The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-05-26

MIR. +. b. Carpenter, the artist who paint
cd the picture Of "rhe Signing Of the Eman-
cipation Proclamation" contributes to the
Independent his "Personal Impressions OF
Mr. Lincoln" embodying some interesting
"reminiscences, which we copy below
Mr.. LINcoLS's SADNESS
II has been the business Of my life, as YOU
know, to study the human face, and say
now, as I have said repeatedly to friends.
Mr.. Lincoln had the siddest face ever paint
ed! Daring some Of the dark days Of last
spring and summer saw him at times when
hiscareworn, troubled appearance was enough
to bring tears of sympathy into the eve, Of
his most violent enemies. recall particu.
larly one day, when, having occasion to pass
through the main hall Of the domestic apart
mcnts, found him all alone. pacing up and
down a narrow passage, his hands behind
him. his head bent forward upon his breast,
heavy black rings under his eyes, showing
sleepless nights-altogcther such picture Of
the effects of weighty cares and responsible
ties as never had seen. And yet he always
had kind word and almost always genial
smile, and it was his way frequently to re.
lievc himself at such times by some harmless
pleas,ntry.
recolect an instance told me by ono OF
the most radical members Of the last Con-
gress. II was during the darkest days Of
1862. He called upon the President early
one morning, just after news Of disaster.
II was a time Of great anxiety II not despond-
cncy. Mr.. Lincoln commenced telling some
trifing incident-which tho Congressman
was in no mood to hear. Ho rose to his feet,
and said,
MIR. President. l did not come hero this
morning to hear stories; it is too seriors u
thing"
Instantly the smile disappeared from Mr..
Lincolns hce. who exclaimed,
"a, sit down! respect you as an
earnest. sincere man. You cannot be more
anxious than am constantly, and I say to
you now, that were /, not for this occasional
vent should die"
MS SYMPATHY.
A large number of those whom he saw
every day came with appeals to his feelings
in reference to relatives and friends in con-
Gnement and under sentence Of death. 1t
was constant marvel to me that. with all
his other cares and duties. he could give so
much time and he 30 patient with this null
titude. I have known him to sit for hours
patiently listening to details Of domestic
troubles from poor people-much Of which
was, Of course, fundamentally sitting
the facts and manifesting as much anxiety to
do exactly right rs in matters Of the gravest
interest. Poorly clad people were more like
ly to got hearing than those who came in
silks and velvets. No one was ever turned
away from his door because Of poverty. II
he erred, II was sure to be on the side of
mercy. II was one Of his most painful tasks
to confirm sentence Of death. | recollect
the case Of u somewhat noted rebel prisoner,
who had been condemned to death. l believe
asaspy. A strong application had been
made TO have his sentence commuted. While
this was pending, he attempted to escape
from confinement, and was shot by the sem
,inel on guard. Although he richly deserved
death. Mr.. Lincoln told Judge Holt in my
presence that cit was great relief to him
that the man took his fate into his own
hands" r a.a.., ,er is -
IL the slightest occasion existed for show
ing clemeucy. he was sure to improve it.
Judge Bates. in the sane conversation re-
ferred to above, said that he had often told
the President that "he was hardly ft to DO
intrus,ed with the pardon,ng power"
why" said the Judge, "he can scarcely
turn away from tho application (if 10 touch.
Go his feelinSs) Of man, and tho tears Of q
woman arc sure to overcome him 7" ~.
! A touching instance Of his kindness Of