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

AL day long President Lincoln had re-
ceived petitioners, aud 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 moth
er; YOU must be tired here"
mo, no, papa; don't want to 90
now-l want to stay aud see the people,
And he forced his hand down deep into
bis pockets, threw himself on the floor
under a writing desk which stood near
his father, and settling his head on
cushion, continued: Amt you tired of
folks, paF
Tho ITVtIO tn L:-i- - ---.~----
sounded--a signal for the doors to be OPP
Undetermined unruug, aud he sat with
his hands clasped together and bis head
dropping forward.
His little son moved softly from the
room, returning in few moments with a
sad-faeed woman, who held an infant in
her arms. The President motioned her
TO chair, and she modestly stated that
she had come from town 10 the far
West to plead for the life of her husband,
who was sentenced to die in six weeks
for desertIon.
He ran away from his regiment then Z
mo, sir; but they think he did,
The President frowned, and shook his
head rapidly from side to side.
of course, madam, you think that he
did not
oh, sir OIL And she began to
cry aloud. the baby joining in the chorus.
The President seemed much annoyed.
but turning to her, kindly said:
If you can prove 10 me that your
husband did not run away nor desert biz
regiment, will have him patdoned.-
Will you go on with your story aud stoI
cryingT
How kind you are. sirp
A faint smile played upon the Presi
dents face, as he entered, Please go oil
with you story
She told him she was dangerously sick
and her husband, hearing of it from
comrade, went home, about three mile
from the camp. The next day he wa
seized as deserter. and dragged away
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. Sh
was sick after that long walk, and as 500
as she could ger up again she had starte
for Washington.
1t was long and tiresome journey
he said sympathetically.
Yes, sir; but. someway, / felt, if
could only see you and tell you, that 30
would believe my story. have no lei
tiers to speak for me, only this one,' moy
ing her hand toward her pocket.
The President shook his head. II
was twisting piece of paper over an
over through his fingers. Lifting b
eyes suddenly to her face, be asked:
Who is that letter 'front.'
1t is from kind minister; aske
him to write it. He said you did NJ
know him, and would in all probabilit
not read the letter; yet, if it would |
any comfort to me, he would write it.
Let me see it,
As he bent forward to take the letts
the infant seized his hand. The Pres
dent patted the little hands and face, an
then leaned toward the light to read.
How anxiously the woman watche
him. But his contenance gave no ind
cation of his thoughts. He folded Il
letter carefully; slowly he handed it bat
again, saying:
L am satisfied with it. believe yov
story. I shall pardon your husband
The baby looked up steadily at hin
the woman arose, as she exclaimed:
'Oh, Mr.President, how can l thar
your
Take this note to the War Depal
ment. and they will give yon paper
release for your husband from the char
of desertion. 1t will make your journ
home more comfortable. Good nigh