The Portland daily press., 1871-10-17
rms $500 per anmssns, in adyance.


was In Washington the day President
Lincoln was shot. [ went to the White
House IN the forenoon with a crowd Of per-
sons who were anxious to see the Presi-
Gent. The large ante room was literally
crowded with officers and civilians-u Iges,
senators, and members OF Congress, soldiers
anu citlzens, waiting for an intervie ". There
~ e.e no seats Ill the room, and mea passed
could. " 80 "e'' 'HeJ
roanao VINO passed up to the Presidents
nf tha .iat a u'orning saw standing at The font
st,iol cIo STARS d manned soldier. He appeared
torn, wv WIN poverty and sorrow. Hi. uni
loo and 1oheu and torn. He had but ons
-, -, anu looked friendless and lorsaken. He
ss' sslu nothing; no one spoke TO him. but even
ono youn9, vigorous, aud hopeful cast Iook
ou inc taltered blue, evidently anxions and
YET AFRAID TO mount the stairs. He nj 40 no
uiesSaSe that lay heavy on his heart some
wrong 10 De redressed, or some great boon to
ASK at u Tue Ianas OF the President. Pushed
aside, like the poor man at the pool. he had
no friends at court, and no Influential arm 10
lead him up. He maintained his DO ,it,on
through most OF the forenoon, standiug
weary on his clutches, for there was no
place to sit, and he eyed the throne as they
drifted up and down the Presidential stairs.
About IL o'clock little Tad, the Presidents
son, entered the crowded anteroOm, leading
tue manned soldier, whom he had picked up
below. The soldier paused on the Threshold
ia dismay. He seemed appalled, at the sight
before him. Generals, judges, and Senators
were waiting for an audience, ard what could
he hope in such a crowd? Shame seemed to
mantle his face hike a veil when he looked at
MS tattered, untidy garb among the grand
persons around him. Not so his little usher.
fuiinS MS comp anion forward, with words
OF encouragement and smiles, he beckoned
him on till he reached the door before which
the grim usher stood, saying to every new
conner, "The President is engaged, sir; you
must wait" The privileged pet OF the White
House was disgusled with the check put upon
ms ireodem.- He insisted upon leading the
soldier directly into the presence OF his father.
de attempted to force his way through, bat
his puny strength could not resist the man at
arms. The young soldier desired to with
draw from the contest. He quailed under
the eyes OF all hundred men, some of Them
the first generals of the laid. He attempted
to retreat, but little Tad held him to his posi-
ton. He resorted to tactics often tried and
said never to have fdied-he screamed at the
top OF his voice, Father! father! they won't
let me come in!" The Well-knoWn voice
struck the ear of Mr.. Lincoln in the midst OF
his discussions. He arose, pen in hand, and
went to the door.
As the weil-known form appeared, little
Tad pushed the soldier in, and the door clos
ed. Taking him aside, Mr.. Lincoln learned
the necessities of the case. The wounded
man told his complaints to one who, il he
heard at all, he heard the whole story through.
At once he granted his request, and little Tad,
with face radiant with smiles, led the soldier
back to the stairway, gave whistle, threw up
bis heels, and disappeared through the door
OF the Presidents private library. Shortly
the private secretary appeared at the door Of
Mr. Liucon's room and said:
Gentlemen, the President will receive lo
more to-day"
With that proclamation Mr.. Linco'n's pub
lie levees euded. Almost his last offciaI act
poor, friendless boy. That night he lett the
White House.-Kao1uille Chronicle. =