New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-01-26
HOOKS oE TILE MEEk.

The History of abraham Lincoln. Gad he Oro1hror
of SIqr1g by Isaac y. ARNOLD Chicago: Clmk a
Coz presents q copious biography of the late Pres-
dent regarding his official career chiefly u The point
of view of the abolition of slavery. The author of
the work in his capacity of member of Congress for
Illinois enjoyed the largest opportunity for personal
observation and took part himself in the principal
events which he deliberately describes. His volume
opens with a brief retrospect of the history of
American Slavery from 1888 10 the compromise
measures Of 1870, naITatcs the repeal Of the
Missouri Compromise aud the struggle for
Kansas. and infinitely traces the course of Abr-
ham Lincoln in relation Ia emancipation from his de-
bates with MIR Douglas in Illinois Ia the closing
scenes of his life MIR Arnold had been an intimate
friend of the President Tor twenty years previous 10
his election. He writes III tone OF ardent adnira-
ton ion Mr. LiuCOln's personal traits, ana OF pro
found sympathy with the cause OF which he was the
representative He has evidently aimed, however
Ia set forth the truth of history, without bias hon
individual pariaitics. The narrative - cnnycncd
by numerous sketches and anecdotes. many of which
strkngy illustrate the nature of the great struggle
for national existence, ana the CHARACTER Oh tie pi
cipa actors in its evcntiu scenes. The singular
prophecy by Mr.. Douglas uttered on the iirst Of
January 1861, we think, does not now see the light
for the fast time, but, az all events 1t VIII bean to Ice
repeated. On that day, IN reply 10 gentleman.
making "a New ears call and who inquired, what
will be the result of the efforts of Jefferson Davis,
and his associates 10 divide the lm0nP Rising,
and looking says my informant like one inspired,
Douglas replied! The cotton States are making an
effort to draw III the border States TO their schemes
OF secession, and am but too fearful thoy will sue
coed. If they do succeed there Will be the most ter
Iible civil war the world has seen. lasting for
years Pausing n moment he exclaimed Virginia
will become chaTnelh0use but the end VIII bc the
triumph of the Union cause. One of their first eff
forts will he to take possession Of this capital 10 give
them prestige abroad but they will never succeed i'm
taking 1.-THE North will rise mQsse to defend it,
but Washington will become city of hOspitals-the
churches will he used for the sick and wounded
even this house Minnesota block; afterward, and
during the war the Douglas Hospital may be- devoted
10 that purpose before the end of the war; The
friend 10 whom this was SAID inquired, What jusifi
cation for all thisg Douglas replied, There is no
Justification nor any trctensc Of auy-if they will
remain in the Union will go far az the Consitll-
ton will permit TO maintain their Just rights and
do not doubt a majority of Congress would do the
same. But said he, again rising 10 his feet, aud eX
tending his arm, If the Southern States attempt 10
secede from this Union, without further cause ] am
IN favor of their having Just so many slaves and Just
80 much slave territory ~ they can hold ut the point
OF the bayOnet, and no m0re'p A characteristic
anecdote of Mr.. Lincoln is also given which we do
not recOlect TO have seen before. " distinguished
South Carolina lady, the widow of Northern scholar
proud aTistOcrtic and conscious Of the blood Of all
the Howdrds, and to whom Lincoln had been repre-
sentcd as demon, half ape, and half tiger. the very
devil blmself-called upon him at Wizards Hotel
just before his Inauguration. The President elect
came into the paTlOr accompanied by Senators Hale.
Seward and others, prominent members of Congress
As she approached (she was nearly rs tall as the
President she Missed in his ear South CaTolinianP
lie turned ana addressed her with the greatest cOnT
tesy and gentleinanly poteness. After listening
10 him lew moments astonisbed, she said Ia
him: Mr.. Lincoln, you look, act and speak like
humane, kind. and benevolent manp He replied
Did you take me for savage, MADAME Certainly
did, said she. Such was the impression his genial
benevolent nature made upon her. that she said TO
him, MIR. Lincoln, the best way for You To preserve
peace is 10 90 10 Charleston, and show the people
what yon are and tell them you have no intention Of
njuIng them She went home, and entering a ro0nl
where were assembled party of secessionists from
SOnth Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, exclaimed
she entered, j have seen himl Ihave seen him
Who = inquired they. That terrible monster Lin
coin and what is more, am going to his first eyee'
The evening Of the reception arrived, and dressing
herself in black velvet dress, with two long white
plumes in her hair this tall daughter of South Caro-
lima repaired to the White House Being nearly nix
feet high black hair, black eyes, Calhoun or Gait
hue i.e. ias her friepds called jtl ia Lcr yclyet