE UNITED STATES. + </h2> + <p> + A certain United States Senator, who believed that every man who believed + in secession should be hanged, asked the President what he intended to do + when the War was over. + </p> + <p> + “Reconstruct the machinery of this Government,” quickly replied Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “You are certainly crazy,” was the Senator’s heated response. “You talk as + if treason was not henceforth to be made odious, but that the traitors, + cutthroats and authors of this War should not only go unpunished, but + receive encouragement to repeat their treason with impunity! They should + be hanged higher than Haman, sir! Yes, higher than any malefactor the + world has ever known!” + </p> + <p> + The President was entirely unmoved, but, after a moment’s pause, put a + question which all but drove his visitor insane. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Senator, suppose that when this hanging arrangement has been agreed + upon, you accept the post of Chief Executioner. If you will take the + office, I will make you a brigadier general and Public Hangman for the + United States. That would just about suit you, wouldn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a gentleman, sir,” returned the Senator, “and I certainly thought + you knew me better than to believe me capable of doing such dirty work. + You are jesting, Mr. President.” + </p> + <p> + The President was extremely patient, exhibiting no signs of ire, and to + this bit of temper on the part of the Senator responded: + </p> + <p> + “You speak of being a gentleman; yet you forget that in this free country + all men are equal, the vagrant and the gentleman standing on the same + ground when it comes to rights and duties, particularly in time of war. + Therefore, being a gentleman, as you claim, and a law-abiding citizen, I + trust, you are not exempt from doing even the dirty work at which your + high spirit revolts.” + </p> + <p> + This was too much for the Senator, who quitted the room abruptly, and + never again showed his face in the White House while Lincoln occupied it. + </p> + <p> + “He won’t bother me again,” was the President’s remark as he departed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0271" id="link2H_4_0271"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FEW, BUT BOISTEROUS. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8231}.jpg" alt="{8231} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8231}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Lincoln was a very quiet man, and went about his business in a quiet way, + making the least noise possible. He heartily disliked those boisterous + people who were constantly deluging him with advice, and shouting at the + tops of their voices whenever they appeared at the White House. “These + noisy people create a great clamor,” said he one day, in conversation with + some personal friends, “and remind me, by the way, of a good story I heard + out in Illinois while I was practicing, or trying to practice, some law + there. I will say, though, that I practiced more law than I ever got paid + for. + </p> + <p> + “A fellow who lived just out of town, on the bank of a large marsh, + conceived a big idea in the money-making line. He took it to a prominent + merchant, and began to develop his plans and specifications. ‘There are at + least ten million frogs in that marsh near me, an’ I’ll just arrest a + couple of carloads of them and hand them over to you. You can send them to + the big cities and make lots of money for both of us. Frogs’ legs are + great delicacies in the big towns, an’ not very plentiful. It won’t take + me more’n two or three days to pick ‘em. They make so much noise my family + can’t sleep, and by this deal I’ll get rid of a nuisance and gather in + some cash.’ + </p> + <p> + “The merchant agreed to the proposition, promised the fellow he would pay + him well for the two carloads. Two days passed, then three, and finally + two weeks were gone before the fellow showed up again, carrying a small + basket. He looked weary and ‘done up,’ and he wasn’t talkative a bit. He + threw the basket on the counter with the remark, ‘There’s your frogs.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘You haven’t two carloads in that basket, have you?’ inquired the + merchant. + </p> + <p> + “‘No,’ was the reply, ‘and there ain’t no two carloads in all this blasted + world.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I thought you said there were at least ten millions of ‘em in that marsh + near you, according to the noise they made,’ observed the merchant. ‘Your + people couldn’t sleep because of ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ said the fellow, ‘accordin’ to the noise they made, there was, I + thought, a hundred million of ‘em, but when I had waded and swum that + there marsh day and night fer two blessed weeks, I couldn’t harvest but + six. There’s two or three left yet, an’ the marsh is as noisy as it uster + be. We haven’t catched up on any of our lost sleep yet. Now, you can have + these here six, an’ I won’t charge you a cent fer ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + “You can see by this little yarn,” remarked the President, “that these + boisterous people make too much noise in proportion to their numbers.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0272" id="link2H_4_0272"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + KEEP PEGGING AWAY. + </h2> + <p> + Being asked one time by an “anxious” visitor as to what he would do in + certain contingencies—provided the rebellion was not subdued after + three or four years of effort on the part of the Government? + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” replied the President, “there is no alternative but to keep + ‘pegging’ away!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0273" id="link2H_4_0273"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BEWARE OF THE TAIL. + </h2> + <p> + After the issue of the Emancipation Proclamation, Governor Morgan, of New + York, was at the White House one day, when the President said: + </p> + <p> + “I do not agree with those who say that slavery is dead. We are like + whalers who have been long on a chase—we have at last got the + harpoon into the monster, but we must now look how we steer, or, with one + ‘flop’ of his tail, he will yet send us all into eternity!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0274" id="link2H_4_0274"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “LINCOLN’S DREAM.” + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln was depicted as a headsman in a cartoon printed in + “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper,” on February 14, 1863, the title of + the picture being “Lincoln’s Dreams; or, There’s a Good Time Coming.” + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0233}.jpg" alt="{0233}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0233}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + The cartoon, reproduced here, represents, on the right, the Union Generals + who had been defeated by the Confederates in battle, and had suffered + decapitation in consequence—McDowell, who lost at Bull Run; + McClellan, who failed to take Richmond, when within twelve miles of that + city and no opposition, comparatively; and Burnside, who was so badly + whipped at Fredericksburg. To the left of the block, where the President + is standing with the bloody axe in his hand, are shown the members of the + Cabinet—Secretary of State Seward, Secretary of War Stanton, + Secretary of the Navy Welles, and others—each awaiting his turn. + This part of the “Dream” was never realized, however, as the President did + not decapitate any of his Cabinet officers. + </p> + <p> + It was the idea of the cartoonist to hold Lincoln up as a man who would + not countenance failure upon the part of subordinates, but visit the + severest punishment upon those commanders who did not win victories. After + Burnside’s defeat at Fredericksburg, he was relieved by Hooker, who + suffered disaster at Chancellorsville; Hooker was relieved by Meade, who + won at Gettysburg, but was refused promotion because he did not follow up + and crush Lee; Rosecrans was all but defeated at Chickamauga, and gave way + to Grant, who, of all the Union commanders, had never suffered defeat. + Grant was Lincoln’s ideal fighting man, and the “Old Commander” was never + superseded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0275" id="link2H_4_0275"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THERE WAS NO NEED OF A STORY. + </h2> + <p> + Dr. Hovey, of Dansville, New York, thought he would call and see the + President. + </p> + <p> + Upon arriving at the White House he found the President on horseback, + ready for a start. + </p> + <p> + Approaching him, he said: + </p> + <p> + “President Lincoln, I thought I would call and see you before leaving the + city, and hear you tell a story.” + </p> + <p> + The President greeted him pleasantly, and asked where he was from. + </p> + <p> + “From Western New York.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s a good enough country without stories,” replied the + President, and off he rode. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0276" id="link2H_4_0276"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN A MAN OF SIMPLE HABITS. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s habits at the White House were as simple as they were at his old + home in Illinois. + </p> + <p> + He never alluded to himself as “President,” or as occupying “the + Presidency.” + </p> + <p> + His office he always designated as “the place.” + </p> + <p> + “Call me Lincoln,” said he to a friend; “Mr. President” had become so very + tiresome to him. + </p> + <p> + “If you see a newsboy down the street, send him up this way,” said he to a + passenger, as he stood waiting for the morning news at his gate. + </p> + <p> + Friends cautioned him about exposing himself so openly in the midst of + enemies; but he never heeded them. + </p> + <p> + He frequently walked the streets at night, entirely unprotected; and felt + any check upon his movements a great annoyance. + </p> + <p> + He delighted to see his familiar Western friends; and he gave them always + a cordial welcome. + </p> + <p> + He met them on the old footing, and fell at once into the accustomed + habits of talk and story-telling. + </p> + <p> + An old acquaintance, with his wife, visited Washington. Mr. and Mrs. + Lincoln proposed to these friends a ride in the Presidential carriage. + </p> + <p> + It should be stated in advance that the two men had probably never seen + each other with gloves on in their lives, unless when they were used as + protection from the cold. + </p> + <p> + The question of each—Lincoln at the White House, and his friend at + the hotel—was, whether he should wear gloves. + </p> + <p> + Of course the ladies urged gloves; but Lincoln only put his in his pocket, + to be used or not, according to the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + When the Presidential party arrived at the hotel, to take in their + friends, they found the gentleman, overcome by his wife’s persuasions, + very handsomely gloved. + </p> + <p> + The moment he took his seat he began to draw off the clinging kids, while + Lincoln began to draw his on! + </p> + <p> + “No! no! no!” protested his friend, tugging at his gloves. “It is none of + my doings; put up your gloves, Mr. Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + So the two old friends were on even and easy terms, and had their ride + after their old fashion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0277" id="link2H_4_0277"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS LAST SPEECH. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln was reading the draft of a speech. Edward, the + conservative but dignified butler of the White House, was seen struggling + with Tad and trying to drag him back from the window from which was waving + a Confederate flag, captured in some fight and given to the boy. Edward + conquered and Tad, rushing to find his father, met him coming forward to + make, as it proved, his last speech. + </p> + <p> + The speech began with these words, “We meet this evening, not in sorrow, + but in gladness of heart.” Having his speech written in loose leaves, and + being compelled to hold a candle in the other hand, he would let the loose + leaves drop to the floor one by one. “Tad” picked them up as they fell, + and impatiently called for more as they fell from his father’s hand. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0237}.jpg" alt="{0237}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0237}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0238}.jpg" alt="{0238}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0238}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0278" id="link2H_4_0278"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FORGOT EVERYTHING HE KNEW BEFORE. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln, while entertaining a few select friends, is said to + have related the following anecdote of a man who knew too much: + </p> + <p> + He was a careful, painstaking fellow, who always wanted to be absolutely + exact, and as a result he frequently got the ill-will of his less careful + superiors. + </p> + <p> + During the administration of President Jackson there was a singular young + gentleman employed in the Public Postoffice in Washington. + </p> + <p> + His name was G.; he was from Tennessee, the son of a widow, a neighbor of + the President, on which account the old hero had a kind feeling for him, + and always got him out of difficulties with some of the higher officials, + to whom his singular interference was distasteful. + </p> + <p> + Among other things, it is said of him that while employed in the General + Postoffice, on one occasion he had to copy a letter to Major H., a high + official, in answer to an application made by an old gentleman in Virginia + or Pennsylvania, for the establishment of a new postoffice. + </p> + <p> + The writer of the letter said the application could not be granted, in + consequence of the applicant’s “proximity” to another office. + </p> + <p> + When the letter came into G.‘s hand to copy, being a great stickler for + plainness, he altered “proximity” to “nearness to.” + </p> + <p> + Major H. observed it, and asked G. why he altered his letter. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” replied G., “because I don’t think the man would understand what + you mean by proximity.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Major H., “try him; put in the ‘proximity’ again.” + </p> + <p> + In a few days a letter was received from the applicant, in which he very + indignantly said that his father had fought for liberty in the second war + for independence, and he should like to have the name of the scoundrel who + brought the charge of proximity or anything else wrong against him. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said G., “did I not say so?” + </p> + <p> + G. carried his improvements so far that Mr. Berry, the Postmaster-General, + said to him: “I don’t want you any longer; you know too much.” + </p> + <p> + Poor G. went out, but his old friend got him another place. + </p> + <p> + This time G.‘s ideas underwent a change. He was one day very busy writing, + when a stranger called in and asked him where the Patent Office was. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said G. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me where the Treasury Department is?” said the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said G. + </p> + <p> + “Nor the President’s house?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger finally asked him if he knew where the Capitol was. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied G. + </p> + <p> + “Do you live in Washington, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said G. + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord! and don’t you know where the Patent Office, Treasury, + President’s house and Capitol are?” + </p> + <p> + “Stranger,” said G., “I was turned out of the postoffice for knowing too + much. I don’t mean to offend in that way again. + </p> + <p> + “I am paid for keeping this book. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I know that much; but if you find me knowing anything more you + may take my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Good morning,” said the stranger. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0279" id="link2H_4_0279"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN BELIEVED IN EDUCATION. + </h2> + <p> + “That every man may receive at least a moderate education, and thereby be + enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by which he + may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be an + object of vital importance; even on this account alone, to say nothing of + the advantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being able to read + the Scriptures and other works, both of a religious and moral nature, for + themselves. + </p> + <p> + “For my part, I desire to see the time when education, by its means, + morality, sobriety, enterprise and integrity, shall become much more + general than at present, and should be gratified to have it in my power to + contribute something to the advancement of any measure which might have a + tendency to accelerate the happy period.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0280" id="link2H_4_0280"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN ON THE DRED SCOTT DECISION. + </h2> + <p> + In a speech at Springfield, Illinois, June 26th, 1857, Lincoln referred to + the decision of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, of the United States Supreme + Court, in the Dred Scott case, in this manner: + </p> + <p> + “The Chief justice does not directly assert, but plainly assumes as a + fact, that the public estimate of the black man is more favorable now than + it was in the days of the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + “In those days, by common consent, the spread of the black man’s bondage + in the new countries was prohibited; but now Congress decides that it will + not continue the prohibition, and the Supreme Court decides that it could + not if it would. + </p> + <p> + “In those days, our Declaration of Independence was held sacred by all, + and thought to include all; but now, to aid in making the bondage of the + negro universal and eternal, it is assailed and sneered at, and + constructed and hawked at, and torn, till, if its framers could rise from + their graves, they could not at all recognize it. + </p> + <p> + “All the powers of earth seem combining against the slave; Mammon is after + him, ambition follows, philosophy follows, and the theology of the day is + fast joining the cry.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0281" id="link2H_4_0281"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN MADE MANY NOTABLE SPEECHES. + </h2> + <p> + Abraham Lincoln made many notable addresses and speeches during his career + previous to the time of his election to the Presidency. + </p> + <p> + However, beautiful in thought and expression as they were, they were not + appreciated by those who heard and read them until after the people of the + United States and the world had come to understand the man who delivered + them. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln had the rare and valuable faculty of putting the most sublime + feeling into his speeches; and he never found it necessary to incumber his + wisest, wittiest and most famous sayings with a weakening mass of words. + </p> + <p> + He put his thoughts into the simplest language, so that all might + comprehend, and he never said anything which was not full of the deepest + meaning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0282" id="link2H_4_0282"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHAT AILED THE BOYS. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8241}.jpg" alt="{8241} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8241}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Mr. Roland Diller, who was one of Mr. Lincoln’s neighbors in Springfield, + tells the following: + </p> + <p> + “I was called to the door one day by the cries of children in the street, + and there was Mr. Lincoln, striding by with two of his boys, both of whom + were wailing aloud. ‘Why, Mr. Lincoln, what’s the matter with the boys?’ I + asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Just what’s the matter with the whole world,’ Lincoln replied. ‘I’ve got + three walnuts, and each wants two.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0283" id="link2H_4_0283"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TAD’S CONFEDERATE FLAG. + </h2> + <p> + One of the prettiest incidents in the closing days of the Civil War + occurred when the troops, ‘marching home again,’ passed in grand form, if + with well-worn uniforms and tattered bunting, before the White House. + </p> + <p> + Naturally, an immense crowd had assembled on the streets, the lawns, + porches, balconies, and windows, even those of the executive mansion + itself being crowded to excess. A central figure was that of the + President, Abraham Lincoln, who, with bared head, unfurled and waved our + Nation’s flag in the midst of lusty cheers. + </p> + <p> + But suddenly there was an unexpected sight. + </p> + <p> + A small boy leaned forward and sent streaming to the air the banner of the + boys in gray. It was an old flag which had been captured from the + Confederates, and which the urchin, the President’s second son, Tad, had + obtained possession of and considered an additional triumph to unfurl on + this all-important day. + </p> + <p> + Vainly did the servant who had followed him to the window plead with him + to desist. No, Master Tad, Pet of the White House, was not to be prevented + from adding to the loyal demonstration of the hour. + </p> + <p> + To his surprise, however, the crowd viewed it differently. Had it floated + from any other window in the capital that day, no doubt it would have been + the target of contempt and abuse; but when the President, understanding + what had happened, turned, with a smile on his grand, plain face, and + showed his approval by a gesture and expression, cheer after cheer rent + the air. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0284" id="link2H_4_0284"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CALLED BLESSINGS ON THE AMERICAN WOMEN. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln attended a Ladies’ Fair for the benefit of the Union + soldiers, at Washington, March 16th, 1864. + </p> + <p> + In his remarks he said: + </p> + <p> + “I appear to say but a word. + </p> + <p> + “This extraordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all + classes of people, but the most heavily upon the soldiers. For it has been + said, ‘All that a man hath will he give for his life,’ and, while all + contribute of their substance, the soldier puts his life at stake, and + often yields it up in his country’s cause. + </p> + <p> + “The highest merit, then, is due the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “In this extraordinary war extraordinary developments have manifested + themselves such as have not been seen in former wars; and among these + manifestations nothing has been more remarkable than these fairs for the + relief of suffering soldiers and their families, and the chief agents in + these fairs are the women of America! + </p> + <p> + “I am not accustomed to the use of language of eulogy; I have never + studied the art of paying compliments to women; but I must say that if all + that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in + praise of women were applied to the women of America, it would not do them + justice for their conduct during the war. + </p> + <p> + “I will close by saying, God bless the women of America!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0285" id="link2H_4_0285"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S “ORDER NO. 252.” + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8243}.jpg" alt="{8243} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8243}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + After the United States had enlisted former negro slaves as soldiers to + fight alongside the Northern troops for the maintenance of the integrity + of the Union, so great was the indignation of the Confederate Government + that President Davis declared he would not recognize blacks captured in + battle and in uniform as prisoners of war. This meant that he would have + them returned to their previous owners, have them flogged and fined for + running away from their masters, or even shot if he felt like it. This + attitude of the President of the Confederate States of America led to the + promulgation of President Lincoln’s famous “Order No. 252,” which, in + effect, was a notification to the commanding officers of the Southern + forces that if negro prisoners of war were not treated as such, the Union + commanders would retaliate. “Harper’s Weekly” of August 15th, 1863, + contained a clever cartoon, which we reproduce, representing President + Lincoln holding the South by the collar, while “Old Abe” shouts the + following words of warning to Jeff Davis, who, cat-o’-nine-tails in hand, + is in pursuit of a terrified little negro boy: + </p> + <p> + MR. LINCOLN: “Look here, Jeff Davis! If you lay a finger on that boy, to + hurt him, I’ll lick this ugly cub of yours within an inch of his life!” + </p> + <p> + Much to the surprise of the Confederates, the negro soldiers fought + valiantly; they were fearless when well led, obeyed orders without + hesitation, were amenable to discipline, and were eager and anxious, at + all times, to do their duty. In battle they were formidable opponents, and + in using the bayonet were the equal of the best trained troops. The + Southerners hated them beyond power of expression. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0286" id="link2H_4_0286"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TALKED TO THE NEGROES OF RICHMOND. + </h2> + <p> + The President walked through the streets of Richmond—without a guard + except a few seamen—in company with his son “Tad,” and Admiral + Porter, on April 4th, 1865, the day following the evacuation of the city. + </p> + <p> + Colored people gathered about him on every side, eager to see and thank + their liberator. Mr. Lincoln addressed the following remarks to one of + these gatherings: + </p> + <p> + “My poor friends, you are free—free as air. You can cast off the + name of slave and trample upon it; it will come to you no more. + </p> + <p> + “Liberty is your birthright. God gave it to you as He gave it to others, + and it is a sin that you have been deprived of it for so many years. + </p> + <p> + “But you must try to deserve this priceless boon. Let the world see that + you merit it, and are able to maintain it by your good work. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t let your joy carry you into excesses; learn the laws, and obey + them. Obey God’s commandments, and thank Him for giving you liberty, for + to Him you owe all things. + </p> + <p> + “There, now, let me pass on; I have but little time to spare. + </p> + <p> + “I want to see the Capitol, and must return at once to Washington to + secure to you that liberty which you seem to prize so highly.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0287" id="link2H_4_0287"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” ADDED A SAVING CLAUSE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln fell in love with Miss Mary S. Owens about 1833 or so, and, while + she was attracted toward him she was not passionately fond of him. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s letter of proposal of marriage, sent by him to Miss Owens, while + singular, unique, and decidedly unconventional, was certainly not very + ardent. He, after the fashion of the lawyer, presented the matter very + cautiously, and pleaded his own cause; then presented her side of the + case, advised her not “to do it,” and agreed to abide by her decision. + </p> + <p> + Miss Owens respected Lincoln, but promptly rejected him—really very + much to “Abe’s” relief. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0288" id="link2H_4_0288"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW “JACK” WAS “DONE UP.” + </h2> + <p> + Not far from New Salem, Illinois, at a place called Clary’s Grove, a gang + of frontier ruffians had established headquarters, and the champion + wrestler of “The Grove” was “Jack” Armstrong, a bully of the worst type. + </p> + <p> + Learning that Abraham was something of a wrestler himself, “Jack” sent him + a challenge. At that time and in that community a refusal would have + resulted in social and business ostracism, not to mention the stigma of + cowardice which would attach. + </p> + <p> + It was a great day for New Salem and “The Grove” when Lincoln and + Armstrong met. Settlers within a radius of fifty miles flocked to the + scene, and the wagers laid were heavy and many. Armstrong proved a + weakling in the hands of the powerful Kentuckian, and “Jack’s” adherents + were about to mob Lincoln when the latter’s friends saved him from + probable death by rushing to the rescue. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0289" id="link2H_4_0289"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ANGELS COULDN’T SWEAR IT RIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + The President was once speaking about an attack made on him by the + Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War for a certain alleged + blunder in the Southwest—the matter involved being one which had + fallen directly under the observation of the army officer to whom he was + talking, who possessed official evidence completely upsetting all the + conclusions of the Committee. + </p> + <p> + “Might it not be well for me,” queried the officer, “to set this matter + right in a letter to some paper, stating the facts as they actually + transpired?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” replied the President, “at least, not now. If I were to try to + read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as + well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how the + very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end + brings me out all right, what is said against me won’t amount to anything. + If the end brings me out wrong, ten thousand angels swearing I was right + would make no difference.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0290" id="link2H_4_0290"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “MUST GO, AND GO TO STAY.” + </h2> + <p> + Ward Hill Lamon was President Lincoln’s Cerberus, his watch dog, guardian, + friend, companion and confidant. Some days before Lincoln’s departure for + Washington to be inaugurated, he wrote to Lamon at Bloomington, that he + desired to see him at once. He went to Springfield, and Lincoln said: + </p> + <p> + “Hill, on the 11th I go to Washington, and I want you to go along with me. + Our friends have already asked me to send you as Consul to Paris. You know + I would cheerfully give you anything for which our friends may ask or + which you may desire, but it looks as if we might have war. + </p> + <p> + “In that case I want you with me. In fact, I must have you. So get + yourself ready and come along. It will be handy to have you around. If + there is to be a fight, I want you to help me to do my share of it, as you + have done in times past. You must go, and go to stay.” + </p> + <p> + This is Lamon’s version of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0291" id="link2H_4_0291"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN WASN’T BUYING NOMINATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + To a party who wished to be empowered to negotiate reward for promises of + influence in the Chicago Convention, 1860, Mr. Lincoln replied: + </p> + <p> + “No, gentlemen; I have not asked the nomination, and I will not now buy it + with pledges. + </p> + <p> + “If I am nominated and elected, I shall not go into the Presidency as the + tool of this man or that man, or as the property of any factor or clique.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0292" id="link2H_4_0292"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE ENVIED THE SOLDIER AT THE FRONT. + </h2> + <p> + After some very bad news had come in from the army in the field, Lincoln + remarked to Schuyler Colfax: + </p> + <p> + “How willingly would I exchange places to-day with the soldier who sleeps + on the ground in the Army of the Potomac!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0293" id="link2H_4_0293"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DON’T TRUST TOO FAR + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0247}.jpg" alt="{0247}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0247}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + In the campaign of 1852, Lincoln, in reply to Douglas’ speech, wherein he + spoke of confidence in Providence, replied: “Let us stand by our candidate + (General Scott) as faithfully as he has always stood by our country, and I + much doubt if we do not perceive a slight abatement of Judge Douglas’ + confidence in Providence as well as the people. I suspect that confidence + is not more firmly fixed with the judge than it was with the old woman + whose horse ran away with her in a buggy. She said she ‘trusted in + Providence till the britchen broke,’ and then she ‘didn’t know what in + airth to do.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0294" id="link2H_4_0294"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE’D “RISK THE DICTATORSHIP.” + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s great generosity to his leaders was shown when, in January, + 1863, he assigned “Fighting Joe” Hooker to the command of the Army of the + Potomac. Hooker had believed in a military dictatorship, and it was an + open secret that McClellan might have become such had he possessed the + nerve. Lincoln, however, was not bothered by this prattle, as he did not + think enough of it to relieve McClellan of his command. The President said + to Hooker: + </p> + <p> + “I have heard, in such a way as to believe it, of your recently saying + that both the army and the Government needed a dictator. Of course, it was + not for this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command. Only + those generals who gain success can be dictators. + </p> + <p> + “What I now ask of you is military success, and I will risk the + dictatorship.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln also believed Hooker had not given cordial support to General + Burnside when he was in command of the army. In Lincoln’s own peculiarly + plain language, he told Hooker that he had done “a great wrong to the + country and to a most meritorious and honorable brother officer.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0295" id="link2H_4_0295"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “MAJOR GENERAL, I RECKON.” + </h2> + <p> + At one time the President had the appointment of a large additional number + of brigadier and major generals. Among the immense number of applications, + Mr. Lincoln came upon one wherein the claims of a certain worthy (not in + the service at all), “for a generalship” were glowingly set forth. But the + applicant didn’t specify whether he wanted to be brigadier or major + general. + </p> + <p> + The President observed this difficulty, and solved it by a lucid + indorsement. The clerk, on receiving the paper again, found written across + its back, “Major General, I reckon. A. Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0296" id="link2H_4_0296"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WOULD SEE THE TRACKS. + </h2> + <p> + Judge Herndon, Lincoln’s law partner, said that he never saw Lincoln more + cheerful than on the day previous to his departure from Springfield for + Washington, and Judge Gillespie, who visited him a few days earlier, found + him in excellent spirits. + </p> + <p> + “I told him that I believed it would do him good to get down to + Washington,” said Herndon. + </p> + <p> + “I know it will,” Lincoln replied. “I only wish I could have got there to + lock the door before the horse was stolen. But when I get to the spot, I + can find the tracks.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0297" id="link2H_4_0297"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” GAVE HER A “SURE TIP.” + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9249}.jpg" alt="{9249}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9249}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + If all the days Lincoln attended school were added together, they would + not make a single year’s time, and he never studied grammar or geography + or any of the higher branches. His first teacher in Indiana was Hazel + Dorsey, who opened a school in a log schoolhouse a mile and a half from + the Lincoln cabin. The building had holes for windows, which were covered + over with greased paper to admit light. The roof was just high enough for + a man to stand erect. It did not take long to demonstrate that “Abe” was + superior to any scholar in his class. His next teacher was Andrew + Crawford, who taught in the winter of 1822-3, in the same little + schoolhouse. “Abe” was an excellent speller, and it is said that he liked + to show off his knowledge, especially if he could help out his less + fortunate schoolmates. One day the teacher gave out the word “defied.” A + large class was on the floor, but it seemed that no one would be able to + spell it. The teacher declared he would keep the whole class in all day + and night if “defied” was not spelled correctly. + </p> + <p> + When the word came around to Katy Roby, she was standing where she could + see young “Abe.” She started, “d-e-f,” and while trying to decide whether + to spell the word with an “i” or a “y,” she noticed that Abe had his + finger on his eye and a smile on his face, and instantly took the hint. + She spelled the word correctly and school was dismissed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0298" id="link2H_4_0298"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PRESIDENT HAD KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. + </h2> + <h3> + Lincoln never forgot anyone or anything. + </h3> + <p> + At one of the afternoon receptions at the White House a stranger shook + hands with him, and, as he did so, remarked casually, that he was elected + to Congress about the time Mr. Lincoln’s term as representative expired, + which happened many years before. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the President, “You are from—” (mentioning the State). + “I remember reading of your election in a newspaper one morning on a + steamboat going down to Mount Vernon.” + </p> + <p> + At another time a gentleman addressed him, saying, “I presume, Mr. + President, you have forgotten me?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” was the prompt reply; “your name is Flood. I saw you last, twelve + years ago, at—” (naming the place and the occasion). + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to see,” he continued, “that the Flood goes on.” + </p> + <p> + Subsequent to his re-election a deputation of bankers from various + sections were introduced one day by the Secretary of the Treasury. + </p> + <p> + After a few moments of general conversation, Lincoln turned to one of them + and said: + </p> + <p> + “Your district did not give me so strong a vote at the last election as it + did in 1860.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, sir, that you must be mistaken,” replied the banker. “I have the + impression that your majority was considerably increased at the last + election.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” rejoined the President, “you fell off about six hundred votes.” + </p> + <p> + Then taking down from the bookcase the official canvass of 1860 and 1864, + he referred to the vote of the district named, and proved to be quite + right in his assertion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0299" id="link2H_4_0299"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ONLY HALF A MAN. + </h2> + <p> + As President Lincoln, arm in arm with ex-President Buchanan, entered the + Capitol, and passed into the Senate Chamber, filled to overflowing with + Senators, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and visitors, the contrast + between the two men struck every observer. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Buchanan was so withered and bowed with age,” wrote George W. Julian, + of Indiana, who was among the spectators, “that in contrast with the + towering form of Mr. Lincoln he seemed little more than half a man.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0300" id="link2H_4_0300"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GRANT CONGRATULATED LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as the result of the Presidential election of 1864 was known, + General Grant telegraphed from City Point his congratulations, and added + that “the election having passed off quietly... is a victory worth more to + the country than a battle won.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0301" id="link2H_4_0301"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “BRUTUS AND CAESAR.” + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9251}.jpg" alt="{9251}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9251}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + London “Punch” persistently maintained throughout the War for the Union + that the question of what to do with the blacks was the most bothersome of + all the problems President Lincoln had to solve. “Punch” thought the + Rebellion had its origin in an effort to determine whether there should or + should not be slavery in the United States, and was fought with this as + the main end in view. “Punch” of August 15th, 1863, contained the cartoon + reproduced on this page, the title being “Brutus and Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln was pictured as Brutus, while the ghost of Caesar, which + appeared in the tent of the American Brutus during the dark hours of the + night, was represented in the shape of a husky and anything but ghost-like + African, whose complexion would tend to make the blackest tar look like + skimmed milk in comparison. This was the text below the cartoon: (From the + American Edition of Shakespeare.) The Tent of Brutus (Lincoln). Night. + Enter the Ghost of Caesar. + </p> + <p> + BRUTUS: “Wall, now! Do tell! Who’s you?” + </p> + <p> + CAESAR: “I am dy ebil genus, Massa Linking. Dis child am awful + impressional!” + </p> + <p> + “Punch’s” cartoons were decidedly unfriendly in tone toward President + Lincoln, some of them being not only objectionable in the display of bad + taste, but offensive and vulgar. It is true that after the assassination + of the President, “Punch,” in illustrations, paid marked and deserved + tribute to the memory of the Great Emancipator, but it had little that was + good to say of him while he was among the living and engaged in carrying + out the great work for which he was destined to win eternal fame. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0302" id="link2H_4_0302"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW STANTON GOT INTO THE CABINET. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln, well aware of Stanton’s unfriendliness, was surprised + when Secretary of the Treasury Chase told him that Stanton had expressed + the opinion that the arrest of the Confederate Commissioners, Mason and + Slidell, was legal and justified by international law. The President asked + Secretary Chase to invite Stanton to the White House, and Stanton came. + Mr. Lincoln thanked him for the opinion he had expressed, and asked him to + put it in writing. + </p> + <p> + Stanton complied, the President read it carefully, and, after putting it + away, astounded Stanton by offering him the portfolio of War. Stanton was + a Democrat, had been one of the President’s most persistent vilifiers, and + could not realize, at first, that Lincoln meant what he said. He managed, + however to say: + </p> + <p> + “I am both surprised and embarrassed, Mr. President, and would ask a + couple of days to consider this most important matter.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln fully understood what was going on in Stanton’s mind, and then + said: + </p> + <p> + “This is a very critical period in the life of the nation, Mr. Stanton, as + you are well aware, and I well know you are as much interested in + sustaining the government as myself or any other man. This is no time to + consider mere party issues. The life of the nation is in danger. I need + the best counsellors around me. I have every confidence in your judgment, + and have concluded to ask you to become one of my counsellors. The office + of the Secretary of War will soon be vacant, and I am anxious to have you + take Mr. Cameron’s place.” + </p> + <p> + Stanton decided to accept. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkfather" id="linkfather"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” LIKE HIS FATHER. + </h2> + <p> + “Abe” Lincoln’s father was never at loss for an answer. An old neighbor of + Thomas Lincoln—“Abe’s” father—was passing the Lincoln farm one + day, when he saw “Abe’s” father grubbing up some hazelnut bushes, and said + to him: “Why, Grandpap, I thought you wanted to sell your farm?” + </p> + <p> + “And so I do,” he replied, “but I ain’t goin’ to let my farm know it.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Abe’s’ jes’ like his father,” the old ones would say. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0303" id="link2H_4_0303"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “NO MOON AT ALL.” + </h2> + <p> + One of the most notable of Lincoln’s law cases was that in which he + defended William D. Armstrong, charged with murder. The case was one which + was watched during its progress with intense interest, and it had a most + dramatic ending. + </p> + <p> + The defendant was the son of Jack and Hannah Armstrong. The father was + dead, but Hannah, who had been very motherly and helpful to Lincoln during + his life at New Salem, was still living, and asked Lincoln to defend him. + Young Armstrong had been a wild lad, and was often in bad company. + </p> + <p> + The principal witness had sworn that he saw young Armstrong strike the + fatal blow, the moon being very bright at the time. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln brought forward the almanac, which showed that at the time the + murder was committed there was no moon at all. In his argument, Lincoln’s + speech was so feelingly made that at its close all the men in the jury-box + were in tears. It was just half an hour when the jury returned a verdict + of acquittal. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln would accept no fee except the thanks of the anxious mother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0304" id="link2H_4_0304"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” A SUPERB MIMIC. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s reading in his early days embraced a wide range. He was + particularly fond of all stories containing fun, wit and humor, and every + one of these he came across he learned by heart, thus adding to his + personal store. + </p> + <p> + He improved as a reciter and retailer of the stories he had read and + heard, and as the reciter of tales of his own invention, and he had ready + and eager auditors. + </p> + <p> + Judge Herndon, in his “Abraham Lincoln,” relates that as a mimic Lincoln + was unequalled. An old neighbor said: “His laugh was striking. Such + awkward gestures belonged to no other man. They attracted universal + attention, from the old and sedate down to the schoolboy. Then, in a few + moments, he was as calm and thoughtful as a judge on the bench, and as + ready to give advice on the most important matters; fun and gravity grew + on him alike.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0305" id="link2H_4_0305"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHY HE WAS CALLED “HONEST ABE.” + </h2> + <p> + During the year Lincoln was in Denton Offutt’s store at New Salem, that + gentleman, whose business was somewhat widely and unwisely spread about + the country, ceased to prosper in his finances and finally failed. The + store was shut up, the mill was closed, and Abraham Lincoln was out of + business. + </p> + <p> + The year had been one of great advance, in many respects. He had made new + and valuable acquaintances, read many books, mastered the grammar of his + own tongue, won multitudes of friends, and became ready for a step still + further in advance. + </p> + <p> + Those who could appreciate brains respected him, and those whose ideas of + a man related to his muscles were devoted to him. It was while he was + performing the work of the store that he acquired the sobriquet of “Honest + Abe”—a characterization he never dishonored, and an abbreviation + that he never outgrew. + </p> + <p> + He was judge, arbitrator, referee, umpire, authority, in all disputes, + games and matches of man-flesh, horse-flesh, a pacificator in all + quarrels; everybody’s friend; the best-natured, the most sensible, the + best-informed, the most modest and unassuming, the kindest, gentlest, + roughest, strongest, best fellow in all New Salem and the region round + about. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0255}.jpg" alt="{0255}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0255}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0256}.jpg" alt="{0256}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0256}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0306" id="link2H_4_0306"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE’S” NAME REMAINED ON THE SIGN. + </h2> + <p> + Enduring friendship and love of old associations were prominent + characteristics of President Lincoln. When about to leave Springfield for + Washington, he went to the dingy little law office which had sheltered his + saddest hours. + </p> + <p> + He sat down on the couch, and said to his law partner, Judge Herndon: + </p> + <p> + “Billy, you and I have been together for more than twenty years, and have + never passed a word. Will you let my name stay on the old sign until I + come back from Washington?” + </p> + <p> + The tears started to Herndon’s eyes. He put out his hand. “Mr. Lincoln,” + said he, “I never will have any other partner while you live”; and to the + day of assassination, all the doings of the firm were in the name of + “Lincoln & Herndon.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0307" id="link2H_4_0307"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VERY HOMELY AT FIRST SIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + Early in January, 1861, Colonel Alex. K. McClure, of Philadelphia, + received a telegram from President-elect Lincoln, asking him (McClure) to + visit him at Springfield, Illinois. Colonel McClure described his + disappointment at first sight of Lincoln in these words: + </p> + <p> + “I went directly from the depot to Lincoln’s house and rang the bell, + which was answered by Lincoln himself opening the door. I doubt whether a + wholly concealed my disappointment at meeting him. + </p> + <p> + “Tall, gaunt, ungainly, ill clad, with a homeliness of manner that was + unique in itself, I confess that my heart sank within me as I remembered + that this was the man chosen by a great nation to become its ruler in the + gravest period of its history. + </p> + <p> + “I remember his dress as if it were but yesterday—snuff-colored and + slouchy pantaloons, open black vest, held by a few brass buttons; straight + or evening dresscoat, with tightly fitting sleeves to exaggerate his long, + bony arms, and all supplemented by an awkwardness that was uncommon among + men of intelligence. + </p> + <p> + “Such was the picture I met in the person of Abraham Lincoln. We sat down + in his plainly furnished parlor, and were uninterrupted during the nearly + four hours that I remained with him, and little by little, as his + earnestness, sincerity and candor were developed in conversation, I forgot + all the grotesque qualities which so confounded me when I first greeted + him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0308" id="link2H_4_0308"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAN TO TRUST. + </h2> + <p> + “If a man is honest in his mind,” said Lincoln one day, long before he + became President, “you are pretty safe in trusting him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0309" id="link2H_4_0309"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “WUZ GOIN’ TER BE ‘HITCHED.”’ + </h2> + <p> + “Abe’s” nephew—or one of them—related a story in connection + with Lincoln’s first love (Anne Rutledge), and his subsequent marriage to + Miss Mary Todd. This nephew was a plain, every-day farmer, and thought + everything of his uncle, whose greatness he quite thoroughly appreciated, + although he did not pose to any extreme as the relative of a President of + the United States. + </p> + <p> + Said he one day, in telling his story: + </p> + <p> + “Us child’en, w’en we heerd Uncle ‘Abe’ wuz a-goin’ to be married, axed + Gran’ma ef Uncle ‘Abe’ never hed hed a gal afore, an’ she says, sez she, + ‘Well, “Abe” wuz never a han’ nohow to run ‘round visitin’ much, or go + with the gals, neither, but he did fall in love with a Anne Rutledge, who + lived out near Springfield, an’ after she died he’d come home an’ ev’ry + time he’d talk ‘bout her, he cried dreadful. He never could talk of her + nohow ‘thout he’d jes’ cry an’ cry, like a young feller.’ + </p> + <p> + “Onct he tol’ Gran’ma they wuz goin’ ter be hitched, they havin’ promised + each other, an’ thet is all we ever heered ‘bout it. But, so it wuz, that + arter Uncle ‘Abe’ hed got over his mournin’, he wuz married ter a woman + w’ich hed lived down in Kentuck. + </p> + <p> + “Uncle ‘Abe’ hisself tol’ us he wuz married the nex’ time he come up ter + our place, an’ w’en we ast him why he didn’t bring his wife up to see us, + he said: ‘She’s very busy and can’t come.’ + </p> + <p> + “But we knowed better’n that. He wuz too proud to bring her up, ’cause + nothin’ would suit her, nohow. She wuzn’t raised the way we wuz, an’ wuz + different from us, and we heerd, tu, she wuz as proud as cud be. + </p> + <p> + “No, an’ he never brought none uv the child’en, neither. + </p> + <p> + “But then, Uncle ‘Abe,’ he wuzn’t to blame. We never thought he wuz stuck + up.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0310" id="link2H_4_0310"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE PROPOSED TO SAVE THE UNION. + </h2> + <h3> + Replying to an editorial written by Horace Greeley, the President wrote: + </h3> + <p> + “My paramount object is to save the Union, and not either to save or to + destroy slavery. + </p> + <p> + “If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it. + </p> + <p> + “If I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I + could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do + that. + </p> + <p> + “What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because I believe it + helps to save this Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not + believe it would help to save the Union. + </p> + <p> + “I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, + and I shall do more whenever I believe doing more will help the cause.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0311" id="link2H_4_0311"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9259}.jpg" alt="{9259}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9259}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <h2> + THE SAME OLD RUM. + </h2> + <p> + One of President Lincoln’s friends, visiting at the White House, was + finding considerable fault with the constant agitation in Congress of the + slavery question. He remarked that, after the adoption of the Emancipation + policy, he had hoped for something new. + </p> + <p> + “There was a man down in Maine,” said the President, in reply, “who kept a + grocery store, and a lot of fellows used to loaf around for their toddy. + He only gave ‘em New England rum, and they drank pretty considerable of + it. But after awhile they began to get tired of that, and kept asking for + something new—something new—all the time. Well, one night, + when the whole crowd were around, the grocer brought out his glasses, and + says he, ‘I’ve got something New for you to drink, boys, now.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Honor bright?’ said they. + </p> + <p> + “‘Honor bright,’ says he, and with that he sets out a jug. ‘Thar’ says he, + ‘that’s something new; it’s New England rum!’ says he. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” remarked the President, in conclusion, “I guess we’re a good deal + like that crowd, and Congress is a good deal like that store-keeper!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0312" id="link2H_4_0312"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SAVED LINCOLN’S LIFE + </h2> + <p> + When Mr. Lincoln was quite a small boy he met with an accident that almost + cost him his life. He was saved by Austin Gollaher, a young playmate. Mr. + Gollaher lived to be more than ninety years of age, and to the day of his + death related with great pride his boyhood association with Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Mr. Gollaher once said, “the story that I once saved Abraham + Lincoln’s life is true. He and I had been going to school together for a + year or more, and had become greatly attached to each other. Then school + disbanded on account of there being so few scholars, and we did not see + each other much for a long while. + </p> + <p> + “One Sunday my mother visited the Lincolns, and I was taken along. ‘Abe’ + and I played around all day. Finally, we concluded to cross the creek to + hunt for some partridges young Lincoln had seen the day before. The creek + was swollen by a recent rain, and, in crossing on the narrow footlog, + ‘Abe’ fell in. Neither of us could swim. I got a long pole and held it out + to ‘Abe,’ who grabbed it. Then I pulled him ashore. + </p> + <p> + “He was almost dead, and I was badly scared. I rolled and pounded him in + good earnest. Then I got him by the arms and shook him, the water + meanwhile pouring out of his mouth. By this means I succeeded in bringing + him to, and he was soon all right. + </p> + <p> + “Then a new difficulty confronted us. If our mothers discovered our wet + clothes they would whip us. This we dreaded from experience, and + determined to avoid. It was June, the sun was very warm, and we soon dried + our clothing by spreading it on the rocks about us. We promised never to + tell the story, and I never did until after Lincoln’s tragic end.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0313" id="link2H_4_0313"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WOULD NOT RECALL A SINGLE WORD. + </h2> + <p> + In conversation with some friends at the White House on New Year’s + evening, 1863, President Lincoln said, concerning his Emancipation + Proclamation: + </p> + <p> + “The signature looks a little tremulous, for my hand was tired, but my + resolution was firm. + </p> + <p> + “I told them in September, if they did not return to their allegiance, and + cease murdering our soldiers, I would strike at this pillar of their + strength. + </p> + <p> + “And now the promise shall be kept, and not one word of it will I ever + recall.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0314" id="link2H_4_0314"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + OLD BROOM BEST AFTER ALL. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9261}.jpg" alt="{9261}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9261}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + During the time the enemies of General Grant were making their bitterest + attacks upon him, and demanding that the President remove him from + command, “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper,” of June 13, 1863, came + out with the cartoon reproduced. The text printed under the picture was to + the following effect: + </p> + <p> + OLD ABE: “Greeley be hanged! I want no more new brooms. I begin to think + that the worst thing about my old ones was in not being handled right.” + </p> + <p> + The old broom the President holds in his right hand is labeled “Grant.” + The latter had captured Fort Donelson, defeated the Confederates at + Shiloh, Iuka, Port Gibson, and other places, and had Vicksburg in his iron + grasp. When the demand was made that Lincoln depose Grant, the President + answered, “I can’t spare this man; he fights!” Grant never lost a battle + and when he found the enemy he always fought him. McClellan, Burnside, + Pope and Hooker had been found wanting, so Lincoln pinned his faith to + Grant. As noted in the cartoon, Horace Greeley, editor of the New York + Tribune, Thurlow Weed, and others wanted Lincoln to try some other new + brooms, but President Lincoln was wearied with defeats, and wanted a few + victories to offset them. Therefore; he stood by Grant, who gave him + victories. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0315" id="link2H_4_0315"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOD WITH A LITTLE “g.” + </h2> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Abraham Lincoln + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + his hand and pen + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + he will be good + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + but god Knows When + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + These lines were found written in young Lincoln’s own hand at the bottom + of a page whereon he had been ciphering. Lincoln always wrote a clear, + regular “fist.” In this instance he evidently did not appreciate the + sacredness of the name of the Deity, when he used a little “g.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln once said he did not remember the time when he could not write. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0316" id="link2H_4_0316"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE’S” LOG. + </h2> + <p> + It was the custom in Sangamon for the “menfolks” to gather at noon and in + the evening, when resting, in a convenient lane near the mill. They had + rolled out a long peeled log, on which they lounged while they whittled + and talked. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln had not been long in Sangamon before he joined this circle. At + once he became a favorite by his jokes and good-humor. As soon as he + appeared at the assembly ground the men would start him to story-telling. + So irresistibly droll were his “yarns” that whenever he’d end up in his + unexpected way the boys on the log would whoop and roll off. The result of + the rolling off was to polish the log like a mirror. The men, recognizing + Lincoln’s part in this polishing, christened their seat “Abe’s log.” + </p> + <p> + Long after Lincoln had disappeared from Sangamon, “Abe’s log” remained, + and until it had rotted away people pointed it out, and repeated the droll + stories of the stranger. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0317" id="link2H_4_0317"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IT WAS A FINE FIZZLE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9263}.jpg" alt="{9263}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9263}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + President Lincoln, in company with General Grant, was inspecting the Dutch + Gap Canal at City Point. “Grant, do you know what this reminds me of? Out + in Springfield, Ill., there was a blacksmith who, not having much to do, + took a piece of soft iron and attempted to weld it into an agricultural + implement, but discovered that the iron would not hold out; then he + concluded it would make a claw hammer; but having too much iron, attempted + to make an ax, but decided after working awhile that there was not enough + iron left. Finally, becoming disgusted, he filled the forge full of coal + and brought the iron to a white heat; then with his tongs he lifted it + from the bed of coals, and thrusting it into a tub of water near by, + exclaimed: ‘Well, if I can’t make anything else of you, I will make a + fizzle, anyhow.’” “I was afraid that was about what we had done with the + Dutch Gap Canal,” said General Grant. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0318" id="link2H_4_0318"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A TEETOTALER. + </h2> + <p> + When Lincoln was in the Black Hawk War as captain, the volunteer soldiers + drank in with delight the jests and stories of the tall captain. Aesop’s + Fables were given a new dress, and the tales of the wild adventures that + he had brought from Kentucky and Indiana were many, but his inspiration + was never stimulated by recourse to the whisky jug. + </p> + <p> + When his grateful and delighted auditors pressed this on him he had one + reply: “Thank you, I never drink it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0319" id="link2H_4_0319"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOT TO “OPEN SHOP” THERE. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln was passing down Pennsylvania avenue in Washington one + day, when a man came running after him, hailed him, and thrust a bundle of + papers in his hands. + </p> + <p> + It angered him not a little, and he pitched the papers back, saying, “I’m + not going to open shop here.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0320" id="link2H_4_0320"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WE HAVE LIBERTY OF ALL KINDS. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln delivered a remarkable speech at Springfield, Illinois, when but + twenty-eight years of age, upon the liberty possessed by the people of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + In part, he said: + </p> + <p> + “In the great journal of things happening under the sun, we, the American + people, find our account running under date of the nineteenth century of + the Christian era. + </p> + <p> + “We find ourselves in the peaceful possession of the fairest portion of + the earth as regards extent of territory, fertility of soil, and salubrity + of climate. + </p> + <p> + “We find ourselves under the government of a system of political + institutions conducing more essentially to the ends of civil and religious + liberty than any of which history of former times tells us. + </p> + <p> + “We, when mounting the stage of existence, found ourselves the legal + inheritors of these fundamental blessings. + </p> + <p> + “We toiled not in the acquisition or establishment of them; they are a + legacy bequeathed to us by a once hardy, brave, and patriotic, but now + lamented and departed race of ancestors. + </p> + <p> + “Theirs was the task (and nobly did they perform it) to possess + themselves, us, of this goodly land, to uprear upon its hills and valleys + a political edifice of liberty and equal rights; ‘tis ours to transmit + these—the former unprofaned by the foot of an intruder, the latter + undecayed by the lapse of time and untorn by usurpation—to the + generation that fate shall permit the world to know. + </p> + <p> + “This task, gratitude to our fathers, justice to ourselves, duty to + posterity—all imperatively require us faithfully to perform. + </p> + <p> + “How, then, shall we perform it? At what point shall we expect the + approach of danger? + </p> + <p> + “Shall we expect some trans-Atlantic military giant to step the ocean and + crush us at a blow? + </p> + <p> + “Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa, combined, with all the + treasures of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest, with a + Bonaparte for a commander, could not, by force, take a drink from the + Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years. + </p> + <p> + “At what point, then, is this approach of danger to be expected? + </p> + <p> + “I answer, if ever it reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot + come from abroad. + </p> + <p> + “If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. + </p> + <p> + “As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time or die by suicide. + </p> + <p> + “I hope I am not over-wary; but, if I am not, there is even now something + of ill-omen amongst us. + </p> + <p> + “I mean the increasing disregard for law which pervades the country, the + disposition to substitute the wild and furious passions in lieu of the + sober judgment of courts, and the worse than savage mobs for the executive + ministers of justice. + </p> + <p> + “This disposition is awfully fearful in any community, and that it now + exists in ours, though grating to our feelings to admit it, it would be a + violation of truth and an insult to deny. + </p> + <p> + “Accounts of outrages committed by mobs form the every-day news of the + times. + </p> + <p> + “They have pervaded the country from New England to Louisiana; they are + neither peculiar to the eternal snows of the former, nor the burning sun + of the latter. + </p> + <p> + “They are not the creatures of climate, neither are they confined to the + slave-holding or non-slave-holding States. + </p> + <p> + “Alike they spring up among the pleasure-hunting Southerners and the + order-loving citizens of the land of steady habits. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever, then, their cause may be, it is common to the whole country. + </p> + <p> + “Many great and good men, sufficiently qualified for any task they may + undertake, may ever be found, whose ambition would aspire to nothing + beyond a seat in Congress, a gubernatorial or Presidential chair; but such + belong not to the family of the lion, or the tribe of the eagle. + </p> + <p> + “What! Think you these places would satisfy an Alexander, a Caesar, or a + Napoleon? Never! + </p> + <p> + “Towering genius disdains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto + unexplored. + </p> + <p> + “It seeks no distinction in adding story to story upon the monuments of + fame, erected to the memory of others. + </p> + <p> + “It denies that it is glory enough to serve under any chief. + </p> + <p> + “It scorns to tread in the footpaths of any predecessor, however + illustrious. + </p> + <p> + “It thirsts and burns for distinction, and, if possible, it will have it, + whether at the expense of emancipating the slaves or enslaving freemen. + </p> + <p> + “Another reason which once was, but which to the same extent is now no + more, has done much in maintaining our institutions thus far. + </p> + <p> + “I mean the powerful influence which the interesting scenes of the + Revolution had upon the passions of the people, as distinguished from + their judgment. + </p> + <p> + “But these histories are gone. They can be read no more forever. They were + a fortress of strength. + </p> + <p> + “But what the invading foeman could never do, the silent artillery of time + has done, the levelling of the walls. + </p> + <p> + “They were a forest of giant oaks, but the all-resisting hurricane swept + over them and left only here and there a lone trunk, despoiled of its + verdure, shorn of its foliage, unshading and unshaded, to murmur in a few + more gentle breezes and to combat with its mutilated limbs a few more rude + storms, then to sink and be no more. + </p> + <p> + “They were the pillars of the temple of liberty, and now that they have + crumbled away, that temple must fall, unless we, the descendants, supply + the places with pillars hewn from the same solid quarry of sober reason. + </p> + <p> + “Passion has helped us, but can do so no more. It will in future be our + enemy. + </p> + <p> + “Reason—cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason—must furnish + all the materials for our support and defense. + </p> + <p> + “Let those materials be molded into general intelligence, sound morality, + and, in particular, a reverence for the Constitution and the laws; and + then our country shall continue to improve, and our nation, revering his + name, and permitting no hostile foot to pass or desecrate his + resting-place, shall be the first to hear the last trump that shall awaken + our Washington. + </p> + <p> + “Upon these let the proud fabric of freedom rest as the rock of its basis, + and as truly as has been said of the only greater institution, ‘the gates + of hell shall not prevail against it.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0321" id="link2H_4_0321"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOM CORWINS’S LATEST STORY. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9267}.jpg" alt="{9267}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9267}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + One of Mr. Lincoln’s warm friends was Dr. Robert Boal, of Lacon, Illinois. + Telling of a visit he paid to the White House soon after Mr. Lincoln’s + inauguration, he said: “I found him the same Lincoln as a struggling + lawyer and politician that I did in Washington as President of the United + States, yet there was a dignity and self-possession about him in his high + official authority. I paid him a second call in the evening. He had thrown + off his reserve somewhat, and would walk up and down the room with his + hands to his sides and laugh at the joke he was telling, or at one that + was told to him. I remember one story he told to me on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Tom Corwin, of Ohio, had been down to Alexandria, Va., that day and had + come back and told Lincoln a story which pleased him so much that he broke + out in a hearty laugh and said: ‘I must tell you Tom Corwin’s latest. Tom + met an old man at Alexandria who knew George Washington, and he told Tom + that George Washington often swore. Now, Corwin’s father had always held + the father of our country up as a faultless person and told his son to + follow in his footsteps. + </p> + <p> + “‘"Well,” said Corwin, “when I heard that George Washington was addicted + to the vices and infirmities of man, I felt so relieved that I just + shouted for joy.”’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0322" id="link2H_4_0322"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “CATCH ‘EM AND CHEAT ‘EM.” + </h2> + <p> + The lawyers on the circuit traveled by Lincoln got together one night and + tried him on the charge of accepting fees which tended to lower the + established rates. It was the understood rule that a lawyer should accept + all the client could be induced to pay. The tribunal was known as “The + Ogmathorial Court.” + </p> + <p> + Ward Lamon, his law partner at the time, tells about it: + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln was found guilty and fined for his awful crime against the + pockets of his brethren of the bar. The fine he paid with great good + humor, and then kept the crowd of lawyers in uproarious laughter until + after midnight. + </p> + <p> + “He persisted in his revolt, however, declaring that with his consent his + firm should never during its life, or after its dissolution, deserve the + reputation enjoyed by those shining lights of the profession, ‘Catch ‘em + and Cheat ‘em.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0323" id="link2H_4_0323"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A JURYMAN’S SCORN. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln had assisted in the prosecution of a man who had robbed his + neighbor’s hen roosts. Jogging home along the highway with the foreman of + the jury that had convicted the hen stealer, he was complimented by + Lincoln on the zeal and ability of the prosecution, and remarked: “Why, + when the country was young, and I was stronger than I am now, I didn’t + mind packing off a sheep now and again, but stealing hens!” The good man’s + scorn could not find words to express his opinion of a man who would steal + hens. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0324" id="link2H_4_0324"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE “BROKE” TO WIN. + </h2> + <p> + A lawyer, who was a stranger to Mr. Lincoln, once expressed to General + Linder the opinion that Mr. Lincoln’s practice of telling stories to the + jury was a waste of time. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t lay that flattering unction to your soul,” Linder answered; + “Lincoln is like Tansey’s horse, he ‘breaks to win.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0325" id="link2H_4_0325"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WANTED HER CHILDREN BACK. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0269}.jpg" alt="{0269}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0269}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + On the 3rd of January, 1863, “Harper’s Weekly” appeared with a cartoon + representing Columbia indignantly demanding of President Lincoln and + Secretary of War Stanton that they restore to her those of her sons killed + in battle. Below the picture is the reading matter: + </p> + <p> + COLUMBIA: “Where are my 15,000 sons—murdered at Fredericksburg?” + </p> + <p> + LINCOLN: “This reminds me of a little joke—” + </p> + <p> + COLUMBIA: “Go tell your joke at Springfield!!” + </p> + <p> + The battle of Fredericksburg was fought on December 13th, 1862, between + General Burnside, commanding the Army of the Potomac, and General Lee’s + force. The Union troops, time and again, assaulted the heights where the + Confederates had taken position, but were driven back with frightful + losses. The enemy, being behind breastworks, suffered comparatively + little. At the beginning of the fight the Confederate line was broken, but + the result of the engagement was disastrous to the Union cause. Burnside + had one thousand one hundred and fifty-two killed, nine thousand one + hundred and one wounded, and three thousand two hundred and thirty-four + missing, a total of thirteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-one. + General Lee’s losses, all told, were not much more than five thousand men. + </p> + <p> + Burnside had succeeded McClellan in command of the Army of the Potomac, + mainly, it was said, through the influence of Secretary of War Stanton. + Three months before, McClellan had defeated Lee at Antietam, the bloodiest + battle of the War, Lee’s losses footing up more than thirteen thousand + men. At Fredericksburg, Burnside had about one hundred and twenty thousand + men; at Antietam, McClellan had about eighty thousand. It has been + maintained that Burnside should not have fought this battle, the chances + of success being so few. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0326" id="link2H_4_0326"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SIX FEET FOUR AT SEVENTEEN. + </h2> + <p> + “Abe’s” school teacher, Crawford, endeavored to teach his pupils some of + the manners of the “polite society” of Indiana—1823 or so. This was + a part of his system: + </p> + <p> + One of the pupils would retire, and then come in as a stranger, and + another pupil would have to introduce him to all the members of the school + n what was considered “good manners.” + </p> + <p> + As “Abe” wore a linsey-woolsey shirt, buckskin breeches which were too + short and very tight, and low shoes, and was tall and awkward, he no doubt + created considerable merriment when his turn came. He was growing at a + fearful rate; he was fifteen years of age, and two years later attained + his full height of six feet four inches. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0327" id="link2H_4_0327"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HAD RESPECT FOR THE EGGS. + </h2> + <p> + Early in 1831, “Abe” was one of the guests of honor at a boat-launching, + he and two others having built the craft. The affair was a notable one, + people being present from the territory surrounding. A large party came + from Springfield with an ample supply of whisky, to give the boat and its + builders a send-off. It was a sort of bipartisan mass-meeting, but there + was one prevailing spirit, that born of rye and corn. Speeches were made + in the best of feeling, some in favor of Andrew Jackson and some in favor + of Henry Clay. Abraham Lincoln, the cook, told a number of funny stories, + and it is recorded that they were not of too refined a character to suit + the taste of his audience. A sleight-of-hand performer was present, and + among other tricks performed, he fried some eggs in Lincoln’s hat. Judge + Herndon says, as explanatory to the delay in passing up the hat for the + experiment, Lincoln drolly observed: “It was out of respect for the eggs, + not care for my hat.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0328" id="link2H_4_0328"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW WAS THE MILK UPSET? + </h2> + <p> + William G. Greene, an old-time friend of Lincoln, was a student at + Illinois College, and one summer brought home with him, on a vacation, + Richard Yates (afterwards Governor of Illinois) and some other boys, and, + in order to entertain them, took them up to see Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + He found him in his usual position and at his usual occupation—flat + on his back, on a cellar door, reading a newspaper. This was the manner in + which a President of the United States and a Governor of Illinois became + acquainted with each other. + </p> + <p> + Greene says Lincoln repeated the whole of Burns, and a large quantity of + Shakespeare for the entertainment of the college boys, and, in return, was + invited to dine with them on bread and milk. How he managed to upset his + bowl of milk is not a matter of history, but the fact is that he did so, + as is the further fact that Greene’s mother, who loved Lincoln, tried to + smooth over the accident and relieve the young man’s embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0329" id="link2H_4_0329"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “PULLED FODDER” FOR A BOOK. + </h2> + <p> + Once “Abe” borrowed Weems’ “Life of Washington” from Joseph Crawford, a + neighbor. “Abe” devoured it; read it and re-read it, and when asleep put + it by him between the logs of the wall. One night a rain storm wet it + through and ruined it. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve no money,” said “Abe,” when reporting the disaster to Crawford, “but + I’ll work it out.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” was Crawford’s response; “you pull fodder for three days, an’ + the book is your’n.” + </p> + <p> + “Abe” pulled the fodder, but he never forgave Crawford for putting so much + work upon him. He never lost an opportunity to crack a joke at his + expense, and the name “Blue-nose Crawford” “Abe” applied to him stuck to + him throughout his life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0330" id="link2H_4_0330"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PRAISES HIS RIVAL FOR OFFICE. + </h2> + <p> + When Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for the Legislature, it was the practice + at that date in Illinois for two rival candidates to travel over the + district together. The custom led to much good-natured raillery between + them; and in such contests Lincoln was rarely, if ever, worsted. He could + even turn the generosity of a rival to account by his whimsical treatment. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion, says Mr. Weir, a former resident of Sangamon county, he + had driven out from Springfield in company with a political opponent to + engage in joint debate. The carriage, it seems, belonged to his opponent. + In addressing the gathering of farmers that met them, Lincoln was lavish + in praise of the generosity of his friend. + </p> + <p> + “I am too poor to own a carriage,” he said, “but my friend has generously + invited me to ride with him. I want you to vote for me if you will; but if + not then vote for my opponent, for he is a fine man.” + </p> + <p> + His extravagant and persistent praise of his opponent appealed to the + sense of humor in his rural audience, to whom his inability to own a + carriage was by no means a disqualification. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0273}.jpg" alt="{0273}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0273}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0274}.jpg" alt="{0274}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0274}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0331" id="link2H_4_0331"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ONE THING “ABE” DIDN’T LOVE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln admitted that he was not particularly energetic when it came to + real hard work. + </p> + <p> + “My father,” said he one day, “taught me how to work, but not to love it. + I never did like to work, and I don’t deny it. I’d rather read, tell + stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh—anything but work.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0332" id="link2H_4_0332"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MODESTY OF GENIUS. + </h2> + <p> + The opening of the year 1860 found Mr. Lincoln’s name freely mentioned in + connection with the Republican nomination for the Presidency. To be + classed with Seward, Chase, McLean, and other celebrities, was enough to + stimulate any Illinois lawyer’s pride; but in Mr. Lincoln’s case, if it + had any such effect, he was most artful in concealing it. Now and then, + some ardent friend, an editor, for example, would run his name up to the + masthead, but in all cases he discouraged the attempt. + </p> + <p> + “In regard to the matter you spoke of,” he answered one man who proposed + his name, “I beg you will not give it a further mention. Seriously, I do + not think I am fit for the Presidency.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0333" id="link2H_4_0333"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHY SHE MARRIED HIM. + </h2> + <p> + There was a “social” at Lincoln’s house in Springfield, and “Abe” + introduced his wife to Ward Lamon, his law partner. Lamon tells the story + in these words: + </p> + <p> + “After introducing me to Mrs. Lincoln, he left us in conversation. I + remarked to her that her husband was a great favorite in the eastern part + of the State, where I had been stopping. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘he is a great favorite everywhere. He is to be + President of the United States some day; if I had not thought so I never + would have married him, for you can see he is not pretty. + </p> + <p> + “‘But look at him, doesn’t he look as if he would make a magnificent + President?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0334" id="link2H_4_0334"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NIAGARA FALLS. + </h2> + <h3> + (Written By Abraham Lincoln.) + </h3> + <p> + The following article on Niagara Falls, in Mr. Lincoln’s handwriting, was + found among his papers after his death: + </p> + <p> + “Niagara Falls! By what mysterious power is it that millions and millions + are drawn from all parts of the world to gaze upon Niagara Falls? There is + no mystery about the thing itself. Every effect is just as any intelligent + man, knowing the causes, would anticipate without seeing it. If the water + moving onward in a great river reaches a point where there is a + perpendicular jog of a hundred feet in descent in the bottom of the river, + it is plain the water will have a violent and continuous plunge at that + point. It is also plain, the water, thus plunging, will foam and roar, and + send up a mist continuously, in which last, during sunshine, there will be + perpetual rainbows. The mere physical of Niagara Falls is only this. Yet + this is really a very small part of that world’s wonder. Its power to + excite reflection and emotion is its great charm. The geologist will + demonstrate that the plunge, or fall, was once at Lake Ontario, and has + worn its way back to its present position; he will ascertain how fast it + is wearing now, and so get a basis for determining how long it has been + wearing back from Lake Ontario, and finally demonstrate by it that this + world is at least fourteen thousand years old. A philosopher of a slightly + different turn will say, ‘Niagara Falls is only the lip of the basin out + of which pours all the surplus water which rains down on two or three + hundred thousand square miles of the earth’s surface.’ He will estimate + with approximate accuracy that five hundred thousand tons of water fall + with their full weight a distance of a hundred feet each minute—thus + exerting a force equal to the lifting of the same weight, through the same + space, in the same time. + </p> + <p> + “But still there is more. It calls up the indefinite past. When Columbus + first sought this continent—when Christ suffered on the cross—when + Moses led Israel through the Red Sea—nay, even when Adam first came + from the hand of his Maker; then, as now, Niagara was roaring here. The + eyes of that species of extinct giants whose bones fill the mounds of + America have gazed on Niagara, as ours do now. Contemporary with the first + race of men, and older than the first man, Niagara is strong and fresh + to-day as ten thousand years ago. The Mammoth and Mastodon, so long dead + that fragments of their monstrous bones alone testify that they ever + lived, have gazed on Niagara—in that long, long time never still for + a single moment (never dried), never froze, never slept, never rested.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0335" id="link2H_4_0335"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MADE IT HOT FOR LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + A lady relative, who lived for two years with the Lincolns, said that Mr. + Lincoln was in the habit of lying on the floor with the back of a chair + for a pillow when he read. + </p> + <p> + One evening, when in this position in the hall, a knock was heard at the + front door, and, although in his shirtsleeves, he answered the call. Two + ladies were at the door, whom he invited into the parlor, notifying them + in his open, familiar way, that he would “trot the women folks out.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lincoln, from an adjoining room, witnessed the ladies’ entrance, and, + overhearing her husband’s jocose expression, her indignation was so + instantaneous she made the situation exceedingly interesting for him, and + he was glad to retreat from the house. He did not return till very late at + night, and then slipped quietly in at a rear door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0336" id="link2H_4_0336"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WOULDN’T HOLD TITLE AGAINST HIM. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9277}.jpg" alt="{9277}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9277}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + During the rebellion the Austrian Minister to the United States Government + introduced to the President a count, a subject of the Austrian government, + who was desirous of obtaining a position in the American army. + </p> + <p> + Being introduced by the accredited Minister of Austria he required no + further recommendation to secure the appointment; but, fearing that his + importance might not be fully appreciated by the republican President, the + count was particular in impressing the fact upon him that he bore that + title, and that his family was ancient and highly respectable. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln listened with attention, until this unnecessary + commendation was mentioned; then, with a merry twinkle in his eye, he + tapped the aristocratic sprig of hereditary nobility on the shoulder in + the most fatherly way, as if the gentleman had made a confession of some + unfortunate circumstance connected with his lineage, for which he was in + no way responsible, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, you shall be treated with just as much consideration for all + that. I will see to it that your bearing a title shan’t hurt you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0337" id="link2H_4_0337"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE. + </h2> + <p> + A young man living in Kentucky had been enticed into the rebel army. After + a few months he became disgusted, and managed to make his way back home. + Soon after his arrival, the Union officer in command of the military + stationed in the town had him arrested as a rebel spy, and, after a + military trial he was condemned to be hanged. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln was seen by one of his friends from Kentucky, who + explained his errand and asked for mercy. “Oh, yes, I understand; some one + has been crying, and worked upon your feelings, and you have come here to + work on mine.” + </p> + <p> + His friend then went more into detail, and assured him of his belief in + the truth of the story. After some deliberation, Mr. Lincoln, evidently + scarcely more than half convinced, but still preferring to err on the side + of mercy, replied: + </p> + <p> + “If a man had more than one life, I think a little hanging would not hurt + this one; but after he is once dead we cannot bring him back, no matter + how sorry we may be; so the boy shall be pardoned.” + </p> + <p> + And a reprieve was given on the spot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0338" id="link2H_4_0338"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COULDN’T LOCATE HIS BIRTHPLACE. + </h2> + <p> + While the celebrated artist, Hicks, was engaged in painting Mr. Lincoln’s + portrait, just after the former’s first nomination for the Presidency, he + asked the great statesman if he could point out the precise spot where he + was born. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln thought the matter over for a day or two, and then gave the artist + the following memorandum: + </p> + <p> + “Springfield, Ill., June 14, 1860 + </p> + <p> + “I was born February 12, 1809, in then Hardin county, Kentucky, at a point + within the now county of Larue, a mile or a mile and a half from where + Rodgen’s mill now is. My parents being dead, and my own memory not + serving, I know no means of identifying the precise locality. It was on + Nolen Creek. + </p> + <p> + “A. LINCOLN.” <a name="link2H_4_0339" id="link2H_4_0339"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “SAMBO” WAS “AFEARED.” + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8279}.jpg" alt="{8279} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8279}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + In his message to Congress in December, 1864, just after his re-election, + President Lincoln, in his message of December 6th, let himself out, in + plain, unmistakable terms, to the effect that the freedmen should never be + placed in bondage again. “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper” of + December 24th, 1864, printed the cartoon we herewith reproduce, the text + underneath running in this way: + </p> + <p> + UNCLE ABE: “Sambo, you are not handsome, any more than myself, but as to + sending you back to your old master, I’m not the man to do it—and, + what’s more, I won’t.” (Vice President’s message.) + </p> + <p> + Congress, at the previous sitting, had neglected to pass the resolution + for the Constitutional amendment prohibiting slavery, but, on the 31st of + January, 1865, the resolution was finally adopted, and the United States + Constitution soon had the new feature as one of its clauses, the necessary + number of State Legislatures approving it. President Lincoln regarded the + passage of this resolution by Congress as most important, as the + amendment, in his mind, covered whatever defects a rigid construction of + the Constitution might find in his Emancipation Proclamation. + </p> + <p> + After the latter was issued, negroes were allowed to enlist in the Army, + and they fought well and bravely. After the War, in the reorganization of + the Regular Army, four regiments of colored men were provided for—the + Ninth and Tenth Cavalry and the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Infantry. + In the cartoon, Sambo has evidently been asking “Uncle Abe” as to the + probability or possibility of his being again enslaved. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0340" id="link2H_4_0340"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHEN MONEY MIGHT BE USED. + </h2> + <p> + Some Lincoln enthusiast in Kansas, with much more pretensions than power, + wrote him in March, 1860 proposing to furnish a Lincoln delegation from + that State to the Chicago Convention, and suggesting that Lincoln should + pay the legitimate expenses of organizing, electing, and taking to the + convention the promised Lincoln delegates. + </p> + <p> + To this Lincoln replied that “in the main, the use of money is wrong, but + for certain objects in a political contest the use of some is both right + and indispensable.” And he added: “If you shall be appointed a delegate to + Chicago, I will furnish $100 to bear the expenses of the trip.” + </p> + <p> + He heard nothing further from the Kansas man until he saw an announcement + in the newspapers that Kansas had elected delegates and instructed them + for Seward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0341" id="link2H_4_0341"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” WAS NO BEAUTY. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s military service in the Back Hawk war had increased his + popularity at New Salem, and he was put up as a candidate for the + Legislature. + </p> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9281}.jpg" alt="{9281}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9281}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + A. Y. Ellis describes his personal appearance at this time as follows: “He + wore a mixed jean coat, claw-hammer style, short in the sleeves and + bob-tailed; in fact, it was so short in the tail that he could not sit on + it; flax and tow linen pantaloons and a straw hat. I think he wore a vest, + but do not remember how it looked; he wore pot-metal boots.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0342" id="link2H_4_0342"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “HE’S JUST BEAUTIFUL.” + </h2> + <h3> + Lincoln’s great love for children easily won their confidence. + </h3> + <p> + A little girl, who had been told that the President was very homely, was + taken by her father to see the President at the White House. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln took her upon his knee and chatted with her for a moment in his + merry way, when she turned to her father and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Pa! he isn’t ugly at all; he’s just beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0343" id="link2H_4_0343"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BIG ENOUGH HOG FOR HIM. + </h2> + <p> + To a curiosity-seeker who desired a permit to pass the lines to visit the + field of Bull Run, after the first battle, Lincoln made the following + reply: + </p> + <p> + “A man in Cortlandt county raised a porker of such unusual size that + strangers went out of their way to see it. + </p> + <p> + “One of them the other day met the old gentleman and inquired about the + animal. + </p> + <p> + “‘Wall, yes,’ the old fellow said, ‘I’ve got such a critter, mi’ty big un; + but I guess I’ll have to charge you about a shillin’ for lookin’ at him.’ + </p> + <p> + “The stranger looked at the old man for a minute or so, pulled out the + desired coin, handed it to him and started to go off. ‘Hold on,’ said the + other, ‘don’t you want to see the hog?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No,’ said the stranger; ‘I have seen as big a hog as I want to see!’ + </p> + <p> + “And you will find that fact the case with yourself, if you should happen + to see a few live rebels there as well as dead ones.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0344" id="link2H_4_0344"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE” OFFERS A SPEECH FOR SOMETHING TO EAT. + </h2> + <p> + When Lincoln’s special train from Springfield to Washington reached the + Illinois State line, there was a stop for dinner. There was such a crowd + that Lincoln could scarcely reach the dining-room. “Gentlemen,” said he, + as he surveyed the crowd, “if you will make me a little path, so that I + can get through and get something to eat, I will make you a speech when I + get back.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0345" id="link2H_4_0345"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THEY UNDERSTOOD EACH OTHER. + </h2> + <p> + When complaints were made to President Lincoln by victims of Secretary of + War Stanton’s harshness, rudeness, and refusal to be obliging—particularly + in cases where Secretary Stanton had refused to honor Lincoln’s passes + through the lines—the President would often remark to this effect “I + cannot always be sure that permits given by me ought to be granted. There + is an understanding between myself and Stanton that when I send a request + to him which cannot consistently be granted, he is to refuse to honor it. + This he sometimes does.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0346" id="link2H_4_0346"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FEW FENCE RAILS LEFT. + </h2> + <p> + “There won’t be a tar barrel left in Illinois to-night,” said Senator + Stephen A. Douglas, in Washington, to his Senatorial friends, who asked + him, when the news of the nomination of Lincoln reached them, “Who is this + man Lincoln, anyhow?” + </p> + <p> + Douglas was right. Not only the tar barrels, but half the fences of the + State of Illinois went up in the fire of rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0347" id="link2H_4_0347"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE “GREAT SNOW” OF 1830-31. + </h2> + <p> + In explanation of Lincoln’s great popularity, D. W. Bartlett, in his “Life + and Speeches of Abraham Lincoln,” published in 1860 makes this statement + of “Abe’s” efficient service to his neighbors in the “Great Snow” of + 1830-31: + </p> + <p> + “The deep snow which occurred in 1830-31 was one of the chief troubles + endured by the early settlers of central and southern Illinois. Its + consequences lasted through several years. The people were ill-prepared to + meet it, as the weather had been mild and pleasant—unprecedentedly + so up to Christmas—when a snow-storm set in which lasted two days, + something never before known even among the traditions of the Indians, and + never approached in the weather of any winter since. + </p> + <p> + “The pioneers who came into the State (then a territory) in 1800 say the + average depth of snow was never, previous to 1830, more than knee-deep to + an ordinary man, while it was breast-high all that winter. It became + crusted over, so as, in some cases, to bear teams. Cattle and horses + perished, the winter wheat was killed, the meager stock of provisions ran + out, and during the three months’ continuance of the snow, ice and + continuous cold weather the most wealthy settlers came near starving, + while some of the poor ones actually did. It was in the midst of such + scenes that Abraham Lincoln attained his majority, and commenced his + career of bold and manly independence..... + </p> + <p> + “Communication between house and house was often entirely obstructed for + teams, so that the young and strong men had to do all the traveling on + foot; carrying from one neighbor what of his store he could spare to + another, and bringing back in return something of his store sorely needed. + Men living five, ten, twenty and thirty miles apart were called + ‘neighbors’ then. Young Lincoln was always ready to perform these acts of + humanity, and was foremost in the counsels of the settlers when their + troubles seemed gathering like a thick cloud about them.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0348" id="link2H_4_0348"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CREDITOR PAID DEBTORS DEBT. + </h2> + <p> + A certain rich man in Springfield, Illinois, sued a poor attorney for + $2.50, and Lincoln was asked to prosecute the case. Lincoln urged the + creditor to let the matter drop, adding, “You can make nothing out of him, + and it will cost you a good deal more than the debt to bring suit.” The + creditor was still determined to have his way, and threatened to seek some + other attorney. Lincoln then said, “Well, if you are determined that suit + should be brought, I will bring it; but my charge will be $10.” + </p> + <p> + The money was paid him, and peremptory orders were given that the suit be + brought that day. After the client’s departure Lincoln went out of the + office, returning in about an hour with an amused look on his face. + </p> + <p> + Asked what pleased him, he replied, “I brought suit against ——, + and then hunted him up, told him what I had done, handed him half of the + $10, and we went over to the squire’s office. He confessed judgment and + paid the bill.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln added that he didn’t see any other way to make things satisfactory + for his client as well as the other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0349" id="link2H_4_0349"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HELPED OUT THE SOLDIERS. + </h2> + <p> + Judge Thomas B. Bryan, of Chicago, a member of the Union Defense Committee + during the War, related the following concerning the original copy of the + Emancipation Proclamation: + </p> + <p> + “I asked Mr. Lincoln for the original draft of the Proclamation,” said + Judge Bryan, “for the benefit of our Sanitary Fair, in 1865. He sent it + and accompanied it with a note in which he said: + </p> + <p> + “‘I had intended to keep this paper, but if it will help the soldiers, I + give it to you.’ + </p> + <p> + “The paper was put up at auction and brought $3,000. The buyer afterward + sold it again to friends of Mr. Lincoln at a greatly advanced price, and + it was placed in the rooms of the Chicago Historical Society, where it was + burned in the great fire of 1871.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0350" id="link2H_4_0350"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EVERY FELLOW FOR HIMSELF. + </h2> + <p> + An elegantly dressed young Virginian assured Lincoln that he had done a + great deal of hard manual labor in his time. Much amused at this solemn + declaration, Lincoln said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; you Virginians shed barrels of perspiration while standing off + at a distance and superintending the work your slaves do for you. It is + different with us. Here it is every fellow for himself, or he doesn’t get + there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0351" id="link2H_4_0351"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “BUTCHER-KNIFE BOYS” AT THE POLLS. + </h2> + <p> + When young Lincoln had fully demonstrated that he was the champion + wrestler in the country surrounding New Salem, the men of “de gang” at + Clary’s Grove, whose leader “Abe” had downed, were his sworn political + friends and allies. + </p> + <p> + Their work at the polls was remarkably effective. When the “Butcherknife + boys,” the “huge-pawed boys,” and the “half-horse-half-alligator men” + declared for a candidate the latter was never defeated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0352" id="link2H_4_0352"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO “SECOND COMING” FOR SPRINGFIELD. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9285}.jpg" alt="{9285}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9285}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Soon after the opening of Congress in 1861, Mr. Shannon, from California, + made the customary call at the White House. In the conversation that + ensued, Mr Shannon said: “Mr. President, I met an old friend of yours in + California last summer, a Mr. Campbell, who had a good deal to say of your + Springfield life.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” returned Mr. Lincoln, “I am glad to hear of him. Campbell used to be + a dry fellow in those days,” he continued. “For a time he was Secretary of + State. One day during the legislative vacation, a meek, cadaverous-looking + man, with a white neck-cloth, introduced himself to him at his office, + and, stating that he had been informed that Mr. C. had the letting of the + hall of representatives, he wished to secure it, if possible, for a course + of lectures he desired to deliver in Springfield. + </p> + <p> + “‘May I ask,’ said the Secretary, ‘what is to be the subject of your + lectures?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Certainly,’ was the reply, with a very solemn expression of countenance. + ‘The course I wish to deliver is on the Second Coming of our Lord.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘It is of no use,’ said C.; ‘if you will take my advice, you will not + waste your time in this city. It is my private opinion that, if the Lord + has been in Springfield once, He will never come the second time!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0353" id="link2H_4_0353"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW HE WON A FRIEND. + </h2> + <p> + J. S. Moulton, of Chicago, a master in chancery and influential in public + affairs, looked upon the candidacy of Mr. Lincoln for President as + something in the nature of a joke. He did not rate the Illinois man in the + same class with the giants of the East. In fact he had expressed himself + as by no means friendly to the Lincoln cause. + </p> + <p> + Still he had been a good friend to Lincoln and had often met him when the + Springfield lawyer came to Chicago. Mr. Lincoln heard of Moulton’s + attitude, but did not see Moulton until after the election, when the + President-elect came to Chicago and was tendered a reception at one of the + big hotels. + </p> + <p> + Moulton went up in the line to pay his respects to the newly-elected chief + magistrate, purely as a formality, he explained to his companions. As + Moulton came along the line Mr. Lincoln grasped Moulton’s hand with his + right, and with his left took the master of chancery by the shoulder and + pulled him out of the line. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t belong in that line, Moulton,” said Mr. Lincoln. “You belong + here by me.” + </p> + <p> + Everyone at the reception was a witness to the honoring of Moulton. From + that hour every faculty that Moulton possessed was at the service of the + President. A little act of kindness, skillfully bestowed, had won him; and + he stayed on to the end. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0354" id="link2H_4_0354"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NEVER SUED A CLIENT. + </h2> + <p> + If a client did not pay, Lincoln did not believe in suing for the fee. + When a fee was paid him his custom was to divide the money into two equal + parts, put one part into his pocket, and the other into an envelope + labeled “Herndon’s share.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0355" id="link2H_4_0355"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LINCOLN HOUSEHOLD GOODS. + </h2> + <p> + It is recorded that when “Abe” was born, the household goods of his father + consisted of a few cooking utensils, a little bedding, some carpenter + tools, and four hundred gallons of the fierce product of the mountain + still. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0356" id="link2H_4_0356"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + RUNNING THE MACHINE. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0287}.jpg" alt="{0287}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0287}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + One of the cartoon-posters issued by the Democratic National Campaign + Committee in the fall of 1864 is given here. It had the legend, “Running + the Machine,” printed beneath; the “machine” was Secretary Chase’s + “Greenback Mill,” and the mill was turning out paper money by the million + to satisfy the demands of greedy contractors. “Uncle Abe” is pictured as + about to tell one of his funny stories, of which the scene “reminds” him; + Secretary of War Stanton is receiving a message from the front, describing + a great victory, in which one prisoner and one gun were taken; Secretary + of State Seward is handing an order to a messenger for the arrest of a man + who had called him a “humbug,” the habeas corpus being suspended + throughout the Union at that period; Secretary of the Navy Welles—the + long-haired, long-bearded man at the head of the table—is figuring + out a naval problem; at the side of the table, opposite “Uncle Abe,” are + seated two Government contractors, shouting for “more greenbacks,” and at + the extreme left is Secretary of the Treasury Fessenden (who succeeded + Chase when the latter was made Chief Justice of the United States Supreme + Court), who complains that he cannot satisfy the greed of the contractors + for “more greenbacks,” although he is grinding away at the mill day and + night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0357" id="link2H_4_0357"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WAS “BOSS” WHEN NECESSARY. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was the actual head of the administration, and whenever he chose + to do so he controlled Secretary of War Stanton as well as the other + Cabinet ministers. + </p> + <p> + Secretary Stanton on one occasion said: “Now, Mr. President, those are the + facts and you must see that your order cannot be executed.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln replied in a somewhat positive tone: “Mr. Secretary, I reckon + you’ll have to execute the order.” + </p> + <p> + Stanton replied with vigor: “Mr. President, I cannot do it. This order is + an improper one, and I cannot execute it.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln fixed his eyes upon Stanton, and, in a firm voice and accent that + clearly showed his determination, said: “Mr. Secretary, it will have to be + done.” + </p> + <p> + It was done. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0358" id="link2H_4_0358"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “RATHER STARVE THAN SWINDLE.” + </h2> + <p> + Ward Lamon, once Lincoln’s law partner, relates a story which places + Lincoln’s high sense of honor in a prominent light. In a certain case, + Lincoln and Lamon being retained by a gentleman named Scott, Lamon put the + fee at $250, and Scott agreed to pay it. Says Lamon: + </p> + <p> + “Scott expected a contest, but, to his surprise, the case was tried inside + of twenty minutes; our success was complete. Scott was satisfied, and + cheerfully paid over the money to me inside the bar, Lincoln looking on. + Scott then went out, and Lincoln asked, ‘What did you charge that man?’ + </p> + <p> + “I told him $250. Said he: ‘Lamon, that is all wrong. The service was not + worth that sum. Give him back at least half of it.’ + </p> + <p> + “I protested that the fee was fixed in advance; that Scott was perfectly + satisfied, and had so expressed himself. ‘That may be,’ retorted Lincoln, + with a look of distress and of undisguised displeasure, ‘but I am not + satisfied. This is positively wrong. Go, call him back and return half the + money at least, or I will not receive one cent of it for my share.’ + </p> + <p> + “I did go, and Scott was astonished when I handed back half the fee. + </p> + <p> + “This conversation had attracted the attention of the lawyers and the + court. Judge David Davis, then on our circuit bench (afterwards Associate + Justice on the United States Supreme bench), called Lincoln to him. The + Judge never could whisper, but in this instance he probably did his best. + At all events, in attempting to whisper to Lincoln he trumpeted his rebuke + in about these words, and in rasping tones that could be heard all over + the court-room: ‘Lincoln, I have been watching you and Lamon. You are + impoverishing this bar by your picayune charges of fees, and the lawyers + have reason to complain of you. You are now almost as poor as Lazarus, and + if you don’t make people pay you more for your services you will die as + poor as Job’s turkey!’ + </p> + <p> + “Judge O. L. Davis, the leading lawyer in that part of the State, promptly + applauded this malediction from the bench; but Lincoln was immovable. + </p> + <p> + “‘That money,’ said he, ‘comes out of the pocket of a poor, demented girl, + and I would rather starve than swindle her in this manner.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0359" id="link2H_4_0359"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DON’T AIM TOO HIGH. + </h2> + <p> + “Billy, don’t shoot too high—aim lower, and the common people will + understand you,” Lincoln once said to a brother lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “They are the ones you want to reach—at least, they are the ones you + ought to reach. + </p> + <p> + “The educated and refined people will understand you, anyway. If you aim + too high, your idea will go over the heads of the masses, and only hit + those who need no hitting.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0360" id="link2H_4_0360"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOT MUCH AT RAIL-SPLITTING. + </h2> + <p> + One who afterward became one of Lincoln’s most devoted friends and + adherents tells this story regarding the manner in which Lincoln received + him when they met for the first time: + </p> + <p> + “After a comical survey of my fashionable toggery,—my swallow-tail + coat, white neck-cloth, and ruffled shirt (an astonishing outfit for a + young limb of the law in that settlement), Lincoln said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Going to try your hand at the law, are you? I should know at a glance + that you were a Virginian; but I don’t think you would succeed at + splitting rails. That was my occupation at your age, and I don’t think I + have taken as much pleasure in anything else from that day to this.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0361" id="link2H_4_0361"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GAVE THE SOLDIER THE PREFERENCE. + </h2> + <h3> + July 27th, 1863, Lincoln wrote the Postmaster-General: + </h3> + <p> + “Yesterday little indorsements of mine went to you in two cases of + postmasterships, sought for widows whose husbands have fallen in the + battles of this war. + </p> + <p> + “These cases, occurring on the same day, brought me to reflect more + attentively than what I had before done as to what is fairly due from us + here in dispensing of patronage toward the men who, by fighting our + battles, bear the chief burden of saving our country. + </p> + <p> + “My conclusion is that, other claims and qualifications being equal, they + have the right, and this is especially applicable to the disabled soldier + and the deceased soldier’s family.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0291}.jpg" alt="{0291}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0291}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0292}.jpg" alt="{0292}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0292}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0362" id="link2H_4_0362"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PRESIDENT WAS NOT SCARED. + </h2> + <p> + When told how uneasy all had been at his going to Richmond, Lincoln + replied: + </p> + <p> + “Why, if any one else had been President and had gone to Richmond, I would + have been alarmed; but I was not scared about myself a bit.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0363" id="link2H_4_0363"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JEFF. DAVIS’ REPLY TO LINCOLN. + </h2> + <p> + On the 20th of July, 1864, Horace Greeley crossed into Canada to confer + with refugee rebels at Niagara. He bore with him this paper from the + President: + </p> + <p> + “To Whom It May Concern: Any proposition which embraces the restoration of + peace, the integrity of the whole Union, and the abandonment of slavery, + and which comes by and with an authority that can control the armies now + at war with the United States, will be received and considered by the + executive government of the United States, and will be met by liberal + terms and other substantial and collateral points, and the bearer or + bearers thereof shall have safe conduct both ways.” + </p> + <p> + To this Jefferson Davis replied: “We are not fighting for slavery; we are + fighting for independence.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0364" id="link2H_4_0364"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN WAS a GENTLEMAN. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was compelled to contend with the results of the ill-judged zeal + of politicians, who forced ahead his flatboat and rail-splitting record, + with the homely surroundings of his earlier days, and thus, obscured for + the time, the other fact that, always having the heart, he had long since + acquired the manners of a true gentleman. + </p> + <p> + So, too, did he suffer from Eastern censors, who did not take those + surroundings into account, and allowed nothing for his originality of + character. One of these critics heard at Washington that Mr. Lincoln, in + speaking at different times of some move or thing, said “it had petered + out;” that some other one’s plan “wouldn’t gibe;” and being asked if the + War and the cause of the Union were not a great care to him, replied: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is a heavy hog to hold.” + </p> + <p> + The first two phrases are so familiar here in the West that they need no + explanation. Of the last and more pioneer one it may be said that it had a + special force, and was peculiarly Lincoln-like in the way applied by him. + </p> + <p> + In the early times in Illinois, those having hogs, did their own killing, + assisted by their neighbors. Stripped of its hair, one held the carcass + nearly perpendicular in the air, head down, while others put one point of + the gambrel-bar through a slit in its hock, then over the string-pole, and + the other point through the other hock, and so swung the animal clear of + the ground. While all this was being done, it took a good man to “hold the + hog,” greasy, warmly moist, and weighing some two hundred pounds. And + often those with the gambrel prolonged the strain, being provokingly slow, + in hopes to make the holder drop his burden. + </p> + <p> + This latter thought is again expressed where President Lincoln, writing of + the peace which he hoped would “come soon, to stay; and so come as to be + worth the keeping in all future time,” added that while there would “be + some black men who can remember that with silent tongue and clenched teeth + and steady eye, and well-poised bayonet, they have helped mankind on to + this great consummation,” he feared there would “be some white ones unable + to forget that, with malignant heart and deceitful tongue, they had + striven to hinder it.” + </p> + <p> + He had two seemingly opposite elements little understood by strangers, and + which those in more intimate relations with him find difficult to explain; + an open, boyish tongue when in a happy mood, and with this a reserve of + power, a force of thought that impressed itself without words on observers + in his presence. With the cares of the nation on his mind, he became more + meditative, and lost much of his lively ways remembered “back in + Illinois.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0365" id="link2H_4_0365"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS POOR RELATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + One of the most beautiful traits of Mr. Lincoln’s character was his + considerate regard for the poor and obscure relatives he had left, + plodding along in their humble ways of life. Wherever upon his circuit he + found them, he always went to their dwellings, ate with them, and, when + convenient, made their houses his home. He never assumed in their presence + the slightest superiority to them. He gave them money when they needed it + and he had it. Countless times he was known to leave his companions at the + village hotel, after a hard day’s work in the court-room, and spend the + evening with these old friends and companions of his humbler days. On one + occasion, when urged not to go, he replied, “Why, Aunt’s heart would be + broken if I should leave town without calling upon her;” yet, he was + obliged to walk several miles to make the call. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0366" id="link2H_4_0366"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DESERTER’S SINS WASHED OUT IN BLOOD. + </h2> + <p> + This was the reply made by Lincoln to an application for the pardon of a + soldier who had shown himself brave in war, had been severely wounded, but + afterward deserted: + </p> + <p> + “Did you say he was once badly wounded? + </p> + <p> + “Then, as the Scriptures say that in the shedding of blood is the + remission of sins, I guess we’ll have to let him off this time.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0367" id="link2H_4_0367"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9295}.jpg" alt="{9295}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9295}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <h2> + SURE CURE FOR BOILS. + </h2> + <h3> + President Lincoln and Postmaster-General Blair were talking of the war. + </h3> + <p> + “Blair,” said the President, “did you ever know that fright has sometimes + proven a cure for boils?” “No, Mr. President, how is that?” “I’ll tell + you. Not long ago when a colonel, with his cavalry, was at the front, and + the Rebs were making things rather lively for us, the colonel was ordered + out to a reconnaissance. He was troubled at the time with a big boil where + it made horseback riding decidedly uncomfortable. He finally dismounted + and ordered the troops forward without him. Soon he was startled by the + rapid reports of pistols and the helter-skelter approach of his troops in + full retreat before a yelling rebel force. He forgot everything but the + yells, sprang into his saddle, and made capital time over the fences and + ditches till safe within the lines. The pain from his boil was gone, and + the boil, too, and the colonel swore that there was no cure for boils so + sure as fright from rebel yells.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0368" id="link2H_4_0368"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PAY FOR EVERYTHING. + </h2> + <p> + When President Lincoln issued a military order, it was usually expressive, + as the following shows: + </p> + <p> + “War Department, Washington, July 22, ‘62. + </p> + <p> + “First: Ordered that military commanders within the States of Virginia, + South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas + and Arkansas, in an orderly manner, seize and use any property, real or + personal, which may be necessary or convenient for their several commands, + for supplies, or for other military purposes; and that while property may + be all stored for proper military objects, none shall be destroyed in + wantonness or malice. + </p> + <p> + “Second: That military and naval commanders shall employ as laborers + within and from said States, so many persons of African descent as can be + advantageously used for military or naval purposes, giving them reasonable + wages for their labor. + </p> + <p> + “Third: That as to both property and persons of African descent, accounts + shall be kept sufficiently accurate and in detail to show quantities and + amounts, and from whom both property and such persons shall have come, as + a basis upon which compensation can be made in proper cases; and the + several departments of this Government shall attend to and perform their + appropriate parts towards the execution of these orders. + </p> + <p> + “By order of the President.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0369" id="link2H_4_0369"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BASHFUL WITH LADIES. + </h2> + <p> + Judge David Davis, Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and United + States Senator from Illinois, was one of Lincoln’s most intimate friends. + He told this story on “Abe”: + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln was very bashful when in the presence of ladies. I remember once + we were invited to take tea at a friend’s house, and while in the parlor I + was called to the front gate to see someone. + </p> + <p> + “When I returned, Lincoln, who had undertaken to entertain the ladies, was + twisting and squirming in his chair, and as bashful as a schoolboy.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0370" id="link2H_4_0370"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SAW HUMOR IN EVERYTHING. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0297}.jpg" alt="{0297}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0297}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + There was much that was irritating and uncomfortable in the circuit-riding + of the Illinois court, but there was more which was amusing to a + temperament like Lincoln’s. The freedom, the long days in the open air, + the unexpected if trivial adventures, the meeting with wayfarers and + settlers—all was an entertainment to him. He found humor and human + interest on the route where his companions saw nothing but commonplaces. + </p> + <p> + “He saw the ludicrous in an assemblage of fowls,” says H. C. Whitney, one + of his fellow-itinerants, “in a man spading his garden, in a clothes-line + full of clothes, in a group of boys, in a lot of pigs rooting at a mill + door, in a mother duck teaching her brood to swim—in everything and + anything.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0371" id="link2H_4_0371"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SPECIFIC FOR FOREIGN “RASH.” + </h2> + <p> + It was in the latter part of 1863 that Russia offered its friendship to + the United States, and sent a strong fleet of warships, together with + munitions of war, to this country to be used in any way the President + might see fit. Russia was not friendly to England and France, these + nations having defeated her in the Crimea a few years before. As Great + Britain and the Emperor of the French were continually bothering him, + President Lincoln used Russia’s kindly feeling and action as a means of + keeping the other two powers named in a neutral state of mind. Underneath + the cartoon we here reproduce, which was labeled “Drawing Things to a + Head,” and appeared in the issue of “Harper’s Weekly,” of November 28, + 1863, was this DR. LINCOLN (to smart boy of the shop): “Mild applications + of Russian Salve for our friends over the way, and heavy doses—and + plenty of it for our Southern patient!!” + </p> + <p> + Secretary of State Seward was the “smart boy” of the shop, and “our friend + over the way” were England and France. The latter bothered President + Lincoln no more, but it is a fact that the Confederate privateer Alabama + was manned almost entirely by British seamen; also, that when the Alabama + was sunk by the Kearsarge, in the summer of 1864, the Confederate seamen + were picked up by an English vessel, taken to Southhampton, and set at + liberty! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0372" id="link2H_4_0372"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FAVORED THE OTHER SIDE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was candor itself when conducting his side of a case in court. + General Mason Brayman tells this story as an illustration: + </p> + <p> + “It is well understood by the profession that lawyers do not read authors + favoring the opposite side. I once heard Mr. Lincoln, in the Supreme Court + of Illinois, reading from a reported case some strong points in favor of + his argument. Reading a little too far, and before becoming aware of it, + plunged into an authority against himself. + </p> + <p> + “Pausing a moment, he drew up his shoulders in a comical way, and half + laughing, went on, ‘There, there, may it please the court, I reckon I’ve + scratched up a snake. But, as I’m in for it, I guess I’ll read it + through.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then, in his most ingenious and matchless manner, he went on with his + argument, and won his case, convincing the court that it was not much of a + snake after all.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0373" id="link2H_4_0373"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AND THE “SHOW” + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was fond of going all by himself to any little show or concert. He + would often slip away from his fellow-lawyers and spend the entire evening + at a little magic lantern show intended for children. + </p> + <p> + A traveling concert company was always sure of drawing Lincoln. A Mrs. + Hillis, a member of the “Newhall Family,” and a good singer, was the only + woman who ever seemed to exhibit any liking for him—so Lincoln said. + He attended a negro-minstrel show in Chicago, once, where he heard Dixie + sung. It was entirely new, and pleased him greatly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0374" id="link2H_4_0374"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “MIXING” AND “MINGLING.” + </h2> + <p> + An Eastern newspaper writer told how Lincoln, after his first nomination, + received callers, the majority of them at his law office: + </p> + <p> + “While talking to two or three gentlemen and standing up, a very hard + looking customer rolled in and tumbled into the only vacant chair and the + one lately occupied by Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln’s keen eye took in the + fact, but gave no evidence of the notice. + </p> + <p> + “Turning around at last he spoke to the odd specimen, holding out his hand + at such a distance that our friend had to vacate the chair if he accepted + the proffered shake. Mr. Lincoln quietly resumed his chair. + </p> + <p> + “It was a small matter, yet one giving proof more positively than a larger + event of that peculiar way the man has of mingling with a mixed crowd.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0375" id="link2H_4_0375"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOOK PART OF THE BLAME. + </h2> + <p> + Among the lawyers who traveled the circuit with Lincoln was Usher F. + Linder, whose daughter, Rose Linder Wilkinson, has left many Lincoln + reminiscences. + </p> + <p> + “One case in which Mr. Lincoln was interested concerned a member of my own + family,” said Mrs. Wilkinson. “My brother, Dan, in the heat of a quarrel, + shot a young man named Ben Boyle and was arrested. My father was seriously + ill with inflammatory rheumatism at the time, and could scarcely move hand + or foot. He certainly could not defend Dan. I was his secretary, and I + remember it was but a day or so after the shooting till letters of + sympathy began to pour in. In the first bundle which I picked up there was + a big letter, the handwriting on which I recognized as that of Mr. + Lincoln. The letter was very sympathetic. + </p> + <p> + “‘I know how you feel, Linder,’ it said. ‘I can understand your anger as a + father, added to all the other sentiments. But may we not be in a measure + to blame? We have talked about the defense of criminals before our + children; about our success in defending them; have left the impression + that the greater the crime, the greater the triumph of securing an + acquittal. Dan knows your success as a criminal lawyer, and he depends on + you, little knowing that of all cases you would be of least value in + this.’ + </p> + <p> + “He concluded by offering his services, an offer which touched my father + to tears. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln tried to have Dan released on bail, but Ben Boyle’s family + and friends declared the wounded man would die, and feeling had grown so + bitter that the judge would not grant any bail. So the case was changed to + Marshall county, but as Ben finally recovered it was dismissed.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0376" id="link2H_4_0376"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THOUGHT OF LEARNING A TRADE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln at one time thought seriously of learning the blacksmith’s trade. + He was without means, and felt the immediate necessity of undertaking some + business that would give him bread. While entertaining this project an + event occurred which, in his undetermined state of mind, seemed to open a + way to success in another quarter. + </p> + <p> + Reuben Radford, keeper of a small store in the village of New Salem, had + incurred the displeasure of the “Clary Grove Boys,” who exercised their + “regulating” prerogatives by irregularly breaking his windows. William G. + Greene, a friend of young Lincoln, riding by Radford’s store soon + afterward, was hailed by him, and told that he intended to sell out. Mr. + Greene went into the store, and offered him at random $400 for his stock, + which offer was immediately accepted. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln “happened in” the next day, and being familiar with the value of + the goods, Mr. Greene proposed to him to take an inventory of the stock, + to see what sort of a bargain he had made. This he did, and it was found + that the goods were worth $600. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln then made an offer of $125 for his bargain, with the proposition + that he and a man named Berry, as his partner, take over Greene’s notes + given to Radford. Mr. Greene agreed to the arrangement, but Radford + declined it, except on condition that Greene would be their security. + Greene at last assented. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was not afraid of the “Clary Grove Boys”; on the contrary, they + had been his most ardent friends since the time he thrashed “Jack” + Armstrong, champion bully of “The Grove”—but their custom was not + heavy. + </p> + <p> + The business soon became a wreck; Greene had to not only assist in closing + it up, but pay Radford’s notes as well. Lincoln afterwards spoke of these + notes, which he finally made good to Greene, as “the National Debt.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0377" id="link2H_4_0377"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN DEFENDS FIFTEEN MRS. NATIONS. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9301}.jpg" alt="{9301}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9301}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + When Lincoln’s sympathies were enlisted in any cause, he worked like a + giant to win. At one time (about 1855) he was in attendance upon court at + the little town of Clinton, Ill., and one of the cases on the docket was + where fifteen women from a neighboring village were defendants, they + having been indicted for trespass. Their offense, as duly set forth in the + indictment, was that of swooping down upon one Tanner, the keeper of a + saloon in the village, and knocking in the heads of his barrels. Lincoln + was not employed in the case, but sat watching the trial as it proceeded. + </p> + <p> + In defending the ladies, their attorney seemed to evince a little want of + tact, and this prompted one of the former to invite Mr. Lincoln to add a + few words to the jury, if he thought he could aid their cause. He was too + gallant to refuse, and their attorney having consented, he made use of the + following argument: + </p> + <p> + “In this case I would change the order of indictment and have it read The + State vs. Mr. Whiskey, instead of The State vs. The Ladies; and touching + these there are three laws: the law of self-protection; the law of the + land, or statute law; and the moral law, or law of God. + </p> + <p> + “First the law of self-protection is a law of necessity, as evinced by our + forefathers in casting the tea overboard and asserting their right to the + pursuit of life, liberty and happiness: In this case it is the only + defense the Ladies have, for Tanner neither feared God nor regarded man. + </p> + <p> + “Second, the law of the land, or statute law, and Tanner is recreant to + both. + </p> + <p> + “Third, the moral law, or law of God, and this is probably a law for the + violation of which the jury can fix no punishment.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln gave some of his own observations on the ruinous effects of + whiskey in society, and demanded its early suppression. + </p> + <p> + After he had concluded, the Court, without awaiting the return of the + jury, dismissed the ladies, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Ladies, go home. I will require no bond of you, and if any fine is ever + wanted of you, we will let you know.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0378" id="link2H_4_0378"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AVOIDED EVEN APPEARANCE OF EVIL + </h2> + <p> + Frank W. Tracy, President of the First National Bank of Springfield, tells + a story illustrative of two traits in Mr. Lincoln’s character. Shortly + after the National banking law went into effect the First National of + Springield was chartered, and Mr. Tracy wrote to Mr. Lincoln, with whom he + was well acquainted in a business way, and tendered him an opportunity to + subscribe for some of the stock. + </p> + <p> + In reply to the kindly offer Mr. Lincoln wrote, thanking Mr. Tracy, but at + the same time declining to subscribe. He said he recognized that stock in + a good National bank would be a good thing to hold, but he did not feel + that he ought, as President, profit from a law which had been passed under + his administration. + </p> + <p> + “He seemed to wish to avoid even the appearance of evil,” said Mr. Tracy, + in telling of the incident. “And so the act proved both his unvarying + probity and his unfailing policy.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0379" id="link2H_4_0379"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WAR DIDN’T ADMIT OF HOLIDAYS. + </h2> + <h3> + Lincoln wrote a letter on October 2d, 1862, in which he observed: + </h3> + <p> + “I sincerely wish war was a pleasanter and easier business than it is, but + it does not admit of holidays.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0380" id="link2H_4_0380"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “NEUTRALITY.” + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8303}.jpg" alt="{8303} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8303}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Old John Bull got himself into a precious fine scrape when he went so far + as to “play double” with the North, as well as the South, during the great + American Civil War. In its issue of November 14th, 1863, London “Punch” + printed a rather clever cartoon illustrating the predicament Bull had + created for himself. John is being lectured by Mrs. North and Mrs. South—both + good talkers and eminently able to hold their own in either social + conversation, parliamentary debate or political argument—but he + bears it with the best grace possible. This is the way the text underneath + the picture runs: + </p> + <p> + MRS. NORTH. “How about the Alabama, you wicked old man?” MRS. SOUTH: + “Where’s my rams? Take back your precious consols—there!!” “Punch” + had a good deal of fun with old John before it was through with him, but, + as the Confederate privateer Alabama was sent beneath the waves of the + ocean at Cherbourg by the Kearsarge, and Mrs. South had no need for any + more rams, John got out of the difficulty without personal injury. It was + a tight squeeze, though, for Mrs. North was in a fighting humor, and + prepared to scratch or pull hair. The fact that the privateer Alabama, + built at an English shipyard and manned almost entirely by English + sailors, had managed to do about $10,000,000 worth of damage to United + States commerce, was enough to make any one angry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0381" id="link2H_4_0381"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DAYS OF GLADNESS PAST. + </h2> + <p> + After the war was well on, a patriot woman of the West urged President + Lincoln to make hospitals at the North where the sick from the Army of the + Mississippi could revive in a more bracing air. Among other reasons, she + said, feelingly: “If you grant my petition, you will be glad as long as + you live.” + </p> + <p> + With a look of sadness impossible to describe, the President said: + </p> + <p> + “I shall never be glad any more.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0382" id="link2H_4_0382"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WOULDN’T TAKE THE MONEY. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln always regarded himself as the friend and protector of unfortunate + clients, and such he would never press for pay for his services. A client + named Cogdal was unfortunate in business, and gave a note in settlement of + legal fees. Soon afterward he met with an accident by which he lost a + hand. Meeting Lincoln some time after on the steps of the State-House, the + kind lawyer asked him how he was getting along. + </p> + <p> + “Badly enough,” replied Cogdal; “I am both broken up in business and + crippled.” Then he added, “I have been thinking about that note of yours.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, who had probably known all about Cogdal’s troubles, and had + prepared himself for the meeting, took out his pocket-book, and saying, + with a laugh, “Well, you needn’t think any more about it,” handed him the + note. + </p> + <p> + Cogdal protesting, Lincoln said, “Even if you had the money, I would not + take it,” and hurried away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0383" id="link2H_4_0383"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GRANT HELD ON ALL THE TIME. + </h2> + <h3> + (Dispatch to General Grant, August 17th, 1864.) + </h3> + <p> + “I have seen your dispatch expressing your unwillingness to break your + hold where you are. Neither am I willing. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on with a bulldog grip.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0384" id="link2H_4_0384"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHEWED THE CUD IN SOLITUDE. + </h2> + <p> + As a student (if such a term could be applied to Lincoln), one who did not + know him might have called him indolent. He would pick up a book and run + rapidly over the pages, pausing here and there. + </p> + <p> + At the end of an hour—never more than two or three hours—he + would close the book, stretch himself out on the office lounge, and then, + with hands under his head and eyes shut, would digest the mental food he + had just taken. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0385" id="link2H_4_0385"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE’S” YANKEE INGENUITY. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0305}.jpg" alt="{0305}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0305}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + War Governor Richard Yates (he was elected Governor of Illinois in 1860, + when Lincoln was first elected President) told a good story at Springfield + (Ill.) about Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + One day the latter was in the Sangamon River with his trousers rolled up + five feet—more or less—trying to pilot a flatboat over a + mill-dam. The boat was so full of water that it was hard to manage. + Lincoln got the prow over, and then, instead of waiting to bail the water + out, bored a hole through the projecting part and let it run out, + affording a forcible illustration of the ready ingenuity of the future + President. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0386" id="link2H_4_0386"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN PAID HOMAGE TO WASHINGTON. + </h2> + <p> + The Martyr President thus spoke of Washington in the course of an address: + </p> + <p> + “Washington is the mightiest name on earth—long since the mightiest + in the cause of civil liberty, still mightiest in moral reformation. + </p> + <p> + “On that name a eulogy is expected. It cannot be. + </p> + <p> + “To add brightness to the sun or glory to the name of Washington is alike + impossible. + </p> + <p> + “Let none attempt it. + </p> + <p> + “In solemn awe pronounce the name, and, in its naked, deathless splendor, + leave it shining on.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0387" id="link2H_4_0387"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STIRRED EVEN THE REPORTERS. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s influence upon his audiences was wonderful. He could sway people + at will, and nothing better illustrates his extraordinary power than he + manner in which he stirred up the newspaper reporters by his Bloomingon + speech. + </p> + <p> + Joseph Medill, editor of the Chicago Tribune, told the story: + </p> + <p> + “It was my journalistic duty, though a delegate to the convention, to make + a ‘longhand’ report of the speeches delivered for the Tribune. I did make + a few paragraphs of what Lincoln said in the first eight or ten minutes, + but I became so absorbed in his magnetic oratory that I forgot myself and + ceased to take notes, and joined with the convention in cheering and + stamping and clapping to the end of his speech. + </p> + <p> + “I well remember that after Lincoln sat down and calm had succeeded the + tempest, I waked out of a sort of hypnotic trance, and then thought of my + report for the paper. There was nothing written but an abbreviated + introduction. + </p> + <p> + “It was some sort of satisfaction to find that I had not been ‘scooped,’ + as all the newspaper men present had been equally carried away by the + excitement caused by the wonderful oration and had made no report or + sketch of the speech.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0388" id="link2H_4_0388"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHEN “ABE” CAME IN. + </h2> + <p> + When “Abe” was fourteen years of age, John Hanks journeyed from Kentucky + to Indiana and lived with the Lincolns. He described “Abe’s” habits thus: + </p> + <p> + “When Lincoln and I returned to the house from work, he would go to the + cupboard, snatch a piece of corn-bread, take down a book, sit down on a + chair, cock his legs up as high as his head, and read. + </p> + <p> + “He and I worked barefooted, grubbed it, plowed, mowed, cradled together; + plowed corn, gathered it, and shucked corn. ‘Abe’ read constantly when he + had an opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0389" id="link2H_4_0389"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ETERNAL FIDELITY TO THE CAUSE OF LIBERTY. + </h2> + <p> + During the Harrison Presidential campaign of 1840, Lincoln said, in a + speech at Springfield, Illinois: + </p> + <p> + “Many free countries have lost their liberty, and ours may lose hers; but + if she shall, be it my proudest plume, not that I was last to desert, but + that I never deserted her. + </p> + <p> + “I know that the great volcano at Washington, aroused and directed by the + evil spirit that reigns there, is belching forth the lava of political + corruption in a current broad and deep, which is sweeping with frightful + velocity over the whole length and breadth of the land, bidding fair to + leave unscathed no green spot or living thing. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot deny that all may be swept away. Broken by it, I, too, may be; + bow to it I never will. + </p> + <p> + “The possibility that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us + from the support of a cause which we believe to be just. It shall never + deter me. + </p> + <p> + “If ever I feel the soul within me elevate and expand to those dimensions + not wholly unworthy of its Almighty Architect, it is when I contemplate + the cause of my country, deserted by all the world beside, and I standing + up boldly alone, and hurling defiance at her victorious oppressors. + </p> + <p> + “Here, without contemplating consequences, before heaven, and in the face + of the world, I swear eternal fidelity to the just cause, as I deem it, of + the land of my life, my liberty, and my love; and who that thinks with me + will not fearlessly adopt the oath that I take? + </p> + <p> + “Let none falter who thinks he is right, and we may succeed. + </p> + <p> + “But if, after all, we shall fail, be it so; we have the proud consolation + of saying to our consciences, and to the departed shade of our country’s + freedom, that the cause approved of our judgment, and, adorned of our + hearts in disaster, in chains, in death, we never faltered in defending.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0390" id="link2H_4_0390"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE’S” “DEFALCATIONS.” + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln could not rest for as instant under the consciousness that, even + unwittingly, he had defrauded anybody. On one occasion, while clerking in + Offutt’s store, at New Salem, he sold a woman a little bale of goods, + amounting, by the reckoning, to $2.20. He received the money, and the + woman went away. + </p> + <p> + On adding the items of the bill again to make himself sure of correctness, + he found that he had taken six and a quarter cents too much. + </p> + <p> + It was night, and, closing and locking the store, he started out on foot, + a distance of two or three miles, for the house of his defrauded customer, + and, delivering to her the sum whose possession had so much troubled him, + went home satisfied. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion, just as he was closing the store for the night, a + woman entered and asked for half a pound of tea. The tea was weighed out + and paid for, and the store was left for the night. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Lincoln, when about to begin the duties of the day, + discovered a four-ounce weight on the scales. He saw at once that he had + made a mistake, and, shutting the store, he took a long walk before + breakfast to deliver the remainder of the tea. + </p> + <p> + These are very humble incidents, but they illustrate the man’s perfect + conscientiousness—his sensitive honesty—better, perhaps, than + they would if they were of greater moment. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0309}.jpg" alt="{0309}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0309}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0310}.jpg" alt="{0310}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0310}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0391" id="link2H_4_0391"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE WASN’T GUILELESS. + </h2> + <p> + Leonard Swett, of Chicago, whose counsels were doubtless among the most + welcome to Lincoln, in summing up Lincoln’s character, said: + </p> + <p> + “From the commencement of his life to its close I have sometimes doubted + whether he ever asked anybody’s advice about anything. He would listen to + everybody; he would hear everybody; but he rarely, if ever, asked for + opinions. + </p> + <p> + “As a politician and as President he arrived at all his conclusions from + his own reflections, and when his conclusions were once formed he never + doubted but what they were right. + </p> + <p> + “One great public mistake of his (Lincoln’s) character, as generally + received and acquiesced in, is that he is considered by the people of this + country as a frank, guileless, and unsophisticated man. There never was a + greater mistake. + </p> + <p> + “Beneath a smooth surface of candor and apparent declaration of all his + thoughts and feelings he exercised the most exalted tact and wisest + discrimination. He handled and moved men remotely as we do pieces upon a + chess-board. + </p> + <p> + “He retained through life all the friends he ever had, and he made the + wrath of his enemies to praise him. This was not by cunning or intrigue in + the low acceptation of the term, but by far-seeing reason and discernment. + He always told only enough of his plans and purposes to induce the belief + that he had communicated all; yet he reserved enough to have communicated + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0392" id="link2H_4_0392"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SWEET, BUT MILD REVENGE. + </h2> + <p> + When the United States found that a war with Black Hawk could not be + dodged, Governor Reynolds, of Illinois, issued a call for volunteers, and + among the companies that immediately responded was one from Menard county, + Illinois. Many of these volunteers were from New Salem and Clary’s Grove, + and Lincoln, being out of business, was the first to enlist. + </p> + <p> + The company being full, the men held a meeting at Richland for the + election of officers. Lincoln had won many hearts, and they told him that + he must be their captain. It was an office to which he did not aspire, and + for which he felt he had no special fitness; but he finally consented to + be a candidate. + </p> + <p> + There was but one other candidate, a Mr. Kirkpatrick, who was one of the + most influential men of the region. Previously, Kirkpatrick had been an + employer of Lincoln, and was so overbearing in his treatment of the young + man that the latter left him. + </p> + <p> + The simple mode of electing a captain adopted by the company was by + placing the candidates apart, and telling the men to go and stand with the + one they preferred. Lincoln and his competitor took their positions, and + then the word was given. At least three out of every four went to Lincoln + at once. + </p> + <p> + When it was seen by those who had arranged themselves with the other + candidate that Lincoln was the choice of the majority of the company, they + left their places, one by one, and came over to the successful side, until + Lincoln’s opponent in the friendly strife was left standing almost alone. + </p> + <p> + “I felt badly to see him cut so,” says a witness of the scene. + </p> + <p> + Here was an opportunity for revenge. The humble laborer was his employer’s + captain, but the opportunity was never improved. Mr. Lincoln frequently + confessed that no subsequent success of his life had given him half the + satisfaction that this election did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0393" id="link2H_4_0393"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DIDN’T TRUST THE COURT. + </h2> + <p> + In one of his many stories of Lincoln, his law partner, W. H. Herndon, + told this as illustrating Lincoln’s shrewdness as a lawyer: + </p> + <p> + “I was with Lincoln once and listened to an oral argument by him in which + he rehearsed an extended history of the law. It was a carefully prepared + and masterly discourse, but, as I thought, entirely useless. After he was + through and we were walking home, I asked him why he went so far back in + the history of the law. I presumed the court knew enough history. + </p> + <p> + “‘That’s where you’re mistaken,’ was his instant rejoinder. ‘I dared not + just the case on the presumption that the court knows everything—in + fact I argued it on the presumption that the court didn’t know anything,’ + a statement, which, when one reviews the decision of our appellate courts, + is not so extravagant as one would at first suppose.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0394" id="link2H_4_0394"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HANDSOMEST MAN ON EARTH. + </h2> + <p> + One day Thaddeus Stevens called at the White House with an elderly woman, + whose son had been in the army, but for some offense had been + court-martialed and sentenced to death. There were some extenuating + circumstances, and after a full hearing the President turned to Stevens + and said: “Mr. Stevens, do you think this is a case which will warrant my + interference?” + </p> + <p> + “With my knowledge of the facts and the parties,” was the reply, “I should + have no hesitation in granting a pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” returned Mr. Lincoln, “I will pardon him,” and proceeded forthwith + to execute the paper. + </p> + <p> + The gratitude of the mother was too deep for expression, save by her + tears, and not a word was said between her and Stevens until they were + half way down the stairs on their passage out, when she suddenly broke + forth in an excited manner with the words: + </p> + <p> + “I knew it was a copperhead lie!” + </p> + <p> + “What do you refer to, madam?” asked Stevens. + </p> + <p> + “Why, they told me he was an ugly-looking man,” she replied, with + vehemence. “He is the handsomest man I ever saw in my life.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0395" id="link2H_4_0395"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THAT COON CAME DOWN. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9313}.jpg" alt="{9313}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9313}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “Lincoln’s Last Warning” was the title of a cartoon which appeared in + “Harper’s Weekly,” on October 11, 1862. Under the picture was the text: + </p> + <p> + “Now if you don’t come down I’ll cut the tree from under you.” + </p> + <p> + This illustration was peculiarly apt, as, on the 1st of January, 1863, + President Lincoln issued his great Emancipation Proclamation, declaring + all slaves in the United States forever free. “Old Abe” was a handy man + with the axe, he having split many thousands of rails with its keen edge. + As the “Slavery Coon” wouldn’t heed the warning, Lincoln did cut the tree + from under him, and so he came down to the ground with a heavy thump. + </p> + <p> + This Act of Emancipation put an end to the notion of the Southern slave + holders that involuntary servitude was one of the “sacred institutions” on + the Continent of North America. It also demonstrated that Lincoln was + thoroughly in earnest when he declared that he would not only save the + Union, but that he meant what he said in the speech wherein he asserted, + “This Nation cannot exist half slave and half free.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0396" id="link2H_4_0396"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WROTE “PIECES” WHEN VERY YOUNG. + </h2> + <p> + At fifteen years of age “Abe” wrote “pieces,” or compositions, and even + some doggerel rhyme, which he recited, to the great amusement of his + playmates. + </p> + <p> + One of his first compositions was against cruelty to animals. He was very + much annoyed and pained at the conduct of the boys, who were in the habit + of catching terrapins and putting coals of fire on their backs, which + thoroughly disgusted Abraham. + </p> + <p> + “He would chide us,” said “Nat” Grigsby, “tell us it was wrong, and would + write against it.” + </p> + <p> + When eighteen years old, “Abe” wrote a “piece” on “National Politics,” and + it so pleased a lawyer friend, named Pritchard, that the latter had it + printed in an obscure paper, thereby adding much to the author’s pride. + “Abe” did not conceal his satisfaction. In this “piece” he wrote, among + other things: + </p> + <p> + “The American government is the best form of government for an intelligent + people. It ought to be kept sound, and preserved forever, that general + education should be fostered and carried all over the country; that the + Constitution should be saved, the Union perpetuated and the laws revered, + respected and enforced.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0397" id="link2H_4_0397"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “TRY TO STEER HER THROUGH.” + </h2> + <p> + John A. Logan and a friend of Illinois called upon Lincoln at Willard’s + Hotel, Washington, February 23d, the morning of his arrival, and urged a + vigorous, firm policy. + </p> + <p> + Patiently listening, Lincoln replied seriously but cheerfully: + </p> + <p> + “As the country has placed me at the helm of the ship, I’ll try to steer + her through.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0398" id="link2H_4_0398"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GRAND, GLOOMY AND PECULIAR. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was a marked and peculiar young man. People talked about him. His + studious habits, his greed for information, his thorough mastery of the + difficulties of every new position in which he was placed, his + intelligence on all matters of public concern, his unwearying good-nature, + his skill in telling a story, his great athletic power, his quaint, odd + ways, his uncouth appearance—all tended to bring him in sharp + contrast with the dull mediocrity by which he was surrounded. + </p> + <p> + Denton Offutt, his old employer, said, after having had a conversation + with Lincoln, that the young man “had talent enough in him to make a + President.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0399" id="link2H_4_0399"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON THE WAY TO GETTYSBURG. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9315}.jpg" alt="{9315}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9315}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + When Lincoln was on his way to the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, an old + gentleman told him that his only son fell on Little Round Top at + Gettysburg, and he was going to look at the spot. Mr. Lincoln replied: + “You have been called on to make a terrible sacrifice for the Union, and a + visit to that spot, I fear, will open your wounds afresh. + </p> + <p> + “But, oh, my dear sir, if we had reached the end of such sacrifices, and + had nothing left for us to do but to place garlands on the graves of those + who have already fallen, we could give thanks even amidst our tears; but + when I think of the sacrifices of life yet to be offered, and the hearts + and homes yet to be made desolate before this dreadful war is over, my + heart is like lead within me, and I feel at times like hiding in deep + darkness.” At one of the stopping places of the train, a very beautiful + child, having a bunch of rosebuds in her hand, was lifted up to an open + window of the President’s car. “Floweth for the President.” The President + stepped to the window, took the rosebuds, bent down and kissed the child, + saying, “You are a sweet little rosebud yourself. I hope your life will + open into perpetual beauty and goodness.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0400" id="link2H_4_0400"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STOOD UP THE LONGEST. + </h2> + <p> + There was a rough gallantry among the young people; and Lincoln’s old + comrades and friends in Indiana have left many tales of how he “went to + see the girls,” of how he brought in the biggest back-log and made the + brightest fire; of how the young people, sitting around it, watching the + way the sparks flew, told their fortunes. + </p> + <p> + He helped pare apples, shell corn and crack nuts. He took the girls to + meeting and to spelling school, though he was not often allowed to take + part in the spelling-match, for the one who “chose first” always chose + “Abe” Lincoln, and that was equivalent to winning, as the others knew that + “he would stand up the longest.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0401" id="link2H_4_0401"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A MORTIFYING EXPERIENCE. + </h2> + <p> + A lady reader or elocutionist came to Springfield in 1857. A large crowd + greeted her. Among other things she recited “Nothing to Wear,” a piece in + which is described the perplexities that beset “Miss Flora McFlimsy” in + her efforts to appear fashionable. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of one stanza in which no effort is made to say anything + particularly amusing, and during the reading of which the audience + manifested the most respectful silence and attention, some one in the rear + seats burst out with a loud, coarse laugh, a sudden and explosive guffaw. + </p> + <p> + It startled the speaker and audience, and kindled a storm of unsuppressed + laughter and applause. Everybody looked back to ascertain the cause of the + demonstration, and were greatly surprised to find that it was Mr. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + He blushed and squirmed with the awkward diffidence of a schoolboy. What + caused him to laugh, no one was able to explain. He was doubtless wrapped + up in a brown study, and recalling some amusing episode, indulged in + laughter without realizing his surroundings. The experience mortified him + greatly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0402" id="link2H_4_0402"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO HALFWAY BUSINESS. + </h2> + <p> + Soon after Mr. Lincoln began to practice law at Springfield, he was + engaged in a criminal case in which it was thought there was little chance + of success. Throwing all his powers into it, he came off victorious, and + promptly received for his services five hundred dollars. A legal friend, + calling upon him the next morning, found him sitting before a table, upon + which his money was spread out, counting it over and over. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Judge,” said he. “See what a heap of money I’ve got from this + case. Did you ever see anything like it? Why, I never had so much money in + my life before, put it all together.” Then, crossing his arms upon the + table, his manner sobering down, he added: “I have got just five hundred + dollars; if it were only seven hundred and fifty, I would go directly and + purchase a quarter section of land, and settle it upon my old + step-mother.” + </p> + <p> + His friend said that if the deficiency was all he needed, he would loan + him the amount, taking his note, to which Mr. Lincoln instantly acceded. + </p> + <p> + His friend then said: + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln, I would do just what you have indicated. Your step-mother is + getting old, and will not probably live many years. I would settle the + property upon her for her use during her lifetime, to revert to you upon + her death.” + </p> + <p> + With much feeling, Mr. Lincoln replied: + </p> + <p> + “I shall do no such thing. It is a poor return at best for all the good + woman’s devotion and fidelity to me, and there is not going to be any + halfway business about it.” And so saying, he gathered up his money and + proceeded forthwith to carry his long-cherished purpose into execution. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0403" id="link2H_4_0403"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DISCOURAGED LITIGATION. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln believed in preventing unnecessary litigation, and carried out + this in his practice. “Who was your guardian?” he asked a young man who + came to him to complain that a part of the property left him had been + withheld. “Enoch Kingsbury,” replied the young man. + </p> + <p> + “I know Mr. Kingsbury,” said Lincoln, “and he is not the man to have + cheated you out of a cent, and I can’t take the case, and advise you to + drop the subject.” + </p> + <p> + And it was dropped. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0404" id="link2H_4_0404"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOING HOME TO GET READY. + </h2> + <p> + Edwin M. Stanton was one of the attorneys in the great “reaper patent” + case heard in Cincinnati in 1855, Lincoln also having been retained. The + latter was rather anxious to deliver the argument on the general + propositions of law applicable to the case, but it being decided to have + Mr. Stanton do this, the Westerner made no complaint. + </p> + <p> + Speaking of Stanton’s argument and the view Lincoln took of it, Ralph + Emerson, a young lawyer who was present at the trial, said: + </p> + <p> + “The final summing up on our side was by Mr. Stanton, and though he took + but about three hours in its delivery, he had devoted as many, if not + more, weeks to its preparation. It was very able, and Mr. Lincoln was + throughout the whole of it a rapt listener. Mr. Stanton closed his speech + in a flight of impassioned eloquence. + </p> + <p> + “Then the court adjourned for the day, and Mr. Lincoln invited me to take + a long walk with him. For block after block he walked rapidly forward, not + saying a word, evidently deeply dejected. + </p> + <p> + “At last he turned suddenly to me, exclaiming, ‘Emerson, I am going home.’ + A pause. ‘I am going home to study law.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why,’ I exclaimed, ‘Mr. Lincoln, you stand at the head of the bar in + Illinois now! What are you talking about?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Ah, yes,’ he said, ‘I do occupy a good position there, and I think that + I can get along with the way things are done there now. But these + college-trained men, who have devoted their whole lives to study, are + coming West, don’t you see? And they study their cases as we never do. + They have got as far as Cincinnati now. They will soon be in Illinois.’ + </p> + <p> + “Another long pause; then stopping and turning toward me, his countenance + suddenly assuming that look of strong determination which those who knew + him best sometimes saw upon his face, he exclaimed, ‘I am going home to + study law! I am as good as any, of them, and when they get out to + Illinois, I will be ready for them.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0405" id="link2H_4_0405"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “THE ‘RAIL-SPUTTER’ REPAIRING THE UNION.” + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0319}.jpg" alt="{0319}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0319}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + The cartoon given here in facsimile was one of the posters which decorated + the picturesque Presidential campaign of 1864, and assisted in making the + period previous to the vote-casting a lively and memorable one. This + poster was a lithograph, and, as the title, “The Rail-Splitter at Work + Repairing the Union,” would indicate, the President is using the + Vice-Presidential candidate on the Republican National ticket (Andrew + Johnson) as an aid in the work. Johnson was, in early life, a tailor, and + he is pictured as busily engaged in sewing up the rents made in the map of + the Union by the secessionists. + </p> + <p> + Both men are thoroughly in earnest, and, as history relates, the torn + places in the Union map were stitched together so nicely that no one could + have told, by mere observation, that a tear had ever been made. Andrew + Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln upon the assassination of the latter, was a + remarkable man. Born in North Carolina, he removed to Tennessee when + young, was Congressman, Governor, and United States Senator, being made + military Governor of his State in 1862. A strong, stanch Union man, he was + nominated for the Vice-Presidency on the Lincoln ticket to conciliate the + War Democrats. After serving out his term as President, he was again + elected United States Senator from Tennessee, but died shortly after + taking his seat. But he was just the sort of a man to assist “Uncle Abe” + in sewing up the torn places in the Union map, and as military Governor of + Tennessee was a powerful factor in winning friends in the South to the + Union cause. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0406" id="link2H_4_0406"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “FIND OUT FOR YOURSELVES.” + </h2> + <p> + “Several of us lawyers,” remarked one of his colleagues, “in the eastern + end of the circuit, annoyed Lincoln once while he was holding court for + Davis by attempting to defend against a note to which there were many + makers. We had no legal, but a good moral defense, but what we wanted most + of all was to stave it off till the next term of court by one expedient or + another. + </p> + <p> + “We bothered ‘the court’ about it till late on Saturday, the day of + adjournment. He adjourned for supper with nothing left but this case to + dispose of. After supper he heard our twaddle for nearly an hour, and then + made this odd entry. + </p> + <p> + “‘L. D. Chaddon vs. J. D. Beasley et al. April Term, 1856. Champaign + county Court. Plea in abatement by B. Z. Green, a defendant not served, + filed Saturday at 11 o’clock a. m., April 24, 1856, stricken from the + files by order of court. Demurrer to declaration, if there ever was one, + overruled. Defendants who are served now, at 8 o’clock p. m., of the last + day of the term, ask to plead to the merits, which is denied by the court + on the ground that the offer comes too late, and therefore, as by nil + dicet, judgment is rendered for Pl’ff. Clerk assess damages. A. Lincoln, + Judge pro tem.’ + </p> + <p> + “The lawyer who reads this singular entry will appreciate its oddity if no + one else does. After making it, one of the lawyers, on recovering from his + astonishment, ventured to enquire: ‘Well, Lincoln, how can we get this + case up again?’ + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln eyed him quizzically for a moment, and then answered, ‘You have + all been so mighty smart about this case, you can find out how to take it + up again yourselves.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0407" id="link2H_4_0407"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ROUGH ON THE NEGRO. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9321}.jpg" alt="{9321}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9321}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln, one day, was talking with the Rev. Dr. Sunderland about the + Emancipation Proclamation and the future of the negro. Suddenly a ripple + of amusement broke the solemn tone of his voice. “As for the negroes, + Doctor, and what is going to become of them: I told Ben Wade the other + day, that it made me think of a story I read in one of my first books, + ‘Aesop’s Fables.’ It was an old edition, and had curious rough wood cuts, + one of which showed three white men scrubbing a negro in a potash kettle + filled with cold water. The text explained that the men thought that by + scrubbing the negro they might make him white. Just about the time they + thought they were succeeding, he took cold and died. Now, I am afraid that + by the time we get through this War the negro will catch cold and die.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0408" id="link2H_4_0408"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHALLENGED ALL COMERS. + </h2> + <p> + Personal encounters were of frequent occurrence in Gentryville in early + days, and the prestige of having thrashed an opponent gave the victor + marked social distinction. Green B. Taylor, with whom “Abe” worked the + greater part of one winter on a farm, furnished an account of the noted + fight between John Johnston, “Abe’s” stepbrother, and William Grigsby, in + which stirring drama “Abe” himself played an important role before the + curtain was rung down. + </p> + <p> + Taylor’s father was the second for Johnston, and William Whitten + officiated in a similar capacity for Grigsby. “They had a terrible fight,” + related Taylor, “and it soon became apparent that Grigsby was too much for + Lincoln’s man, Johnston. After they had fought a long time without + interference, it having been agreed not to break the ring, ‘Abe’ burst + through, caught Grigsby, threw him off and some feet away. There Grigsby + stood, proud as Lucifer, and, swinging a bottle of liquor over his head, + swore he was ‘the big buck of the lick.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘If any one doubts it,’ he shouted, ‘he has only to come on and whet his + horns.’” + </p> + <p> + A general engagement followed this challenge, but at the end of + hostilities the field was cleared and the wounded retired amid the + exultant shouts of their victors. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0409" id="link2H_4_0409"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “GOVERNMENT RESTS IN PUBLIC OPINION.” + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln delivered a speech at a Republican banquet at Chicago, December + 10th, 1856, just after the Presidential campaign of that year, in which he + said: + </p> + <p> + “Our government rests in public opinion. Whoever can change public opinion + can change the government practically just so much. + </p> + <p> + “Public opinion, on any subject, always has a ‘central idea,’ from which + all its minor thoughts radiate. + </p> + <p> + “That ‘central idea’ in our political public opinion at the beginning was, + and until recently has continued to be, ‘the equality of man.’ + </p> + <p> + “And although it has always submitted patiently to whatever of inequality + there seemed to be as a matter of actual necessity, its constant working + has been a steady progress toward the practical equality of all men. + </p> + <p> + “Let everyone who really believes, and is resolved, that free society is + not and shall not be a failure, and who can conscientiously declare that + in the past contest he has done only what he thought best—let every + such one have charity to believe that every other one can say as much. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, let bygones be bygones; let party differences as nothing be, and + with steady eye on the real issue, let us reinaugurate the good old + ‘central ideas’ of the Republic. + </p> + <p> + “We can do it. The human heart is with us; God is with us. + </p> + <p> + “We shall never be able to declare that ‘all States as States are equal,’ + nor yet that ‘all citizens are equal,’ but to renew the broader, better + declaration, including both these and much more, that ‘all men are created + equal.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0410" id="link2H_4_0410"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HURRY MIGHT MAKE TROUBLE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9323}.jpg" alt="{9323}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9323}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Up to the very last moment of the life of the Confederacy, the London + “Punch” had its fling at the United States. In a cartoon, printed February + 18th, 1865, labeled “The Threatening Notice,” “Punch” intimates that Uncle + Sam is in somewhat of a hurry to serve notice on John Bull regarding the + contentions in connection with the northern border of the United States. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, however, as attorney for his revered Uncle, advises caution. + Accordingly, he tells his Uncle, according to the text under the picture: + </p> + <p> + ATTORNEY LINCOLN: “Now, Uncle Sam, you’re in a darned hurry to serve this + here notice on John Bull. Now, it’s my duty, as your attorney, to tell you + that you may drive him to go over to that cuss, Davis.” (Uncle Sam + considers.) In this instance, President Lincoln is given credit for + judgment and common sense, his advice to his Uncle Sam to be prudent being + sound. There was trouble all along the Canadian border during the War, + while Canada was the refuge of Northern conspirators and Southern spies, + who, at times, crossed the line and inflicted great damage upon the States + bordering on it. The plot to seize the great lake cities—Chicago, + Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo and others—was figured out in + Canada by the Southerners and Northern allies. President Lincoln, in his + message to Congress in December, 1864, said the United States had given + notice to England that, at the end of six months, this country would, if + necessary, increase its naval armament upon the lakes. What Great Britain + feared was the abrogation by the United States of all treaties regarding + Canada. By previous stipulation, the United States and England were each + to have but one war vessel on the Great Lakes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0411" id="link2H_4_0411"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SAW HIMSELF DEAD. + </h2> + <p> + This story cannot be repeated in Lincoln’s own language, although he told + it often enough to intimate friends; but, as it was never taken down by a + stenographer in the martyred President’s exact words, the reader must + accept a simple narration of the strange occurrence. + </p> + <p> + It was not long after the first nomination of Lincoln for the Presidency, + when he saw, or imagined he saw, the startling apparition. One day, + feeling weary, he threw himself upon a lounge in one of the rooms of his + house at Springfield to rest. Opposite the lounge upon which he was lying + was a large, long mirror, and he could easily see the reflection of his + form, full length. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he saw, or imagined he saw, two Lincolns in the mirror, each + lying full length upon the lounge, but they differed strangely in + appearance. One was the natural Lincoln, full of life, vigor, energy and + strength; the other was a dead Lincoln, the face white as marble, the + limbs nerveless and lifeless, the body inert and still. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was so impressed with this vision, which he considered merely an + optical illusion, that he arose, put on his hat, and went out for a walk. + Returning to the house, he determined to test the matter again—and + the result was the same as before. He distinctly saw the two Lincolns—one + living and the other dead. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing to his wife about this, she being, at that time, in a + nervous condition, and apprehensive that some accident would surely befall + her husband. She was particularly fearful that he might be the victim of + an assassin. Lincoln always made light of her fears, but yet he was never + easy in his mind afterwards. + </p> + <p> + To more thoroughly test the so-called “optical illusion,” and prove, + beyond the shadow of a doubt, whether it was a mere fanciful creation of + the brain or a reflection upon the broad face of the mirror which might be + seen at any time, Lincoln made frequent experiments. Each and every time + the result was the same. He could not get away from the two Lincolns—one + living and the other dead. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln never saw this forbidding reflection while in the White House. + Time after time he placed a couch in front of a mirror at a distance from + the glass where he could view his entire length while lying down, but the + looking-glass in the Executive Mansion was faithful to its trust, and only + the living Lincoln was observable. + </p> + <p> + The late Ward Lamon, once a law partner of Lincoln, and Marshal of the + District of Columbia during his first administration, tells, in his + “Recollections of Abraham Lincoln,” of the dreams the President had—all + foretelling death. + </p> + <p> + Lamon was Lincoln’s most intimate friend, being, practically, his + bodyguard, and slept in the White House. In reference to Lincoln’s “death + dreams,” he says: + </p> + <p> + “How, it may be asked, could he make life tolerable, burdened as he was + with that portentous horror, which, though visionary, and of trifling + import in our eyes, was by his interpretation a premonition of impending + doom? I answer in a word: His sense of duty to his country; his belief + that ‘the inevitable’ is right; and his innate and irrepressible humor. + </p> + <p> + “But the most startling incident in the life of Mr. Lincoln was a dream he + had only a few days before his assassination. To him it was a thing of + deadly import, and certainly no vision was ever fashioned more exactly + like a dread reality. Coupled with other dreams, with the mirror-scene and + with other incidents, there was something about it so amazingly real, so + true to the actual tragedy which occurred soon after, that more than + mortal strength and wisdom would have been required to let it pass without + a shudder or a pang. + </p> + <p> + “After worrying over it for some days, Mr. Lincoln seemed no longer able + to keep the secret. I give it as nearly in his own words as I can, from + notes which I made immediately after its recital. There were only two or + three persons present. + </p> + <p> + “The President was in a melancholy, meditative mood, and had been silent + for some time. Mrs. Lincoln, who was present, rallied him on his solemn + visage and want of spirit. This seemed to arouse him, and, without seeming + to notice her sally, he said, in slow and measured tones: + </p> + <p> + “‘It seems strange how much there is in the Bible about dreams. There are, + I think, some sixteen chapters in the Old Testament and four or five in + the New, in which dreams are mentioned; and there are many other passages + scattered throughout the book which refer to visions. In the old days, God + and His angels came to men in their sleep and made themselves known in + dreams.’ + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Lincoln here remarked, ‘Why, you look dreadfully solemn; do you + believe in dreams?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I can’t say that I do,’ returned Mr. Lincoln; ‘but I had one the other + night which has haunted me ever since. After it occurred the first time, I + opened the Bible, and, strange as it may appear, it was at the + twenty-eighth chapter of Genesis, which relates the wonderful dream Jacob + had. I turned to other passages, and seemed to encounter a dream or a + vision wherever I looked. I kept on turning the leaves of the old book, + and everywhere my eyes fell upon passages recording matters strangely in + keeping with my own thoughts—supernatural visitations, dreams, + visions, etc.’ + </p> + <p> + “He now looked so serious and disturbed that Mrs. Lincoln exclaimed ‘You + frighten me! What is the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I am afraid,’ said Mr. Lincoln, observing the effect his words had upon + his wife, ‘that I have done wrong to mention the subject at all; but + somehow the thing has got possession of me, and, like Banquo’s ghost, it + will not down.’ + </p> + <p> + “This only inflamed Mrs. Lincoln’s curiosity the more, and while bravely + disclaiming any belief in dreams, she strongly urged him to tell the dream + which seemed to have such a hold upon him, being seconded in this by + another listener. Mr. Lincoln hesitated, but at length commenced very + deliberately, his brow overcast with a shade of melancholy. + </p> + <p> + “‘About ten days ago,’ said he, ‘I retired very late. I had been up + waiting for important dispatches from the front. I could not have been + long in bed when I fell into a slumber, for I was weary. I soon began to + dream. There seemed to be a deathlike stillness about me. Then I heard + subdued sobs, as if a number of people were weeping. + </p> + <p> + “‘I thought I left my bed and wandered down-stairs. There the silence was + broken by the same pitiful sobbing, but the mourners were invisible. I + went from room to room; no living person was in sight, but the same + mournful sounds of distress met me as I passed along. It was light in all + the rooms; every object was familiar to me; but where were all the people + who were grieving as if their hearts would break? I was puzzled and + alarmed. What could be the meaning of all this? + </p> + <p> + “‘Determined to find the cause of a state of things so mysterious and so + shocking, I kept on until I arrived at the East Room, which I entered. + There I met with a sickening surprise. Before me was a catafalque, on + which rested a corpse wrapped in funeral vestments. Around it were + stationed soldiers who were acting as guards; and there was a throng of + people, some gazing mournfully upon the corpse, whose face was covered, + others weeping pitifully. + </p> + <p> + “‘"Who is dead in the White House?” I demanded of one of the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “‘"The President,” was his answer; “he was killed by an assassin.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Then came a loud burst of grief from the crowd, which awoke me from my + dream. I slept no more that night; and although it was only a dream, I + have been strangely annoyed by it ever since.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That is horrid!’ said Mrs. Lincoln. ‘I wish you had not told it. I am + glad I don’t believe in dreams, or I should be in terror from this time + forth.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ responded Mr. Lincoln, thoughtfully, ‘it is only a dream, Mary. + Let us say no more about it, and try to forget it.’ + </p> + <p> + “This dream was so horrible, so real, and so in keeping with other dreams + and threatening presentiments of his, that Mr. Lincoln was profoundly + disturbed by it. During its recital he was grave, gloomy, and at times + visibly pale, but perfectly calm. He spoke slowly, with measured accents + and deep feeling. + </p> + <p> + “In conversations with me, he referred to it afterwards, closing one with + this quotation from ‘Hamlet’: ‘To sleep; perchance to dream! ay, there’s + the rub!’ with a strong accent upon the last three words. + </p> + <p> + “Once the President alluded to this terrible dream with some show of + playful humor. ‘Hill,’ said he, ‘your apprehension of harm to me from some + hidden enemy is downright foolishness. For a long time you have been + trying to keep somebody-the Lord knows who—from killing me. + </p> + <p> + “‘Don’t you see how it will turn out? In this dream it was not me, but + some other fellow, that was killed. It seems that this ghostly assassin + tried his hand on some one else. And this reminds me of an old farmer in + Illinois whose family were made sick by eating greens. + </p> + <p> + “‘Some poisonous herb had got into the mess, and members of the family + were in danger of dying. There was a half-witted boy in the family called + Jake; and always afterward when they had greens the old man would say, + “Now, afore we risk these greens, let’s try ‘em on Jake. If he stands ‘em + we’re all right.” Just so with me. As long as this imaginary assassin + continues to exercise himself on others, I can stand it.’ + </p> + <p> + “He then became serious and said: ‘Well, let it go. I think the Lord in + His own good time and way will work this out all right. God knows what is + best.’ + </p> + <p> + “These words he spoke with a sigh, and rather in a tone of soliloquy, as + if hardly noting my presence. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln had another remarkable dream, which was repeated so + frequently during his occupancy of the White House that he came to regard + it is a welcome visitor. It was of a pleasing and promising character, + having nothing in it of the horrible. + </p> + <p> + “It was always an omen of a Union victory, and came with unerring + certainty just before every military or naval engagement where our arms + were crowned with success. In this dream he saw a ship sailing away + rapidly, badly damaged, and our victorious vessels in close pursuit. + </p> + <p> + “He saw, also, the close of a battle on land, the enemy routed, and our + forces in possession of vantage ground of inestimable importance. Mr. + Lincoln stated it as a fact that he had this dream just before the battles + of Antietam, Gettysburg, and other signal engagements throughout the War. + </p> + <p> + “The last time Mr. Lincoln had this dream was the night before his + assassination. On the morning of that lamentable day there was a Cabinet + meeting, at which General Grant was present. During an interval of general + discussion, the President asked General Grant if he had any news from + General Sherman, who was then confronting Johnston. The reply was in the + negative, but the general added that he was in hourly expectation of a + dispatch announcing Johnston’s surrender. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln then, with great impressiveness, said, ‘We shall hear very + soon, and the news will be important.’ + </p> + <p> + “General Grant asked him why he thought so. + </p> + <p> + “‘Because,’ said Mr. Lincoln, ‘I had a dream last night; and ever since + this War began I have had the same dream just before every event of great + national importance. It portends some important event which will happen + very soon.’ + </p> + <p> + “On the night of the fateful 14th of April, 1865, Mrs. Lincoln’s first + exclamation, after the President was shot, was, ‘His dream was prophetic!’ + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln was a believer in certain phases of the supernatural. Assured as + he undoubtedly was by omens which, to his mind, were conclusive, that he + would rise to greatness and power, he was as firmly convinced by the same + tokens that he would be suddenly cut off at the height of his career and + the fullness of his fame. He always believed that he would fall by the + hand of an assassin. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln had this further idea: Dreams, being natural occurrences, in + the strictest sense, he held that their best interpreters are the common + people; and this accounts, in great measure, for the profound respect he + always had for the collective wisdom of plain people—‘the children + of Nature,’ he called them—touching matters belonging to the domain + of psychical mysteries. There was some basis of truth, he believed, for + whatever obtained general credence among these ‘children of Nature.’ + </p> + <p> + “Concerning presentiments and dreams, Mr. Lincoln had a philosophy of his + own, which, strange as it may appear, was in perfect harmony with his + character in all other respects. He was no dabbler in divination—astrology, + horoscopy, prophecy, ghostly lore, or witcheries of any sort.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0327}.jpg" alt="{0327}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0327}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0328}.jpg" alt="{0328}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0328}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0412" id="link2H_4_0412"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EVERY LITTLE HELPED. + </h2> + <p> + As the time drew near at which Mr. Lincoln said he would issue the + Emancipation Proclamation, some clergymen, who feared the President might + change his mind, called on him to urge him to keep his promise. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0331}.jpg" alt="{0331}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0331}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + “We were ushered into the Cabinet room,” says Dr. Sunderland. “It was very + dim, but one gas jet burning. As we entered, Mr. Lincoln was standing at + the farther end of the long table, which filled the center of the room. As + I stood by the door, I am so very short, that I was obliged to look up to + see the President. Mr. Robbins introduced me, and I began at once by + saying: ‘I have come, Mr. President, to anticipate the new year with my + respects, and if I may, to say to you a word about the serious condition + of this country.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Go ahead, Doctor,’ replied the President; ‘every little helps.’ But I + was too much in earnest to laugh at his sally at my smallness.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0413" id="link2H_4_0413"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ABOUT TO LAY DOWN THE BURDEN. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln (at times) said he felt sure his life would end with the + War. A correspondent of a Boston paper had an interview with him in July, + 1864, and wrote regarding it: + </p> + <p> + “The President told me he was certain he should not outlast the rebellion. + As will be remembered, there was dissension then among the Republican + leaders. Many of his best friends had deserted him, and were talking of an + opposition convention to nominate another candidate, and universal gloom + was among the people. + </p> + <p> + “The North was tired of the War, and supposed an honorable peace + attainable. Mr. Lincoln knew it was not—that any peace at that time + would be only disunion. Speaking of it, he said: ‘I have faith in the + people. They will not consent to disunion. The danger is, they are misled. + Let them know the truth, and the country is safe.’ + </p> + <p> + “He looked haggard and careworn; and further on in the interview I + remarked on his appearance, ‘You are wearing yourself out with work.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I can’t work less,’ he answered; ‘but it isn’t that—work never + troubled me. Things look badly, and I can’t avoid anxiety. Personally, I + care nothing about a re-election, but if our divisions defeat us, I fear + for the country.’ + </p> + <p> + “When I suggested that right must eventually triumph, he replied, ‘I grant + that, but I may never live to see it. I feel a presentiment that I shall + not outlast the rebellion. When it is over, my work will be done.’ + </p> + <p> + “He never intimated, however, that he expected to be assassinated.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0414" id="link2H_4_0414"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN WOULD HAVE PREFERRED DEATH. + </h2> + <h3> + Horace Greeley said, some time after the death of President Lincoln: + </h3> + <p> + “After the Civil War began, Lincoln’s tenacity of purpose paralleled his + former immobility; I believe he would have been nearly the last, if not + the very last, man in America to recognize the Southern Confederacy had + its armies been triumphant. He would have preferred death.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0415" id="link2H_4_0415"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “PUNCH” AND HIS LITTLE PICTURE. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8333}.jpg" alt="{8333} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8333}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + London “Punch” was not satisfied with anything President Lincoln did. On + December 3rd, 1864, after Mr. Lincoln’s re-election to the Presidency, a + cartoon appeared in one of the pages of that genial publication, the + reproduction being printed here, labeled “The Federal Phoenix.” It + attracted great attention at the time, and was particularly pleasing to + the enemies of the United States, as it showed Lincoln as the Phoenix + arising from the ashes of the Federal Constitution, the Public Credit, the + Freedom of the Press, State Rights and the Commerce of the North American + Republic. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln’s endorsement by the people of the United States meant + that the Confederacy was to be crushed, no matter what the cost; that the + Union of States was to be preserved, and that State Rights was a thing of + the past. “Punch” wished to create the impression that President Lincoln’s + re-election was a personal victory; that he would set up a despotism, with + himself at its head, and trample upon the Constitution of the United + States and all the rights the citizens of the Republic ever possessed. + </p> + <p> + The result showed that “Punch” was suffering from an acute attack of + needless alarm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0416" id="link2H_4_0416"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FASCINATED By THE WONDERFUL + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was particularly fascinated by the wonderful happenings recorded + in history. He loved to read of those mighty events which had been + foretold, and often brooded upon these subjects. His early convictions + upon occult matters led him to read all books tending’ to strengthen these + convictions. + </p> + <p> + The following lines, in Byron’s “Dream,” were frequently quoted by him: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + "Sleep hath its own world, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + A boundary between the things misnamed + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Death and existence: Sleep hath its own world + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And a wide realm of wild reality. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And dreams in their development have breath, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And tears and tortures, and the touch of joy; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + They leave a weight upon our waking thoughts, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + They take a weight from off our waking toils, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + They do divide our being.” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Those with whom he was associated in his early youth and young manhood, + and with whom he was always in cordial sympathy, were thorough believers + in presentiments and dreams; and so Lincoln drifted on through years of + toil and exceptional hardship—meditative, aspiring, certain of his + star, but appalled at times by its malignant aspect. Many times prior to + his first election to the Presidency he was both elated and alarmed by + what seemed to him a rent in the veil which hides from mortal view what + the future holds. + </p> + <p> + He saw, or thought he saw, a vision of glory and of blood, himself the + central figure in a scene which his fancy transformed from giddy + enchantment to the most appalling tragedy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0417" id="link2H_4_0417"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “WHY DON’T THEY COME!” + </h2> + <p> + The suspense of the days when the capital was isolated, the expected + troops not arriving, and an hourly attack feared, wore on Mr. Lincoln + greatly. + </p> + <p> + “I begin to believe,” he said bitterly, one day, to some Massachusetts + soldiers, “that there is no North. The Seventh Regiment is a myth. Rhode + Island is another. You are the only real thing.” + </p> + <p> + And again, after pacing the floor of his deserted office for a half-hour, + he was heard to exclaim to himself, in an anguished tone: “Why don’t they + come! Why don’t they come!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0418" id="link2H_4_0418"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GRANT’S BRAND OF WHISKEY. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln was not a man of impulse, and did nothing upon the spur of the + moment; action with him was the result of deliberation and study. He took + nothing for granted; he judged men by their performances and not their + speech. + </p> + <p> + If a general lost battles, Lincoln lost confidence in him; if a commander + was successful, Lincoln put him where he would be of the most service to + the country. + </p> + <p> + “Grant is a drunkard,” asserted powerful and influential politicians to + the President at the White House time after time; “he is not himself half + the time; he can’t be relied upon, and it is a shame to have such a man in + command of an army.” + </p> + <p> + “So Grant gets drunk, does he?” queried Lincoln, addressing himself to one + of the particularly active detractors of the soldier, who, at that period, + was inflicting heavy damage upon the Confederates. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he does, and I can prove it,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” returned Lincoln, with the faintest suspicion of a twinkle in his + eye, “you needn’t waste your time getting proof; you just find out, to + oblige me, what brand of whiskey Grant drinks, because I want to send a + barrel of it to each one of my generals.” + </p> + <p> + That ended the crusade against Grant, so far as the question of drinking + was concerned. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0419" id="link2H_4_0419"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS FINANCIAL STANDING. + </h2> + <p> + A New York firm applied to Abraham Lincoln, some years before he became + President, for information as to the financial standing of one of his + neighbors. Mr. Lincoln replied: + </p> + <p> + “I am well acquainted with Mr.—— and know his circumstances. + First of all, he has a wife and baby; together they ought to be worth + $50,000 to any man. Secondly, he has an office in which there is a table + worth $1.50 and three chairs worth, say, $1. Last of all, there is in one + corner a large rat hole, which will bear looking into. Respectfully, A. + Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0420" id="link2H_4_0420"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DANDY AND THE BOYS. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln appointed as consul to a South American country a young + man from Ohio who was a dandy. A wag met the new appointee on his way to + the White House to thank the President. He was dressed in the most + extravagant style. The wag horrified him by telling him that the country + to which he was assigned was noted chiefly for the bugs that abounded + there and made life unbearable. + </p> + <p> + “They’ll bore a hole clean through you before a week has passed,” was the + comforting assurance of the wag as they parted at the White House steps. + The new consul approached Lincoln with disappointment clearly written all + over his face. Instead of joyously thanking the President, he told him the + wag’s story of the bugs. “I am informed, Mr. President,” he said, “that + the place is full of vermin and that they could eat me up in a week’s + time.” “Well, young man,” replied Lincoln, “if that’s true, all I’ve got + to say is that if such a thing happened they would leave a mighty good + suit of clothes behind.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0421" id="link2H_4_0421"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “SOME UGLY OLD LAWYER.” + </h2> + <p> + A. W. Swan, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, told this story on Lincoln, being + an eyewitness of the scene: + </p> + <p> + “One day President Lincoln was met in the park between the White House and + the War Department by an irate private soldier, who was swearing in a high + key, cursing the Government from the President down. Mr. Lincoln paused + and asked him what was the matter. ‘Matter enough,’ was the reply. ‘I want + my money. I have been discharged here, and can’t get my pay.’ Mr. Lincoln + asked if he had his papers, saying that he used to practice law in a small + way, and possibly could help him. + </p> + <p> + “My friend and I stepped behind some convenient shrubbery where we could + watch the result. Mr. Lincoln took the papers from the hands of the + crippled soldier, and sat down with him at the foot of a convenient tree, + where he examined them carefully, and writing a line on the back, told the + soldier to take them to Mr. Potts, Chief Clerk of the War Department, who + would doubtless attend to the matter at once. + </p> + <p> + “After Mr. Lincoln had left the soldier, we stepped out and asked him if + he knew whom he had been talking with. ‘Some ugly old fellow who pretends + to be a lawyer,’ was the reply. My companion asked to see the papers, and + on their being handed to him, pointed to the indorsement they had + received: This indorsement read: + </p> + <p> + “‘Mr. Potts, attend to this man’s case at once and see that he gets his + pay. A. L.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0422" id="link2H_4_0422"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOOD MEMORY OF NAMES. + </h2> + <p> + The following story illustrates the power of Mr. Lincoln’s memory of names + and faces. When he was a comparatively young man, and a candidate for the + Illinois Legislature, he made a personal canvass of the district. While + “swinging around the circle” he stopped one day and took dinner with a + farmer in Sangamon county. + </p> + <p> + Years afterward, when Mr. Lincoln had become President, a soldier came to + call on him at the White House. At the first glance the Chief Executive + said: “Yes, I remember; you used to live on the Danville road. I took + dinner with you when I was running for the Legislature. I recollect that + we stood talking out at the barnyard gate while I sharpened my jackknife.” + </p> + <p> + “Y-a-a-s,” drawled the soldier, “you did. But say, wherever did you put + that whetstone? I looked for it a dozen times, but I never could find it + after the day you used it. We allowed as how mabby you took it ‘long with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Lincoln, looking serious and pushing away a lot of documents of + state from the desk in front of him. “No, I put it on top of that gatepost—that + high one.” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” exclaimed the visitor, “mabby you did. Couldn’t anybody else have + put it there, and none of us ever thought of looking there for it.” + </p> + <p> + The soldier was then on his way home, and when he got there the first + thing he did was to look for the whetstone. And sure enough, there it was, + just where Lincoln had laid it fifteen years before. The honest fellow + wrote a letter to the Chief Magistrate, telling him that the whetstone had + been found, and would never be lost again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0423" id="link2H_4_0423"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SETTLED OUT OF COURT. + </h2> + <p> + When Abe Lincoln used to be drifting around the country, practicing law in + Fulton and Menard counties, Illinois, an old fellow met him going to + Lewiston, riding a horse which, while it was a serviceable enough animal, + was not of the kind to be truthfully called a fine saddler. It was a + weatherbeaten nag, patient and plodding, and it toiled along with Abe—and + Abe’s books, tucked away in saddle-bags, lay heavy on the horse’s flank. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Uncle Tommy,” said Abe. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Abe,” responded Uncle Tommy. “I’m powerful glad to see ye, Abe, + fer I’m gwyne to have sumthin’ fer ye at Lewiston co’t, I reckon.” + </p> + <p> + “How’s that, Uncle Tommy?” said Abe. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jim Adams, his land runs ‘long o’ mine, he’s pesterin’ me a heap + an’ I got to get the law on Jim, I reckon.” + </p> + <p> + “Uncle Tommy, you haven’t had any fights with Jim, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s a fair to middling neighbor, isn’t he?” + </p> + <p> + “Only tollable, Abe.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s been a neighbor of yours for a long time, hasn’t he?” + </p> + <p> + “Nigh on to fifteen year.” + </p> + <p> + “Part of the time you get along all right, don’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon we do, Abe.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, now, Uncle Tommy, you see this horse of mine? He isn’t as good a + horse as I could straddle, and I sometimes get out of patience with him, + but I know his faults. He does fairly well as horses go, and it might take + me a long time to get used to some other horse’s faults. For all horses + have faults. You and Uncle Jimmy must put up with each other as I and my + horse do with one another.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon, Abe,” said Uncle Tommy, as he bit off about four ounces of + Missouri plug. “I reckon you’re about right.” + </p> + <p> + And Abe Lincoln, with a smile on his gaunt face, rode on toward Lewiston. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0424" id="link2H_4_0424"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FIVE POINTS SUNDAY SCHOOL. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9339}.jpg" alt="{9339}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9339}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + When Mr. Lincoln visited New York in 1860, he felt a great interest in + many of the institutions for reforming criminals and saving the young from + a life of crime. Among others, he visited, unattended, the Five Points + House of Industry, and the superintendent of the Sabbath school there gave + the following account of the event: + </p> + <p> + “One Sunday morning I saw a tall, remarkable-looking man enter the room + and take a seat among us. He listened with fixed attention to our + exercises, and his countenance expressed such genuine interest that I + approached him and suggested that he might be willing to say something to + the children. He accepted the invitation with evident pleasure, and coming + forward began a simple address, which at once fascinated every little + hearer and hushed the room into silence. His language was strikingly + beautiful, and his tones musical with intense feeling. The little faces + would droop into sad conviction when he uttered sentences of warning, and + would brighten into sunshine as he spoke cheerful words of promise. Once + or twice he attempted to close his remarks, but the imperative shout of, + ‘Go on! Oh, do go on!’ would compel him to resume. + </p> + <p> + “As I looked upon the gaunt and sinewy frame of the stranger, and marked + his powerful head and determined features, now touched into softness by + the impressions of the moment, I felt an irrepressible curiosity to learn + something more about him, and while he was quietly leaving the room, I + begged to know his name. He courteously replied: ‘It is Abraham Lincoln, + from Illinois.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0425" id="link2H_4_0425"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SENTINEL OBEYED ORDERS. + </h2> + <p> + A slight variation of the traditional sentry story is related by C. C. + Buel. It was a cold, blusterous winter night. Says Mr. Buel: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln emerged from the front door, his lank figure bent over as he + drew tightly about his shoulders the shawl which he employed for such + protection; for he was on his way to the War Department, at the west + corner of the grounds, where in times of battle he was wont to get the + midnight dispatches from the field. As the blast struck him he thought of + the numbness of the pacing sentry, and, turning to him, said: ‘Young man, + you’ve got a cold job to-night; step inside, and stand guard there.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘My orders keep me out here,’ the soldier replied. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes,’ said the President, in his argumentative tone; ‘but your duty can + be performed just as well inside as out here, and you’ll oblige me by + going in.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I have been stationed outside,’ the soldier answered, and resumed his + beat. + </p> + <p> + “‘Hold on there!’ said Mr. Lincoln, as he turned back again; ‘it occurs to + me that I am Commander-in-Chief of the army, and I order you to go + inside.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0426" id="link2H_4_0426"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHY LINCOLN GROWED WHISKERS. + </h2> + <p> + Perhaps the majority of people in the United States don’t know why Lincoln + “growed” whiskers after his first nomination for the Presidency. Before + that time his face was clean shaven. + </p> + <p> + In the beautiful village of Westfield, Chautauqua county, New York, there + lived, in 1860, little Grace Bedell. During the campaign of that year she + saw a portrait of Lincoln, for whom she felt the love and reverence that + was common in Republican families, and his smooth, homely face rather + disappointed her. She said to her mother: “I think, mother, that Mr. + Lincoln would look better if he wore whiskers, and I mean to write and + tell him so.” + </p> + <p> + The mother gave her permission. + </p> + <p> + Grace’s father was a Republican; her two brothers were Democrats. Grace + wrote at once to the “Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Esq., Springfield, Illinois,” + in which she told him how old she was, and where she lived; that she was a + Republican; that she thought he would make a good President, but would + look better if he would let his whiskers grow. If he would do so, she + would try to coax her brothers to vote for him. She thought the rail fence + around the picture of his cabin was very pretty. “If you have not time to + answer my letter, will you allow your little girl to reply for you?” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln was much pleased with the letter, and decided to answer it, which + he did at once, as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Springfield, Illinois, October 19, 1860. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Grace Bedell. + </p> + <p> + “My Dear Little Miss: Your very agreeable letter of the fifteenth is + received. I regret the necessity of saying I have no daughter. I have + three sons; one seventeen, one nine and one seven years of age. They, with + their mother, constitute my whole family. As to the whiskers, having never + worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly + affectation if I should begin it now? Your very sincere well-wisher, A. + LINCOLN.” + </p> + <p> + When on the journey to Washington to be inaugurated, Lincoln’s train + stopped at Westfield. He recollected his little correspondent and spoke of + her to ex-Lieutenant Governor George W. Patterson, who called out and + asked if Grace Bedell was present. + </p> + <p> + There was a large surging mass of people gathered about the train, but + Grace was discovered at a distance; the crowd opened a pathway to the + coach, and she came, timidly but gladly, to the President-elect, who told + her that she might see that he had allowed his whiskers to grow at her + request. Then, reaching out his long arms, he drew her up to him and + kissed her. The act drew an enthusiastic demonstration of approval from + the multitude. + </p> + <p> + Grace married a Kansas banker, and became Grace Bedell Billings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0427" id="link2H_4_0427"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AS A DANCER. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln made his first appearance in society when he was first sent to + Springfield, Ill., as a member of the State Legislature. It was not an + imposing figure which he cut in a ballroom, but still he was occasionally + to be found there. Miss Mary Todd, who afterward became his wife, was the + magnet which drew the tall, awkward young man from his den. One evening + Lincoln approached Miss Todd, and said, in his peculiar idiom: + </p> + <p> + “Miss Todd, I should like to dance with you the worst way.” The young + woman accepted the inevitable, and hobbled around the room with him. When + she returned to her seat, one of her companions asked mischievously: + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mary, did he dance with you the worst way.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she answered, “the very worst.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0428" id="link2H_4_0428"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SIMPLY PRACTICAL HUMANITY. + </h2> + <p> + An instance of young Lincoln’s practical humanity at an early period of + his life is recorded in this way: + </p> + <p> + One evening, while returning from a “raising” in his wide neighborhood, + with a number of companions, he discovered a stray horse, with saddle and + bridle upon him. The horse was recognized as belonging to a man who was + accustomed to get drunk, and it was suspected at once that he was not far + off. A short search only was necessary to confirm the belief. + </p> + <p> + The poor drunkard was found in a perfectly helpless condition, upon the + chilly ground. Abraham’s companions urged the cowardly policy of leaving + him to his fate, but young Lincoln would not hear to the proposition. + </p> + <p> + At his request, the miserable sot was lifted on his shoulders, and he + actually carried him eighty rods to the nearest house. + </p> + <p> + Sending word to his father that he should not be back that night, with the + reason for his absence, he attended and nursed the man until the morning, + and had the pleasure of believing that he had saved his life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0429" id="link2H_4_0429"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HAPPY FIGURES OF SPEECH. + </h2> + <p> + On one occasion, exasperated at the discrepancy between the aggregate of + troops forwarded to McClellan and the number that same general reported as + having received, Lincoln exclaimed: “Sending men to that army is like + shoveling fleas across a barnyard—half of them never get there.” + </p> + <p> + To a politician who had criticised his course, he wrote: “Would you have + me drop the War where it is, or would you prosecute it in future with + elder stalk squirts charged with rosewater?” + </p> + <p> + When, on his first arrival in Washington as President, he found himself + besieged by office-seekers, while the War was breaking out, he said: “I + feel like a man letting lodgings at one end of his house while the other + end is on fire.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0430" id="link2H_4_0430"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A FEW “RHYTHMIC SHOTS.” + </h2> + <p> + Ward Lamon, Marshal of the District of Columbia during Lincoln’s time in + Washington, accompanied the President everywhere. He was a good singer, + and, when Lincoln was in one of his melancholy moods, would “fire a few + rhythmic shots” at the President to cheer the latter. Lincoln keenly + relished nonsense in the shape of witty or comic ditties. A parody of “A + Life on the Ocean Wave” was always pleasing to him: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Oh, a life on the ocean wave, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And a home on the rolling deep! + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + With ratlins fried three times a day + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And a leaky old berth for to sleep; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Where the gray-beard cockroach roams, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + On thoughts of kind intent, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And the raving bedbug comes + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The road the cockroach went.” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Lincoln could not control his laughter when he heard songs of this sort. + </p> + <p> + He was fond of negro melodies, too, and “The Blue-Tailed Fly” was a great + favorite with him. He often called for that buzzing ballad when he and + Lamon were alone, and he wanted to throw off the weight of public and + private cares. The ballad of “The Blue-Tailed Fly” contained two verses, + which ran: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “When I was young I used to wait + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + At massa’s table, ‘n’ hand de plate, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + An’ pass de bottle when he was dry, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + An’ brush away de blue-tailed fly. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Ol’ Massa’s dead; oh, let him rest! + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Dey say all things am for de best; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + But I can’t forget until I die + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Ol’ massa an’ de blue-tailed fly.” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + While humorous songs delighted the President, he also loved to listen to + patriotic airs and ballads containing sentiment. He was fond of hearing + “The Sword of Bunker Hill,” “Ben Bolt,” and “The Lament of the Irish + Emigrant.” His preference of the verses in the latter was this: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “I’m lonely now, Mary, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + For the poor make no new friends; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + But, oh, they love the better still + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The few our Father sends! + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And you were all I had, Mary, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + My blessing and my pride; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + There’s nothing left to care for now, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Since my poor Mary died.” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Those who knew Lincoln were well aware he was incapable of so monstrous an + act as that of wantonly insulting the dead, as was charged in the infamous + libel which asserted that he listened to a comic song on the field of + Antietam, before the dead were buried. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0431" id="link2H_4_0431"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + OLD MAN GLENN’S RELIGION. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln once remarked to a friend that his religion was like that of + an old man named Glenn, in Indiana, whom he heard speak at a church + meeting, and who said: “When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel + bad; and that’s my religion.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lincoln herself has said that Mr. Lincoln had no faith—no + faith, in the usual acceptance of those words. “He never joined a church; + but still, as I believe, he was a religious man by nature. He first seemed + to think about the subject when our boy Willie died, and then more than + ever about the time he went to Gettysburg; but it was a kind of poetry in + his nature, and he never was a technical Christian.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0432" id="link2H_4_0432"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LAST ACTS OF MERCY. + </h2> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0345}.jpg" alt="{0345}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0345}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0346}.jpg" alt="{0346}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0346}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + During the afternoon preceding his assassination the President signed a + pardon for a soldier sentenced to be shot for desertion, remarking as he + did so, “Well, I think the boy can do us more good above ground than under + ground.” + </p> + <p> + He also approved an application for the discharge, on taking the oath of + allegiance, of a rebel prisoner, in whose petition he wrote, “Let it be + done.” + </p> + <p> + This act of mercy was his last official order. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0433" id="link2H_4_0433"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JUST LIKE SEWARD. + </h2> + <p> + The first corps of the army commanded by General Reynolds was once + reviewed by the President on a beautiful plain at the north of Potomac + Creek, about eight miles from Hooker’s headquarters. The party rode + thither in an ambulance over a rough corduroy road, and as they passed + over some of the more difficult portions of the jolting way the ambulance + driver, who sat well in front, occasionally let fly a volley of suppressed + oaths at his wild team of six mules. + </p> + <p> + Finally, Mr. Lincoln, leaning forward, touched the man on the shoulder and + said, + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, my friend, are you an Episcopalian?” + </p> + <p> + The man, greatly startled, looked around and replied: + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. President; I am a Methodist.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Lincoln, “I thought you must be an Episcopalian, because you + swear just like Governor Seward, who is a church warder.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0434" id="link2H_4_0434"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A CHEERFUL PROSPECT. + </h2> + <p> + The first night after the departure of President-elect Lincoln from + Springfield, on his way to Washington, was spent in Indianapolis. Governor + Yates, O. H. Browning, Jesse K. Dubois, O. M. Hatch, Josiah Allen, of + Indiana, and others, after taking leave of Mr. Lincoln to return to their + respective homes, took Ward Lamon into a room, locked the door, and + proceeded in the most solemn and impressive manner to instruct him as to + his duties as the special guardian of Mr. Lincoln’s person during the rest + of his journey to Washington. Lamon tells the story as follows: + </p> + <p> + “The lesson was concluded by Uncle Jesse, as Mr. Dubois was commonly, + called, who said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Now, Lamon, we have regarded you as the Tom Hyer of Illinois, with + Morrissey attachment. We intrust the sacred life of Mr. Lincoln to your + keeping; and if you don’t protect it, never return to Illinois, for we + will murder you on sight.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0435" id="link2H_4_0435"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THOUGHT GOD WOULD HAVE TOLD HIM. + </h2> + <p> + Professor Jonathan Baldwin Turner was one of the few men to whom Mr. + Lincoln confided his intention to issue the Proclamation of Emancipation. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln told his Illinois friend of the visit of a delegation to him + who claimed to have a message from God that the War would not be + successful without the freeing of the negroes, to whom Mr. Lincoln + replied: “Is it not a little strange that He should tell this to you, who + have so little to do with it, and should not have told me, who has a great + deal to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + At the same time he informed Professor Turner he had his Proclamation in + his pocket. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0436" id="link2H_4_0436"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AND A BIBLE HERO. + </h2> + <p> + A writer who heard Mr. Lincoln’s famous speech delivered in New York after + his nomination for President has left this record of the event: + </p> + <p> + “When Lincoln rose to speak, I was greatly disappointed. He was tall, + tall, oh, so tall, and so angular and awkward that I had for an instant a + feeling of pity for so ungainly a man. He began in a low tone of voice, as + if he were used to speaking out of doors and was afraid of speaking too + loud. + </p> + <p> + “He said ‘Mr. Cheerman,’ instead of ‘Mr. Chairman,’ and employed many + other words with an old-fashioned pronunciation. I said to myself, ‘Old + fellow, you won’t do; it is all very well for the Wild West, but this will + never go down in New York.’ But pretty soon he began to get into the + subject; he straightened up, made regular and graceful gestures; his face + lighted as with an inward fire; the whole man was transfigured. + </p> + <p> + “I forgot the clothing, his personal appearance, and his individual + peculiarities. Presently, forgetting myself, I was on my feet with the + rest, yelling like a wild Indian, cheering the wonderful man. In the close + parts of his argument you could hear the gentle sizzling of the gas + burners. + </p> + <p> + “When he reached a climax the thunders of applause were terrific. It was a + great speech. When I came out of the hall my face was glowing with + excitement and my frame all a-quiver. A friend, with his eyes aglow, asked + me what I thought of ‘Abe’ Lincoln, the rail-splitter. I said, ‘He’s the + greatest man since St. Paul.’ And I think so yet.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0437" id="link2H_4_0437"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOY WAS CARED FOR. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln one day noticed a small, pale, delicate-looking boy, + about thirteen years old, among the number in the White House antechamber. + </p> + <p> + The President saw him standing there, looking so feeble and faint, and + said: “Come here, my boy, and tell me what you want.” + </p> + <p> + The boy advanced, placed his hand on the arm of the President’s chair, + and, with a bowed head and timid accents, said: “Mr. President, I have + been a drummer boy in a regiment for two years, and my colonel got angry + with me and turned me off. I was taken sick and have been a long time in + the hospital.” + </p> + <p> + The President discovered that the boy had no home, no father—he had + died in the army—no mother. + </p> + <p> + “I have no father, no mother, no brothers, no sisters, and,” bursting into + tears, “no friends—nobody cares for me.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s eyes filled with tears, and the boy’s heart was soon made glad + by a request to certain officials “to care for this poor boy.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0438" id="link2H_4_0438"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE JURY ACQUITTED HIM + </h2> + <p> + One of the most noted murder cases in which Lincoln defended the accused + was tried in August, 1859. The victim, Crafton, was a student in his own + law office, the defendant, “Peachy” Harrison, was a grandson of Rev. Peter + Cartwright; both were connected with the best families in the county; they + were brothers-in-law, and had always been friends. + </p> + <p> + Senator John M. Palmer and General John A. McClelland were on the side of + the prosecution. Among those who represented the defendant were Lincoln + and Senator Shelby M. Cullom. The two young men had engaged in a political + quarrel, and Crafton was stabbed to death by Harrison. The tragic pathos + of a case which involved the deepest affections of almost an entire + community reached its climax in the appearance in court of the venerable + Peter Cartwright. Lincoln had beaten him for Congress in 1846. + </p> + <p> + Eccentric and aggressive as he was, he was honored far and wide; and when + he arose to take the witness stand, his white hair crowned with this cruel + sorrow, the most indifferent spectator felt that his examination would be + unbearable. + </p> + <p> + It fell to Lincoln to question Cartwright. With the rarest gentleness he + began to put his questions. + </p> + <p> + “How long have you known the prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + Cartwright’s head dropped on his breast for a moment; then straightening + himself, he passed his hand across his eyes and answered in a deep, + quavering voice: + </p> + <p> + “I have known him since a babe, he laughed and cried on my knee.” + </p> + <p> + The examination ended by Lincoln drawing from the witness the story of how + Crafton had said to him, just before his death: “I am dying; I will soon + part with all I love on earth, and I want you to say to my slayer that I + forgive him. I want to leave this earth with a forgiveness of all who have + in any way injured me.” + </p> + <p> + This examination made a profound impression on the jury. Lincoln closed + his argument by picturing the scene anew, appealing to the jury to + practice the same forgiving spirit that the murdered man had shown on his + death-bed. It was undoubtedly to his handling of the grandfather’s + evidence that Harrison’s acquittal was due. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0439" id="link2H_4_0439"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOOK NOTHING BUT MONEY. + </h2> + <p> + During the War Congress appropriated $10,000 to be expended by the + President in defending United States Marshals in cases of arrests and + seizures where the legality of their actions was tested in the courts. + Previously the Marshals sought the assistance of the Attorney-General in + defending them, but when they found that the President had a fund for that + purpose they sought to control the money. + </p> + <p> + In speaking of these Marshals one day, Mr. Lincoln said: + </p> + <p> + “They are like a man in Illinois, whose cabin was burned down, and, + according to the kindly custom of early days in the West, his neighbors + all contributed something to start him again. In his case they had been so + liberal that he soon found himself better off than before the fire, and he + got proud. One day a neighbor brought him a bag of oats, but the fellow + refused it with scorn. + </p> + <p> + “‘No,’ said he, ‘I’m not taking oats now. I take nothing but money.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0440" id="link2H_4_0440"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NAUGHTY BOY HAD TO TAKE HIS MEDICINE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9351}.jpg" alt="{9351}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9351}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + The resistance to the military draft of 1863 by the City of New York, the + result of which was the killing of several thousand persons, was + illustrated on August 29th, 1863, by “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated + Newspaper,” over the title of “The Naughty Boy, Gotham, Who Would Not Take + the Draft.” Beneath was also the text: + </p> + <p> + MAMMY LINCOLN: “There now, you bad boy, acting that way, when your little + sister Penn (State of Pennsylvania) takes hers like a lady!” + </p> + <p> + Horatio Seymour was then Governor of New York, and a prominent “the War is + a failure” advocate. He was in Albany, the State capital, when the riots + broke out in the City of New York, July 13th, and after the mob had burned + the Colored Orphan Asylum and killed several hundred negroes, came to the + city. He had only soft words for the rioters, promising them that the + draft should be suspended. Then the Government sent several regiments of + veterans, fresh from the field of Gettysburg, where they had assisted in + defeating Lee. These troops made short work of the brutal ruffians, + shooting down three thousand or so of them, and the rioting was subdued. + The “Naughty Boy Gotham” had to take his medicine, after all, but as the + spirit of opposition to the War was still rampant, the President issued a + proclamation suspending the writ of habeas corpus in all the States of the + Union where the Government had control. This had a quieting effect upon + those who were doing what they could in obstructing the Government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0441" id="link2H_4_0441"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WOULD BLOW THEM TO H—-. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln had advised Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott, commanding the + United States Army, of the threats of violence on inauguration day, 1861. + General Scott was sick in bed at Washington when Adjutant-General Thomas + Mather, of Illinois, called upon him in President-elect Lincoln’s behalf, + and the veteran commander was much wrought up. Said he to General Mather: + </p> + <p> + “Present my compliments to Mr. Lincoln when you return to Springfield, and + tell him I expect him to come on to Washington as soon as he is ready; say + to him that I will look after those Maryland and Virginia rangers myself. + I will plant cannon at both ends of Pennsylvania avenue, and if any of + them show their heads or raise a finger, I’ll blow them to h—-.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0442" id="link2H_4_0442"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “YANKEE” GOODNESS OF HEART. + </h2> + <p> + One day, when the President was with the troops who were fighting at the + front, the wounded, both Union and Confederate, began to pour in. + </p> + <p> + As one stretcher was passing Lincoln, he heard the voice of a lad calling + to his mother in agonizing tones. His great heart filled. He forgot the + crisis of the hour. Stopping the carriers, he knelt, and bending over him, + asked: “What can I do for you, my poor child?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you will do nothing for me,” he replied. “You are a Yankee. I cannot + hope that my message to my mother will ever reach her.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, in tears, his voice full of tenderest love, convinced the boy of + his sincerity, and he gave his good-bye words without reserve. + </p> + <p> + The President directed them copied, and ordered that they be sent that + night, with a flag of truce, into the enemy’s lines. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0443" id="link2H_4_0443"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WALKED AS HE TALKED. + </h2> + <p> + When Mr. Lincoln made his famous humorous speech in Congress ridiculing + General Cass, he began to speak from notes, but, as he warmed up, he left + his desk and his notes, to stride down the alley toward the Speaker’s + chair. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally, as he would complete a sentence amid shouts of laughter, he + would return up the alley to his desk, consult his notes, take a sip of + water and start off again. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln received many congratulations at the close, Democrats joining + the Whigs in their complimentary comments. + </p> + <p> + One Democrat, however (who had been nicknamed “Sausage” Sawyer), didn’t + enthuse at all. + </p> + <p> + “Sawyer,” asked an Eastern Representative, “how did you like the lanky + Illinoisan’s speech? Very able, wasn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Sawyer, “the speech was pretty good, but I hope he won’t + charge mileage on his travels while delivering it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0444" id="link2H_4_0444"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SONG DID THE BUSINESS. + </h2> + <h3> + The Virginia (Ill.) Enquirer, of March 1, 1879, tells this story: + </h3> + <p> + “John McNamer was buried last Sunday, near Petersburg, Menard county. A + long while ago he was Assessor and Treasurer of the County for several + successive terms. Mr. McNamer was an early settler in that section, and, + before the town of Petersburg was laid out, in business in Old Salem, a + village that existed many years ago two miles south of the present site of + Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + “‘Abe’ Lincoln was then postmaster of the place and sold whisky to its + inhabitants. There are old-timers yet living in Menard who bought many a + jug of corn-juice from ‘Old Abe’ when he lived at Salem. It was here that + Anne Rutledge dwelt, and in whose grave Lincoln wrote that his heart was + buried. + </p> + <p> + “As the story runs, the fair and gentle Anne was originally John McNamer’s + sweetheart, but ‘Abe’ took a ‘shine’ to the young lady, and succeeded in + heading off McNamer and won her affections. But Anne Rutledge died, and + Lincoln went to Springfield, where he some time afterwards married. + </p> + <p> + “It is related that during the War a lady belonging to a prominent + Kentucky family visited Washington to beg for her son’s pardon, who was + then in prison under sentence of death for belonging to a band of + guerrillas who had committed many murders and outrages. + </p> + <p> + “With the mother was her daughter, a beautiful young lady, who was an + accomplished musician. Mr. Lincoln received the visitors in his usual kind + manner, and the mother made known the object of her visit, accompanying + her plea with tears and sobs and all the customary romantic incidents. + </p> + <p> + “There were probably extenuating circumstances in favor of the young rebel + prisoner, and while the President seemed to be deeply pondering the young + lady moved to a piano near by and taking a seat commenced to sing ‘Gentle + Annie,’ a very sweet and pathetic ballad which, before the War, was a + familiar song in almost every household in the Union, and is not yet + entirely forgotten, for that matter. + </p> + <p> + “It is to be presumed that the young lady sang the song with more + plaintiveness and effect than ‘Old Abe’ had ever heard it in Springfield. + During its rendition, he arose from his seat, crossed the room to a window + in the westward, through which he gazed for several minutes with a ‘sad, + far-away look,’ which has so often been noted as one of his peculiarities. + </p> + <p> + “His memory, no doubt, went back to the days of his humble life on the + Sangamon, and with visions of Old Salem and its rustic people, who once + gathered in his primitive store, came a picture of the ‘Gentle Annie’ of + his youth, whose ashes had rested for many long years under the wild + flowers and brambles of the old rural burying-ground, but whose spirit + then, perhaps, guided him to the side of mercy. + </p> + <p> + “Be that as it may, President Lincoln drew a large red silk handkerchief + from his coatpocket, with which he wiped his face vigorously. Then he + turned, advanced quickly to his desk, wrote a brief note, which he handed + to the lady, and informed her that it was the pardon she sought. + </p> + <p> + “The scene was no doubt touching in a great degree and proves that a nice + song, well sung, has often a powerful influence in recalling tender + recollections. It proves, also, that Abraham Lincoln was a man of fine + feelings, and that, if the occurrence was a put-up job on the lady’s part, + it accomplished the purpose all the same.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0445" id="link2H_4_0445"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A “FREE FOR ALL.” + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0355}.jpg" alt="{0355}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0355}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Lincoln made a political speech at Pappsville, Illinois, when a candidate + for the Legislature the first time. A free-for-all fight began soon after + the opening of the meeting, and Lincoln, noticing one of his friends about + to succumb to the energetic attack of an infuriated ruffian, edged his way + through the crowd, and, seizing the bully by the neck and the seat of his + trousers, threw him, by means of his strength and long arms, as one + witness stoutly insists, “twelve feet away.” Returning to the stand, and + throwing aside his hat, he inaugurated his campaign with the following + brief but pertinent declaration: + </p> + <p> + “Fellow-citizens, I presume you all know who I am. I am humble Abraham + Lincoln. I have been solicited by many friends to become a candidate for + the Legislature. My politics are short and sweet, like the old woman’s + dance. I am in favor of the national bank; I am in favor of the internal + improvement system and a high protective tariff. These are my sentiments; + if elected, I shall be thankful; if not, it will be all the same.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0446" id="link2H_4_0446"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THREE INFERNAL BORES. + </h2> + <p> + One day, when President Lincoln was alone and busily engaged on an + important subject, involving vexation and anxiety, he was disturbed by the + unwarranted intrusion of three men, who, without apology, proceeded to lay + their claim before him. + </p> + <p> + The spokesman of the three reminded the President that they were the + owners of some torpedo or other warlike invention which, if the government + would only adopt it, would soon crush the rebellion. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the spokesman, “we have been here to see you time and again; + you have referred us to the Secretary of War, the Chief of Ordnance, and + the General of the Army, and they give us no satisfaction. We have been + kept here waiting, till money and patience are exhausted, and we now come + to demand of you a final reply to our application.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln listened to this insolent tirade, and at its close the old + twinkle came into his eye. + </p> + <p> + “You three gentlemen remind me of a story I once heard,” said he, “of a + poor little boy out West who had lost his mother. His father wanted to + give him a religious education, and so placed him in the family of a + clergyman, whom he directed to instruct the little fellow carefully in the + Scriptures. Every day the boy had to commit to memory and recite one + chapter of the Bible. Things proceeded smoothly until they reached that + chapter which details the story of the trial of Shadrach, Meshach and + Abednego in the fiery furnace. When asked to repeat these three names the + boy said he had forgotten them. + </p> + <p> + “His teacher told him that he must learn them, and gave him another day to + do so. The next day the boy again forgot them. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now,’ said the teacher, ‘you have again failed to remember those names + and you can go no farther until you have learned them. I will give you + another day on this lesson, and if you don’t repeat the names I will + punish you.’ + </p> + <p> + “A third time the boy came to recite, and got down to the stumbling block, + when the clergyman said: ‘Now tell me the names of the men in the fiery + furnace.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh,’ said the boy, ‘here come those three infernal bores! I wish the + devil had them!’” + </p> + <p> + Having received their “final answer,” the three patriots retired, and at + the Cabinet meeting which followed, the President, in high good humor, + related how he had dismissed his unwelcome visitors. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0447" id="link2H_4_0447"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S MEN WERE “HUSTLERS.” + </h2> + <p> + In the Chicago Convention of 1860 the fight for Seward was maintained with + desperate resolve until the final ballot was taken. Thurlow Weed was the + Seward leader, and he was simply incomparable as a master in handling a + convention. With him were Governor Morgan, Henry J. Raymond, of the New + York Times, with William M. Evarts as chairman of the New York delegation, + whose speech nominating Seward was the most impressive utterance of his + life. The Bates men (Bates was afterwards Lincoln’s Attorney-General) were + led by Frank Blair, the only Republican Congressman from a slave State, + who was nothing if not heroic, aided by his brother Montgomery (afterwards + Lincoln’s Postmaster General), who was a politician of uncommon cunning. + With them was Horace Greeley, who was chairman of the delegation from the + then almost inaccessible State of Oregon. + </p> + <p> + It was Lincoln’s friends, however, who were the “hustlers” of that battle. + They had men for sober counsel like David Davis; men of supreme sagacity + like Leonard Swett; men of tireless effort like Norman B. Judd; and they + had what was more important than all—a seething multitude wild with + enthusiasm for “Old Abe.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0448" id="link2H_4_0448"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A SLOW HORSE. + </h2> + <p> + On one occasion when Mr. Lincoln was going to attend a political + convention one of his rivals, a liveryman, provided him with a slow horse, + hoping that he would not reach his destination in time. Mr. Lincoln got + there, however, and when he returned with the horse he said: “You keep + this horse for funerals, don’t you?” “Oh, no,” replied the liveryman. + “Well, I’m glad of that, for if you did you’d never get a corpse to the + grave in time for the resurrection.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0449" id="link2H_4_0449"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DODGING “BROWSING PRESIDENTS.” + </h2> + <p> + General McClellan, after being put in command of the Army, resented any + “interference” by the President. Lincoln, in his anxiety to know the + details of the work in the army, went frequently to McClellan’s + headquarters. That the President had a serious purpose in these visits + McClellan did not see. + </p> + <p> + “I enclose a card just received from ‘A. Lincoln,’” he wrote to his wife + one day; “it shows too much deference to be seen outside.” + </p> + <p> + In another letter to Mrs. McClellan he spoke of being “interrupted” by the + President and Secretary Seward, “who had nothing in particular to say,” + and again of concealing himself “to dodge all enemies in shape of + ‘browsing’ Presidents,” etc. + </p> + <p> + “I am becoming daily more disgusted with this Administration—perfectly + sick of it,” he wrote early in October; and a few days later, “I was + obliged to attend a meeting of the Cabinet at 8 P. M., and was bored and + annoyed. There are some of the greatest geese in the Cabinet I have ever + seen—enough to tax the patience of Job.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0450" id="link2H_4_0450"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A GREENBACK LEGEND. + </h2> + <p> + At a Cabinet meeting once, the advisability of putting a legend on + greenbacks similar to the In God We Trust legend on the silver coins was + discussed, and the President was asked what his view was. He replied: “If + you are going to put a legend on the greenback, I would suggest that of + Peter and Paul: ‘Silver and gold we have not, but what we have we’ll give + you.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0451" id="link2H_4_0451"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOD’S BEST GIFT TO MAN. + </h2> + <p> + One of Mr. Lincoln’s notable religious utterances was his reply to a + deputation of colored people at Baltimore who presented him a Bible. He + said: + </p> + <p> + “In regard to the great book, I have only to say it is the best gift which + God has ever given man. All the good from the Savior of the world is + communicated to us through this book. But for this book we could not know + right from wrong. All those things desirable to man are contained in it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0452" id="link2H_4_0452"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCALPING IN THE BLACK HAWK WAR. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9359}.jpg" alt="{9359}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9359}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + When Lincoln was President he told this story of the Black Hawk War: + </p> + <p> + The only time he ever saw blood in this campaign, was one morning when, + marching up a little valley that makes into the Rock River bottom, to + reinforce a squad of outposts that were thought to be in danger, they came + upon the tent occupied by the other party just at sunrise. The men had + neglected to place any guard at night, and had been slaughtered in their + sleep. + </p> + <p> + As the reinforcing party came up the slope on which the camp had been + made, Lincoln saw them all lying with their heads towards the rising sun, + and the round red spot that marked where they had been scalped gleamed + more redly yet in the ruddy light of the sun. This scene years afterwards + he recalled with a shudder. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0453" id="link2H_4_0453"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MATRIMONIAL ADVICE. + </h2> + <p> + For a while during the Civil War, General Fremont was without a command. + One day in discussing Fremont’s case with George W. Julian, President + Lincoln said he did not know where to place him, and that it reminds him + of the old man who advised his son to take a wife, to which the young man + responded: “All right; whose wife shall I take?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0454" id="link2H_4_0454"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + OWED LOTS OF MONEY. + </h2> + <p> + On April 14, 1865, a few hours previous to his assassination, President + Lincoln sent a message by Congressman Schuyler Colfax, Vice-President + during General Grant’s first term, to the miners in the Rocky Mountains + and the regions bounded by the Pacific ocean, in which he said: + </p> + <p> + “Now that the Rebellion is overthrown, and we know pretty nearly the + amount of our National debt, the more gold and silver we mine, we make the + payment of that debt so much easier. + </p> + <p> + “Now I am going to encourage that in every possible way. We shall have + hundreds of thousands of disbanded soldiers, and many have feared that + their return home in such great numbers might paralyze industry by + furnishing, suddenly, a greater supply of labor than there will be demand + for. I am going to try to attract them to the hidden wealth of our + mountain ranges, where there is room enough for all. Immigration, which + even the War has not stopped, will land upon our shores hundreds of + thousands more per year from overcrowded Europe. I intend to point them to + the gold and silver that wait for them in the West. + </p> + <p> + “Tell the miners for me that I shall promote their interests to the utmost + of my ability; because their prosperity as the prosperity of the nation; + and,” said he, his eye kindling with enthusiasm, “we shall prove, in a + very few years, that we are indeed the treasury of the world.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0455" id="link2H_4_0455"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ON THE LORD’S SIDE.” + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln made a significant remark to a clergyman in the early + days of the War. + </p> + <p> + “Let us have faith, Mr. President,” said the minister, “that the Lord is + on our side in this great struggle.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln quietly answered: “I am not at all concerned about that, for I + know that the Lord is always on the side of the right; but it is my + constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation may be on the Lord’s + side.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0456" id="link2H_4_0456"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WANTED TO BE NEAR “ABE.” + </h2> + <p> + It was Lincoln’s custom to hold an informal reception once a week, each + caller taking his turn. + </p> + <p> + Upon one of these eventful days an old friend from Illinois stood in line + for almost an hour. At last he was so near the President his voice could + reach him, and, calling out to his old associate, he startled every one by + exclaiming, “Hallo, ‘Abe’; how are ye? I’m in line and hev come for an + orfice, too.” + </p> + <p> + Lincoln singled out the man with the stentorian voice, and recognizing a + particularly old friend, one whose wife had befriended him at a peculiarly + trying time, the President responded to his greeting in a cordial manner, + and told him “to hang onto himself and not kick the traces. Keep in line + and you’ll soon get here.” + </p> + <p> + They met and shook hands with the old fervor and renewed their friendship. + </p> + <p> + The informal reception over, Lincoln sent for his old friend, and the + latter began to urge his claims. + </p> + <p> + After having given him some good advice, Lincoln kindly told him he was + incapable of holding any such position as he asked for. The disappointment + of the Illinois friend was plainly shown, and with a perceptible tremor in + his voice he said, “Martha’s dead, the gal is married, and I’ve guv Jim + the forty.” + </p> + <p> + Then looking at Lincoln he came a little nearer and almost whispered, “I + knowed I wasn’t eddicated enough to git the place, but I kinder want to + stay where I ken see ‘Abe’ Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + He was given employment in the White House grounds. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards the President said, “These brief interviews, stripped of even + the semblance of ceremony, give me a better insight into the real + character of the person and his true reason for seeking one.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0457" id="link2H_4_0457"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOT HIS FOOT IN IT. + </h2> + <p> + William H. Seward, idol of the Republicans of the East, six months after + Lincoln had made his “Divided House” speech, delivered an address at + Rochester, New York, containing this famous sentence: + </p> + <p> + “It is an irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring forces, and + it means that the United States must, and will, sooner or later, become + either entirely a slave-holding nation, or entirely a free-labor nation.” + </p> + <p> + Seward, who had simply followed in Lincoln’s steps, was defeated for the + Presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention of 1860, + because he was “too radical,” and Lincoln, who was still “radicaler,” was + named. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0363}.jpg" alt="{0363}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0363}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0364}.jpg" alt="{0364}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0364}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0458" id="link2H_4_0458"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SAVED BY A LETTER. + </h2> + <p> + The chief interest of the Illinois campaign of 1843 lay in the race for + Congress in the Capital district, which was between Hardin—fiery, + eloquent, and impetuous Democrat—and Lincoln—plain, practical, + and ennobled Whig. The world knows the result. Lincoln was elected. + </p> + <p> + It is not so much his election as the manner in which he secured his + nomination with which we have to deal. Before that ever-memorable spring + Lincoln vacillated between the courts of Springfield, rated as a plain, + honest, logical Whig, with no ambition higher politically than to occupy + some good home office. + </p> + <p> + Late in the fall of 1842 his name began to be mentioned in connection with + Congressional aspirations, which fact greatly annoyed the leaders of his + political party, who had already selected as the Whig candidate E. D. + Baker, afterward the gallant Colonel who fell so bravely and died such an + honorable death on the battlefield of Ball’s Bluff. + </p> + <p> + Despite all efforts of his opponents within his party, the name of the + “gaunt rail-splitter” was hailed with acclaim by the masses, to whom he + had endeared himself by his witticisms, honest tongue, and quaint + philosophy when on the stump, or mingling with them in their homes. + </p> + <p> + The convention, which met in early spring, in the city of Springfield, was + to be composed of the usual number of delegates. The contest for the + nomination was spirited and exciting. + </p> + <p> + A few weeks before the meeting of the convention the fact was found by the + leaders that the advantage lay with Lincoln, and that unless they pulled + some very fine wires nothing could save Baker. + </p> + <p> + They attempted to play the game that has so often won, by “convincing” + delegates under instructions for Lincoln to violate them, and vote for + Baker. They had apparently succeeded. + </p> + <p> + “The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley.” So it was in this + case. Two days before the convention Lincoln received an intimation of + this, and, late at night, wrote the following letter. + </p> + <p> + The letter was addressed to Martin Morris, who resided at Petersburg, an + intimate friend of his, and by him circulated among those who were + instructed for him at the county convention. + </p> + <p> + It had the desired effect. The convention met, the scheme of the + conspirators miscarried, Lincoln was nominated, made a vigorous canvass, + and was triumphantly elected, thus paving the way for his more extended + and brilliant conquests. + </p> + <p> + This letter, Lincoln had often told his friends, gave him ultimately the + Chief Magistracy of the nation. He has also said, that, had he been beaten + before the convention, he would have been forever obscured. The following + is a verbatim copy of the epistle: + </p> + <p> + “April 14, 1843. + </p> + <p> + “Friend Morris: I have heard it intimated that Baker is trying to get you + or Miles, or both of you, to violate the instructions of the meeting that + appointed you, and to go for him. I have insisted, and still insist, that + this cannot be true. + </p> + <p> + “Sure Baker would not do the like. As well might Hardin ask me to vote for + him in the convention. + </p> + <p> + “Again, it is said there will be an attempt to get instructions in your + county requiring you to go for Baker. This is all wrong. Upon the same + rule, why might I not fly from the decision against me at Sangamon and get + up instructions to their delegates to go for me. There are at least 1,200 + Whigs in the county that took no part, and yet I would as soon stick my + head in the fire as attempt it. + </p> + <p> + “Besides, if any one should get the nomination by such extraordinary + means, all harmony in the district would inevitably be lost. Honest Whigs + (and very nearly all of them are honest) would not quietly abide such + enormities. + </p> + <p> + “I repeat, such an attempt on Baker’s part cannot be true. Write me at + Springfield how the matter is. Don’t show or speak of this letter. + </p> + <p> + “A. LINCOLN.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Morris did show the letter, and Mr. Lincoln always thanked his stars + that he did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0460" id="link2H_4_0460"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS FAVORITE POEM. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s favorite poem was “Oh! Why Should the Spirit of Mortal Be + Proud?” written by William Knox, a Scotchman, although Mr. Lincoln never + knew the author’s name. He once said to a friend: + </p> + <p> + “This poem has been a great favorite with me for years. It was first shown + to me, when a young man, by a friend. I afterward saw it and cut it from a + newspaper and learned it by heart. I would give a great deal to know who + wrote it, but I have never been able to ascertain.” + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Oh! why should the spirit of mortal be proud?-- + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Like a swift-fleeing meteor, a fast-flying cloud, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + He passeth from life to his rest in the grave. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Be scattered around, and together be laid; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And the young and the old, and the low and the high, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Shall moulder to dust, and together shall lie. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “The infant a mother attended and loved; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The mother, that infant’s affection who proved, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The husband, that mother and infant who blessed + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + --Each, all, are away to their dwellings of rest. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “The maid on whose cheek, on whose brow, in whose eye, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Shone beauty and pleasure--her triumphs are by; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And the memory of those who loved her and praised, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Are alike from the minds of the living erased. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “The hand of the king, that the sceptre hath borne, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The brow of the priest, that the mitre hath worn, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The eye of the sage, and the heart of the brave, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Are hidden and lost in the depths of the grave. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The beggar, who wandered in search of his bread, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Have faded away like the grass that we tread. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “The saint, who enjoyed the communion of heaven, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The sinner, who dared to remain unforgiven; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The wise and the foolish, the guilty and just, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Have quietly mingled their bones in the dust. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “So the multitude goes--like the flower or the weed + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + That withers away to let others succeed; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + So the multitude comes--even those we behold, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + To repeat every tale that has often been told: + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “For we are the same our fathers have been; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + We see the same sights our fathers have seen; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + We drink the same stream, we view the same sun, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And run the same course our fathers have run. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “The thoughts we are thinking, our fathers would think; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + From the death we are shrinking, our fathers would shrink; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + To the life we are clinging, they also would cling + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + --But it speeds from us all like a bird on the wing. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “They loved--but the story we cannot unfold; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + They scorned--but the heart of the haughty is cold; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + They grieved--but no wail from their slumber will come; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + They joyed--but the tongue of their gladness is dumb. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “They died--aye, they died--and we things that are now, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + That walk on the turf that lies o’er their brow, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And make in their dwellings a transient abode, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Meet the things that they met on their pilgrimage road. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Yea! hope and despondency, pleasure and pain, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Are mingled together in sunshine and rain; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And the smile and the tear, the song and the dirge, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Still follow each other, like surge upon surge. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “‘Tis the wink of an eye,--’tis the draught of a breath; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + --From the blossom of health to the paleness of death, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud: + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + --Oh! why should the spirit of mortal be proud?” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0461" id="link2H_4_0461"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FIVE-LEGGED CALF. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln had great doubt as to his right to emancipate the slaves + under the War power. In discussing the question, he used to like the case + to that of the boy who, when asked how many legs his calf would have if he + called its tail a leg, replied, “five,” to which the prompt response was + made that calling the tail a leg would not make it a leg. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0462" id="link2H_4_0462"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A STAGE-COACH STORY. + </h2> + <p> + The following is told by Thomas H. Nelson, of Terre Haute, Indiana, who + was appointed minister to Chili by Lincoln: + </p> + <p> + Judge Abram Hammond, afterwards Governor of Indiana, and myself arranged + to go from Terre Haute to Indianapolis in a stage-coach. + </p> + <p> + As we stepped in we discovered that the entire back seat was occupied by a + long, lank individual, whose head seemed to protrude from one end of the + coach and his feet from the other. He was the sole occupant, and was + sleeping soundly. Hammond slapped him familiarly on the shoulder, and + asked him if he had chartered the coach that day. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” and he at once took the front seat, politely giving us + the place of honor and comfort. An odd-looking fellow he was, with a + twenty-five cent hat, without vest or cravat. Regarding him as a good + subject for merriment, we perpetrated several jokes. + </p> + <p> + He took them all with utmost innocence and good nature, and joined in the + laugh, although at his own expense. + </p> + <p> + After an astounding display of wordy pyrotechnics, the dazed and + bewildered stranger asked, “What will be the upshot of this comet + business?” + </p> + <p> + Late in the evening we reached Indianapolis, and hurried to Browning’s + hotel, losing sight of the stranger altogether. + </p> + <p> + We retired to our room to brush our clothes. In a few minutes I descended + to the portico, and there descried our long, gloomy fellow traveler in the + center of an admiring group of lawyers, among whom were Judges McLean and + Huntington, Albert S. White, and Richard W. Thompson, who seemed to be + amused and interested in a story he was telling. I inquired of Browning, + the landlord, who he was. “Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, a member of + Congress,” was his response. + </p> + <p> + I was thunderstruck at the announcement. I hastened upstairs and told + Hammond the startling news, and together we emerged from the hotel by a + back door, and went down an alley to another house, thus avoiding further + contact with our distinguished fellow traveler. + </p> + <p> + Years afterward, when the President-elect was on his way to Washington, I + was in the same hotel looking over the distinguished party, when a long + arm reached to my shoulder, and a shrill voice exclaimed, “Hello, Nelson! + do you think, after all, the whole world is going to follow the darned + thing off?” The words were my own in answer to his question in the + stage-coach. The speaker was Abraham Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0463" id="link2H_4_0463"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE “400” GATHERED THERE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9369}.jpg" alt="{9369}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9369}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Lincoln had periods while “clerking” in the New Salem grocery store during + which there was nothing for him to do, and was therefore in circumstances + that made laziness almost inevitable. Had people come to him for goods, + they would have found him willing to sell them. He sold all that he could, + doubtless. + </p> + <p> + The store soon became the social center of the village. If the people did + not care (or were unable) to buy goods, they liked to go where they could + talk with their neighbors and listen to stories. These Lincoln gave them + in abundance, and of a rare sort. + </p> + <p> + It was in these gatherings of the “Four Hundred” at the village store that + Lincoln got his training as a debater. Public questions were discussed + there daily and nightly, and Lincoln always took a prominent part in the + discussions. Many of the debaters came to consider “Abe Linkin” as about + the smartest man in the village. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0464" id="link2H_4_0464"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ONLY LEVEL-HEADED MEN WANTED. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln wanted men of level heads for important commands. Not infrequently + he gave his generals advice. + </p> + <p> + He appreciated Hooker’s bravery, dash and activity, but was fearful of the + results of what he denominated “swashing around.” + </p> + <p> + This was one of his telegrams to Hooker: + </p> + <p> + “And now, beware of rashness; beware of rashness, but, with energy and + sleepless vigilance, go forward and give us victories.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0465" id="link2H_4_0465"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS FAITH IN THE MONITOR. + </h2> + <p> + When the Confederate iron-clad Merrimac was sent against the Union vessels + in Hampton Roads President Lincoln expressed his belief in the Monitor to + Captain Fox, the adviser of Captain Ericsson, who constructed the Monitor. + “We have three of the most effective vessels in Hampton Roads, and any + number of small craft that will hang on the stern of the Merrimac like + small dogs on the haunches of a bear. They may not be able to tear her + down, but they will interfere with the comfort of her voyage. Her trial + trip will not be a pleasure trip, I am certain. + </p> + <p> + “We have had a big share of bad luck already, but I do not believe the + future has any such misfortunes in store for us as you anticipate.” Said + Captain Fox: “If the Merrimac does not sink our ships, who is to prevent + her from dropping her anchor in the Potomac, where that steamer lies,” + pointing to a steamer at anchor below the long bridge, “and throwing her + hundred-pound shells into this room, or battering down the walls of the + Capitol?” + </p> + <p> + “The Almighty, Captain,” answered the President, excitedly, but without + the least affectation. “I expect set-backs, defeats; we have had them and + shall have them. They are common to all wars. But I have not the slightest + fear of any result which shall fatally impair our military and naval + strength, or give other powers any right to interfere in our quarrel. The + destruction of the Capitol would do both. + </p> + <p> + “I do not fear it, for this is God’s fight, and He will win it in His own + good time. He will take care that our enemies will not push us too far. + </p> + <p> + “Speaking of iron-clads,” said the President, “you do not seem to take the + little Monitor into account. I believe in the Monitor and her commander. + If Captain Worden does not give a good account of the Monitor and of + himself, I shall have made a mistake in following my judgment for the + first time since I have been here, Captain. + </p> + <p> + “I have not made a mistake in following my clear judgment of men since + this War began. I followed that judgment when I gave Worden the command of + the Monitor. I would make the appointment over again to-day. The Monitor + should be in Hampton Roads now. She left New York eight days ago.” + </p> + <p> + After the captain had again presented what he considered the possibilities + of failure the President replied, “No, no, Captain, I respect your + judgments as you have reason to know, but this time you are all wrong. + </p> + <p> + “The Monitor was one of my inspirations; I believed in her firmly when + that energetic contractor first showed me Ericsson’s plans. Captain + Ericsson’s plain but rather enthusiastic demonstration made my conversion + permanent. It was called a floating battery then; I called it a raft. I + caught some of the inventor’s enthusiasm and it has been growing upon me. + I thought then, and I am confident now, it is just what we want. I am sure + that the Monitor is still afloat, and that she will yet give a good + account of herself. Sometimes I think she may be the veritable sling with + a stone that will yet smite the Merrimac Philistine in the forehead.” + </p> + <p> + Soon was the President’s judgment verified, for the “Fight of the Monitor + and Merrimac” changed all the conditions of naval warfare. + </p> + <p> + After the victory was gained, the presiding Captain Fox and others went on + board the Monitor, and Captain Worden was requested by the President to + narrate the history of the encounter. + </p> + <p> + Captain Worden did so in a modest manner, and apologized for not being + able better to provide for his guests. The President smilingly responded + “Some charitable people say that old Bourbon is an indispensable element + in the fighting qualities of some of our generals in the field, but, + Captain, after the account that we have heard to-day, no one will say that + any Dutch courage is needed on board the Monitor.” + </p> + <p> + “It never has been, sir,” modestly observed the captain. + </p> + <p> + Captain Fox then gave a description of what he saw of the engagement and + described it as indescribably grand. Then, turning to the President, he + continued, “Now standing here on the deck of this battle-scarred vessel, + the first genuine iron-clad—the victor in the first fight of + iron-clads—let me make a confession, and perform an act of simple + justice. + </p> + <p> + “I never fully believed in armored vessels until I saw this battle. + </p> + <p> + “I know all the facts which united to give us the Monitor. I withhold no + credit from Captain Ericsson, her inventor, but I know that the country is + principally indebted for the construction of the vessel to President + Lincoln, and for the success of her trial to Captain Worden, her + commander.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0466" id="link2H_4_0466"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HER ONLY IMPERFECTION. + </h2> + <p> + At one time a certain Major Hill charged Lincoln with making defamatory + remarks regarding Mrs. Hill. + </p> + <p> + Hill was insulting in his language to Lincoln who never lost his temper. + </p> + <p> + When he saw his chance to edge a word in, Lincoln denied emphatically + using the language or anything like that attributed to him. + </p> + <p> + He entertained, he insisted, a high regard for Mrs. Hill, and the only + thing he knew to her discredit was the fact that she was Major Hill’s + wife. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0467" id="link2H_4_0467"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE OLD LADY’S PROPHECY. + </h2> + <p> + Among those who called to congratulate Mr. Lincoln upon his nomination for + President was an old lady, very plainly dressed. She knew Mr. Lincoln, but + Mr. Lincoln did not at first recognize her. Then she undertook to recall + to his memory certain incidents connected with his ride upon the circuit—especially + his dining at her house upon the road at different times. Then he + remembered her and her home. + </p> + <p> + Having fixed her own place in his recollection, she tried to recall to him + a certain scanty dinner of bread and milk that he once ate at her house. + He could not remember it—on the contrary, he only remembered that he + had always fared well at her house. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she said, “one day you came along after we had got through dinner, + and we had eaten up everything, and I could give you nothing but a bowl of + bread and milk, and you ate it; and when you got up you said it was good + enough for the President of the United States!” + </p> + <p> + The good woman had come in from the country, making a journey of eight or + ten miles, to relate to Mr. Lincoln this incident, which, in her mind, had + doubtless taken the form of a prophecy. Mr. Lincoln placed the honest + creature at her ease, chatted with her of old times, and dismissed her in + the most happy frame of mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0468" id="link2H_4_0468"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW THE TOWN OF LINCOLN, ILL., WAS NAMED. + </h2> + <p> + The story of naming the town of Lincoln, the county seat of Logan county, + Illinois, is thus given on good authority: + </p> + <p> + The first railroad had been built through the county, and a station was + about to be located there. Lincoln, Virgil Hitchcock, Colonel R. B. Latham + and several others were sitting on a pile of ties and talking about moving + a county seat from Mount Pulaski. Mr. Lincoln rose and started to walk + away, when Colonel Latham said: “Lincoln, if you will help us to get the + county seat here, we will call the place Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Latham,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Latham then deeded him a lot on the west side of the courthouse, + and he owned it at the time he was elected President. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0469" id="link2H_4_0469"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “OLD JEFF’S” BIG NIGHTMARE. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9373}.jpg" alt="{9373}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9373}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + “Jeff” Davis had a large and threatening nightmare in November, 1864, and + what he saw in his troubled dreams was the long and lanky figure of + Abraham Lincoln, who had just been endorsed by the people of the United + States for another term in the White House at Washington. The cartoon + reproduced here is from the issue of “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated + Newspaper” of December 3rd, 1864, it being entitled “Jeff Davis’ November + Nightmare.” + </p> + <p> + Davis had been told that McClellan, “the War is a failure” candidate for + the Presidency, would have no difficulty whatever in defeating Lincoln; + that negotiations with the Confederate officials for the cessation of + hostilities would be entered into as soon as McClellan was seated in the + Chief Executive’s chair; that the Confederacy would, in all probability, + be recognized as an independent government by the Washington + Administration; that the “sacred institution” of slavery would continue to + do business at the old stand; that the Confederacy would be one of the + great nations of the world, and have all the “State Rights” and other + things it wanted, with absolutely no interference whatever upon the part + of the North. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, Lincoln’s re-election was a rough, rude shock to Davis, who had + not prepared himself for such an event. Six months from the date of that + nightmare-dream he was a prisoner in the hands of the Union forces, and + the Confederacy was a thing of the past. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0470" id="link2H_4_0470"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S LAST OFFICIAL ACT. + </h2> + <p> + Probably the last official act of President Lincoln’s life was the signing + of the commission reappointing Alvin Saunders Governor of Nebraska. + </p> + <p> + “I saw Mr. Lincoln regarding the matter,” said Governor Saunders, “and he + told me to go home; that he would attend to it all right. I left + Washington on the morning of the 14th, and while en route the news of the + assassination on the evening of the same day reached me. I immediately + wired back to find out what had become of my commission, and was told that + the room had not been opened. When it was opened, the document was found + lying on the desk. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln signed it just before leaving for the theater that fatal + evening, and left it lying there, unfolded. + </p> + <p> + “A note was found below the document as follows: ‘Rather a lengthy + commission, bestowing upon Mr. Alvin Saunders the official authority of + Governor of the Territory of Nebraska.’ Then came Lincoln’s signature, + which, with one exception, that of a penciled message on the back of a + card sent up by a friend as Mr. Lincoln was dressing for the theater, was + the very last signature of the martyred President.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linksleep" id="linksleep"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LAD NEEDED THE SLEEP. + </h2> + <p> + A personal friend of President Lincoln is authority for this: + </p> + <p> + “I called on him one day in the early part of the War. He had just written + a pardon for a young man who had been sentenced to be shot for sleeping at + his post. He remarked as he read it to me: + </p> + <p> + “‘I could not think of going into eternity with the blood of the poor + young man on my skirts.’ Then he added: + </p> + <p> + “‘It is not to be wondered at that a boy, raised on a farm, probably in + the habit of going to bed at dark, should, when required to watch, fall + asleep; and I cannot consent to shoot him for such an act.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0471" id="link2H_4_0471"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “MASSA LINKUM LIKE DE LORD!” + </h2> + <p> + By the Act of Emancipation President Lincoln built for himself forever the + first place in the affections of the African race in this country. The + love and reverence manifested for him by many of these people has, on some + occasions, almost reached adoration. One day Colonel McKaye, of New York, + who had been one of a committee to investigate the condition of the + freedmen, upon his return from Hilton Head and Beaufort called upon the + President, and in the course of the interview said that up to the time of + the arrival among them in the South of the Union forces they had no + knowledge of any other power. Their masters fled upon the approach of our + soldiers, and this gave the slaves the conception of a power greater than + their masters exercised. This power they called “Massa Linkum.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel McKaye said their place of worship was a large building they + called “the praise house,” and the leader of the “meeting,” a venerable + black man, was known as “the praise man.” + </p> + <p> + On a certain day, when there was quite a large gathering of the people, + considerable confusion was created by different persons attempting to tell + who and what “Massa Linkum” was. In the midst of the excitement the + white-headed leader commanded silence. “Brederen,” said he, “you don’t + know nosen’ what you’se talkin’ ‘bout. Now, you just listen to me. Massa + Linkum, he ebery whar. He know ebery ting.” + </p> + <p> + Then, solemnly looking up, he added: “He walk de earf like de Lord!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0472" id="link2H_4_0472"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW LINCOLN TOOK THE NEWS. + </h2> + <p> + One of Lincoln’s most dearly loved friends, United States Senator Edward + D. Baker, of Oregon, Colonel of the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, a former + townsman of Mr. Lincoln, was killed at the battle of Ball’s Bluff, in + October, 1861. The President went to General McClellan’s headquarters to + hear the news, and a friend thus described the effect it had upon him: + </p> + <p> + “We could hear the click of the telegraph in the adjoining room and low + conversation between the President and General McClellan, succeeded by + silence, excepting the click, click of the instrument, which went on with + its tale of disaster. + </p> + <p> + “Five minutes passed, and then Mr. Lincoln, unattended, with bowed head + and tears rolling down his furrowed cheeks, his face pale and wan, his + breast heaving with emotion, passed through the room. He almost fell as he + stepped into the street. We sprang involuntarily from our seats to render + assistance, but he did not fall. + </p> + <p> + “With both hands pressed upon his heart, he walked down the street, not + returning the salute of the sentinel pacing his beat before the door.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0473" id="link2H_4_0473"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROFANITY AS A SAFETY-VALVE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln never indulged in profanity, but confessed that when Lee was + beaten at Malvern Hill, after seven days of fighting, and Richmond, but + twelve miles away, was at McClellan’s mercy, he felt very much like + swearing when he learned that the Union general had retired to Harrison’s + Landing. + </p> + <p> + Lee was so confident his opponent would not go to Richmond that he took + his army into Maryland—a move he would not have made had an + energetic fighting man been in McClellan’s place. + </p> + <p> + It is true McClellan followed and defeated Lee in the bloodiest battle of + the War—Antietam—afterwards following him into Virginia; but + Lincoln could not bring himself to forgive the general’s inaction before + Richmond. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0474" id="link2H_4_0474"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHY WE WON AT GETTYSBURG. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln said to General Sickles, just after the victory of + Gettysburg: “The fact is, General, in the stress and pinch of the campaign + there, I went to my room, and got down on my knees and prayed God Almighty + for victory at Gettysburg. I told Him that this was His country, and the + war was His war, but that we really couldn’t stand another Fredericksburg + or Chancellorsville. And then and there I made a solemn vow with my Maker + that if He would stand by you boys at Gettysburg I would stand by Him. And + He did, and I will! And after this I felt that God Almighty had taken the + whole thing into His hands.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0475" id="link2H_4_0475"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HAD TO WAIT FOR HIM. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9377}.jpg" alt="{9377}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9377}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + President Lincoln, having arranged to go to New York, was late for his + train, much to the disgust of those who were to accompany him, and all + were compelled to wait several hours until the next train steamed out of + the station. President Lincoln was much amused at the dissatisfaction + displayed, and then ventured the remark that the situation reminded him of + “a little story.” Said he: + </p> + <p> + “Out in Illinois, a convict who had murdered his cellmate was sentenced to + be hanged. On the day set for the execution, crowds lined the roads + leading to the spot where the scaffold had been erected, and there was + much jostling and excitement. The condemned man took matters coolly, and + as one batch of perspiring, anxious men rushed past the cart in which he + was riding, he called out, ‘Don’t be in a hurry, boys. You’ve got plenty + of time. There won’t be any fun until I get there.’ + </p> + <p> + “That’s the condition of things now,” concluded the President; “there + won’t be any fun at New York until I get there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0476" id="link2H_4_0476"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PRESIDENT AND CABINET JOINED IN PRAYER. + </h2> + <p> + On the day the news of General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court-House + was received, so an intimate friend of President Lincoln relates, the + Cabinet meeting was held an hour earlier than usual. Neither the President + nor any member of the Cabinet was able, for a time, to give utterance to + his feelings. At the suggestion of Mr. Lincoln all dropped on their knees, + and offered, in silence and in tears, their humble and heartfelt + acknowledgments to the Almighty for the triumph He had granted to the + National cause. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0477" id="link2H_4_0477"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BELIEVED HE WAS A CHRISTIAN. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln was much impressed with the devotion and earnestness of + purpose manifested by a certain lady of the “Christian Commission” during + the War, and on one occasion, after she had discharged the object of her + visit, said to her: + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I have formed a high opinion of your Christian character, and now, + as we are alone, I have a mind to ask you to give me in brief your idea of + what constitutes a true religious experience.” + </p> + <p> + The lady replied at some length, stating that, in her judgment, it + consisted of a conviction of one’s own sinfulness and weakness, and a + personal need of the Saviour for strength and support; that views of mere + doctrine might and would differ, but when one was really brought to feel + his need of divine help, and to seek the aid of the Holy Spirit for + strength and guidance, it was satisfactory evidence of his having been + born again. This was the substance of her reply. + </p> + <p> + When she had, concluded Mr. Lincoln was very thoughtful for a few moments. + He at length said, very earnestly: “If what you have told me is really a + correct view of this great subject I think I can say with sincerity that I + hope I am a Christian. I had lived,” he continued, “until my boy Willie + died without fully realizing these things. That blow overwhelmed me. It + showed me my weakness as I had never felt it before, and if I can take + what you have stated as a test I think I can safely say that I know + something of that change of which you speak; and I will further add that + it has been my intention for some time, at a suitable opportunity, to make + a public religious profession.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0478" id="link2H_4_0478"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WITH THE HELP OF GOD. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln once remarked to Mr. Noah Brooks, one of his most intimate + personal friends: “I should be the most presumptuous blockhead upon this + footstool if I for one day thought that I could discharge the duties which + have come upon me, since I came to this place, without the aid and + enlightenment of One who is stronger and wiser than all others.” + </p> + <p> + He said on another occasion: “I am very sure that if I do not go away from + here a wiser man, I shall go away a better man, from having learned here + what a very poor sort of a man I am.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0479" id="link2H_4_0479"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TURNED TEARS TO SMILES. + </h2> + <p> + One night Schuyler Colfax left all other business to go to the White House + to ask the President to respite the son of a constituent, who was + sentenced to be shot, at Davenport, for desertion. Mr. Lincoln heard the + story with his usual patience, though he was wearied out with incessant + calls, and anxious for rest, and then replied: + </p> + <p> + “Some of our generals complain that I impair discipline and subordination + in the army by my pardons and respites, but it makes me rested, after a + hard day’s work, if I can find some good excuse for saving a man’s life, + and I go to bed happy as I think how joyous the signing of my name will + make him and his family and his friends.” + </p> + <p> + And with a happy smile beaming over that care-furrowed face, he signed + that name that saved that life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0480" id="link2H_4_0480"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S LAST WRITTEN WORDS. + </h2> + <p> + As the President and Mrs. Lincoln were leaving the White House, a few + minutes before eight o’clock, on the evening of April 14th, 1865, Lincoln + wrote this note: + </p> + <p> + “Allow Mr. Ashmun and friend to come to see me at 9 o’clock a. m., + to-morrow, April 15th, 1865.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0481" id="link2H_4_0481"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WOMEN PLEAD FOR PARDONS. + </h2> + <p> + One day during the War an attractively and handsomely dressed woman called + on President Lincoln to procure the release from prison of a relation in + whom she professed the deepest interest. + </p> + <p> + She was a good talker, and her winning ways seemed to make a deep + impression on the President. After listening to her story, he wrote a few + words on a card: “This woman, dear Stanton, is a little smarter than she + looks to be,” enclosed it in an envelope and directed her to take it to + the Secretary of War. + </p> + <p> + On the same day another woman called, more humble in appearance, more + plainly clad. It was the old story. + </p> + <p> + Father and son both in the army, the former in prison. Could not the + latter be discharged from the army and sent home to help his mother? + </p> + <p> + A few strokes of the pen, a gentle nod of the head, and the little woman, + her eyes filling with tears and expressing a grateful acknowledgment her + tongue, could not utter, passed out. + </p> + <p> + A lady so thankful for the release of her husband was in the act of + kneeling in thankfulness. “Get up,” he said, “don’t kneel to me, but thank + God and go.” + </p> + <p> + An old lady for the same reason came forward with tears in her eyes to + express her gratitude. “Good-bye, Mr. Lincoln,” said she; “I shall + probably never see you again till we meet in heaven.” She had the + President’s hand in hers, and he was deeply moved. He instantly took her + right hand in both of his, and, following her to the door, said, “I am + afraid with all my troubles I shall never get to the resting-place you + speak of; but if I do, I am sure I shall find you. That you wish me to get + there is, I believe, the best wish you could make for me. Good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + Then the President remarked to a friend, “It is more than many can often + say, that in doing right one has made two people happy in one day. Speed, + die when I may, I want it said of me by those who know me best, that I + have always plucked a thistle and planted a flower when I thought a flower + would grow.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0381}.jpg" alt="{0381}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0381}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0382}.jpg" alt="{0382}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0382}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0482" id="link2H_4_0482"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN WISHED TO SEE RICHMOND. + </h2> + <p> + The President remarked to Admiral David D. Porter, while on board the + flagship Malvern, on the James River, in front of Richmond, the day the + city surrendered: + </p> + <p> + “Thank God that I have lived to see this! + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me that I have been dreaming a horrid dream for four years, + and now the nightmare is gone. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to see Richmond.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0483" id="link2H_4_0483"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SPOKEN LIKE A CHRISTIAN. + </h2> + <p> + Frederick Douglass told, in these words, of his first interview with + President Lincoln: + </p> + <p> + “I approached him with trepidation as to how this great man might receive + me; but one word and look from him banished all my fears and set me + perfectly at ease. I have often said since that meeting that it was much + easier to see and converse with a great man than it was with a small man. + </p> + <p> + “On that occasion he said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Douglass, you need not tell me who you are. Mr. Seward has told me all + about you.’ + </p> + <p> + “I then saw that there was no reason to tell him my personal story, + however interesting it might be to myself or others, so I told him at once + the object of my visit. It was to get some expression from him upon three + points: + </p> + <p> + “1. Equal pay to colored soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “2. Their promotion when they had earned it on the battle-field. + </p> + <p> + “3. Should they be taken prisoners and enslaved or hanged, as Jefferson + Davis had threatened, an equal number of Confederate prisoners should be + executed within our lines. + </p> + <p> + “A declaration to that effect I thought would prevent the execution of the + rebel threat. To all but the last, President Lincoln assented. He argued, + however, that neither equal pay nor promotion could be granted at once. He + said that in view of existing prejudices it was a great step forward to + employ colored troops at all; that it was necessary to avoid everything + that would offend this prejudice and increase opposition to the measure. + </p> + <p> + “He detailed the steps by which white soldiers were reconciled to the + employment of colored troops; how these were first employed as laborers; + how it was thought they should not be armed or uniformed like white + soldiers; how they should only be made to wear a peculiar uniform; how + they should be employed to hold forts and arsenals in sickly locations, + and not enter the field like other soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “With all these restrictions and limitations he easily made me see that + much would be gained when the colored man loomed before the country as a + full-fledged United States soldier to fight, flourish or fall in defense + of the united republic. The great soul of Lincoln halted only when he came + to the point of retaliation. + </p> + <p> + “The thought of hanging men in cold blood, even though the rebels should + murder a few of the colored prisoners, was a horror from which he shrank. + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh, Douglass! I cannot do that. If I could get hold of the actual + murderers of colored prisoners I would retaliate; but to hang those who + have no hand in such murders, I cannot.’ + </p> + <p> + “The contemplation of such an act brought to his countenance such an + expression of sadness and pity that it made it hard for me to press my + point, though I told him it would tend to save rather than destroy life. + He, however, insisted that this work of blood, once begun, would be hard + to stop—that such violence would beget violence. He argued more like + a disciple of Christ than a commander-in-chief of the army and navy of a + warlike nation already involved in a terrible war. + </p> + <p> + “How sad and strange the fate of this great and good man, the saviour of + his country, the embodiment of human charity, whose heart, though strong, + was as tender as a heart of childhood; who always tempered justice with + mercy; who sought to supplant the sword with counsel of reason, to + suppress passion by kindness and moderation; who had a sigh for every + human grief and a tear for every human woe, should at last perish by the + hand of a desperate assassin, against whom no thought of malice had ever + entered his heart!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0484" id="link2H_4_0484"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “LINCOLN GOES IN WHEN THE QUAKERS ARE OUT” + </h2> + <p> + One of the campaign songs of 1860 which will never be forgotten was + Whittier’s “The Quakers Are Out:—” + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Give the flags to the winds! + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Set the hills all aflame! + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Make way for the man with + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The Patriarch’s name! + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Away with misgivings—away + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + With all doubt, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + For Lincoln goes in when the + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Quakers are out!” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Speaking of this song (with which he was greatly pleased) one day at the + White House, the President said: “It reminds me of a little story I heard + years ago out in Illinois. A political campaign was on, and the atmosphere + was kept at a high temperature. Several fights had already occurred, many + men having been seriously hurt, and the prospects were that the result + would be close. One of the candidates was a professional politician with a + huge wart on his nose, this disfigurement having earned for him the + nickname of ‘Warty.’ His opponent was a young lawyer who wore ‘biled’ + shirts, ‘was shaved by a barber, and had his clothes made to fit him. + </p> + <p> + “Now, ‘Warty’ was of Quaker stock, and around election time made a great + parade of the fact. When there were no campaigns in progress he was + anything but Quakerish in his language or actions. The young lawyer didn’t + know what the inside of a meeting house looked like. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the night before election-day the two candidates came together at a + joint debate, both being on the speakers’ platform. The young lawyer had + to speak after ‘Warty,’ and his reputation suffered at the hands of the + Quaker, who told the many Friends present what a wicked fellow the young + man was—never went to church, swore, drank, smoked and gambled. + </p> + <p> + “After ‘Warty’ had finished the other arose and faced the audience. ‘I’m + not a good man,’ said he, ‘and what my opponent has said about me is true + enough, but I’m always the same. I don’t profess religion when I run for + office, and then turn around and associate with bad people when the + campaign’s over. I’m no hypocrite. I don’t sing many psalms. Neither does + my opponent; and, talking about singing, I’d just like to hear my friend + who is running against me sing the song—for the benefit of this + audience—I heard him sing the night after he was nominated. I yield + the floor to him: + </p> + <p> + “Of course ‘Warty’ refused, his Quaker supporters grew suspicious, and + when they turned out at the polls the following day they voted for the + wicked young lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “So, it’s true that when ‘the Quakers are out’ the man they support is apt + to go in.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0485" id="link2H_4_0485"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HAD CONFIDENCE IN HIM—“BUT—.” + </h2> + <p> + “General Blank asks for more men,” said Secretary of War Stanton to the + President one day, showing the latter a telegram from the commander named + appealing for re-enforcements. + </p> + <p> + “I guess he’s killed off enough men, hasn’t he?” queried the President. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mean Confederates—our own men. What’s the use in sending + volunteers down to him if they’re only used to fill graves?” + </p> + <p> + “His dispatch seems to imply that, in his opinion, you have not the + confidence in him he thinks he deserves,” the War Secretary went on to + say, as he looked over the telegram again. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” was the President’s reply, “he needn’t lose any of his sleep on that + account. Just telegraph him to that effect; also, that I don’t propose to + send him any more men.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0486" id="link2H_4_0486"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW HOMINY WAS ORIGINATED. + </h2> + <p> + During the progress of a Cabinet meeting the subject of food for the men + in the Army happened to come up. From that the conversation changed to the + study of the Latin language. + </p> + <p> + “I studied Latin once,” said Mr. Lincoln, in a casual way. + </p> + <p> + “Were you interested in it?” asked Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes. I saw some very curious things,” was the President’s + rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + “What?” asked Secretary Seward. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there’s the word hominy, for instance. We have just ordered a lot + of that stuff for the troops. I see how the word originated. I notice it + came from the Latin word homo—a man. + </p> + <p> + “When we decline homo, it is: + </p> + <p> + “‘Homo—a man. + </p> + <p> + “‘Hominis—of man. + </p> + <p> + “‘Homini—for man.’ + </p> + <p> + “So you see, hominy, being ‘for man,’ comes from the Latin. I guess those + soldiers who don’t know Latin will get along with it all right—though + I won’t rest real easy until I hear from the Commissary Department on it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0487" id="link2H_4_0487"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS IDEA’S OLD, AFTER ALL. + </h2> + <p> + One day, while listening to one of the wise men who had called at the + White House to unload a large cargo of advice, the President interjected a + remark to the effect that he had a great reverence for learning. + </p> + <p> + “This is not,” President Lincoln explained, “because I am not an educated + man. I feel the need of reading. It is a loss to a man not to have grown + up among books.” + </p> + <p> + “Men of force,” the visitor answered, “can get on pretty well without + books. They do their own thinking instead of adopting what other men + think.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mr. Lincoln, “but books serve to show a man that those + original thoughts of his aren’t very new, after all.” + </p> + <p> + This was a point the caller was not willing to debate, and so he cut his + call short. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0488" id="link2H_4_0488"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN’S FIRST SPEECH. + </h2> +<div class="figright" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{8387}.jpg" alt="{8387} " width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{8387}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Lincoln made his first speech when he was a mere boy, going barefoot, his + trousers held up by one suspender, and his shock of hair sticking through + a hole in the crown of his cheap straw hat. + </p> + <p> + “Abe,” in company with Dennis Hanks, attended a political meeting, which + was addressed by a typical stump speaker—one of those loud-voiced + fellows who shouted at the top of his voice and waved his arms wildly. + </p> + <p> + At the conclusion of the speech, which did not meet the views either of + “Abe” or Dennis, the latter declared that “Abe” could make a better speech + than that. Whereupon he got a dry-goods box and called on “Abe” to reply + to the campaign orator. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln threw his old straw hat on the ground, and, mounting the dry-goods + box, delivered a speech which held the attention of the crowd and won him + considerable applause. Even the campaign orator admitted that it was a + fine speech and answered every point in his own “oration.” + </p> + <p> + Dennis Hanks, who thought “Abe” was about the greatest man that ever + lived, was delighted, and he often told how young “Abe” got the better of + the trained campaign speaker. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0489" id="link2H_4_0489"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “ABE WANTED NO SNEAKIN’ ‘ROUND.” + </h2> + <p> + It was in 1830, when “Abe” was just twenty-one years of age, that the + Lincoln family moved from Gentryville, Indiana, to near Decatur, Illinois, + their household goods being packed in a wagon drawn by four oxen driven by + “Abe.” + </p> + <p> + The winter previous the latter had “worked” in a country store in + Gentryville and before undertaking the journey he invested all the money + he had—some thirty dollars—in notions, such as needles, pins, + thread, buttons and other domestic necessities. These he sold to families + along the route and made a profit of about one hundred per cent. + </p> + <p> + This mercantile adventure of his youth “reminded” the President of a very + clever story while the members of the Cabinet were one day solemnly + debating a rather serious international problem. The President was in the + minority, as was frequently the case, and he was “in a hole,” as he + afterwards expressed it. He didn’t want to argue the points raised, + preferring to settle the matter in a hurry, and an apt story was his only + salvation. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the President’s fact brightened. “Gentlemen,” said he, addressing + those seated at the Cabinet table, “the situation just now reminds me of a + fix I got into some thirty years or so ago when I was peddling ‘notions’ + on the way from Indiana to Illinois. I didn’t have a large stock, but I + charged large prices, and I made money. Perhaps you don’t see what I am + driving at?” + </p> + <p> + Secretary of State Seward was wearing a most gloomy expression of + countenance; Secretary of War Stanton was savage and inclined to be + morose; Secretary of the Treasury Chase was indifferent and cynical, while + the others of the Presidential advisers resigned themselves to the hearing + of the inevitable “story.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t propose to argue this matter,” the President went on to say, + “because arguments have no effect upon men whose opinions are fixed and + whose minds are made up. But this little story of mine will make some + things which now are in the dark show up more clearly.” + </p> + <p> + There was another pause, and the Cabinet officers, maintaining their + previous silence, began wondering if the President himself really knew + what he was “driving at.” + </p> + <p> + “Just before we left Indiana and crossed into Illinois,” continued Mr. + Lincoln solemnly, speaking in a grave tone of voice, “we came across a + small farmhouse full of nothing but children. These ranged in years from + seventeen years to seventeen months, and all were in tears. The mother of + the family was red-headed and red-faced, and the whip she held in her + right hand led to the inference that she had been chastising her brood. + The father of the family, a meek-looking, mild-mannered, tow-headed chap, + was standing in the front door-way, awaiting—to all appearances—his + turn to feel the thong. + </p> + <p> + “I thought there wasn’t much use in asking the head of that house if she + wanted any ‘notions.’ She was too busy. It was evident an insurrection had + been in progress, but it was pretty well quelled when I got there. The + mother had about suppressed it with an iron hand, but she was not running + any risks. She kept a keen and wary eye upon all the children, not + forgetting an occasional glance at the ‘old man’ in the doorway. + </p> + <p> + “She saw me as I came up, and from her look I thought she was of the + opinion that I intended to interfere. Advancing to the doorway, and + roughly pushing her husband aside, she demanded my business. + </p> + <p> + “‘Nothing, madame,’ I answered as gently as possible; ‘I merely dropped in + as I came along to see how things were going.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, you needn’t wait,’ was the reply in an irritated way; ‘there’s + trouble here, an’ lots of it, too, but I kin manage my own affairs without + the help of outsiders. This is jest a family row, but I’ll teach these + brats their places ef I hev to lick the hide off ev’ry one of them. I + don’t do much talkin’, but I run this house, an’ I don’t want no one + sneakin’ round tryin’ to find out how I do it, either.’ + </p> + <p> + “That’s the case here with us,” the President said in conclusion. “We must + let the other nations know that we propose to settle our family row in our + own way, and ‘teach these brats their places’ (the seceding States) if we + have to ‘lick the hide off’ of each and every one of them. And, like the + old woman, we don’t want any ‘sneakin’ ‘round’ by other countries who + would like to find out how we are to do it, either. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Seward, you write some diplomatic notes to that effect.” + </p> + <p> + And the Cabinet session closed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0490" id="link2H_4_0490"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DIDN’T EVEN NEED STILTS. + </h2> + <p> + As the President considered it his duty to keep in touch with all the + improvements in the armament of the vessels belonging to the United States + Navy, he was necessarily interested in the various types of these floating + fortresses. Not only was it required of the Navy Department to furnish + seagoing warships, deep-draught vessels for the great rivers and the + lakes, but this Department also found use for little gunboats which could + creep along in the shallowest of water and attack the Confederates in + by-places and swamps. + </p> + <p> + The consequence of the interest taken by Mr. Lincoln in the Navy was that + he was besieged, day and night, by steamboat contractors, each one eager + to sell his product to the Washington Government. All sorts of experiments + were tried, some being dire failures, while others were more than fairly + successful. More than once had these tiny war vessels proved themselves of + great service, and the United States Government had a large number of them + built. + </p> + <p> + There was one particular contractor who bothered the President more than + all the others put together. He was constantly impressing upon Mr. Lincoln + the great superiority of his boats, because they would run in such shallow + water. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” replied the President, “I’ve no doubt they’ll run anywhere + where the ground is a little moist!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0491" id="link2H_4_0491"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “HOW DO YOU GET OUT OF THIS PLACE?” + </h2> + <p> + “It seems to me,” remarked the President one day while reading, over some + of the appealing telegrams sent to the War Department by General + McClellan, “that McClellan has been wandering around and has sort of got + lost. He’s been hollering for help ever since he went South—wants + somebody to come to his deliverance and get him out of the place he’s got + into. + </p> + <p> + “He reminds me of the story of a man out in Illinois who, in company with + a number of friends, visited the State penitentiary. They wandered all + through the institution and saw everything, but just about the time to + depart this particular man became separated from his friends and couldn’t + find his way out. + </p> + <p> + “He roamed up and down one corridor after another, becoming more desperate + all the time, when, at last, he came across a convict who was looking out + from between the bars of his cell-door. Here was salvation at last. + Hurrying up to the prisoner he hastily asked, + </p> + <p> + “‘Say! How do you get out of this place?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0492" id="link2H_4_0492"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “TAD” INTRODUCES “OUR FRIENDS.” + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9391}.jpg" alt="{9391}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9391}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + President Lincoln often avoided interviews with delegations representing + various States, especially when he knew the objects of their errands, and + was aware he could not grant their requests. This was the case with + several commissioners from Kentucky, who were put off from day to day. + </p> + <p> + They were about to give up in despair, and were leaving the White House + lobby, their speech being interspersed with vehement and uncomplimentary + terms concerning “Old Abe,” when “Tad” happened along. He caught at these + words, and asked one of them if they wanted to see “Old Abe,” laughing at + the same time. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute,” said “Tad,” and rushed into his father’s office. Said he, + “Papa, may I introduce some friends to you?” + </p> + <p> + His father, always indulgent and ready to make him happy, kindly said, + “Yes, my son, I will see your friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Tad” went to the Kentuckians again, and asked a very dignified looking + gentleman of the party his name. He was told his name. He then said, + “Come, gentlemen,” and they followed him. + </p> + <p> + Leading them up to the President, “Tad,” with much dignity, said, “Papa, + let me introduce to you Judge ——, of Kentucky;” and quickly + added, “Now Judge, you introduce the other gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + The introductions were gone through with, and they turned out to be the + gentlemen Mr. Lincoln had been avoiding for a week. Mr. Lincoln reached + for the boy, took him in his lap, kissed him, and told him it was all + right, and that he had introduced his friend like a little gentleman as he + was. Tad was eleven years old at this time. + </p> + <p> + The President was pleased with Tad’s diplomacy, and often laughed at the + incident as he told others of it. One day while caressing the boy, he + asked him why he called those gentlemen “his friends.” “Well,” said Tad, + “I had seen them so often, and they looked so good and sorry, and said + they were from Kentucky, that I thought they must be our friends.” “That + is right, my son,” said Mr. Lincoln; “I would have the whole human race + your friends and mine, if it were possible.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0493" id="link2H_4_0493"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MIXED UP WORSE THAN BEFORE. + </h2> + <p> + The President told a story which most beautifully illustrated the muddled + situation of affairs at the time McClellan’s fate was hanging in the + balance. McClellan’s work was not satisfactory, but the President + hesitated to remove him; the general was so slow that the Confederates + marched all around him; and, to add to the dilemma, the President could + not find a suitable man to take McClellan’s place. + </p> + <p> + The latter was a political, as well as a military, factor; his friends + threatened that, if he was removed, many war Democrats would cast their + influence with the South, etc. It was, altogether, a sad mix-up, and the + President, for a time, was at his wits’ end. He was assailed on all sides + with advice, but none of it was worth acting upon. + </p> + <p> + “This situation reminds me,” said the President at a Cabinet meeting one + day not long before the appointment of General Halleck as McClellan’s + successor in command of the Union forces, “of a Union man in Kentucky + whose two sons enlisted in the Federal Army. His wife was of Confederate + sympathies. His nearest neighbor was a Confederate in feeling, and his two + sons were fighting under Lee. This neighbor’s wife was a Union woman and + it nearly broke her heart to know that her sons were arrayed against the + Union. + </p> + <p> + “Finally, the two men, after each had talked the matter over with his + wife, agreed to obtain divorces; this they, did, and the Union man and + Union woman were wedded, as were the Confederate man and the Confederate + woman—the men swapped wives, in short. But this didn’t seem to help + matters any, for the sons of the Union woman were still fighting for the + South, and the sons of the Confederate woman continued in the Federal + Army; the Union husband couldn’t get along with his Union wife, and the + Confederate husband and his Confederate wife couldn’t agree upon anything, + being forever fussing and quarreling. + </p> + <p> + “It’s the same thing with the Army. It doesn’t seem worth while to secure + divorces and then marry the Army and McClellan to others, for they won’t + get along any better than they do now, and there’ll only be a new set of + heartaches started. I think we’d better wait; perhaps a real fighting + general will come along some of these days, and then we’ll all be happy. + If you go to mixing in a mix-up, you only make the muddle worse.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0494" id="link2H_4_0494"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “LONG ABE’S” FEET “PROTRUDED OVER.” + </h2> + <p> + George M. Pullman, the great sleeping-car builder, once told a joke in + which Lincoln was the prominent figure. In fact, there wouldn’t have been + any joke had it not been for “Long Abe.” At the time of the occurrence, + which was the foundation for the joke—and Pullman admitted that the + latter was on him—Pullman was the conductor of his only + sleeping-car. The latter was an experiment, and Pullman was doing + everything possible to get the railroads to take hold of it. + </p> + <p> + “One night,” said Pullman in telling the story, “as we were about going + out of Chicago—this was long before Lincoln was what you might call + a renowned man—a long, lean, ugly man, with a wart on his cheek, + came into the depot. He paid me fifty cents, and half a berth was assigned + him. Then he took off his coat and vest and hung them up, and they fitted + the peg about as well as they fitted him. Then he kicked off his boots, + which were of surprising length, turned into the berth, and, undoubtedly + having an easy conscience, was sleeping like a healthy baby before the car + left the depot. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty soon along came another passenger and paid his fifty cents. In two + minutes he was back at me, angry as a wet hen. + </p> + <p> + “‘There’s a man in that berth of mine,’ said he, hotly, ‘and he’s about + ten feet high. How am I going to sleep there, I’d like to know? Go and + look at him.’ + </p> + <p> + “In I went—mad, too. The tall, lank man’s knees were under his chin, + his arms were stretched across the bed and his feet were stored + comfortably—for him. I shook him until he awoke, and then told him + if he wanted the whole berth he would have to pay $1. + </p> + <p> + “‘My dear sir,’ said the tall man, ‘a contract is a contract. I have paid + you fifty cents for half this berth, and, as you see, I’m occupying it. + There’s the other half,’ pointing to a strip about six inches wide. ‘Sell + that and don’t disturb me again.’ + </p> + <p> + “And so saying, the man with a wart on his face went to sleep again. He + was Abraham Lincoln, and he never grew any shorter afterward. We became + great friends, and often laughed over the incident.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0495" id="link2H_4_0495"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COULD LICK ANY MAN IN THE CROWD. + </h2> + <p> + When the enemies of General Grant were bothering the President with + emphatic and repeated demands that the “Silent Man” be removed from + command, Mr. Lincoln remained firm. He would not consent to lose the + services of so valuable a soldier. “Grant fights,” said he in response to + the charges made that Grant was a butcher, a drunkard, an incompetent and + a general who did not know his business. + </p> + <p> + “That reminds me of a story,” President Lincoln said one day to a + delegation of the “Grant-is-no-good” style. + </p> + <p> + “Out in my State of Illinois there was a man nominated for sheriff of the + county. He was a good man for the office, brave, determined and honest, + but not much of an orator. In fact, he couldn’t talk at all; he couldn’t + make a speech to save his life. + </p> + <p> + “His friends knew he was a man who would preserve the peace of the county + and perform the duties devolving upon him all right, but the people of the + county didn’t know it. They wanted him to come out boldly on the platform + at political meetings and state his convictions and principles; they had + been used to speeches from candidates, and were somewhat suspicious of a + man who was afraid to open his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “At last the candidate consented to make a speech, and his friends were + delighted. The candidate was on hand, and, when he was called upon, + advanced to the front and faced the crowd. There was a glitter in his eye + that wasn’t pleasing, and the way he walked out to the front of the stand + showed that he knew just what he wanted to say. + </p> + <p> + “‘Feller Citizens,’ was his beginning, the words spoken quietly, ‘I’m not + a speakin’ man; I ain’t no orator, an’ I never stood up before a lot of + people in my life before; I’m not goin’ to make no speech, ‘xcept to say + that I can lick any man in the crowd!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0496" id="link2H_4_0496"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS WAY TO A CHILD’S HEART. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0395}.jpg" alt="{0395}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0395}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Charles E. Anthony’s one meeting with Mr. Lincoln presents an interesting + contrast to those of the men who shared the emancipator’s interest in + public affairs. It was in the latter part of the winter of 1861, a short + time before Mr. Lincoln left for his inauguration at Washington. Judge + Anthony went to the Sherman House, where the President-elect was stopping, + and took with him his son, Charles, then but a little boy. Charles played + about the room as a child will, looking at whatever interested him for the + time, and when the interview with his father was over he was ready to go. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Lincoln, ever interested in little children, called the lad to him + and took him upon his great knee. + </p> + <p> + “My impression of him all the time I had been playing about the room,” + said Mr. Anthony, “was that he was a terribly homely man. I was rather + repelled. But no sooner did he speak to me than the expression of his face + changed completely, or, rather, my view of it changed. It at once became + kindly and attractive. He asked me some questions, seeming instantly to + find in the turmoil of all the great questions that must have been heavy + upon him, the very ones that would go to the thought of a child. I + answered him without hesitation, and after a moment he patted my shoulder + and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, you’ll be a man before your mother yet,’ and put me down. + </p> + <p> + “I had never before heard the homely old expression, and it puzzled me for + a time. After a moment I understood it, but he looked at me while I was + puzzling over it, and seemed to be amused, as no doubt he was.” + </p> + <p> + The incident simply illustrates the ease and readiness with which Lincoln + could turn from the mighty questions before the nation, give a moment’s + interested attention to a child, and return at once to matters of state. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0497" id="link2H_4_0497"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “LEFT IT THE WOMEN TO HOWL ABOUT ME.” + </h2> + <p> + Donn Piatt, one of the brightest newspaper writers in the country, told a + good story on the President in regard to the refusal of the latter to + sanction the death penalty in cases of desertion from the Union Army. + </p> + <p> + “There was far more policy in this course,” said Piatt, “than kind + feeling. To assert the contrary is to detract from Lincoln’s force of + character, as well as intellect. Our War President was not lost in his + high admiration of brigadiers and major-generals, and had a positive + dislike for their methods and the despotism upon which an army is based. + He knew that he was dependent upon volunteers for soldiers, and to force + upon such men as those the stern discipline of the Regular Army was to + render the service unpopular. And it pleased him to be the source of + mercy, as well as the fountain of honor, in this direction. + </p> + <p> + “I was sitting with General Dan Tyler, of Connecticut, in the antechamber + of the War Department, shortly after the adjournment of the Buell Court of + Inquiry, of which we had been members, when President Lincoln came in from + the room of Secretary Stanton. Seeing us, he said: ‘Well, gentlemen, have + you any matter worth reporting?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I think so, Mr. President,’ replied General Tyler. ‘We had it proven + that Bragg, with less than ten thousand men, drove your eighty-three + thousand men under Buell back from before Chattanooga, down to the Ohio at + Louisville, marched around us twice, then doubled us up at Perryville, and + finally got out of the State of Kentucky with all his plunder.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Now, Tyler,’ returned the President, ‘what is the meaning of all this; + what is the lesson? Don’t our men march as well, and fight as well, as + these rebels? If not, there is a fault somewhere. We are all of the same + family—same sort.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, there is a lesson,’ replied General Tyler; ‘we are of the same + sort, but subject to different handling. Bragg’s little force was superior + to our larger number because he had it under control. If a man left his + ranks, he was punished; if he deserted, he was shot. We had nothing of + that sort. If we attempt to shoot a deserter you pardon him, and our army + is without discipline.’ + </p> + <p> + “The President looked perplexed. ‘Why do you interfere?’ continued General + Tyler. ‘Congress has taken from you all responsibility.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes,’ answered the President impatiently, ‘Congress has taken the + responsibility and left the women to howl all about me,’ and so he strode + away.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0498" id="link2H_4_0498"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE’D RUIN ALL THE OTHER CONVICTS. + </h2> + <p> + One of the droll stories brought into play by the President as an ally in + support of his contention, proved most effective. Politics was rife among + the generals of the Union Army, and there was more “wire-pulling” to + prevent the advancement of fellow commanders than the laying of plans to + defeat the Confederates in battle. + </p> + <p> + However, when it so happened that the name of a particularly unpopular + general was sent to the Senate for confirmation, the protest against his + promotion was almost unanimous. The nomination didn’t seem to please + anyone. Generals who were enemies before conferred together for the + purpose of bringing every possible influence to bear upon the Senate and + securing the rejection of the hated leader’s name. The President was + surprised. He had never known such unanimity before. + </p> + <p> + “You remind me,” said the President to a delegation of officers which + called upon him one day to present a fresh protest to him regarding the + nomination, “of a visit a certain Governor paid to the Penitentiary of his + State. It had been announced that the Governor would hear the story of + every inmate of the institution, and was prepared to rectify, either by + commutation or pardon, any wrongs that had been done to any prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “One by one the convicts appeared before His Excellency, and each one + maintained that he was an innocent man, who had been sent to prison + because the police didn’t like him, or his friends and relatives wanted + his property, or he was too popular, etc., etc. The last prisoner to + appear was an individual who was not all prepossessing. His face was + against him; his eyes were shifty; he didn’t have the appearance of an + honest man, and he didn’t act like one. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ asked the Governor, impatiently, ‘I suppose you’re innocent like + the rest of these fellows?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, Governor,’ was the unexpected answer; ‘I was guilty of the crime + they charged against me, and I got just what I deserved.’ + </p> + <p> + “When he had recovered from his astonishment, the Governor, looking the + fellow squarely in the face, remarked with emphasis: ‘I’ll have to pardon + you, because I don’t want to leave so bad a man as you are in the company + of such innocent sufferers as I have discovered your fellow-convicts to + be. You might corrupt them and teach them wicked tricks. As soon as I get + back to the capital, I’ll have the papers made out.’ + </p> + <p> + “You gentlemen,” continued the President, “ought to be glad that so bad a + man, as you represent this officer to be, is to get his promotion, for + then you won’t be forced to associate with him and suffer the + contamination of his presence and influence. I will do all I can to have + the Senate confirm him.” + </p> + <p> + And he was confirmed. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0399}.jpg" alt="{0399}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0399}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0400}.jpg" alt="{0400}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0400}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0499" id="link2H_4_0499"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IN A HOPELESS MINORITY. + </h2> + <p> + The President was often in opposition to the general public sentiment of + the North upon certain questions of policy, but he bided his time, and + things usually came out as he wanted them. It was Lincoln’s opinion, from + the first, that apology and reparation to England must be made by the + United States because of the arrest, upon the high seas, of the + Confederate Commissioners, Mason and Slidell. The country, however (the + Northern States), was wild for a conflict with England. + </p> + <p> + “One war at a time,” quietly remarked the President at a Cabinet meeting, + where he found the majority of his advisers unfavorably disposed to + “backing down.” But one member of the Cabinet was a really strong + supporter of the President in his attitude. + </p> + <p> + “I am reminded,” the President said after the various arguments had been + put forward by the members of the Cabinet, “of a fellow out in my State of + Illinois who happened to stray into a church while a revival meeting was + in progress. To be truthful, this individual was not entirely sober, and + with that instinct which seems to impel all men in his condition to assume + a prominent part in proceedings, he walked up the aisle to the very front + pew. + </p> + <p> + “All noticed him, but he did not care; for awhile he joined audibly in the + singing, said ‘Amen’ at the close of the prayers, but, drowsiness + overcoming him, he went to sleep. Before the meeting closed, the pastor + asked the usual question—‘Who are on the Lord’s side?’—and the + congregation arose en masse. When he asked, ‘Who are on the side of the + Devil?’ the sleeper was about waking up. He heard a portion of the + interrogatory, and, seeing the minister on his feet, arose. + </p> + <p> + “‘I don’t exactly understand the question,’ he said, ‘but I’ll stand by + you, parson, to the last. But it seems to me,’ he added, ‘that we’re in a + hopeless minority.’ + </p> + <p> + “I’m in a hopeless minority now,” said the President, “and I’ll have to + admit it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0500" id="link2H_4_0500"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “DID YE ASK MORRISSEY YET?” + </h2> + <p> + John Morrissey, the noted prize fighter, was the “Boss” of Tammany Hall + during the Civil War period. It pleased his fancy to go to Congress, and + his obedient constituents sent him there. Morrissey was such an absolute + despot that the New York City democracy could not make a move without his + consent, and many of the Tammanyites were so afraid of him that they would + not even enter into business ventures without consulting the autocrat. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln had been seriously annoyed by some of his generals, who + were afraid to make the slightest move before asking advice from + Washington. One commander, in particular, was so cautious that he + telegraphed the War Department upon the slightest pretext, the result + being that his troops were lying in camp doing nothing, when they should + have been in the field. + </p> + <p> + “This general reminds me,” the President said one day while talking to + Secretary Stanton, at the War Department, “of a story I once heard about a + Tammany man. He happened to meet a friend, also a member of Tammany, on + the street, and in the course of the talk the friend, who was beaming with + smiles and good nature, told the other Tammanyite that he was going to be + married. + </p> + <p> + “This first Tammany man looked more serious than men usually do upon + hearing of the impending happiness of a friend. In fact, his face seemed + to take on a look of anxiety and worry. + </p> + <p> + “‘Ain’t you glad to know that I’m to get married?’ demanded the second + Tammanyite, somewhat in a huff. + </p> + <p> + “‘Of course I am,’ was the reply; ‘but,’ putting his mouth close to the + ear of the other, ‘have ye asked Morrissey yet?’ + </p> + <p> + “Now, this general of whom we are speaking, wouldn’t dare order out the + guard without asking Morrissey,” concluded the President. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0501" id="link2H_4_0501"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOT THE LAUGH ON DOUGLAS. + </h2> + <p> + At one time, when Lincoln and Douglas were “stumping” Illinois, they met + at a certain town, and it was agreed that they would have a joint debate. + Douglas was the first speaker, and in the course of his talk remarked that + in early life, his father, who, he said, was an excellent cooper by trade, + apprenticed him out to learn the cabinet business. + </p> + <p> + This was too good for Lincoln to let pass, so when his turn came to reply, + he said: + </p> + <p> + “I had understood before that Mr. Douglas had been bound out to learn the + cabinet-making business, which is all well enough, but I was not aware + until now that his father was a cooper. I have no doubt, however, that he + was one, and I am certain, also, that he was a very good one, for (here + Lincoln gently bowed toward Douglas) he has made one of the best whiskey + casks I have ever seen.” + </p> + <p> + As Douglas was a short heavy-set man, and occasionally imbibed, the pith + of the joke was at once apparent, and most heartily enjoyed by all. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion, Douglas made a point against Lincoln by telling the + crowd that when he first knew Lincoln he was a “grocery-keeper,” and sold + whiskey, cigars, etc. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. L.,” he said, “was a very good bar-tender!” This brought the laugh on + Lincoln, whose reply, however, soon came, and then the laugh was on the + other side. + </p> + <p> + “What Mr. Douglas has said, gentlemen,” replied Lincoln, “is true enough; + I did keep a grocery and I did sell cotton, candles and cigars, and + sometimes whiskey; but I remember in those days that Mr. Douglas was one + of my best customers.” + </p> + <p> + “I can also say this; that I have since left my side of the counter, while + Mr. Douglas still sticks to his!” + </p> + <p> + This brought such a storm of cheers and laughter that Douglas was unable + to reply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0503" id="link2H_4_0503"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “FIXED UP” A BIT FOR THE “CITY FOLKS.” + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Lincoln knew her husband was not “pretty,” but she liked to have him + presentable when he appeared before the public. Stephen Fiske, in “When + Lincoln Was First Inaugurated,” tells of Mrs. Lincoln’s anxiety to have + the President-elect “smoothed down” a little when receiving a delegation + that was to greet them upon reaching New York City. + </p> + <p> + “The train stopped,” writes Mr. Fiske, “and through the windows immense + crowds could be seen; the cheering drowning the blowing off of steam of + the locomotive. Then Mrs. Lincoln opened her handbag and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Abraham, I must fix you up a bit for these city folks.’ + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln gently lifted her upon the seat before him; she parted, + combed and brushed his hair and arranged his black necktie. + </p> + <p> + “‘Do I look nice now, mother?’ he affectionately asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, you’ll do, Abraham,’ replied Mrs. Lincoln critically. So he kissed + her and lifted her down from the seat, and turned to meet Mayor Wood, + courtly and suave, and to have his hand shaken by the other New York + officials.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0504" id="link2H_4_0504"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EVEN REBELS OUGHT TO BE SAVED. + </h2> + <p> + The Rev. Mr. Shrigley, of Philadelphia, a Universalist, had been nominated + for hospital chaplain, and a protesting delegation went to Washington to + see President Lincoln on the subject. + </p> + <p> + “We have called, Mr. President, to confer with you in regard to the + appointment of Mr. Shrigley, of Philadelphia, as hospital chaplain.” + </p> + <p> + The President responded: “Oh, yes, gentlemen. I have sent his name to the + Senate, and he will no doubt be confirmed at an early date.” One of the + young men replied: “We have not come to ask for the appointment, but to + solicit you to withdraw the nomination.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Lincoln, “that alters the case; but on what grounds do you wish + the nomination withdrawn?” + </p> + <p> + The answer was: “Mr. Shrigley is not sound in his theological opinions.” + </p> + <p> + The President inquired: “On what question is the gentleman unsound?” + </p> + <p> + Response: “He does not believe in endless punishment; not only so, sir, + but he believes that even the rebels themselves will be finally saved.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” inquired the President. + </p> + <p> + The members of the committee responded, “Yes, yes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen, if that be so, and there is any way under Heaven whereby + the rebels can be saved, then, for God’s sake and their sakes, let the man + be appointed.” + </p> + <p> + The Rev. Mr. Shrigley was appointed, and served until the close of the + war. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0505" id="link2H_4_0505"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TRIED TO DO WHAT SEEMED BEST. + </h2> + <p> + John M. Palmer, Major-General in the Volunteer Army, Governor of the State + of Illinois, and United States Senator from the Sucker State, became + acquainted with Lincoln in 1839, and the last time he saw the President + was at the White House in February, 1865. Senator Palmer told the story of + his interview as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I had come to Washington at the request of the Governor, to complain that + Illinois had been credited with 18,000 too few troops. I saw Mr. Lincoln + one afternoon, and he asked me to come again in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “Next morning I sat in the ante-room while several officers were relieved. + At length I was told to enter the President’s room. Mr. Lincoln was in the + hands of the barber. + </p> + <p> + “‘Come in, Palmer,’ he called out, ‘come in. You’re home folks. I can + shave before you. I couldn’t before those others, and I have to do it some + time.’ + </p> + <p> + “We chatted about various matters, and at length I said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, Mr. Lincoln, if anybody had told me that in a great crisis like + this the people were going out to a little one-horse town and pick out a + one-horse lawyer for President I wouldn’t have believed it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln whirled about in his chair, his face white with lather, a + towel under his chin. At first I thought he was angry. Sweeping the barber + away he leaned forward, and, placing one hand on my knee, said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Neither would I. But it was time when a man with a policy would have + been fatal to the country. I have never had a policy. I have simply tried + to do what seemed best each day, as each day came.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0506" id="link2H_4_0506"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “HOLDING A CANDLE TO THE CZAR.” + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9405}.jpg" alt="{9405}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9405}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + England was anything but pleased when the Czar Alexander, of Russia, + showed his friendship for the United States by sending a strong fleet to + this country with the accompanying suggestion that Uncle Sam, through his + representative, President Lincoln, could do whatever he saw fit with the + ironclads and the munitions of war they had stowed away in their holds. + </p> + <p> + London “Punch,” on November 7th, 1863, printed the cartoon shown on this + page, the text under the picture reading in this way: “Holding a candle to + the * * * * *.” (Much the same thing.) + </p> + <p> + Of course, this was a covert sneer, intended to convey the impression that + President Lincoln, in order to secure the support and friendship of the + Emperor of Russia as long as the War of the Rebellion lasted, was willing + to do all sorts of menial offices, even to the extent of holding the + candle and lighting His Most Gracious Majesty, the White Czar, to his + imperial bed-chamber. + </p> + <p> + It is a somewhat remarkable fact that the Emperor Alexander, who tendered + inestimable aid to the President of the United States, was the Lincoln of + Russia, having given freedom to millions of serfs in his empire; and, + further than that, he was, like Lincoln, the victim of assassination. He + was literally blown to pieces by a bomb thrown under his carriage while + riding through the streets near the Winter Palace at St. Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0507" id="link2H_4_0507"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NASHVILLE WAS NOT SURRENDERED. + </h2> + <p> + “I was told a mighty good story,” said the President one day at a Cabinet + meeting, “by Colonel Granville Moody, ‘the fighting Methodist parson,’ as + they used to call him in Tennessee. I happened to meet Moody in + Philadelphia, where he was attending a conference. + </p> + <p> + “The story was about ‘Andy’ Johnson and General Buell. Colonel Moody + happened to be in Nashville the day it was reported that Buell had decided + to evacuate the city. The rebels, strongly re-inforced, were said to be + within two days’ march of the capital. Of course, the city was greatly + excited. Moody said he went in search of Johnson at the edge of the + evening and found him at his office closeted with two gentlemen, who were + walking the floor with him, one on each side. As he entered they retired, + leaving him alone with Johnson, who came up to him, manifesting intense + feeling, and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Moody, we are sold out. Buell is a traitor. He is going to evacuate the + city, and in forty-eight hours we will all be in the hands of the rebels!’ + </p> + <p> + “Then he commenced pacing the floor again, twisting his hands and chafing + like a caged tiger, utterly insensible to his friend’s entreaties to + become calm. Suddenly he turned and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Moody, can you pray?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That is my business, sir, as a minister of the gospel,’ returned the + colonel. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, Moody, I wish you would pray,’ said Johnson, and instantly both + went down upon their knees at opposite sides of the room. + </p> + <p> + “As the prayer waxed fervent, Johnson began to respond in true Methodist + style. Presently he crawled over on his hands and knees to Moody’s side + and put his arms over him, manifesting the deepest emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Closing the prayer with a hearty ‘amen’ from each, they arose. + </p> + <p> + “Johnson took a long breath, and said, with emphasis: + </p> + <p> + “‘Moody, I feel better.’ + </p> + <p> + “Shortly afterward he asked: + </p> + <p> + “‘Will you stand by me?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Certainly I will,’ was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, Moody, I can depend upon you; you are one in a hundred thousand.’ + </p> + <p> + “He then commenced pacing the floor again. Suddenly he wheeled, the + current of his thought having changed, and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh, Moody, I don’t want you to think I have become a religious man + because I asked you to pray. I am sorry to say it, I am not, and never + pretended to be religious. No one knows this better than you, but, Moody, + there is one thing about it, I do believe in Almighty God, and I believe + also in the Bible, and I say, d—n me if Nashville shall be + surrendered!’ + </p> + <p> + “And Nashville was not surrendered!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0508" id="link2H_4_0508"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HE COULDN’T WAIT FOR THE COLONEL. + </h2> + <p> + General Fisk, attending a reception at the White House, saw waiting in the + ante-room a poor old man from Tennessee, and learned that he had been + waiting three or four days to get an audience, on which probably depended + the life of his son, under sentence of death for some military offense. + </p> + <p> + General Fisk wrote his case in outline on a card and sent it in, with a + special request that the President would see the man. In a moment the + order came; and past impatient senators, governors and generals, the old + man went. + </p> + <p> + He showed his papers to Mr. Lincoln, who said he would look into the case + and give him the result next day. + </p> + <p> + The old man, in an agony of apprehension, looked up into the President’s + sympathetic face and actually cried out: + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow may be too late! My son is under sentence of death! It ought to + be decided now!” + </p> + <p> + His streaming tears told how much he was moved. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said Mr. Lincoln, “wait a bit and I’ll tell you a story;” and then + he told the old man General Fisk’s story about the swearing driver, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + “The general had begun his military life as a colonel, and when he raised + his regiment in Missouri he proposed to his men that he should do all the + swearing of the regiment. They assented; and for months no instance was + known of the violation of the promise. + </p> + <p> + “The colonel had a teamster named John Todd, who, as roads were not always + the best, had some difficulty in commanding his temper and his tongue. + </p> + <p> + “John happened to be driving a mule team through a series of mudholes a + little worse than usual, when, unable to restrain himself any longer, he + burst forth into a volley of energetic oaths. + </p> + <p> + “The colonel took notice of the offense and brought John to account. + </p> + <p> + “‘John,’ said he, ‘didn’t you promise to let me do all the swearing of the + regiment?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, I did, colonel,’ he replied, ‘but the fact was, the swearing had to + be done then or not at all, and you weren’t there to do it.’” + </p> + <p> + As he told the story the old man forgot his boy, and both the President + and his listener had a hearty laugh together at its conclusion. + </p> + <p> + Then he wrote a few words which the old man read, and in which he found + new occasion for tears; but the tears were tears of joy, for the words + saved the life of his son. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0509" id="link2H_4_0509"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN PRONOUNCED THIS STORY FUNNY. + </h2> + <p> + The President was heard to declare one day that the story given below was + one of the funniest he ever heard. + </p> + <p> + One of General Fremont’s batteries of eight Parrott guns, supported by a + squadron of horse commanded by Major Richards, was in sharp conflict with + a battery of the enemy near at hand. Shells and shot were flying thick and + fast, when the commander of the battery, a German, one of Fremont’s staff, + rode suddenly up to the cavalry, exclaiming, in loud and excited terms, + “Pring up de shackasses! Pring up de shackasses! For Cot’s sake, hurry up + de shackasses, im-me-di-ate-ly!” + </p> + <p> + The necessity of this order, though not quite apparent, will be more + obvious when it is remembered that “shackasses” are mules, carry mountain + howitzers, which are fired from the backs of that much-abused but valuable + animal; and the immediate occasion for the “shackasses” was that two + regiments of rebel infantry were at that moment discovered ascending a + hill immediately behind our batteries. + </p> + <p> + The “shackasses,” with the howitzers loaded with grape and canister, were + soon on the ground. + </p> + <p> + The mules squared themselves, as they well knew how, for the shock. + </p> + <p> + A terrific volley was poured into the advancing column, which immediately + broke and retreated. + </p> + <p> + Two hundred and seventy-eight dead bodies were found in the ravine next + day, piled closely together as they fell, the effects of that volley from + the backs of the “shackasses.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0510" id="link2H_4_0510"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JOKE WAS ON LINCOLN. + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0409}.jpg" alt="{0409}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0409}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln enjoyed a joke at his own expense. Said he: “In the days when + I used to be in the circuit, I was accosted in the cars by a stranger, who + said, ‘Excuse me, sir, but I have an article in my possession which + belongs to you.’ ‘How is that?’ I asked, considerably astonished. + </p> + <p> + “The stranger took a jackknife from his pocket. ‘This knife,’ said he, + ‘was placed in my hands some years ago, with the injunction that I was to + keep it until I had found a man uglier than myself. I have carried it from + that time to this. Allow me to say, sir, that I think you are fairly + entitled to the property.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0511" id="link2H_4_0511"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE OTHER ONE WAS WORSE. + </h2> + <p> + It so happened that an official of the War Department had escaped serious + punishment for a rather flagrant offense, by showing where grosser + irregularities existed in the management of a certain bureau of the + Department. So valuable was the information furnished that the culprit who + “gave the snap away” was not even discharged. + </p> + <p> + “That reminds me,” the President said, when the case was laid before him, + “of a story about Daniel Webster, when the latter was a boy. + </p> + <p> + “When quite young, at school, Daniel was one day guilty of a gross + violation of the rules. He was detected in the act, and called up by the + teacher for punishment. + </p> + <p> + “This was to be the old-fashioned ‘feruling’ of the hand. His hands + happened to be very dirty. + </p> + <p> + “Knowing this, on the way to the teacher’s desk, he spit upon the palm of + his right hand, wiping it off upon the side of his pantaloons. + </p> + <p> + “‘Give me your hand, sir,’ said the teacher, very sternly. + </p> + <p> + “Out went the right hand, partly cleansed. The teacher looked at it a + moment, and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Daniel, if you will find another hand in this school-room as filthy as + that, I will let you off this time!’ + </p> + <p> + “Instantly from behind the back came the left hand. + </p> + <p> + “‘Here it is, sir,’ was the ready reply. + </p> + <p> + “‘That will do,’ said the teacher, ‘for this time; you can take your seat, + sir.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0512" id="link2H_4_0512"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “I’D A BEEN MISSED BY MYSE’F.” + </h2> + <p> + The President did not consider that every soldier who ran away in battle, + or did not stand firmly to receive a bayonet charge, was a coward. He was + of opinion that self-preservation was the first law of Nature, but he + didn’t want this statute construed too liberally by the troops. + </p> + <p> + At the same time he took occasion to illustrate a point he wished to make + by a story in connection with a darky who was a member of the Ninth + Illinois Infantry Regiment. This regiment was one of those engaged at the + capture of Fort Donelson. It behaved gallantly, and lost as heavily as + any. + </p> + <p> + “Upon the hurricane-deck of one of our gunboats,” said the President in + telling the story, “I saw an elderly darky, with a very philosophical and + retrospective cast of countenance, squatted upon his bundle, toasting his + shins against the chimney, and apparently plunged into a state of profound + meditation. + </p> + <p> + “As the negro rather interested me, I made some inquiries, and found that + he had really been with the Ninth Illinois Infantry at Donelson. and began + to ask him some questions about the capture of the place. + </p> + <p> + “‘Were you in the fight?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Had a little taste of it, sa.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Stood your ground, did you?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, sa, I runs.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Run at the first fire, did you? + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, sa, and would hab run soona, had I knowd it war comin’.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Why, that wasn’t very creditable to your courage.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Dat isn’t my line, sa—cookin’s my profeshun.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, but have you no regard for your reputation?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Reputation’s nuffin to me by de side ob life.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Do you consider your life worth more than other people’s?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘It’s worth more to me, sa.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then you must value it very highly?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, sa, I does, more dan all dis wuld, more dan a million ob dollars, + sa, for what would dat be wuth to a man wid de bref out ob him? + Self-preserbation am de fust law wid me.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘But why should you act upon a different rule from other men?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Different men set different values on their lives; mine is not in de + market.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘But if you lost it you would have the satisfaction of knowing that you + died for your country.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Dat no satisfaction when feelin’s gone.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then patriotism and honor are nothing to you?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Nufin whatever, sat—I regard them as among the vanities.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘If our soldiers were like you, traitors might have broken up the + government without resistance.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, sa, dar would hab been no help for it. I wouldn’t put my life in de + scale ‘g’inst any gobernment dat eber existed, for no gobernment could + replace de loss to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Do you think any of your company would have missed you if you had been + killed?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Maybe not, sa—a dead white man ain’t much to dese sogers, let + alone a dead nigga—but I’d a missed myse’f, and dat was de p’int wid + me.’ + </p> + <p> + “I only tell this story,” concluded the President, “in order to illustrate + the result of the tactics of some of the Union generals who would be sadly + ‘missed’ by themselves, if no one else, if they ever got out of the Army.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0513" id="link2H_4_0513"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IT ALL “DEPENDED” UPON THE EFFECT. + </h2> + <p> + President Lincoln and some members of his Cabinet were with a part of the + Army some distance south of the National Capital at one time, when + Secretary of War Stanton remarked that just before he left Washington he + had received a telegram from General Mitchell, in Alabama. General + Mitchell asked instructions in regard to a certain emergency that had + arisen. + </p> + <p> + The Secretary said he did not precisely understand the emergency as + explained by General Mitchell, but had answered back, “All right; go + ahead.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, as he turned to Mr. Lincoln, “Mr. President, if I have + made an error in not understanding him correctly, I will have to get you + to countermand the order.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” exclaimed President Lincoln, “that is very much like the happening + on the occasion of a certain horse sale I remember that took place at the + cross-roads down in Kentucky, when I was a boy. + </p> + <p> + “A particularly fine horse was to be sold, and the people in large numbers + had gathered together. They had a small boy to ride the horse up and down + while the spectators examined the horse’s points. + </p> + <p> + “At last one man whispered to the boy as he went by: ‘Look here, boy, + hain’t that horse got the splints?’ + </p> + <p> + “The boy replied: ‘Mister, I don’t know what the splints is, but if it’s + good for him, he has got it; if it ain’t good for him, he ain’t got it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said President Lincoln, “if this was good for Mitchell, it was all + right; but if it was not, I have got to countermand it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0514" id="link2H_4_0514"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOO SWIFT TO STAY IN THE ARMY. + </h2> + <p> + There were strange, queer, odd things and happenings in the Army at times, + but, as a rule, the President did not allow them to worry him. He had + enough to bother about. + </p> + <p> + A quartermaster having neglected to present his accounts in proper shape, + and the matter being deemed of sufficient importance to bring it to the + attention of the President, the latter remarked: + </p> + <p> + “Now this instance reminds me of a little story I heard only a short time + ago. A certain general’s purse was getting low, and he said it was + probable he might be obliged to draw on his banker for some money. + </p> + <p> + “‘How much do you want, father?’ asked his son, who had been with him a + few days. + </p> + <p> + “‘I think I shall send for a couple of hundred,’ replied the general. + </p> + <p> + “Why, father,’ said his son, very quietly, ‘I can let you have it.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘You can let me have it! Where did you get so much money? + </p> + <p> + “‘I won it playing draw-poker with your staff, sir!’ replied the youth. + </p> + <p> + “The earliest morning train bore the young man toward his home, and I’ve + been wondering if that boy and that quartermaster had happened to meet at + the same table.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0515" id="link2H_4_0515"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ADMIRED THE STRONG MAN. + </h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width:20%;"> <img src="images/{9413}.jpg" alt="{9413}" width="100%" /> <br /> <a href="images/{9413}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </div> + <p> + Governor Hoyt of Wisconsin tells a story of Mr. Lincoln’s great admiration + for physical strength. Mr. Lincoln, in 1859, made a speech at the + Wisconsin State Agricultural Fair. After the speech, in company with the + Governor, he strolled about the grounds, looking at the exhibits. They + came to a place where a professional “strong man” was tossing cannon balls + in the air and catching them on his arms and juggling with them as though + they were light as baseballs. Mr. Lincoln had never before seen such an + exhibition, and he was greatly surprised and interested. + </p> + <p> + When the performance was over, Governor Hoyt, seeing Mr. Lincoln’s + interest, asked him to go up and be introduced to the athlete. He did so, + and, as he stood looking down musingly on the man, who was very short, and + evidently wondering that one so much smaller than he could be so much + stronger, he suddenly broke out with one of his quaint speeches. “Why,” he + said, “why, I could lick salt off the top of your hat.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0516" id="link2H_4_0516"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WISHED THE ARMY CHARGED LIKE THAT. + </h2> + <p> + A prominent volunteer officer who, early in the War, was on duty in + Washington and often carried reports to Secretary Stanton at the War + Department, told a characteristic story on President Lincoln. Said he: + </p> + <p> + “I was with several other young officers, also carrying reports to the War + Department, and one morning we were late. In this instance we were in a + desperate hurry to deliver the papers, in order to be able to catch the + train returning to camp. + </p> + <p> + “On the winding, dark staircase of the old War Department, which many will + remember, it was our misfortune, while taking about three stairs at a + time, to run a certain head like a catapult into the body of the + President, striking him in the region of the right lower vest pocket. + </p> + <p> + “The usual surprised and relaxed grunt of a man thus assailed came + promptly. + </p> + <p> + “We quickly sent an apology in the direction of the dimly seen form, + feeling that the ungracious shock was expensive, even to the humblest + clerk in the department. + </p> + <p> + “A second glance revealed to us the President as the victim of the + collision. Then followed a special tender of ‘ten thousand pardons,’ and + the President’s reply: + </p> + <p> + “‘One’s enough; I wish the whole army would charge like that.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0517" id="link2H_4_0517"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “UNCLE ABRAHAM” HAD EVERYTHING READY. + </h2> + <p> + “You can’t do anything with them Southern fellows,” the old man at the + table was saying. + </p> + <p> + “If they get whipped, they’ll retreat to them Southern swamps and bayous + along with the fishes and crocodiles. You haven’t got the fish-nets made + that’ll catch ‘em.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, old gentleman,” remarked President Lincoln, who was sitting + alongside, “we’ve got just the nets for traitors, in the bayous or + anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Hey? What nets?” + </p> + <p> + “Bayou-nets!” and “Uncle Abraham” pointed his joke with his fork, spearing + a fishball savagely. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0518" id="link2H_4_0518"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOT AS SMOOTH AS HE LOOKED. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s skill in parrying troublesome questions was wonderful. Once + he received a call from Congressman John Ganson, of Buffalo, one of the + ablest lawyers in New York, who, although a Democrat, supported all of Mr. + Lincoln’s war measures. Mr. Ganson wanted explanations. Mr. Ganson was + very bald with a perfectly smooth face. He had a most direct and + aggressive way of stating his views or of demanding what he thought he was + entitled to. He said: “Mr. Lincoln, I have supported all of your measures + and think I am entitled to your confidence. We are voting and acting in + the dark in Congress, and I demand to know—think I have the right to + ask and to know—what is the present situation, and what are the + prospects and conditions of the several campaigns and armies.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln looked at him critically for a moment and then said: “Ganson, + how clean you shave!” + </p> + <p> + Most men would have been offended, but Ganson was too broad and + intelligent a man not to see the point and retire at once, satisfied, from + the field. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0519" id="link2H_4_0519"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A SMALL CROP. + </h2> + <p> + Chauncey M. Depew says that Mr. Lincoln told him the following story, + which he claimed was one of the best two things he ever originated: He was + trying a case in Illinois where he appeared for a prisoner charged with + aggravated assault and battery. The complainant had told a horrible story + of the attack, which his appearance fully justified, when the District + Attorney handed the witness over to Mr. Lincoln, for cross-examination. + Mr. Lincoln said he had no testimony, and unless he could break down the + complainant’s story he saw no way out. He had come to the conclusion that + the witness was a bumptious man, who rather prided himself upon his + smartness in repartee and, so, after looking at him for some minutes, he + said: + </p> + <p> + “Well, my friend, how much ground did you and my client here fight over?” + </p> + <p> + The fellow answered: “About six acres.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Lincoln, “don’t you think that this is an almighty small + crop of fight to gather from such a big piece of ground?” + </p> + <p> + The jury laughed. The Court and District-Attorney and complainant all + joined in, and the case was laughed out of court. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0520" id="link2H_4_0520"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “NEVER REGRET WHAT YOU DON’T WRITE.” + </h2> + <p> + A simple remark one of the party might make would remind Mr. Lincoln of an + apropos story. + </p> + <p> + Secretary of the Treasury Chase happened to remark, “Oh, I am so sorry + that I did not write a letter to Mr. So-and-so before I left home!” + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln promptly responded: + </p> + <p> + “Chase, never regret what you don’t write; it is what you do write that + you are often called upon to feel sorry for.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0521" id="link2H_4_0521"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A VAIN GENERAL. + </h2> + <p> + In an interview between President Lincoln and Petroleum V. Nasby, the name + came up of a recently deceased politician of Illinois whose merit was + blemished by great vanity. His funeral was very largely attended. + </p> + <p> + “If General —— had known how big a funeral he would have had,” + said Mr. Lincoln, “he would have died years ago.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0522" id="link2H_4_0522"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DEATH BED REPENTANCE. + </h2> + <p> + A Senator, who was calling upon Mr. Lincoln, mentioned the name of a most + virulent and dishonest official; one, who, though very brilliant, was very + bad. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a good thing for B——” said Mr. Lincoln, “that there is + such a thing as a deathbed repentance.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0417}.jpg" alt="{0417}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0417}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0418}.jpg" alt="{0418}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0418}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0523" id="link2H_4_0523"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NO CAUSE FOR PRIDE. + </h2> + <p> + A member of Congress from Ohio came into Mr. Lincoln’s presence in a state + of unutterable intoxication, and sinking into a chair, exclaimed in tones + that welled up fuzzy through the gallon or more of whiskey that he + contained, “Oh, ‘why should (hic) the spirit of mortal be proud?’” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” said the President, regarding him closely, “I see no reason + whatever.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0524" id="link2H_4_0524"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE STORY OF LINCOLN’S LIFE + </h2> + <p> + When Abraham Lincoln once was asked to tell the story of his life, he + replied: + </p> + <p> + “It is contained in one line of Gray’s ‘Elegy in a Country Churchyard’: + </p> + <p> + “‘The short and simple annals of the poor.’” + </p> + <p> + That was true at the time he said it, as everything else he said was + Truth, but he was then only at the beginning of a career that was to + glorify him as one of the heroes of the world, and place his name forever + beside the immortal name of the mighty Washington. + </p> + <p> + Many great men, particularly those of America, began life in humbleness + and poverty, but none ever came from such depths or rose to such a height + as Abraham Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + His birthplace, in Hardin county, Kentucky, was but a wilderness, and + Spencer county, Indiana, to which the Lincoln family removed when Abraham + was in his eighth year, was a wilder and still more uncivilized region. + </p> + <p> + The little red schoolhouse which now so thickly adorns the country + hillside had not yet been built. There were scattered log schoolhouses, + but they were few and far between. In several of these Mr. Lincoln got the + rudiments of an education—an education that was never finished, for + to the day of his death he was a student and a seeker after knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Some records of his schoolboy days are still left us. One is a book made + and bound by Lincoln himself, in which he had written the table of weights + and measures, and the sums to be worked out therefrom. This was his + arithmetic, for he was too poor to own a printed copy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0525" id="link2H_4_0525"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A YOUTHFUL POET. + </h2> + <p> + On one of the pages of this quaint book he had written these four lines of + schoolboy doggerel: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Abraham Lincoln, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + His Hand and Pen, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + He Will be Good, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + But God knows when.” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The poetic spirit was strong in the young scholar just then for on another + page of the same book he had written these two verses, which are supposed + to have been original with him: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Time, what an empty vapor ‘tis, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + And days, how swift they are; + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Swift as an Indian arrow + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Fly on like a shooting star. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + The present moment just is here, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Then slides away in haste, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + That we can never say they’re ours, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + But only say they’re past.” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Another specimen of the poetical, or rhyming ability, is found in the + following couplet, written by him for his friend, Joseph C. Richardson: + </p> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + “Good boys who to their books apply, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Will all be great men by and by.” + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + In all, Lincoln’s “schooling” did not amount to a year’s time, but he was + a constant student outside of the schoolhouse. He read all the books he + could borrow, and it was his chief delight during the day to lie under the + shade of some tree, or at night in front of an open fireplace, reading and + studying. His favorite books were the Bible and Aesop’s fables, which he + kept always within reach and read time and again. + </p> + <p> + The first law book he ever read was “The Statutes of Indiana,” and it was + from this work that he derived his ambition to be a lawyer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0526" id="link2H_4_0526"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MADE SPEECHES WHEN A BOY. + </h2> + <p> + When he was but a barefoot boy he would often make political speeches to + the boys in the neighborhood, and when he had reached young manhood and + was engaged in the labor of chopping wood or splitting rails he continued + this practice of speech-making with only the stumps and surrounding trees + for hearers. + </p> + <p> + At the age of seventeen he had attained his full height of six feet four + inches and it was at this time he engaged as a ferry boatman on the Ohio + river, at thirty-seven cents a day. + </p> + <p> + That he was seriously beginning to think of public affairs even at this + early age is shown by the fact that about this time he wrote a composition + on the American Government, urging the necessity for preserving the + Constitution and perpetuating the Union. A Rockport lawyer, by the name of + Pickert, who read this composition, declared that “the world couldn’t beat + it.” + </p> + <p> + When the dreaded disease, known as the “milk-sick” created such havoc in + Indiana in 1829, the father of Abraham Lincoln, who was of a roving + disposition, sought and found a new home in Illinois, locating near the + town of Decatur, in Macon county, on a bluff overlooking the Sangamon + river. A short time thereafter Abraham Lincoln came of age, and having + done his duty to his father, began life on his own account. + </p> + <p> + His first employer was a man named Denton Offut, who engaged Lincoln, + together with his step-brother and John Hanks, to take a boat-load of + stock and provisions to New Orleans. Offut was so well pleased with the + energy and skill that Lincoln displayed on this trip that he engaged him + as clerk in a store which Offut opened a few months later at New Salem. + </p> + <p> + It was while clerking for Offut that Lincoln performed many of those + marvelous feats of strength for which he was noted in his youth, and + displayed his wonderful skill as a wrestler. In addition to being six feet + four inches high he now weighed two hundred and fourteen pounds. And his + strength and skill were so great combined that he could out-wrestle and + out-lift any man in that section of the country. + </p> + <p> + During his clerkship in Offut’s store Lincoln continued to read and study + and made considerable progress in grammar and mathematics. Offut failed in + business and disappeared from the village. In the language of Lincoln he + “petered out,” and his tall, muscular clerk had to seek other employment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0527" id="link2H_4_0527"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ASSISTANT PILOT ON A STEAMBOAT. + </h2> + <p> + In his first public speech, which had already been delivered, Lincoln had + contended that the Sangamon river was navigable, and it now fell to his + lot to assist in giving practical proof of his argument. A steamboat had + arrived at New Salem from Cincinnati, and Lincoln was hired as an + assistant in piloting the vessel through the uncertain channel of the + Sangamon river to the Illinois river. The way was obstructed by a milldam. + Lincoln insisted to the owners of the dam that under the Federal + Constitution and laws no one had a right to dam up or obstruct a navigable + stream and as he had already proved that the Sangamon was navigable a + portion of the dam was torn away and the boat passed safely through. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0528" id="link2H_4_0528"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + “CAPTAIN LINCOLN” PLEASED HIM. + </h2> + <p> + At this period in his career the Blackhawk War broke out, and Lincoln was + one of the first to respond to Governor Reynold’s call for a thousand + mounted volunteers to assist the United States troops in driving Blackhawk + back across the Mississippi. Lincoln enlisted in the company from Sangamon + county and was elected captain. He often remarked that this gave him + greater pleasure than anything that had happened in his life up to this + time. He had, however, no opportunities in this war to perform any + distinguished service. + </p> + <p> + Upon his return from the Blackhawk War, in which, as he said afterward, in + a humorous speech, when in Congress, that he “fought, bled and came away,” + he was an unsuccessful candidate for the Legislature. This was the only + time in his life, as he himself has said, that he was ever beaten by the + people. Although defeated, in his own town of New Salem he received all of + the two hundred and eight votes cast except three. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0529" id="link2H_4_0529"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FAILURE AS A BUSINESS MAN. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s next business venture was with William Berry in a general store, + under the firm name of Lincoln & Berry, but did not take long to show + that he was not adapted for a business career. The firm failed, Berry died + and the debts of the firm fell entirely upon Lincoln. Many of these debts + he might have escaped legally, but he assumed them all and it was not + until fifteen years later that the last indebtedness of Lincoln & + Berry was discharged. During his membership in this firm he had applied + himself to the study of law, beginning at the beginning, that is with + Blackstone. Now that he had nothing to do he spent much of his time lying + under the shade of a tree poring over law books, borrowed from a comrade + in the Blackhawk War, who was then a practicing lawyer at Springfield. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0423}.jpg" alt="{0423}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0423}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0530" id="link2H_4_0530"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GAINS FAME AS A STORY TELLER. + </h2> + <p> + It was about this time, too, that Lincoln’s fame as a story-teller began + to spread far and wide. His sayings and his jokes were repeated throughout + that section of the country, and he was famous as a story-teller before + anyone ever heard of him as a lawyer or a politician. + </p> + <p> + It required no little moral courage to resist the temptation that beset an + idle young man on every hand at that time, for drinking and carousing were + of daily and nightly occurrence. Lincoln never drank intoxicating liquors, + nor did he at that time use tobacco, but in any sports that called for + skill or muscle he took a lively interest, even in horse races and cock + fights. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0531" id="link2H_4_0531"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SURVEYOR WITH NO STRINGS ON HIM. + </h2> + <p> + John Calhoun was at that time surveyor of Sangamon county. He had been a + lawyer and had noticed the studious Lincoln. Needing an assistant he + offered the place to Lincoln. The average young man without any regular + employment and hard-pressed for means to pay his board as Lincoln was, + would have jumped at the opportunity, but a question of principle was + involved which had to be settled before Lincoln would accept. Calhoun was + a Democrat and Lincoln was a Whig, therefore Lincoln said, “I will take + the office if I can be perfectly free in my political actions, but if my + sentiments or even expression of them are to be abridged in any way, I + would not have it or any other office.” + </p> + <p> + With this understanding he accepted the office and began to study books on + surveying, furnished him by his employer. He was not a natural + mathematician, and in working out his most difficult problems he sought + the assistance of Mentor Graham, a famous schoolmaster in those days, who + had previously assisted Lincoln in his studies. He soon became a competent + surveyor, however, and was noted for the accurate way in which he ran his + lines and located his corners. + </p> + <p> + Surveying was not as profitable then as it has since become, and the young + surveyor often had to take his pay in some article other than money. One + old settler relates that for a survey made for him by Lincoln he paid two + buckskins, which Hannah Armstrong “foxed” on his pants so that the briars + would not wear them out. + </p> + <p> + About this time, 1833, he was made postmaster at New Salem, the first + Federal office he ever held. Although the postoffice was located in a + store, Lincoln usually carried the mail around in his hat and distributed + it to people when he met them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0532" id="link2H_4_0532"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE. + </h2> + <p> + The following year Lincoln again ran for the Legislature, this time as an + avowed Whig. Of the four successful candidates, Lincoln received the + second highest number of votes. + </p> + <p> + When Lincoln went to take his seat in the Legislature at Vandalia he was + so poor that he was obliged to borrow $200 to buy suitable clothes and + uphold the dignity of his new position. He took little part in the + proceedings, keeping in the background, but forming many lasting + acquaintances and friendships. + </p> + <p> + Two years later, when he was again a candidate for the same office, there + were more political issues to be met, and Lincoln met them with + characteristic honesty and boldness. During the campaign he issued the + following letter: + </p> + <p> + “New Salem, June 13, 1836. + </p> + <p> + “To the Editor of The Journal: + </p> + <p> + “In your paper of last Saturday I see a communication over the signature + of ‘Many Voters’ in which the candidates who are announced in the journal + are called upon to ‘show their hands.’ Agreed. Here’s mine: + </p> + <p> + “I go for all sharing the privileges of the government who assist in + bearing its burdens. Consequently, I go for admitting all whites to the + right of suffrage who pay taxes or bear arms (by no means excluding + females). + </p> + <p> + “If elected, I shall consider the whole people of Sangamon my + constituents, as well those that oppose as those that support me. + </p> + <p> + “While acting as their Representative, I shall be governed by their will + on all subjects upon which I have the means of knowing what their will is; + and upon all others I shall do what my own judgment teaches me will best + advance their interests. Whether elected or not, I go for distributing the + proceeds of the sales of public lands to the several States to enable our + State, in common with others, to dig canals and construct railroads + without borrowing money and paying the interest on it. + </p> + <p> + “If alive on the first Monday in November, I shall vote for Hugh L. White, + for President. + </p> + <p> + “Very respectfully, + </p> + <p> + “A. LINCOLN.” + </p> + <p> + This was just the sort of letter to win the support of the plain-spoken + voters of Sangamon county. Lincoln not only received more votes than any + other candidate on the Legislative ticket, but the county which had always + been Democratic was turned Whig. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0533" id="link2H_4_0533"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FAMOUS “LONG NINE.” + </h2> + <p> + The other candidates elected with Lincoln were Ninian W. Edwards, John + Dawson, Andrew McCormick, “Dan” Stone, William F. Elkin, Robert L. Wilson, + “Joe” Fletcher, and Archer G. Herndon. These were known as the “Long + Nine.” Their average height was six feet, and average weight two hundred + pounds. + </p> + <p> + This Legislature was one of the most famous that ever convened in + Illinois. Bonds to the amount of $12,000,000 were voted to assist in + building thirteen hundred miles of railroad, to widen and deepen all the + streams in the State and to dig a canal from the Illinois river to Lake + Michigan. Lincoln favored all these plans, but in justice to him it must + be said that the people he represented were also in favor of them. + </p> + <p> + It was at this session that the State capital was changed from Vandalia to + Springfield. Lincoln, as the leader of the “Long Nine,” had charge of the + bill and after a long and bitter struggle succeeded in passing it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0534" id="link2H_4_0534"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BEGINS TO OPPOSE SLAVERY. + </h2> + <p> + At this early stage in his career Abraham Lincoln began his opposition to + slavery which eventually resulted in his giving liberty to four million + human beings. This Legislature passed the following resolutions on + slavery: + </p> + <p> + “Resolved by the General Assembly, of the State of Illinois: That we + highly disapprove of the formation of Abolition societies and of the + doctrines promulgated by them. + </p> + <p> + “That the right of property in slaves is sacred to the slave-holding + States by the Federal Constitution, and that they cannot be deprived of + that right without their consent, + </p> + <p> + “That the General Government cannot abolish slavery in the District of + Columbia against the consent of the citizens of said district without a + manifest breach of good faith.” + </p> + <p> + Against this resolution Lincoln entered a protest, but only succeeded in + getting one man in the Legislature to sign the protest with him. + </p> + <p> + The protest was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Resolutions upon the subject of domestic slavery having passed both + branches of the General Assembly at its present session, the undersigned + hereby protest against the passage of the same. + </p> + <p> + “They believe that the institution of slavery is founded on both injustice + and bad policy, but that the promulgation of abolition doctrines tends + rather to increase than abate its evils. + </p> + <p> + “They believe that the Congress of the United States has no power under + the Constitution to interfere with the institution of slavery in the + different States. + </p> + <p> + “They believe that the Congress of the United States has the power under + the Constitution to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, but that + the power ought not to be exercised unless at the request of the people of + the District. + </p> + <p> + “The difference between these opinions and those contained in the above + resolutions is their reason for entering this protest. + </p> + <p> + “DAN STONE, “A. LINCOLN, + </p> + <p> + “Representatives from the county of Sangamon.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0535" id="link2H_4_0535"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BEGINS TO PRACTICE LAW. + </h2> + <p> + At the end of this session of the Legislature, Mr. Lincoln decided to + remove to Springfield and practice law. He entered the office of John T. + Stuart, a former comrade in the Blackhawk War, and in March, 1837, was + licensed to practice. + </p> + <p> + Stephen T. Logan was judge of the Circuit Court, and Stephen A. Douglas, + who was destined to become Lincoln’s greatest political opponent, was + prosecuting attorney. When Lincoln was not in his law office his + headquarters were in the store of his friend Joshua F. Speed, in which + gathered all the youthful orators and statesmen of that day, and where + many exciting arguments and discussions were held. Lincoln and Douglas + both took part in the discussion held in Speed’s store. Douglas was the + acknowledged leader of the Democratic side and Lincoln was rapidly coming + to the front as a leader among the Whig debaters. One evening in the midst + of a heated argument Douglas, or “the Little Giant,” as he was called, + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “This store is no place to talk politics.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0536" id="link2H_4_0536"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS FIRST JOINT DEBATE. + </h2> + <p> + Arrangements were at once made for a joint debate between the leading + Democrats and Whigs to take place in a local church. The Democrats were + represented by Douglas, Calhoun, Lamborn and Thomas. The Whig speakers + were Judge Logan, Colonel E. D. Baker, Mr. Browning and Lincoln. This + discussion was the forerunner of the famous joint-debate between Lincoln + and Douglas, which took place some years later and attracted the attention + of the people throughout the United States. Although Mr. Lincoln was the + last speaker in the first discussion held, his speech attracted more + attention than any of the others and added much to his reputation as a + public debater. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s last campaign for the Legislature was in 1840. In the same + year he was made an elector on the Harrison presidential ticket, and in + his canvass of the State frequently met the Democratic champion, Douglas, + in debate. After 1840 Mr. Lincoln declined re-election to the Legislature, + but he was a presidential elector on the Whig tickets of 1844 and 1852, + and on the Republican ticket for the State at large in 1856. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0537" id="link2H_4_0537"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MARRIES A SPRINGFIELD BELLE. + </h2> + <p> + Among the social belles of Springfield was Mary Todd, a handsome and + cultivated girl of the illustrious descent which could be traced back to + the sixth century, to whom Mr. Lincoln was married in 1842. Stephen A. + Douglas was his competitor in love as well as in politics. He courted Mary + Todd until it became evident that she preferred Mr. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + Previous to his marriage Mr. Lincoln had two love affairs, one of them so + serious that it left an impression upon his whole future life. One of the + objects of his affection was Miss Mary Owen, of Green county, Kentucky, + who decided that Mr. Lincoln “was deficient in those little links which + make up the chain of woman’s happiness.” The affair ended without any + damage to Mr. Lincoln’s heart or the heart of the lady. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0538" id="link2H_4_0538"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STORY OF ANNE RUTLEDGE. + </h2> + <p> + Lincoln’s first love, however, had a sad termination. The object of his + affections at that time was Anne Rutledge, whose father was one of the + founders of New Salem. Like Miss Owen, Miss Rutledge was also born in + Kentucky, and was gifted with the beauty and graces that distinguish many + Southern women. At the time that Mr. Lincoln and Anne Rutledge were + engaged to be married, he thought himself too poor to properly support a + wife, and they decided to wait until such time as he could better his + financial condition. A short time thereafter Miss Rutledge was attacked + with a fatal illness, and her death was such a blow to her intended + husband that for a long time his friends feared that he would lose his + mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0539" id="link2H_4_0539"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS DUEL WITH SHIELDS. + </h2> + <p> + Just previous to his marriage with Mary Todd, Mr. Lincoln was challenged + to fight a duel by James Shields, then Auditor of State. The challenge + grew out of some humorous letters concerning Shields, published in a local + paper. The first of these letters was written by Mr. Lincoln. The others + by Mary Todd and her sister. Mr. Lincoln acknowledged the authorship of + the letters without naming the ladies, and agreed to meet Shields on the + field of honor. As he had the choice of weapons he named broadswords, and + actually went to the place selected for the duel. + </p> + <p> + The duel was never fought. Mutual friends got together and patched up an + understanding between Mr. Lincoln and the hot-headed Irishman. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0429}.jpg" alt="{0429}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0429}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0540" id="link2H_4_0540"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FORMS NEW PARTNERSHIP. + </h2> + <p> + Before this time Mr. Lincoln had dissolved partnership with Stuart and + entered into a law partnership with Judge Logan. In 1843 both Lincoln and + Logan were candidates for nomination for Congress and the personal + ill-will caused by their rivalry resulted in the dissolution of the firm + and the formation of a new law firm of Lincoln & Herndon, which + continued, nominally at least, until Mr. Lincoln’s death. + </p> + <p> + The congressional nomination, however, went to Edward D. Baker, who was + elected. Two years later the principal candidates for the Whig nomination + for Congress were Mr. Lincoln and his former law partner, Judge Logan. + Party sentiment was so strongly in favor of Lincoln that Judge Logan + withdrew and Lincoln was nominated unanimously. The campaign that followed + was one of the most memorable and interesting ever held in Illinois. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0541" id="link2H_4_0541"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DEFEATS PETER CARTWRIGHT FOR CONGRESS. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s opponent on the Democratic ticket was no less a person than + old Peter Cartwright, the famous Methodist preacher and circuit rider. + Cartwright had preached to almost every congregation in the district and + had a strong following in all the churches. Mr. Lincoln did not + underestimate the strength of his great rival. He abandoned his law + business entirely and gave his whole attention to the canvass. This time + Mr. Lincoln was victorious and was elected by a large majority. + </p> + <p> + When Lincoln took his seat in Congress, in 1847, he was the only Whig + member from Illinois. His great political rival, Douglas, was in the + Senate. The Mexican War had already broken out, which, in common with his + party, he had opposed. Later in life he was charged with having opposed + the voting of supplies to the American troops in Mexico, but this was a + falsehood which he easily disproved. He was strongly opposed to the War, + but after it was once begun he urged its vigorous prosecution and voted + with the Democrats on all measures concerning the care and pay of the + soldiers. His opposition to the War, however, cost him a re-election; it + cost his party the congressional district, which was carried by the + Democrats in 1848. Lincoln’s former law partner, Judge Logan, secured the + Whig nomination that year and was defeated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0542" id="link2H_4_0542"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MAKES SPEECHES FOR “OLD ZACH.” + </h2> + <p> + In the national convention at Philadelphia, in 1848, Mr. Lincoln was a + delegate and advocated the nomination of General Taylor. + </p> + <p> + After the nomination of General Taylor, or “Old Zach,” or “rough and + Ready,” as he was called, Mr. Lincoln made a tour of New York and several + New England States, making speeches for his candidate. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln went to New England in this campaign on account of the great + defection in the Whig party. General Taylor’s nomination was + unsatisfactory to the free-soil element, and such leaders as Henry Wilson, + Charles Francis Adams, Charles Allen, Charles Sumner, Stephen C. Phillips, + Richard H. Dana, Jr., and Anson Burlingame, were in open revolt. Mr. + Lincoln’s speeches were confined largely to a defense of General Taylor, + but at the same time he denounced the free-soilers for helping to elect + Cass. Among other things he said that the free-soilers had but one + principle and that they reminded him of the Yankee peddler going to sell a + pair of pantaloons and describing them as “large enough for any man, and + small enough for any boy.” + </p> + <p> + It is an odd fact in history that the prominent Whigs of Massachusetts at + that time became the opponents of Mr. Lincoln’s election to the presidency + and the policy of his administration, while the free-soilers, whom he + denounced, were among his strongest supporters, advisers and followers. + </p> + <p> + At the second session of Congress Mr. Lincoln’s one act of consequence was + the introduction of a bill providing for the gradual emancipation of the + slaves in the District of Columbia. Joshua R. Giddings, the great + antislavery agitator, and one or two lesser lights supported it, but the + bill was laid on the table. + </p> + <p> + After General Taylor’s election Mr. Lincoln had the distribution of + Federal patronage in his own Congressional district, and this added much + to his political importance, although it was a ceaseless source of worry + to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0543" id="link2H_4_0543"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DECLINES A HIGH OFFICE. + </h2> + <p> + Just before the close of his term in Congress Mr. Lincoln was an applicant + for the office of Commissioner of the General Land Office, but was + unsuccessful. He had been such a factor in General Taylor’s election that + the administration thought something was due him, and after his return to + Illinois he was called to Washington and offered the Governorship of the + Territory of Oregon. It is likely he would have accepted this had not Mrs. + Lincoln put her foot down with an emphatic no. + </p> + <p> + He declined a partnership with a well-known Chicago lawyer and returning + to his Springfield home resumed the practice of law. + </p> + <p> + From this time until the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, which opened + the way for the admission of slavery into the territories, Mr. Lincoln + devoted himself more industriously than ever to the practice of law, and + during those five years he was probably a greater student than he had ever + been before. His partner, W. H. Herndon, has told of the changes that took + place in the courts and in the methods of practice while Mr. Lincoln was + away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0544" id="link2H_4_0544"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AS A LAWYER. + </h2> + <p> + When he returned to active practice he saw at once that the courts had + grown more learned and dignified and that the bar relied more upon method + and system and a knowledge of the statute law than upon the stump speech + method of early days. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Herndon tells us that Lincoln would lie in bed and read by candle + light, sometimes until two o’clock in the morning, while his famous + colleagues, Davis, Logan, Swett, Edwards and Herndon, were soundly and + sometimes loudly sleeping. He read and reread the statutes and books of + practice, devoured Shakespeare, who was always a favorite of his, and + studied Euclid so diligently that he could easily demonstrate all the + propositions contained in the six books. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln detested office work. He left all that to his partner. He + disliked to draw up legal papers or to write letters. The firm of which he + was a member kept no books. When either Lincoln or Herndon received a fee + they divided the money then and there. If his partner were not in the + office at the time Mr. Lincoln would wrap up half of the fee in a sheet of + paper, on which he would write, “Herndon’s half,” giving the name of the + case, and place it in his partner’s desk. + </p> + <p> + But in court, arguing a case, pleading to the jury and laying down the + law, Lincoln was in his element. Even when he had a weak case he was a + strong antagonist, and when he had right and justice on his side, as he + nearly always had, no one could beat him. + </p> + <p> + He liked an outdoor life, hence he was fond of riding the circuit. He + enjoyed the company of other men, liked discussion and argument, loved to + tell stories and to hear them, laughing as heartily at his own stories as + he did at those that were told to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0545" id="link2H_4_0545"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TELLING STORIES ON THE CIRCUIT. + </h2> + <p> + The court circuit in those days was the scene of many a story-telling + joust, in which Lincoln was always the chief. Frequently he would sit up + until after midnight reeling off story after story, each one followed by + roars of laughter that could be heard all over the country tavern, in + which the story-telling group was gathered. Every type of character would + be represented in these groups, from the learned judge on the bench down + to the village loafer. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln’s favorite attitude was to sit with his long legs propped up on + the rail of the stove, or with his feet against the wall, and thus he + would sit for hours entertaining a crowd, or being entertained. + </p> + <p> + One circuit judge was so fond of Lincoln’s stories that he often would sit + up until midnight listening to them, and then declare that he had laughed + so much he believed his ribs were shaken loose. + </p> + <p> + The great success of Abraham Lincoln as a trial lawyer was due to a number + of facts. He would not take a case if he believed that the law and justice + were on the other side. When he addressed a jury he made them feel that he + only wanted fair play and justice. He did not talk over their heads, but + got right down to a friendly tone such as we use in ordinary conversation, + and talked at them, appealing to their honesty and common sense. + </p> + <p> + And making his argument plain by telling a story or two that brought the + matter clearly within their understanding. + </p> + <p> + When he did not know the law in a particular case he never pretended to + know it. If there were no precedents to cover a case he would state his + side plainly and fairly; he would tell the jury what he believed was right + for them to do, and then conclude with his favorite expression, “it seems + to me that this ought to be the law.” + </p> + <p> + Some time before the repeal of the Missouri Compromise a lawyer friend + said to him: “Lincoln, the time is near at hand when we shall have to be + all Abolitionists or all Democrats.” + </p> + <p> + “When that time comes my mind is made up,” he replied, “for I believe the + slavery question never can be compromised.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0546" id="link2H_4_0546"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LION IS AROUSED TO ACTION. + </h2> + <p> + While Lincoln took a mild interest in politics, he was not a candidate for + office, except as a presidential elector, from the time of leaving + Congress until the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. This repeal + Legislation was the work of Lincoln’s political antagonist, Stephen A. + Douglas, and aroused Mr. Lincoln to action as the lion is roused by some + foe worthy of his great strength and courage. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Douglas argued that the true intent and meaning of the act was not to + legislate slavery into any territory or state, nor to exclude it + therefrom, but to leave the people perfectly free to form and regulate + their domestic institutions in their own way. + </p> + <p> + “Douglas’ argument amounts to this,” said Mr. Lincoln, “that if any one + man chooses to enslave another no third man shall be allowed to object.” + </p> + <p> + After the adjournment of Congress Mr. Douglas returned to Illinois and + began to defend his action in the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. His + most important speech was made at Springfield, and Mr. Lincoln was + selected to answer it. That speech alone was sufficient to make Mr. + Lincoln the leader of anti-Slavery sentiment in the West, and some of the + men who heard it declared that it was the greatest speech he ever made. + </p> + <p> + With the repeal of the Missouri Compromise the Whig party began to break + up, the majority of its members who were pronounced Abolitionists began to + form the nucleus of the Republican party. Before this party was formed, + however, Mr. Lincoln was induced to follow Douglas around the State and + reply to him, but after one meeting at Peoria, where they both spoke, they + entered into an agreement to return to their homes and make no more + speeches during the campaign. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0435}.jpg" alt="{0435}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0435}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0436}.jpg" alt="{0436}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0436}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0547" id="link2H_4_0547"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SEEKS A SEAT IN THE SENATE. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln made no secret at this time of his ambition to represent + Illinois in the United States Senate. Against his protest he was nominated + and elected to the Legislature, but resigned his seat. His old rival, + James Shields, with whom he was once near to a duel, was then senator, and + his term was to expire the following year. + </p> + <p> + A letter, written by Mr. Lincoln to a friend in Paris, Illinois, at this + time is interesting and significant. He wrote: + </p> + <p> + “I have a suspicion that a Whig has been elected to the Legislature from + Eagar. If this is not so, why, then, ‘nix cum arous;’ but if it is so, + then could you not make a mark with him for me for United States senator? + I really have some chance.” + </p> + <p> + Another candidate besides Mr. Lincoln was seeking the seat in the United + States Senate, soon to be vacated by Mr. Shields. This was Lyman Trumbull, + an anti-slavery Democrat. When the Legislature met it was found that Mr. + Lincoln lacked five votes of an election, while Mr. Trumbull had but five + supporters. After several ballots Mr. Lincoln feared that Trumbull’s votes + would be given to a Democratic candidate and he determined to sacrifice + himself for the principle at stake. Accordingly he instructed his friends + in the Legislature to vote for Judge Trumbull, which they did, resulting + in Trumbull’s election. + </p> + <p> + The Abolitionists in the West had become very radical in their views, and + did not hesitate to talk of opposing the extension of slavery by the use + of force if necessary. Mr. Lincoln, on the other hand, was conservative + and counseled moderation. In the meantime many outrages, growing out of + the extension of slavery, were being perpetrated on the borders of Kansas + and Missouri, and they no doubt influenced Mr. Lincoln to take a more + radical stand against the slavery question. + </p> + <p> + An incident occurred at this time which had great effect in this + direction. The negro son of a colored woman in Springfield had gone South + to work. He was born free, but did not have his free papers with him. He + was arrested and would have been sold into slavery to pay his prison + expenses, had not Mr. Lincoln and some friends purchased his liberty. + Previous to this Mr. Lincoln had tried to secure the boy’s release through + the Governor of Illinois, but the Governor informed him that nothing could + be done. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that Mr. Lincoln rose to his full height and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Governor, I’ll make the ground in this country too hot for the foot of a + slave, whether you have the legal power to secure the release of this boy + or not.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0548" id="link2H_4_0548"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HELPS TO ORGANIZE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. + </h2> + <p> + The year after Mr. Trumbull’s election to the Senate the Republican party + was formally organized. A state convention of that party was called to + meet at Bloomington May 29, 1856. The call for this convention was signed + by many Springfield Whigs, and among the names was that of Abraham + Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln’s name had been signed to the call by his law + partner, but when he was informed of this action he endorsed it fully. + Among the famous men who took part in this convention were Abraham + Lincoln, Lyman Trumbull, David Davis, Leonard Swett, Richard Yates, + Norman, B. Judd and Owen Lovejoy, the Alton editor, whose life, like + Lincoln’s, finally paid the penalty for his Abolition views. The party + nominated for Governor, Wm. H. Bissell, a veteran of the Mexican War, and + adopted a platform ringing with anti-slavery sentiment. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln was the greatest power in the campaign that followed. He was + one of the Fremont Presidential electors, and he went to work with all his + might to spread the new party gospel and make votes for the old + “Path-Finder of the Rocky Mountains.” + </p> + <p> + An amusing incident followed close after the Bloomington convention. A + meeting was called at Springfield to ratify the action at Bloomington. + Only three persons attended—Mr. Lincoln, his law partner and a man + named John Paine. Mr. Lincoln made a speech to his colleagues, in which, + among other things, he said: “While all seems dead, the age itself is not. + It liveth as sure as our Maker liveth.” + </p> + <p> + In this campaign Mr. Lincoln was in general demand not only in his own + state, but in Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin as well. + </p> + <p> + The result of that Presidential campaign was the election of Buchanan as + President, Bissell as Governor, leaving Mr. Lincoln the undisputed leader + of the new party. Hence it was that two years later he was the inevitable + man to oppose Judge Douglas in the campaign for United States Senator. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0549" id="link2H_4_0549"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RAIL-SPLITTER vs. THE LITTLE GIANT. + </h2> + <p> + No record of Abraham Lincoln’s career would be complete without the story + of the memorable joint debates between the “Rail-Splitter of the Sangamon + Valley” and the “Little Giant.” The opening lines in Mr. Lincoln’s speech + to the Republican Convention were not only prophetic of the coming + rebellion, but they clearly made the issue between the Republican and + Democratic parties for two Presidential campaigns to follow. The memorable + sentences were as follows: + </p> + <p> + “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this Government + cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the + Union to be dissolved; I do not expect the house to fall; but I do expect + it will cease to be divided. It will become all the one thing or the + other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of + it and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is + in the course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it + forward till it becomes alike lawful in all the states, old as well as + new, North as well as South.” + </p> + <p> + It is universally conceded that this speech contained the most important + utterances of Mr. Lincoln’s life. + </p> + <p> + Previous to its delivery, the Democratic convention had endorsed Mr. + Douglas for re-election to the Senate, and the Republican convention had + resolved that “Abraham Lincoln is our first and only choice for United + States Senator, to fill the vacancy about to be created by the expiration + of Mr. Douglas’ term of office.” + </p> + <p> + Before Judge Douglas had made many speeches in this Senatorial campaign, + Mr. Lincoln challenged him to a joint debate, which was accepted, and + seven memorable meetings between these two great leaders followed. The + places and dates were: Ottawa, August 21st; Freeport, August 27th; + Jonesboro, September 15th; Charleston, September 18th; Galesburg, October + 7th; Quincy, October 13th; and Alton, October 15th. + </p> + <p> + The debates not only attracted the attention of the people in the state of + Illinois, but aroused an interest throughout the whole country equal to + that of a Presidential election. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0550" id="link2H_4_0550"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WERE LIKE CROWDS AT A CIRCUS. + </h2> + <p> + All the meetings of the joint debate were attended by immense crowds of + people. They came in all sorts of vehicles, on horseback, and many walked + weary miles on foot to hear these two great leaders discuss the issues of + the campaign. There had never been political meetings held under such + unusual conditions as these, and there probably never will be again. At + every place the speakers were met by great crowds of their friends and + escorted to the platforms in the open air where the debates were held. The + processions that escorted the speakers were most unique. They carried + flags and banners and were preceded by bands of music. The people + discharged cannons when they had them, and, when they did not, + blacksmiths’ anvils were made to take their places. + </p> + <p> + Oftentimes a part of the escort would be mounted, and in most of the + processions were chariots containing young ladies representing the + different states of the Union designated by banners they carried. Besides + the bands, there was usually vocal music. Patriotic songs were the order + of the day, the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “Hail Columbia” being great + favorites. + </p> + <p> + So far as the crowds were concerned, these joint debates took on the + appearance of a circus day, and this comparison was strengthened by the + sale of lemonade, fruit, melons and confectionery on the outskirts of the + gatherings. + </p> + <p> + At Ottawa, after his speech, Mr. Lincoln was carried around on the + shoulders of his enthusiastic supporters, who did not put him down until + they reached the place where he was to spend the night. + </p> + <p> + In the joint debates, each of the candidates asked the other a series of + questions. Judge Douglas’ replies to Mr. Lincoln’s shrewd questions helped + Douglas to win the Senatorial election, but they lost him the support of + the South in the campaign for President two years thereafter. Mr. Lincoln + was told when he framed his questions that if Douglas answered them in the + way it was believed he would that the answers would make him Senator. + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” said Mr. Lincoln, “but if he takes that shoot he never can + be President.” + </p> + <p> + The prophecy was correct. Mr. Douglas was elected Senator, but two years + later only carried one state—Missouri—for President. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0551" id="link2H_4_0551"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS BUCKEYE CAMPAIGN. + </h2> + <p> + After the close of this canvass, Mr. Lincoln again devoted himself to the + practice of his profession, but he was destined to remain but a short time + in retirement. In the fall of 1859 Mr. Douglas went to Ohio to stump the + state for his friend, Mr. Pugh, the Democratic candidate for Governor. The + Ohio Republicans at once asked Mr. Lincoln to come to the state and reply + to the “Little Giant.” He accepted the invitation and made two masterly + speeches in the campaign. In one of them, delivered at Cincinnati, he + prophesied the outcome of the rebellion if the Southern people attempted + to divide the Union by force. + </p> + <p> + Addressing himself particularly to the Kentuckians in the audience, he + said: + </p> + <p> + “I have told you what we mean to do. I want to know, now, when that thing + takes place, what do you mean to do? I often hear it intimated that you + mean to divide the Union whenever a Republican, or anything like it, is + elected President of the United States. [A Voice—“That is so.”] + ‘That is so,’ one of them says; I wonder if he is a Kentuckian? [A Voice—“He + is a Douglas man.”] Well, then, I want to know what you are going to do + with your half of it? + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to split the Ohio down through, and push your half off a + piece? Or are you going to keep it right alongside of us outrageous + fellows? Or are you going to build up a wall some way between your + country, and ours, by which that movable property of yours can’t come over + here any more, to the danger of your losing it? Do you think you can + better yourselves on that subject by leaving us here under no obligation + whatever to return those specimens of your movable property that come + hither? + </p> + <p> + “You have divided the Union because we would not do right with you, as you + think, upon that subject; when we cease to be under obligations to do + anything for you, how much better off do you think you will be? Will you + make war upon us and kill us all? Why, gentlemen, I think you are as + gallant and as brave men as live; that you can fight as bravely in a good + cause, man for man, as any other people living; that you have shown + yourselves capable of this upon various occasions; but, man for man, you + are not better than we are, and there are not so many of you as there are + of us. + </p> + <p> + “You will never make much of a hand at whipping us. If we were fewer in + numbers than you, I think that you could whip us; if we were equal, it + would likely be a drawn battle; but, being inferior in numbers, you will + make nothing by attempting to master us. + </p> + <p> + “But perhaps I have addressed myself as long, or longer, to the + Kentuckians than I ought to have done, inasmuch as I have said that, + whatever course you take, we intend in the end to beat you.” + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0441}.jpg" alt="{0441}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0441}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0552" id="link2H_4_0552"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FIRST VISIT TO NEW YORK. + </h2> + <p> + Later in the year Mr. Lincoln also spoke in Kansas, where he was received + with great enthusiasm, and in February of the following year he made his + great speech in Cooper Union, New York, to an immense gathering, presided + over by William Cullen Bryant, the poet, who was then editor of the New + York Evening Post. There was great curiosity to see the Western + rail-splitter who had so lately met the famous “Little Giant” of the West + in debate, and Mr. Lincoln’s speech was listened to by many of the ablest + men in the East. + </p> + <p> + This speech won for him many supporters in the Presidential campaign that + followed, for his hearers at once recognized his wonderful ability to deal + with the questions then uppermost in the public mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0553" id="link2H_4_0553"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FIRST NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT. + </h2> + <p> + The Republican National Convention of 1860 met in Chicago, May 16, in an + immense building called the “Wigwam.” The leading candidates for President + were William H. Seward of New York and Abraham Lincoln of Illinois. Among + others spoken of were Salmon P. Chase of Ohio and Simon Cameron of + Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + On the first ballot for President, Mr. Seward received one hundred and + seventy-three and one-half votes; Mr. Lincoln, one hundred and two votes, + the others scattering. On the first ballot, Vermont had divided her vote, + but on the second the chairman of the Vermont delegation announced: + “Vermont casts her ten votes for the young giant of the West—Abraham + Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + This was the turning point in the convention toward Mr. Lincoln’s + nomination. The second ballot resulted: Seward, one hundred and + eighty-four and one-half; Lincoln, one hundred and eighty-one. On the + third ballot, Mr. Lincoln received two hundred and thirty votes. One and + one-half votes more would nominate him. Before the ballot was announced, + Ohio made a change of four votes in favor of Mr. Lincoln, making him the + nominee for President. + </p> + <p> + Other states tried to follow Ohio’s example, but it was a long time before + any of the delegates could make themselves heard. Cannons planted on top + of the wigwam were roaring and booming; the large crowd in the wigwam and + the immense throng outside were cheering at the top of their lungs, while + bands were playing victorious airs. + </p> + <p> + When order had been restored, it was announced that on the third ballot + Abraham Lincoln of Illinois had received three hundred and fifty-four + votes and was nominated by the Republican party to the office of President + of the United States. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln heard the news of his nomination while sitting in a newspaper + office in Springfield, and hurried home to tell his wife. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Lincoln had predicted, Judge Douglas’ position on slavery in the + territories lost him the support of the South, and when the Democratic + convention met at Charleston, the slave-holding states forced the + nomination of John C. Breckinridge. A considerable number of people who + did not agree with either party nominated John Bell of Tennessee. + </p> + <p> + In the election which followed, Mr. Lincoln carried all of the free + states, except New Jersey, which was divided between himself and Douglas; + Breckinridge carried all the slave states, except Kentucky, Tennessee and + Virginia, which went for Bell, and Missouri gave its vote to Douglas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0554" id="link2H_4_0554"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FORMATION OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. + </h2> + <p> + The election was scarcely over before it was evident that the Southern + States did not intend to abide by the result, and that a conspiracy was on + foot to divide the Union. Before the Presidential election even, the + Secretary of War in President Buchanan’s Cabinet had removed one hundred + and fifty thousand muskets from Government armories in the North and sent + them to Government armories in the South. + </p> + <p> + Before Mr. Lincoln had prepared his inaugural address, South Carolina, + which took the lead in the secession movement, had declared through her + Legislature her separation from the Union. Before Mr. Lincoln took his + seat, other Southern States had followed the example of South Carolina, + and a convention had been held at Montgomery, Alabama, which had elected + Jefferson Davis President of the new Confederacy, and Alexander H. + Stevens, of Georgia, Vice-President. + </p> + <p> + Southern men in the Cabinet, Senate and House had resigned their seats and + gone home, and Southern States were demanding that Southern forts and + Government property in their section should be turned over to them. + </p> + <p> + Between his election and inauguration, Mr. Lincoln remained silent, + reserving his opinions and a declaration of his policy for his inaugural + address. + </p> + <p> + Before Mr. Lincoln’s departure from Springfield for Washington, threats + had been freely made that he would never reach the capital alive, and, in + fact, a conspiracy was then on foot to take his life in the city of + Baltimore. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln left Springfield on February 11th, in company with his wife + and three sons, his brother-in-law, Dr. W. S. Wallace; David Davis, Norman + B. Judd, Elmer E. Elsworth, Ward H. Lamon, Colonel E. V. Sunder of the + United States Army, and the President’s two secretaries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0555" id="link2H_4_0555"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOOD-BYE TO THE OLD FOLK. + </h2> + <p> + Early in February, before leaving for Washington, Mr. Lincoln slipped away + from Springfield and paid a visit to his aged step-mother in Coles county. + He also paid a visit to the unmarked grave of his father and ordered a + suitable stone to mark the spot. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving Springfield, he made an address to his fellow-townsmen, in + which he displayed sincere sorrow at parting from them. + </p> + <p> + “Friends,” he said, “no one who has never been placed in a like position + can understand my feelings at this hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel + at this parting. For more than a quarter of a century I have lived among + you, and during all that time I have received nothing but kindness at your + hands. Here I have lived from my youth until now I am an old man. Here the + most sacred ties of earth were assumed. Here all my children were born, + and here one of them lies buried. + </p> + <p> + “To you, dear friends, I owe all that I have, all that I am. All the + strange, checkered past seems to crowd now upon my mind. To-day I leave + you. I go to assume a task more difficult than that which devolved upon + Washington. Unless the great God who assisted him shall be with and aid + me, I must fail; but if the same omniscient mind and almighty arm that + directed and protected him shall guide and support me, I shall not fail—I + shall succeed. Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake + us now. + </p> + <p> + “To Him I commend you all. Permit me to ask that with equal sincerity and + faith you will invoke His wisdom and guidance for me. With these words I + must leave you, for how long I know not. Friends, one and all, I must now + bid you an affectionate farewell.” + </p> + <p> + The journey from Springfield to Philadelphia was a continuous ovation for + Mr. Lincoln. Crowds assembled to meet him at the various places along the + way, and he made them short speeches, full of humor and good feeling. At + Harrisburg, Pa., the party was met by Allan Pinkerton, who knew of the + plot in Baltimore to take the life of Mr. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0556" id="link2H_4_0556"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE “SECRET PASSAGE” TO WASHINGTON. + </h2> + <p> + Throughout his entire life, Abraham Lincoln’s physical courage was as + great and superb as his moral courage. When Mr. Pinkerton and Mr. Judd + urged the President-elect to leave for Washington that night, he + positively refused to do it. He said he had made an engagement to assist + at a flag raising in the forenoon of the next day and to show himself to + the people of Harrisburg in the afternoon, and that he intended to keep + both engagements. + </p> + <p> + At Philadelphia the Presidential party was met by Mr. Seward’s son, + Frederick, who had been sent to warn Mr. Lincoln of the plot against his + life. Mr. Judd, Mr. Pinkerton and Mr. Lamon figured out a plan to take Mr. + Lincoln through Baltimore between midnight and daybreak, when the would-be + assassins would not be expecting him, and this plan was carried out so + thoroughly that even the conductor on the train did not know the + President-elect was on board. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln was put into his berth and the curtains drawn. He was supposed + to be a sick man. When the conductor came around, Mr. Pinkerton handed him + the “sick man’s” ticket and he passed on without question. + </p> + <p> + When the train reached Baltimore, at half-past three o’clock in the + morning, it was met by one of Mr. Pinkerton’s detectives, who reported + that everything was “all right,” and in a short time the party was + speeding on to the national capital, where rooms had been engaged for Mr. + Lincoln and his guard at Willard’s Hotel. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln always regretted this “secret passage” to Washington, for it + was repugnant to a man of his high courage. He had agreed to the plan + simply because all of his friends urged it as the best thing to do. + </p> + <p> + Now that all the facts are known, it is assured that his friends were + right, and that there never was a moment from the day he crossed the + Maryland line until his assassination that his life was not in danger, and + was only saved as long as it was by the constant vigilance of those who + were guarding him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0557" id="link2H_4_0557"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HIS ELOQUENT INAUGURAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p> + The wonderful eloquence of Abraham Lincoln—clear, sincere, natural—found + grand expression in his first inaugural address, in which he not only + outlined his policy toward the States in rebellion, but made that + beautiful and eloquent plea for conciliation. The closing sentences of Mr. + Lincoln’s first inaugural address deservedly take rank with his Gettysburg + speech: + </p> + <p> + “In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen,” he said, “and not in + mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail + you. + </p> + <p> + “You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You + have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall + have the most solemn one to ‘preserve, protect and defend’ it. + </p> + <p> + “I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be + enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of + affection. + </p> + <p> + “The mystic cord of memory, stretching from every battle-field and patriot + grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will + yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will + be, by the better angels of our nature.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0558" id="link2H_4_0558"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOLLOWS PRECEDENT OF WASHINGTON. + </h2> + <p> + In selecting his Cabinet, Mr. Lincoln, consciously or unconsciously, + followed a precedent established by Washington, of selecting men of almost + opposite opinions. His Cabinet was composed of William H. Seward of New + York, Secretary of State; Salmon P. Chase of Ohio, Secretary of the + Treasury; Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War; Gideon E. + Welles of Connecticut, Secretary of the Navy; Caleb B. Smith of Indiana, + Secretary of the Interior; Montgomery Blair of Maryland, + Postmaster-General; Edward Bates of Missouri, Attorney-General. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Chase, although an anti-slavery leader, was a States-Rights Federal + Republican, while Mr. Seward was a Whig, without having connected himself + with the anti-slavery movement. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Chase and Mr. Seward, the leading men of Mr. Lincoln’s Cabinet, were + as widely apart and antagonistic in their views as were Jefferson, the + Democrat, and Hamilton, the Federalist, the two leaders in Washington’s + Cabinet. But in bringing together these two strong men as his chief + advisers, both of whom had been rival candidates for the Presidency, Mr. + Lincoln gave another example of his own greatness and self-reliance, and + put them both in a position to render greater service to the Government + than they could have done, probably, as President. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln had been in office little more than five weeks when the War of + the Rebellion began by the firing on Fort Sumter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0559" id="link2H_4_0559"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GREATER DIPLOMAT THAN SEWARD. + </h2> + <p> + The War of the Rebellion revealed to the people—in fact, to the + whole world—the many sides of Abraham Lincoln’s character. It showed + him as a real ruler of men—not a ruler by the mere power of might, + but by the power of a great brain. In his Cabinet were the ablest men in + the country, yet they all knew that Lincoln was abler than any of them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State, was a man famed in statesmanship and + diplomacy. During the early stages of the Civil War, when France and + England were seeking an excuse to interfere and help the Southern + Confederacy, Mr. Seward wrote a letter to our minister in London, Charles + Francis Adams, instructing him concerning the attitude of the Federal + government on the question of interference, which would undoubtedly have + brought about a war with England if Abraham Lincoln had not corrected and + amended the letter. He did this, too, without yielding a point or + sacrificing in any way his own dignity or that of the country. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0560" id="link2H_4_0560"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN A GREAT GENERAL. + </h2> + <p> + Throughout the four years of war, Mr. Lincoln spent a great deal of time + in the War Department, receiving news from the front and conferring with + Secretary of War Stanton concerning military affairs. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln’s War Secretary, Edwin M. Stanton, who had succeeded Simon + Cameron, was a man of wonderful personality and iron will. It is generally + conceded that no other man could have managed the great War Secretary so + well as Lincoln. Stanton had his way in most matters, but when there was + an important difference of opinion he always found Lincoln was the master. + </p> + <p> + Although Mr. Lincoln’s communications to the generals in the field were + oftener in the nature of suggestions than positive orders, every military + leader recognized Mr. Lincoln’s ability in military operations. In the + early stages of the war, Mr. Lincoln followed closely every plan and + movement of McClellan, and the correspondence between them proves Mr. + Lincoln to have been far the abler general of the two. He kept close watch + of Burnside, too, and when he gave the command of the Army of the Potomac + to “Fighting Joe” Hooker he also gave that general some fatherly counsel + and advice which was of great benefit to him as a commander. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0561" id="link2H_4_0561"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN GRANT. + </h2> + <p> + It was not until General Grant had been made Commander-in-Chief that + President Lincoln felt he had at last found a general who did not need + much advice. He was the first to recognize that Grant was a great military + leader, and when he once felt sure of this fact nothing could shake his + confidence in that general. Delegation after delegation called at the + White House and asked for Grant’s removal from the head of the army. They + accused him of being a butcher, a drunkard, a man without sense or + feeling. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln listened to all of these attacks, but he always had an + apt answer to silence Grant’s enemies. Grant was doing what Lincoln wanted + done from the first—he was fighting and winning victories, and + victories are the only things that count in war. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0449}.jpg" alt="{0449}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0449}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0562" id="link2H_4_0562"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + REASONS FOR FREEING THE SLAVES. + </h2> + <p> + The crowning act of Lincoln’s career as President was the emancipation of + the slaves. All of his life he had believed in gradual emancipation, but + all of his plans contemplated payment to the slaveholders. While he had + always been opposed to slavery, he did not take any steps to use it as a + war measure until about the middle of 1862. His chief object was to + preserve the Union. + </p> + <p> + He wrote to Horace Greeley that if he could save the Union without freeing + any of the slaves he would do it; that if he could save it by freeing some + and leaving the others in slavery he would do that; that if it became + necessary to free all the slaves in order to save the Union he would take + that course. + </p> + <p> + The anti-slavery men were continually urging Mr. Lincoln to set the slaves + free, but he paid no attention to their petitions and demands until he + felt that emancipation would help him to preserve the Union of the States. + </p> + <p> + The outlook for the Union cause grew darker and darker in 1862, and Mr. + Lincoln began to think, as he expressed it, that he must “change his + tactics or lose the game.” Accordingly he decided to issue the + Emancipation Proclamation as soon as the Union army won a substantial + victory. The battle of Antietam, on September 17, gave him the opportunity + he sought. He told Secretary Chase that he had made a solemn vow before + God that if General Lee should be driven back from Pennsylvania he would + crown the result by a declaration of freedom to the slaves. + </p> + <p> + On the twenty-second of that month he issued a proclamation stating that + at the end of one hundred days he would issue another proclamation + declaring all slaves within any State or Territory to be forever free, + which was done in the form of the famous Emancipation Proclamation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0563" id="link2H_4_0563"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HARD TO REFUSE PARDONS. + </h2> + <p> + In the conduct of the war and in his purpose to maintain the Union, + Abraham Lincoln exhibited a will of iron and determination that could not + be shaken, but in his daily contact with the mothers, wives and daughters + begging for the life of some soldier who had been condemned to death for + desertion or sleeping on duty he was as gentle and weak as a woman. + </p> + <p> + It was a difficult matter for him to refuse a pardon if the slightest + excuse could be found for granting it. + </p> + <p> + Secretary Stanton and the commanding generals were loud in declaring that + Mr. Lincoln would destroy the discipline of the army by his wholesale + pardoning of condemned soldiers, but when we come to examine the + individual cases we find that Lincoln was nearly always right, and when he + erred it was always on the side of humanity. + </p> + <p> + During the four years of the long struggle for the preservation of the + Union, Mr. Lincoln kept “open shop,” as he expressed it, where the general + public could always see him and make known their wants and complaints. + Even the private soldier was not denied admittance to the President’s + private office, and no request or complaint was too small or trivial to + enlist his sympathy and interest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0564" id="link2H_4_0564"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A FUN-LOVING AND HUMOR-LOVING MAN. + </h2> + <p> + It was once said of Shakespeare that the great mind that conceived the + tragedies of “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” etc., would have lost its reason if it + had not found vent in the sparkling humor of such comedies as “The Merry + Wives of Windsor” and “The Comedy of Errors.” + </p> + <p> + The great strain on the mind of Abraham Lincoln produced by four years of + civil war might likewise have overcome his reason had it not found vent in + the yarns and stories he constantly told. No more fun-loving or + humor-loving man than Abraham Lincoln ever lived. He enjoyed a joke even + when it was on himself, and probably, while he got his greatest enjoyment + from telling stories, he had a keen appreciation of the humor in those + that were told him. + </p> + <p> + His favorite humorous writer was David R. Locke, better known as + “Petroleum V. Nasby,” whose political satires were quite famous in their + day. Nearly every prominent man who has written his recollections of + Lincoln has told how the President, in the middle of a conversation on + some serious subject, would suddenly stop and ask his hearer if he ever + read the Nasby letters. + </p> + <p> + Then he would take from his desk a pamphlet containing the letters and + proceed to read them, laughing heartily at all the good points they + contained. There is probably no better evidence of Mr. Lincoln’s love of + humor and appreciation of it than his letter to Nasby, in which he said: + “For the ability to write these things I would gladly trade places with + you.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln was re-elected President in 1864. His opponent on the + Democratic ticket was General George B. McClellan, whose command of the + Army of the Potomac had been so unsatisfactory at the beginning of the + war. Mr. Lincoln’s election was almost unanimous, as McClellan carried but + three States—Delaware, Kentucky and New Jersey. + </p> + <p> + General Grant, in a telegram of congratulation, said that it was “a + victory worth more to the country than a battle won.” + </p> + <p> + The war was fast drawing to a close. The black war clouds were breaking + and rolling away. Sherman had made his famous march to the sea. Through + swamp and ravine, Grant was rapidly tightening the lines around Richmond. + Thomas had won his title of the “Rock of Chickamauga.” Sheridan had won + his spurs as the great modern cavalry commander, and had cleaned out the + Shenandoah Valley. Sherman was coming back from his famous march to join + Grant at Richmond. + </p> + <p> + The Confederacy was without a navy. The Kearsarge had sunk the Alabama, + and Farragut had fought and won the famous victory in Mobile Bay. It was + certain that Lee would soon have to evacuate Richmond only to fall into + the hands of Grant. + </p> + <p> + Lincoln saw the dawn of peace. When he came to deliver his second + inaugural address, it contained no note of victory, no exultation over a + fallen foe. On the contrary, it breathed the spirit of brotherly love and + of prayer for an early peace: “With malice toward none, with charity for + all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us + finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him + who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphans, to do + all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves + and with all nations.” + </p> + <p> + Not long thereafter, General Lee evacuated Richmond with about half of his + original army, closely pursued by Grant. The boys in blue overtook their + brothers in gray at Appomattox Court House, and there, beneath the warm + rays of an April sun, the great Confederate general made his final + surrender. The war was over, the American flag was floated over all the + territory of the United States, and peace was now a reality. Mr. Lincoln + visited Richmond and the final scenes of the war and then returned to + Washington to carry out his announced plan of “binding up the nation’s + wounds.” + </p> + <p> + He had now reached the climax of his career and touched the highest point + of his greatness. His great task was over, and the heavy burden that had + so long worn upon his heart was lifted. + </p> + <p> + While the whole nation was rejoicing over the return of peace, the Saviour + of the Union was stricken down by the hand of an assassin. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0453}.jpg" alt="{0453}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0453}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0454}.jpg" alt="{0454}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0454}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0565" id="link2H_4_0565"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WARNINGS OF HIS TRAGIC DEATH. + </h2> + <p> + From early youth, Mr. Lincoln had presentiments that he would die a + violent death, or, rather, that his final days would be marked by some + great tragic event. From the time of his first election to the Presidency, + his closest friends had tried to make him understand that he was in + constant danger of assassination, but, notwithstanding his presentiments, + he had such splendid courage that he only laughed at their fears. + </p> + <p> + During the summer months he lived at the Soldiers’ Home, some miles from + Washington, and frequently made the trip between the White House and the + Home without a guard or escort. Secretary of War Stanton and Ward Lamon, + Marshal of the District, were almost constantly alarmed over Mr. Lincoln’s + carelessness in exposing himself to the danger of assassination. + </p> + <p> + They warned him time and again, and provided suitable body-guards to + attend him. But Mr. Lincoln would often give the guards the slip, and, + mounting his favorite riding horse, “Old Abe,” would set out alone after + dark from the White House for the Soldiers’ Home. + </p> + <p> + While riding to the Home one night, he was fired upon by some one in + ambush, the bullet passing through his high hat. Mr. Lincoln would not + admit that the man who fired the shot had tried to kill him. He always + attributed it to an accident, and begged his friends to say nothing about + it. + </p> + <p> + Now that all the circumstances of the assassination are known, it is plain + that there was a deep-laid and well-conceived plot to kill Mr. Lincoln + long before the crime was actually committed. When Mr. Lincoln was + delivering his second inaugural address on the steps of the Capitol, an + excited individual tried to force his way through the guards in the + building to get on the platform with Mr. Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + It was afterward learned that this man was John Wilkes Booth, who + afterwards assassinated Mr. Lincoln in Ford’s Theatre, on the night of the + 14th of April. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0566" id="link2H_4_0566"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN AT THE THEATRE. + </h2> + <p> + The manager of the theatre had invited the President to witness a + performance of a new play known as “Our American Cousin,” in which the + famous actress, Laura Keane, was playing. Mr. Lincoln was particularly + fond of the theatre. He loved Shakespeare’s plays above all others and + never missed a chance to see the leading Shakespearean actors. + </p> + <p> + As “Our American Cousin” was a new play, the President did not care + particularly to see it, but as Mrs. Lincoln was anxious to go, he + consented and accepted the invitation. + </p> + <p> + General Grant was in Washington at the time, and as he was extremely + anxious about the personal safety of the President, he reported every day + regularly at the White House. Mr. Lincoln invited General Grant and his + wife to accompany him and Mrs. Lincoln to the theatre on the night of the + assassination, and the general accepted, but while they were talking he + received a note from Mrs. Grant saying that she wished to leave Washington + that evening to visit her daughter in Burlington. General Grant made his + excuses to the President and left to accompany Mrs. Grant to the railway + station. It afterwards became known that it was also a part of the plot to + assassinate General Grant, and only Mrs. Grant’s departure from Washington + that evening prevented the attempt from being made. + </p> + <p> + General Grant afterwards said that as he and Mrs. Grant were riding along + Pennsylvania avenue to the railway station a horseman rode rapidly by at a + gallop, and, wheeling his horse, rode back, peering into their carriage as + he passed. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Grant remarked to the general: “That is the very man who sat near us + at luncheon to-day and tried to overhear our conversation. He was so rude, + you remember, as to cause us to leave the dining-room. Here he is again, + riding after us.” + </p> + <p> + General Grant attributed the action of the man to idle curiosity, but + learned afterward that the horseman was John Wilkes Booth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0567" id="link2H_4_0567"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LAMON’S REMARKABLE REQUEST. + </h2> + <p> + Probably one reason why Mr. Lincoln did not particularly care to go to the + theatre that night was a sort of half promise he had made to his friend + and bodyguard, Marshal Lamon. Two days previous he had sent Lamon to + Richmond on business connected with a call of a convention for + reconstruction. Before leaving, Mr. Lamon saw Mr. Usher, the Secretary of + the Interior, and asked him to persuade Mr. Lincoln to use more caution + about his personal safety, and to go out as little as possible while Lamon + was absent. Together they went to see Mr. Lincoln, and Lamon asked the + President if he would make him a promise. + </p> + <p> + “I think I can venture to say I will,” said Mr. Lincoln. “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Promise me that you will not go out after night while I am gone,” said + Mr. Lamon, “particularly to the theatre.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln turned to Mr. Usher and said: “Usher, this boy is a monomaniac + on the subject of my safety. I can hear him or hear of his being around at + all times in the night, to prevent somebody from murdering me. He thinks I + shall be killed, and we think he is going crazy. What does any one want to + assassinate me for? If any one wants to do so, he can do it any day or + night if he is ready to give his life for mine. It is nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Usher said to Mr. Lincoln that it was well to heed Lamon’s warning, as + he was thrown among people from whom he had better opportunities to know + about such matters than almost any one. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Lincoln to Lamon, “I promise to do the best I can toward + it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0568" id="link2H_4_0568"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW LINCOLN WAS MURDERED. + </h2> + <p> + The assassination of President Lincoln was most carefully planned, even to + the smallest detail. The box set apart for the President’s party was a + double one in the second tier at the left of the stage. The box had two + doors with spring locks, but Booth had loosened the screws with which they + were fastened so that it was impossible to secure them from the inside. In + one door he had bored a hole with a gimlet, so that he could see what was + going on inside the box. + </p> + <p> + An employee of the theatre by the name of Spangler, who was an accomplice + of the assassin, had even arranged the seats in the box to suit the + purposes of Booth. + </p> + <p> + On the fateful night the theatre was packed. The Presidential party + arrived a few minutes after nine o’clock, and consisted of the President + and Mrs. Lincoln, Miss Harris and Major Rathbone, daughter and stepson of + Senator Harris of New York. The immense audience rose to its feet and + cheered the President as he passed to his box. + </p> + <p> + Booth came into the theatre about ten o’clock. He had not only, planned to + kill the President, but he had also planned to escape into Maryland, and a + swift horse, saddled and ready for the journey, was tied in the rear of + the theatre. For a few minutes he pretended to be interested in the + performance, and then gradually made his way back to the door of the + President’s box. + </p> + <p> + Before reaching there, however, he was confronted by one of the + President’s messengers, who had been stationed at the end of the passage + leading to the boxes to prevent any one from intruding. To this man Booth + handed a card saying that the President had sent for him, and was + permitted to enter. + </p> + <p> + Once inside the hallway leading to the boxes, he closed the hall door and + fastened it by a bar prepared for the occasion, so that it was impossible + to open it from without. Then he quickly entered the box through the + right-hand door. The President was sitting in an easy armchair in the + left-hand corner of the box nearest the audience. He was leaning on one + hand and with the other had hold of a portion of the drapery. There was a + smile on his face. The other members of the party were intently watching + the performance on the stage. + </p> + <p> + The assassin carried in his right hand a small silver-mounted derringer + pistol and in his left a long double-edged dagger. He placed the pistol + just behind the President’s left ear and fired. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln bent slightly forward and his eyes closed, but in every other + respect his attitude remained unchanged. + </p> + <p> + The report of the pistol startled Major Rathbone, who sprang to his feet. + The murderer was then about six feet from the President, and Rathbone + grappled with him, but was shaken off. Dropping his pistol, Booth struck + at Rathbone with the dagger and inflicted a severe wound. The assassin + then placed his left hand lightly on the railing of the box and jumped to + the stage, eight or nine feet below. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0569" id="link2H_4_0569"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOTH BRANDISHES HIS DAGGER AND ESCAPES. + </h2> + <p> + The box was draped with the American flag, and, in jumping, Booth’s spurs + caught in the folds, tearing down the flag, the assassin falling heavily + to the stage and spraining his ankle. He arose, however, and walked + theatrically across the stage, brandished his knife and shouted, “Sic + semper tyrannis!” and then added, “The South is avenged.” + </p> + <p> + For the moment the audience was horrified and incapable of action. One man + only, a lawyer named Stuart, had sufficient presence of mind to leap upon + the stage and attempt to capture the assassin. Booth went to the rear door + of the stage, where his horse was held in readiness for him, and, leaping + into the saddle, dashed through the streets toward Virginia. Miss Keane + rushed to the President’s box with water and stimulants, and medical aid + was summoned. + </p> + <p> + By this time the audience realized the tragedy that had been enacted, and + then followed a scene such as has never been witnessed in any public + gathering in this country. Women wept, shrieked and fainted; men raved and + swore, and horror was depicted on every face. Before the audience could be + gotten out of the theatre, horsemen were dashing through the streets and + the telegraph was carrying the terrible details of the tragedy throughout + the nation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0570" id="link2H_4_0570"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WALT WHITMAN’S DESCRIPTION. + </h2> + <p> + Walt Whitman, the poet, has sketched in graphic language the scenes of + that most eventful fourteenth of April. His account of the assassination + has become historic, and is herewith given: + </p> + <p> + “The day (April 14, 1865) seems to have been a pleasant one throughout the + whole land—the moral atmosphere pleasant, too—the long storm, + so dark, so fratricidal, full of blood and doubt and gloom, over and ended + at last by the sunrise of such an absolute national victory, and utter + breaking down of secessionism—we almost doubted our senses! Lee had + capitulated, beneath the apple tree at Appomattox. The other armies, the + flanges of the revolt, swiftly followed. + </p> + <p> + “And could it really be, then? Out of all the affairs of this world of woe + and passion, of failure and disorder and dismay, was there really come the + confirmed, unerring sign of peace, like a shaft of pure light—of + rightful rule—of God? + </p> + <p> + “But I must not dwell on accessories. The deed hastens. The popular + afternoon paper, the little Evening Star, had scattered all over its third + page, divided among the advertisements in a sensational manner in a + hundred different places: + </p> + <p> + “‘The President and his lady will be at the theatre this evening.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lincoln was fond of the theatre. I have myself seen him there several + times. I remember thinking how funny it was that he, the leading actor in + the greatest and stormiest drama known to real history’s stage, through + centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested in those human + jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, + and flatulent text. + </p> + <p> + “So the day, as I say, was propitious. Early herbage, early flowers, were + out. I remember where I was stopping at the time, the season being + advanced, there were many lilacs in full bloom. + </p> + <p> + “By one of those caprices that enter and give tinge to events without + being a part of them, I find myself always reminded of the great tragedy + of this day by the sight and odor of these blossoms. It never fails. + </p> + <p> + “On this occasion the theatre was crowded, many ladies in rich and gay + costumes, officers in their uniforms, many well-known citizens, young + folks, the usual cluster of gas lights, the usual magnetism of so many + people, cheerful with perfumes, music of violins and flutes—and over + all, that saturating, that vast, vague wonder, Victory, the nation’s + victory, the triumph of the Union, filling the air, the thought, the + sense, with exhilaration more than all the perfumes. + </p> + <p> + “The President came betimes, and, with his wife, witnessed the play from + the large stage boxes of the second tier, two thrown into one, and + profusely draped with the national flag. The acts and scenes of the piece—one + of those singularly witless compositions which have at the least the merit + of giving entire relief to an audience engaged in mental action or + business excitements and cares during the day, as it makes not the + slightest call on either the moral, emotional, esthetic or spiritual + nature—a piece in which among other characters, so called, a Yankee—certainly + such a one as was never seen, or at least like it ever seen in North + America, is introduced in England, with a varied fol-de-rol of talk, plot, + scenery, and such phantasmagoria as goes to make up a modern popular drama—had + progressed perhaps through a couple of its acts, when, in the midst of + this comedy, or tragedy, or non-such, or whatever it is to be called, and + to offset it, or finish it out, as if in Nature’s and the Great Muse’s + mockery of these poor mimics, comes interpolated that scene, not really or + exactly to be described at all (for on the many hundreds who were there it + seems to this hour to have left little but a passing blur, a dream, a + blotch)—and yet partially described as I now proceed to give it: + </p> + <p> + “There is a scene in the play, representing the modern parlor, in which + two unprecedented ladies are informed by the unprecedented and impossible + Yankee that he is not a man of fortune, and therefore undesirable for + marriage-catching purposes; after which, the comments being finished, the + dramatic trio make exit, leaving the stage clear for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “There was a pause, a hush, as it were. At this period came the death of + Abraham Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + “Great as that was, with all its manifold train circling around it, and + stretching into the future for many a century, in the politics, history, + art, etc., of the New World, in point of fact, the main thing, the actual + murder, transpired with the quiet and simplicity of any commonest + occurrence—the bursting of a bud or pod in the growth of vegetation, + for instance. + </p> + <p> + “Through the general hum following the stage pause, with the change of + positions, etc., came the muffled sound of a pistol shot, which not + one-hundredth part of the audience heard at the time—and yet a + moment’s hush—somehow, surely a vague, startled thrill—and + then, through the ornamented, draperied, starred and striped space-way of + the President’s box, a sudden figure, a man, raises himself with hands and + feet, stands a moment on the railing, leaps below to the stage, falls out + of position, catching his boot heel in the copious drapery (the American + flag), falls on one knee, quickly recovers himself, rises as if nothing + had happened (he really sprains his ankle, unfelt then)—and the + figure, Booth, the murderer, dressed in plain black broadcloth, + bareheaded, with a full head of glossy, raven hair, and his eyes, like + some mad animal’s, flashing with light and resolution, yet with a certain + strange calmness holds aloft in one hand a large knife—walks along + not much back of the footlights—turns fully towards the audience, + his face of statuesque beauty, lit by those basilisk eyes, flashing with + desperation, perhaps insanity—launches out in a firm and steady + voice the words, ‘Sic semper tyrannis’—and then walks with neither + slow nor very rapid pace diagonally across to the back of the stage, and + disappears. + </p> + <p> + “(Had not all this terrible scene—making the mimic ones preposterous—had + it not all been rehearsed, in blank, by Booth, beforehand?) + </p> + <p> + “A moment’s hush, incredulous—a scream—a cry of murder—Mrs. + Lincoln leaning out of the box, with ashy cheeks and lips, with + involuntary cry, pointing to the retreating figure, ‘He has killed the + President!’ + </p> + <p> + “And still a moment’s strange, incredulous suspense—and then the + deluge!—then that mixture of horror, noises, uncertainty—the + sound, somewhere back, of a horse’s hoofs clattering with speed—the + people burst through chairs and railings, and break them up—that + noise adds to the queerness of the scene—there is inextricable + confusion and terror—women faint—quite feeble persons fall, + and are trampled on—many cries of agony are heard—the broad + stage suddenly fills to suffocation with a dense and motley crowd, like + some horrible carnival—the audience rush generally upon it—at + least the strong men do—the actors and actresses are there in their + play costumes and painted faces, with mortal fright showing through the + rouge—some trembling, some in tears—the screams and calls, + confused talk—redoubled, trebled—two or three manage to pass + up water from the stage to the President’s box, others try to clamber up, + etc., etc. + </p> + <p> + “In the midst of all this the soldiers of the President’s Guard, with + others, suddenly drawn to the scene, burst in—some two hundred + altogether—they storm the house, through all the tiers, especially + the upper ones—inflamed with fury, literally charging the audience + with fixed bayonets, muskets and pistols, shouting, ‘Clear out! clear + out!’ + </p> + <p> + “Such a wild scene, or a suggestion of it, rather, inside the playhouse + that night! + </p> + <p> + “Outside, too, in the atmosphere of shock and craze, crowds of people + filled with frenzy, ready to seize any outlet for it, came near committing + murder several times on innocent individuals. + </p> + <p> + “One such case was particularly exciting. The infuriated crowd, through + some chance, got started against one man, either for words he uttered, or + perhaps without any cause at all, and were proceeding to hang him at once + to a neighboring lamp-post, when he was rescued by a few heroic policemen, + who placed him in their midst and fought their way slowly and amid great + peril toward the station-house. + </p> + <p> + “It was a fitting episode of the whole affair. The crowd rushing and + eddying to and fro, the night, the yells, the pale faces, many frightened + people trying in vain to extricate themselves, the attacked man, not yet + freed from the jaws of death, looking like a corpse; the silent, resolute + half-dozen policemen, with no weapons but their little clubs, yet stern + and steady through all those eddying swarms, made, indeed, a fitting side + scene to the grand tragedy of the murder. They gained the station-house + with the protected man, whom they placed in security for the night, and + discharged in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “And in the midst of that night pandemonium of senseless hate, infuriated + soldiers, the audience and the crowd—the stage, and all its actors + and actresses, its paint pots, spangles, gas-light—the life-blood + from those veins, the best and sweetest of the land, drips slowly down, + and death’s ooze already begins its little bubbles on the lips. + </p> + <p> + “Such, hurriedly sketched, were the accompaniments of the death of + President Lincoln. So suddenly, and in murder and horror unsurpassed, he + was taken from us. But his death was painless.” + </p> + <p> + The assassin’s bullet did not produce instant death, but the President + never again became conscious. He was carried to a house opposite the + theatre, where he died the next morning. In the meantime the authorities + had become aware of the wide-reaching conspiracy, and the capital was in a + state of terror. + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> <img src="images/{0463}.jpg" alt="{0463}" width="100%" /><br /> </div> <h5> <a href="images/{0463}.jpg"> <img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> </h5> + + <p> + On the night of the President’s assassination, Mr. Seward, Secretary of + State, was attacked while in bed with a broken arm, by Booth’s + fellow-conspirators, and badly wounded. + </p> + <p> + The conspirators had also planned to take the lives of Vice-President + Johnson and Secretary Stanton. Booth had called on Vice-President Johnson + the day before, and, not finding him in, left a card. + </p> + <p> + Secretary Stanton acted with his usual promptness and courage. During the + period of excitement he acted as President, and directed the plans for the + capture of Booth. + </p> + <p> + Among other things, he issued the following reward: + </p> + <p> + REWARD OFFERED BY SECRETARY STANTON. War Department, Washington, April 20, + 1865. Major-General John A. Dix, New York: + </p> + <p> + The murderer of our late beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, is still at + large. Fifty thousand dollars reward will be paid by this Department for + his apprehension, in addition to any reward offered by municipal + authorities or State Executives. + </p> + <p> + Twenty-five thousand dollars reward will be paid for the apprehension of + G. W. Atzerodt, sometimes called “Port Tobacco,” one of Booth’s + accomplices. Twenty-five thousand dollars reward will be paid for the + apprehension of David C. Herold, another of Booth’s accomplices. + </p> + <p> + A liberal reward will be paid for any information that shall conduce to + the arrest of either the above-named criminals or their accomplices. + </p> + <p> + All persons harboring or secreting the said persons, or either of them, or + aiding or assisting their concealment or escape, will be treated as + accomplices in the murder of the President and the attempted assassination + of the Secretary of State, and shall be subject to trial before a military + commission, and the punishment of death. + </p> + <p> + Let the stain of innocent blood be removed from the land by the arrest and + punishment of the murderers. + </p> + <p> + All good citizens are exhorted to aid public justice on this occasion. + Every man should consider his own conscience charged with this solemn + duty, and rest neither night nor day until it be accomplished. + </p> + <p> + EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0571" id="link2H_4_0571"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOTH FOUND IN A BARN. + </h2> + <p> + Booth, accompanied by David C. Herold, a fellow-conspirator, finally made + his way into Maryland, where eleven days after the assassination the two + were discovered in a barn on Garrett’s farm near Port Royal on the + Rappahannock. The barn was surrounded by a squad of cavalrymen, who called + upon the assassins to surrender. Herold gave himself up and was roundly + cursed and abused by Booth, who declared that he would never be taken + alive. + </p> + <p> + The cavalrymen then set fire to the barn and as the flames leaped up the + figure of the assassin could be plainly seen, although the wall of fire + prevented him from seeing the soldiers. Colonel Conger saw him standing + upright upon a crutch with a carbine in his hands. + </p> + <p> + When the fire first blazed up Booth crept on his hands and knees to the + spot, evidently for the purpose of shooting the man who had applied the + torch, but the blaze prevented him from seeing anyone. Then it seemed as + if he were preparing to extinguish the flames, but seeing the + impossibility of this he started toward the door with his carbine held + ready for action. + </p> + <p> + His eyes shone with the light of fever, but he was pale as death and his + general appearance was haggard and unkempt. He had shaved off his mustache + and his hair was closely cropped. Both he and Herold wore the uniforms of + Confederate soldiers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0572" id="link2H_4_0572"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOTH SHOT BY “BOSTON” CORBETT. + </h2> + <p> + The last orders given to the squad pursuing Booth were: “Don’t shoot + Booth, but take him alive.” Just as Booth started to the door of the barn + this order was disobeyed by a sergeant named Boston Corbett, who fired + through a crevice and shot Booth in the neck. The wounded man was carried + out of the barn and died four hours afterward on the grass where they had + laid him. Before he died he whispered to Lieutenant Baker, “Tell mother I + died for my country; I thought I did for the best.” What became of Booth’s + body has always been and probably always will be a mystery. Many different + stories have been told concerning his final resting place, but all that is + known positively is that the body was first taken to Washington and a + post-mortem examination of it held on the Monitor Montauk. On the night of + April 27th it was turned over to two men who took it in a rowboat and + disposed of it secretly. How they disposed of it none but themselves know + and they have never told. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0573" id="link2H_4_0573"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FATE OF THE CONSPIRATORS. + </h2> + <p> + The conspiracy to assassinate the President involved altogether + twenty-five people. Among the number captured and tried were David C. + Herold, G. W. Atzerodt, Louis Payne, Edward Spangler, Michael O’Loughlin, + Samuel Arnold, Mrs. Surratt and Dr. Samuel Mudd, a physician, who set + Booth’s leg, which was sprained by his fall from the stage box. Of these + Herold, Atzerodt, Payne and Mrs. Surratt were hanged. Dr. Mudd was + deported to the Dry Tortugas. While there an epidemic of yellow fever + broke out and he rendered such good service that he was granted a pardon + and died a number of years ago in Maryland. + </p> + <p> + John Surratt, the son of the woman who was hanged, made his escape to + Italy, where he became one of the Papal guards in the Vatican at Rome. His + presence there was discovered by Archbishop Hughes, and, although there + were no extradition laws to cover his case, the Italian Government gave + him up to the United States authorities. + </p> + <p> + He had two trials. At the first the jury disagreed; the long delay before + his second trial allowed him to escape by pleading the statute of + limitation. Spangler and O’Loughlin were sent to the Dry Tortugas and + served their time. + </p> + <p> + Ford, the owner of the theatre in which the President was assassinated, + was a Southern sympathizer, and when he attempted to re-open his theatre + after the great national tragedy, Secretary Stanton refused to allow it. + The Government afterward bought the theatre and turned it into a National + museum. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln was buried at Springfield, and on the day of his funeral + there was universal grief. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0574" id="link2H_4_0574"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HENRY WARD BEECHER’S EULOGY. + </h2> + <p> + No final words of that great life can be more fitly spoken than the eulogy + pronounced by Henry Ward Beecher: + </p> + <p> + “And now the martyr is moving in triumphal march, mightier than when + alive. The nation rises up at every stage of his coming. Cities and States + are his pall-bearers, and the cannon speaks the hours with solemn + progression. Dead, dead, dead, he yet speaketh. + </p> + <p> + “Is Washington dead? Is Hampden dead? Is any man that was ever fit to live + dead? Disenthralled of flesh, risen to the unobstructed sphere where + passion never comes, he begins his illimitable work. His life is now + grafted upon the infinite, and will be fruitful as no earthly life can be. + </p> + <p> + “Pass on, thou that hast overcome. Ye people, behold the martyr whose + blood, as so many articulate words, pleads for fidelity, for law, for + liberty.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0575" id="link2H_4_0575"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S FAMILY. + </h2> + <p> + Abraham Lincoln was married on November 4, 1842, to Miss Mary Todd, four + sons being the issue of the union. + </p> + <p> + Robert Todd, born August 1, 1843, removed to Chicago after his father’s + death, practiced law, and became wealthy; in 1881 he was appointed + Secretary of War by President Garfield, and served through President + Arthur’s term; was made Minister to England in 1889, and served four + years; became counsel for the Pullman Palace Car Company, and succeeded to + the presidency of that corporation upon the death of George M. Pullman. + </p> + <p> + Edward Baker, born March 10, 1846, died in infancy. + </p> + <p> + William Wallace, born December 21, 1850, died in the White House in + February, 1862. + </p> + <p> + Thomas (known as “Tad”), born April 4, 1853, died in 1871. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lincoln died in her sixty-fourth year at the home of her sister, Mrs. + Ninian W. Edwards, at Springfield, Illinois, in 1882. She was the daughter + of Robert S. Todd, of Kentucky. Her great-uncle, John Todd, and her + grandfather, Levi Todd, accompanied General George Rogers Clark to + Illinois, and were present at the capture of Kaskaskia and Vincennes. In + December, 1778, John Todd was appointed by Patrick Henry, Governor of + Virginia, to be lieutenant of the County of Illinois, then a part of + Virginia. Colonel John Todd was one of the original proprietors of the + town of Lexington, Kentucky. While encamped on the site of the present + city, he heard of the opening battle of the Revolution, and named his + infant settlement in its honor. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lincoln was a proud, ambitious woman, well-educated, speaking French + fluently, and familiar with the ways of the best society in Lexington, + Kentucky, where she was born December 13, 1818. She was a pupil of Madame + Mantelli, whose celebrated seminary in Lexington was directly opposite the + residence of Henry Clay. The conversation at the seminary was carried on + entirely in French. + </p> + <p> + She visited Springfield, Illinois, in 1837, remained three months and then + returned to her native State. In 1839 she made Springfield her permanent + home. She lived with her eldest sister, Elizabeth, wife of Ninian W. + Edwards, Lincoln’s colleague in the Legislature, and it was not strange + she and Lincoln should meet. Stephen A. Douglas was also a friend of the + Edwards family, and a suitor for her hand, but she rejected him to accept + the future President. She was one of the belles of the town. + </p> + <p> + She is thus described at the time she made her home in Springfield—1839: + </p> + <p> + “She was of the average height, weighing about a hundred and thirty + pounds. She was rather compactly built, had a well rounded face, rich + dark-brown hair, and bluish-gray eyes. In her bearing she was proud, but + handsome and vivacious; she was a good conversationalist, using with equal + fluency the French and English languages. + </p> + <p> + “When she used a pen, its point was sure to be sharp, and she wrote with + wit and ability. She not only had a quick intellect but an intuitive + judgment of men and their motives. Ordinarily she was affable and even + charming in her manners; but when offended or antagonized she could be + very bitter and sarcastic. + </p> + <p> + “In her figure and physical proportions, in education, bearing, + temperament, history—in everything she was the exact reverse of + Lincoln.” + </p> + <p> + That Mrs. Lincoln was very proud of her husband there is no doubt; and it + is probable that she married him largely from motives of ambition. She + knew Lincoln better than he knew himself; she instinctively felt that he + would occupy a proud position some day, and it is a matter of record that + she told Ward Lamon, her husband’s law partner, that “Mr. Lincoln will yet + be President of the United States.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lincoln was decidedly pro-slavery in her views, but this never + disturbed Lincoln. In various ways they were unlike. Her fearless, witty, + and austere nature had nothing in common with the calm, imperturbable, and + simple ways of her thoughtful and absent-minded husband. She was bright + and sparkling in conversation, and fit to grace any drawing-room. She well + knew that to marry Lincoln meant not a life of luxury and ease, for + Lincoln was not a man to accumulate wealth; but in him she saw position in + society, prominence in the world, and the grandest social distinction. By + that means her ambition was certainly satisfied, for nineteen years after + her marriage she was “the first lady of the land,” and the mistress of the + White House. + </p> + <p> + After his marriage, by dint of untiring efforts and the recognition of + influential friends, the couple managed through rare frugality to move + along. + </p> + <p> + In Lincoln’s struggles, both in the law and for political advancement, his + wife shared his sacrifices. She was a plucky little woman, and in fact + endowed with a more restless ambition than he. She was gifted with a rare + insight into the motives that actuate mankind, and there is no doubt that + much of Lincoln’s success was in a measure attributable to her acuteness + and the stimulus of her influence. + </p> + <p> + His election to Congress within four years after their marriage afforded + her extreme gratification. She loved power and prominence, and was + inordinately proud of her tall and ungainly husband. She saw in him bright + prospects ahead, and his every move was watched by her with the closest + interest. If to other persons he seemed homely, to her he was the + embodiment of noble manhood, and each succeeding day impressed upon her + the wisdom of her choice of Lincoln over Douglas—if in reality she + ever seriously accepted the latter’s attentions. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lincoln may not be as handsome a figure,” she said one day in + Lincoln’s law office during her husband’s absence, when the conversation + turned on Douglas, “but the people are perhaps not aware that his heart is + as large as his arms are long.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0576" id="link2H_4_0576"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LINCOLN MONUMENT AT SPRINGFIELD. + </h2> + <p> + The remains of Abraham Lincoln rest beneath a magnificent monument in Oak + Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Ill. Before they were deposited in their + final resting place they were moved many times. + </p> + <p> + On May 4, 1865, all that was mortal of Abraham Lincoln was deposited in + the receiving vault at the cemetery, until a tomb could be built. In 1876 + thieves made an unsuccessful attempt to steal the remains. From the tomb + the body of the martyred President was removed later to the monument. + </p> + <p> + A flight of iron steps, commencing about fifty yards east of the vault, + ascends in a curved line to the monument, an elevation of more than fifty + feet. + </p> + <p> + Excavation for this monument commenced September 9, 1869. It is built of + granite, from quarries at Biddeford, Maine. The rough ashlers were shipped + to Quincy, Massachusetts, where they were dressed and numbered, thence + shipped to Springfield. It is 721 feet from east to west, 119 1/2 feet + from north to south, and 100 feet high. The total cost is about $230,000 + to May 1, 1885. All the statuary is orange-colored bronze. The whole + monument was designed by Larkin G. Mead; the statuary was modeled in + plaster by him in Florence, Italy, and cast by the Ames Manufacturing + Company, of Chicopee, Massachusetts. A statue of Lincoln and Coat of Arms + were first placed on the monument; the statue was unveiled and the + monument dedicated October 15, 1874. Infantry and Naval Groups were put on + in September, 1877, an Artillery Group, April 13, 1882, and a Cavalry + Group, March 13, 1883. + </p> + <p> + The principal front of the monument is on the south side, the statue of + Lincoln being on that side of the obelisk, over Memorial Hall. On the east + side are three tablets, upon which are the letters U. S. A. To the right + of that, and beginning with Virginia, we find the abbreviations of the + original thirteen States. Next comes Vermont, the first state admitted + after the Union was perfected, the States following in the order they were + admitted, ending with Nebraska on the east, thus forming the cordon of + thirty-seven States composing the United States of America when the + monument was erected. The new States admitted since the monument was built + have been added. + </p> + <p> + The statue of Lincoln is just above the Coat of Arms of the United States. + The grand climax is indicated by President Lincoln, with his left hand + holding out as a golden scepter the emancipation Proclamation, while in + his right he holds the pen with which he has just written it. The right + hand is resting on another badge of authority, the American flag, thrown + over the fasces. At the foot of the fasces lies a wreath of laurel, with + which to crown the President as the victor over slavery and rebellion. + </p> + <p> + On March 10, 1900, President Lincoln’s body was removed to a temporary + vault to permit of alterations to the monument. The shaft was made twenty + feet higher, and other changes were made costing $100,000. + </p> + <p> + April 24, 1901. the body was again transferred to the monument without + public ceremony. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lincoln’s Yarns and Stories, by +Alexander K. 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