Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1870-12-16
3Aisecllanp.
Mr.. Llncoln's Petitioners.
A RECORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAM
BER,

1t was the custom of Mr.. Lincoln, DUR
ing the latter years of the rebellion, to
hear petitions at certain hours of the
day, from all who chose to present them
to him-the formality of an introduction
from some member Of Congress being
the condition on which they entered the
Executive Chamber.
The writer of this record pleaded for
the discharge from military service of
brother who had entered the army at
fifteen years of age. The petition was
granted, and the President kindly asked
if he could do any more for her. She
asked if she might be present at some
of these public interviews, and write
notes of them for publication. He ans
wered that she could.
Of many hundred petitions she has
selected few only, and has endeavored
to present a faithful record of what she
actually saw and heard on the occasion
described
All day long President Lincoln had
received petitions, and still they came
He could hear the murmur of voices in
the outer rooms, as they were anxious to
be admitted, yet he must rest for few
moments.
''Tad, my dear son, go to your mother
you must be tired here"
"No, no, papa; I don't want to go
now-I want to stay and see the people. :"
And he forced his hands down deep into
his pockets, and threw himself on the
floor under writing desk which stood
near his father, and setting his head on
a cushion, continued: "Ain't you tired
OF folks, pa p
The little bell which the President
sounded-a signal for the doors to be OPP
ened d-remained nedunrung-and hesatwith
his hands clasped together and head
dropping forward.
His little son moved softly from the
room, returning in few moments with
sad faced woman, who had an infant
in her arms The President motioned
her to chair, and she modestly stated
that she had come from a town in the
far west to plead for the life of her has
band, who was sentenced to die in six
weeks for desertion.
"He ran away from his regiment
them"
"No sir, but think he did,"
The President frowned and shook hi;
head rapidly from side TO side.
"Of course, madam, you think tha
he did moi"
"Oh, sir ! oh!-" and she began tt
cry aloud, the baby joining the chorus.
The President seemed much annoyed
but, turning to her, kindly said:
"If you can prove to me that you
husband did not run away from nor de
sert his regiment, will have him par
doned. VIII you go on with your story
and stop your crying y
"How kind you are, sir''
A faint smile played upou the Presi
dents face as he answered, "Pleas
60 on with your story"
She told him she was dangerousl
sick, and her husband hearing it from
comrade, went home, about three mile
from the camp. The next day he Wa
seized as deserter and dragged ava.
As soon as she could walk a little sh
had gone to the officers to plead for hin
but they would not listen to her. ST
was sick after that long walk, and {
soon as she could get up again she ha
started for Washington.
at was long and tiresome journey,
he said sympathetically.
"Yes, sir; but someway, ! felt, if
could only see you and tell you, that 70
would believe my story. l have no lie
tiers to speak for me, only this one" moN
ing her hand towards her pocket.
The President shook his head. E
was twisting piece of paper over al
through his fingers. Lifting his ey
suddenly to her face, he asked:
: "Who is that letter from ?"
+ ait is from kind minister | ask
him to write it. He said you did n
know him, and would in all probabili
I not read the letter; yet, if it would
any comfort to me, he would write 1t.
LET me see it."
!. As he bent forward to take the lett
the infant seized his hand. The Pre-
dent patted the little hands and fa'
s and then leaned toward the light to res
How anxiously the woman watch
him. But his countenance gave no
dication of his thoughts. He folded
letter carefully; slowly he handed
back again, saying,
IL al am satisfied with it. l believe yo
story. / shall pardon your husband
The baby looked up steadily at hi
the womau rose as she exclaimed:
. "Oh, Mr. President, how can tha