The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1872-11-08
President Lincoln and secretary Seward.

YreStueut IiucOin anu SecTetaTy SeWaTus
just before Mr.. Seward handed over
the Department of State TO the Premier
of General Grants Administration, |
called OH the Secretary at his official res
idence. He was in fine health and spir.
its, and spent an nour in chatty con-
versatiop, President Lincoln being the
subject of the talk. Mr.. Lincoln. he
said, carried with him through his whole
career as President, the simple habits
in Springfield. If he wanted anything
of the Departments, instead of ringing
his bell and calling a messenger. he
would take his hat and run sound from
from one office to another, Just as one
lawyer would run round to the office of
brother practitioner. If missed at
night, those in the secret could track
him from place TO place, and be sure
to come up with the President in some
one of his favorite haunts. He saw no
reason why he should not enjoy himself
as President as we'll as when he was
plain Abraham Lincoln. The President
had the utmost horror of forms and red
tape. He did not care how things were
done, provided they were done, Ad
jutant General Thomas was sent out to
relieve Gen. Grant. Before he had
chance to serve his papers Vicksburg
surrendered, and Thomas did not dare
disturb matters, so he came home to
make his peace with the President; for
as soldier-and in time OF war-he had
violated orders. He sent a friend in to
sound the President on his return to
Washington. The President was delight.
ed with the surrender. Rubbing his
hands he said: "Tell Thomas to come
in. He did just right. He ought to
have been shot if he had obeyed or
ders"
One day lady came to Mr.. Stewards
office and handed him scrap of paper
on which was scrubbed few lines. The
purport Of the note was - Let this
woman have 800 on account of the
Secret Service Fund, and send her on
her mission" The note was signed A.
L. 1t is we'll known that Congress votes
the President from 100000 to 100000
annually as secret service fund. OF
this the Secretary of State is the custo-
dian. He must countersign the Presi-
dents order or not dollar of the fund
can be used But after the President
receives the money nobody can inquire
what he does with it. Mr.. Seward in.
quired Of the woman what secret service
she was to perform that would justify
his paying her 800. "Well, she was
going to England 10 create public SEN
timent there in favor OF her country"
The case was what Mr.. Seward supposed.
The woman had been hanging round
the White House, tothering the life out
of the President, and to get rid of her
he proposed TO give her 500. 81 can
give you no money for such purpose,
said the Secretary OF State. Your ser.
vices are worth nothing. In London
you would be a damage and not bene-
fit to us. can't throw away the peo-
pies money in that fashion for YOU"
The lady was not only indignant but as.
tonished. $50 you refuse to obey the
Presidents order?' q do" "And
you are greater man than Mr.. Lincoln;
and when he says let me have 500 of
his own money, you say | shan't have
it," Well, Madam, if the President
wants to give you 500 out of his own
salary, he has perfect right to do it.
But you can have no money out of the Sc
cret Service Fund for such Tom Fools
errand as you are starting on" "Give
me my papers, sir, if you please" said
the excited lady, and off she started TO
find the President. Mr.. Lincoln groan.
ed as she crossed the threshold. "Well,
what now ~ Mr.. Seward won't give
the money ;" and she told her story.
Well, madam" said the President, -
can do no more for you. | told you
had very little influence with this Adj
ministration."-Neo York Correspondence
Boston Journal