The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-06-08
From the n. Y. Evening Post ]
A Visit to Lincoln.


A gentleman who was among number OF
Others who went to Springfield, after the ad-
jourumcut of the Chicago Contention, to
call upon the Republi AN candidate for the
Presidency, has described the visit in pri-
yate communication to us, from which we
make the following extract;
at had been reported by some of Mr..
Lincolns political enemies that he was a
man who lived in the lowest hoOsier style,
and thought would see for myself. Ac-
cordingly, as soon as the business Of the con-
yentiOn ,yas over, | took the ears for Spring
! field. found Mr.. Lincoln living in hand
some, but not pretentious, double two-story
frame house, having wide hall running
through the centre, with parlors on both
sides, neatly, but not OStentatiously fur
nished. II was just such u dwelling as a
majority Of the well.to-do residents of these
fine Western towns occupy. Everything
about il had look OF comfort and indepen-
dence. The library remarked in passing,
particularly, and was pleased TO see long
rows of books, which told of the scholarly
tastes and culture Of the family.
Lincoln received us with great, and to me,
surprising urbanity. | bad seen him before
in New York, and brought with me an im-
preston Of his awkward and unglinly man
ner; but in his own house, where he doubt
lees feels frcer than in the strange New York
circles, he had thrown this oil, and appeared
easy. If not graceful. He is, rs you know,
a tall, lank man, with long neck, and his
ordinary movements are unusually angular,
for one even out West. AS soon, however,
as he gets interested in conversation, his face
lights up and his attitude and gestures as
sumo a certain dignity and expressvencss.-
Ills conversation is fluent, agreeable and po-
lite. Yoa see at once from il that he is
man Of decided and original charac-
ter. His views are all his own; such rs he
has worked out from patient and varied
scrutiny Of life. and not such rs he has
learned from Others. Yet he cannot be CALI
Cd opinionated. Ile listens TO Others like
one eager to learn, and his replies evinee at
the same time both modcsty and seli-reliance.
I should say that sound common sense was
the principal quality Of his mind, although
at times a striking phrase or word reveals n
peculiar vein OF thought. lie can tell n
story well, with strong idiomatic smack,
and seems 10 relish humOr both in himself
and others. Our conversation was mainly
political. hut of general nature. One thing
| Mr.. Lincoln remarked which will venture
to repeat. lie said that in the coming Pres
idential canvass he was wholly uncommitted
TO any cabuls or cliques; and that no meant
10 keep himself free from them, and from all
pledges and promises.
had the pleasure, also, Of brief inter-
view with Mrs. Lincoln, and, in the circum-
stances Of these persons, trust | am no,
trcspassing ON the sanctitics Of private life
in saying word in regard to that lady
Whatever Of awkwarlncss may DO ascribcd
to her husband, there is none of il in her
On the contrary, she is quite pattern OF
lady-like courtesy and polish. She converses
with freedom and grace. and is thoroughly
aU fdi, in all the little amenities OF society.
Mrs. Lincoln belongs, by the mothers side,
To the Preston family Of Kentucky, has re-
cciyed liberal and refined education. and
should she ever reach il will adorn the White
Hosse. She Is, am told, strict and con-
sistent member the Presbyterian Church.
1 Not q man Of US who saw Mr.. Lincoln,
i nut WIS tnVttSccu WIN HtS auilitN anu cilur-
acter. In illustration Of the last let me men,
ton one OF two things, which your readers,
/ think, win be pleased to hear. Mr.. Lin
coins early life, as you know, was passed in
the toughest kind OF experience ON the From
tier, and among the toughest sort OF people.
Yet, I have been told that, in the face oil all
these influences, he is n strictly temperate
man, never using wine or strong drink aud
stranger still, he docs not twist the hl'hy
weed, nor smoke, nor uso proiane Language
OF any kind. When we consider how COM
mon these vices are nj, over our country,
particularly in the West, il must he admit
tod that II exhibits no little strength Of char
acser to have etrained from them. r.
Mr.. Lincoln is popular with his friends
/ and neishbors; the habitual equity of his
mind points him out as q peace-maker and
composer Of difficulties; his integrity il pro-
verbal and his legal abilities are regarded
rs Of the highest order. The sobriqnet OF
Honest old Abe,' has been won by wears OF
upright conduct, and is the popular homage
TO his probity. He carries the marks Of
honesty in his face and entire department.
4 I am more convinced by this personal in
tercourse with Mr.. Lincoln that the action
of our Convention was altogether judicious
and proper. - - =. j."
A .s.- nHrr -