The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1867-03-08
"reminiscences Of Prest Lincoln.

A newspaper correspondent relates the
following interesting reminicenceS of Pres
ident Lincoln, gathered from CONVERSE
ton with Mr.. Herndon. Mr. Lincoln's law
partner:-
'.In common with most other people,
had concluded that this great honor came
TO Mr. Lincoln without paving, as unex-
pected as it was unsolicited, anu to him a
staggering piece OF luck, like 4 lottery
prize. This estimate Is charming one,
but it Is not true one. When the
Douglas and Lincoln contest was ended,
the defeated man said TO his partner {:
Billy, knew should miss the place when
| competed for it. This defeat will make
me president He refused, in the inter
i'm, any proposition looking to his accept
ance OF lesser Office, and this with the
concurrence of his friends and family.
At the same time he took no immediate
means to precipitate 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
.'It came, at last, in special invitation
to visit New York, and speak in the Coop
er Institute He felt intuitively that this
was the Rubicon, and, with human
thrill, paused and hesitatated. 1t is pos
sblc that. at this moment. had any close
friend whispered Stay the republic might
be dead and Abraham Lincoln still living.
'Go, Mr.. Lincoln. said IIcrndun, make
Your best effort Speak with your usual
lucidity and thoroughneSs.' Home said
Go also. He appeared in New York, as
all of YOU remember, 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 IIcrndon died. i'll reality when
the convention met at Chicago. He had
by this time reached the highest usefulness
in his state. oil which his nature was
capable. The best lawyer i'll it, the hero
of Il debate equivalent 10 a senatorShip.
with :. mind too broad and grave for Il
Mere gubcrnatorial place, aud already 10y
a tour years destiny and preparation presi-
dent Of the United States, he went up 10
the post with 4 dignity and ease that
made men stare, because they had not
seen the steps he too upon the road. At
! last he came TO his oilice for the last time
Billy he said, we must say goodbye
both Of them cried, speecble~>ly. 'You
shall keep up the firm name, Billy, if it
will be OF Use to you.' i love the people
here. Billy, and owe them all that am.
I Ii God spares my lie 10 the end shall
come back among YOU and spend the FEM
+ nant of my DAYS He never returned 10
Springfield till glory brought him home
under her plume>. Il completed life. and the
prairie like ncighhor. opened Ii door 10
/ take him in.
When Mr. IIcrndon saw him again at
WASHINGTON City he wa> furrowcI an,l
/ lrettcd with state cares. They talked
awhile of the old office. the clients. and
the town and then the WIZ rolled between
them once more. One sentence Mr.. IIern-
don rcco!lect> Of the president before his
departure for Washington. that i memo
rab.e aS showing hi> purpose. BILLY, he
said. i hope there will he no trouble 8:
hut will make the South Il graveyard
rather than see Il slavery gospel triumph.
or successful secession lose this government
TO the cause OF thcpcople and representa-
tive Institutions To this Mr. lIcrndon.
added. .Alr Lincoln was mcrcilc>S in III,
abstract Battles never moved him m-
less lie rode among the corp>c~. H. would
have carried on the war forever, or 4.
long rs the people entrusted him lis man
agemcut. rather than give up