Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-05-24

have need OF your prayers: l have
need of all the prayers that can be offer
ed for me-
'Oh, Mr.. Lincoln, tina. is the Christian
spirit-that is faith in Jesusl oh, lei
me hear you say that you believe in
Him.
Il do was the solemn answer. | be-
lieve in my Savior
And when she arose to depart, the
President also arose and opened the door
for her, and led her through the outer
room and across the hall to the head of
the staircase, and shaking hands, said
good bye and went back again 10 re
ceive more and still more petitioners.
A Catholic priest entered, with two
women. He looked at the writer with a
face which plainly said he would rather
she would not be there. She moved
from the. desk toward the door. The
President waved his band saying, Come
back; l do not wish you to co.
The priest, turning to the President,
said:
Il should like private interview
/ do nothing privately was the calm
answer; all do is public;' and he gave
the signal for more petitioners, upon
whom the priest looked with unconcealed
anger, and to the President said pomp-
pously:
Then we are to have no heariDgg
Certainly, you shall be heard. | will
listen to you now
That will not do. l wish to see you
alone
i can only tell you, as l did before,
that | DO nothing privately answered
the President, coldly.
The priest angrily rose and left the
room, followed by the two women. The
President went on with his work, un-
rufied. He was quite used to all sorts
of addresses, manners. and degrees of re-
spect.
4 X X X Il II
The conversation turned to Mrs. Lin.
coins fear that some of tae Southern
women might have hidden weapons to
take his life, and it was her earnest re
quest that women should not be admit
ted, except in company with gentlemen
known to the Executive Departments.
The President answered, with much
animation. that he did not feel afraid, and
then be added, solemnly, ! do not con-
slider that l have ever accomplished any
thing without God; and if it is bis will
that must die by the hand of an assas-
sin, | must be resigned. | must do my
duty as | see it, aud leave the rest with
God. l go to amusements very much
against my inelnations. | go simply be-
cause | must have change. | laugh be-
cause | must not weep that's all-thats
You take up too much time said
woman, pushing, and stepping in front
of another. | will talk to the Presi
dent now, and then you can finish what
you have to say. Mr.. President. your
Honor, nv husband lost a limb in this
battle, and | want the War Department
to settle pension upon him without de.
lay. l believe 10 first come, first served;
and | want my son to have a position 10
Washington, il it is no higher than
clerk in the Treasury Building. Only
two petitions ask of you. | am in
hurry, for every day spend in Wash
ineton costs me five dollars. ! have been
here eight days. and, because of the in-
science of your ushers, l could not get
up to speak to you before. Couldn't you
teach them how to treat q ladya 1t is
great disgrace to an establishment to have
saucy servants Then, in higher key
she went on: 'Only pension for my
husband, and position for my son. He
! is Just like me-he will repay you for
ali you can do Cor him. | have brought
him up never to be under obligations to
any person.
She paused to take good long breath,
and the President interrupted her with
Il can do nothing for you, madam.
Not give my husband pension?
mo; the War Department will attend
to that
Not give my son position?
mo, madam
Her countenance WAS expressive OIL
her anger; but the President bowed hel
and her indignation from the ROOM
Once she turned in her exit, saying, 81
am proud and sensitive, or l would give
you piece of my mind
Often persons pushed themselves into
the Executive Chamber solely to irritatt
the President. Many of those were wo
men who sympathised with the Rebel
lion, aud their elegant courtesy { y Of
manner was really amazing. Such one
had kept her chair during the going and
coming of five or six relays of visitors
watching each as they presented thei
claims, following them with her eyes t.
the door, and then staring at the others.
The President, annoyed al her presence
said, rather sternly, Have you petition
to PRESENT.
She lifted her eyes in a peculiar man
ner, with an arrogant expression, but sh'
only said, Yes, sir
The President said, 1t is time yol
told me what you have to say, you hay'
, been here good while.'
yes, SIR she replied brightly; and
confident that he had not yet gained thi
time, folded her hands with an air of per
feet satisfaction.
, will you give me your errand, o
shall / 90 on with the otherss'