Weekly Trinity journal., 1867-04-20

Mr.. LINCOLN AND THE PREsIDENcY.-The most
remarkable episode of Ierndon's conversation
which am repeating by memory, ony-relates
to Mr. Lincoln's Presidential aspirations. In
common with most people, had concluded that
this great honor came to Mr.. Lincoln without
paying. as unexpected as it was unsolicited, and
to him a staggering price of luck, like lottery
prize. This estimate is Charming one, but it is
not true one. When the Douglas and Lincoln
partner
"Biily, l know l should miss the place when
competed for it. This defeat will make me
President"
He refused, in the interim, any proposition
looking to his acceptance of lesser office, and
this with the concurrence of his friends and
family. At the same time he took no immediate
means to prccipitate his opportunity, rather like
a man destined, sat more closely to study and
vigilance, read all the issues as they DEVELOPED,
and waited for his call. 1t came at last, in
special invitation to visit New York, and speak
in the Cooper Institute. He felt intutively that
this the Rubcon, and with a human thrill,
paused and hesitated. 1t is possible that at this
moment. had any close friend whispered STAY"
the Republic might be dead and Abraham Lin
coin living.
$50, Mr. Lincoln" said Herndon, " make
your best effort. Speak with your usual lucidity
and thoroughncss." Home said ssGo." also.
He appears in New York, as all of you relnem-
Der, and his success there drew the attention of
the country to his name. The West can originate
men the East must pass them and the firm of Lin
coin and Ierndon died in reality, when the Con-
venton met at Chicago. He had by this time
the highest usefulness in his State, of which his
nature was capable.
The best lawyer in it, the hero of debate
equivalent to a Senatorship, with a mind too
broad and grave for mere gubernatorial place
and already by four years destiny and prepara-
ton President of the United States he went I'D
to the post with dignity and ease that made
men stare, because they had not seen the steps
he took upon the road.
At last he came to his Office for the last time.
"Billy," he said. 1--WE must say goodbye"
Both of them cried, speechlessly.
+ q You shall keep up the firm name, Billy, if it
will be of any use to you
They shook hands upon it, with tears in their
eyes.
q love the people here, Billy, and owe them
all that am. If God spares my life to the end
| shall come back among you and spend the re-
mainder of my days
He never returned to Springfield till glory
brought him home under her plumes, completed
life. and the prairie, like neighbor, opened its
door to take him in. When MIR. Herndon saw
him again Mt Washington City he was furrowed
and fretted with State cares. They talked a
while of the old office, the clients, and then the
war rolled between them once more.
One sentence Mr.. Herndon recolects of the
President before his departure for Washington,
that is memorable rs showing his purpose.
"Billy." he said, 81 hope there will be no
trouble but | will make the South n graveyard
rather than TO sec Slave gospel triumph or
successful secession lose this Government to the
cause of the people and representative institu-
tions."
was merciless in the abstract. Battles never
moved him, unless he trod among their corpses.
lie would have carried on the forever, or as
long rs the people intrusted to him its manage
ment, rather than give p."-Corre.pondenee o.
! tie Nev York Tribune.