Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-05-07

ri give us men little over 68 and the average Of
all shows the Americans to be very tall people.
#Iistellausuas &taaing,
BEHIND THE SCENES. -.'@-.
For the amusement of our readers, we give some
extracts from the book of "Mrs Elizabeth Keck.
ley, 'whilom colored dress-maker to Mrs. Presi.
i dent Lincoln:
i AwIFE's JEALOUSY. '., !
In 1864 the receptions again commenced at the
White House. For the first two years of Mr.. Lin.
coins administration, the President selected lady
to join in the promenade with him. which loft Mrs.
Lincoln free to choose an escort from among the
distinguished gentlemen that surrounded her on
such occasions. This custom was at last discontin.
ued by Mrs. Lincoln. .. :.
elizabeth |" was sewing in her room, and
she was seated in comfortable armchair. "Liz
abeth, have been thinking over little matter
As you are well aware, the President, at every re-
ception, selects lady to lead the promenade with
him. Now, it occurs to me that this custom is ar
absurd one On such occasions our guests recog
nize the position of the President as first of all
consequently he takes the lead of everything; well
now, if they recognize his position they should al
so recognize NINE am his wife and should lead
with him. And yet he offers his arm to any Other
lady in the room, making her first with him and
placing me second. The custom is nm absurd one
and mean to abolish it. The dignity that l owe
to my position, as Mrs President, demands that
should not hesitate any longer to act
Mrs. Lincoln kept her word. Ever after this she
either led the promenade with the President, Of
the President walked alone or with gentleman
The change was much remarked, but the reason
why it was made, believe, was never generally
known.
INTRIGUEs OF THE 'coURT."
In 1864 much doubt existed in regard to the re-
election of Mr.. Lincoln, and the White House was
besieged by all grades of politicians. Mrs. Lin
coin was often blamed for having certain class o.
men around her. ...
II have an object in view, 'Lizabeth, " she saie
to me in reference to this matter. I'm poitica
canvass it is policy to cultivate every element
strength. These men have influence, and we re
quire influence to re-elect Mr. Lincoln. l will b
[clever to them till after the election, and then
we remain at the White House, will drop ever.
one of them and let them know very plainly that
only made tools of them. They are an unprinci
pled set, and don't mind little double-dealinl
with them. ...g-.
"Does Mr.. Lincoln know what your purpose is ?
Iasked.
"God no; he would never sanction such pro
ceeding, so I keep him in the dark, and will tel
him of it when all is over. He is too honest Il
take the proper care of his own interests so l fee
it to be my duty to electioneer for him"
A DOMESTIC NECESSITY CoNFIDED TO 'LIzABETH.
Mrs. Lincoln was extremely anxious that he
husband should be reelected President of the U
nited States. In endeavoring to make display
becoming her exalted position she had to incul
; many expenses. Mr.. Lincoln's salary was made
quate to meet them, and she was forced to run il
debt, hoping that good fortune would favor her. ane
enable her to extricate herself from an embarrass
situation. She bought the most expensive goods
on credit, and in the summer of 1864 enormous un
paid bills stared her in the face
'What do you think about the election, Liza
beth pa she said to me one morning
II think that Mr. Lincoln will remain in the
White House four years longer" I replied, look
ing up from my work.
"What makes you think so? Somehow have
learned to fear that he will be defeated.
Because he has been tried and has PROVED
faithful to the best interests of the country. Tht
people of the North recognize in him an hones
man, and they are willing to confde in him, al
least until the war has been brought to close
The Southern people made his election pretex
for rebellion, and now to replace him by some ONT
else, after years Of sanguinary war; would look TOT
much like surrender of the war. So Mr.. Lin
coin is certain to be reelected. He represents 8
principle, and to maintain this principle the loya
people of the loyal States will vote for him, even
he had no merits to commend him.
"Your view is a plausible one, 'Lizabeth, ano
your confidence gives me new hope. 1t ne shoulo
be defeated, I do not know what would become O
US all. To me, to him, there is more at stake ii
this election than he dreams Of
"What can you mean, Mrs Lincoln? do moi
! comprehend
"Simply this: have contracted large debts o.
which he knows nothing and which ne WILL be un
able to pay if he is defeated"
sWhat are your debts, Mrs. Lincoln p
'They consist chiefly of store bills. I owe, alto
gether, about $4,000; the principal portion al
Stewards, in New York. You understand, Liz
abeth, that Mr.. Lincoln has but little idea of the
expense of woman's wardrobe. He gances al
my rich dresses, and is happy in the belief thai
the few hundred dollars that obtain from hin
will supply my wants. must dress in costly ma
terials. The people scrutinize every article that
wear with critical curiosity. The very fact of hav
ing grown up in the West subjects me to more
searching observation. To keep up appearances
must have money-more than Mr.. Lincoln cal
spare for me. He is too honest to make penny
outside of his salary; consequently l had and still
have, no other alternative but to run 10 debt"
"And Mr.. Lincoln does not even suspect how
!, much you owe?"
"God, no!''-this was favorite expression oi
hers-"and would not have him suspect. IF be
knew that his wife was involved to the extent that
she is, the knowledge would drive him mad. He
is so sincere and straightforward himself that he
is shocked by the duplicity Of others. He does
not know thing about any debts, and value his
happiness, not to speak Of my own, too much tc
4 allow him to know anything. This is what troub
, les me so much. If he is reelected can keer
him in ignorance of my affairs but if he is de-
feated, then the bills will be sent in and he vii
know all" and something like bysterical sob es
capped her.