Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1872-11-08
President. Lincoln and Secretary
Seward.

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Seward.
Just before Mr.. Seward handed over
the Department of State to the Premier
of Gen. Grants Administration, l called
on the Secretary at his official residence.
He was in fine health and spirits, and
spent an hour in chatty conversation,
President Lincoln being the subject Of
the talk. Mr.. Lincoln he said, carried
with him through his whole career as
President, the simple habits which mark
ed him in his law practice in Springfield
If he wanted anything of the Depart
ments, instead of ringing his bell and
calling messenger, he would take his
hat and run round from one office to an
other, just as one lawyer would run round
to the office of brother practitioner
If missed at night, those in the secret
would track him from place to place and
be sure to come up with the President
in some of his favorite haunts. He saw
no reason why he should not enjoy him
self 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 we're
done provided they were done. Adju-
tant Gen. Thomas was sent out to relieve
Gen. Grant. Before he had chance to
serve his papers Vicksburg surrendered,
and Thomas did not dare disturb mat
ters, 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 friend in to sound the Presi-
dent on his return to Washington. The
President was delighted with the surren-
der. Rubbing his hands he said: Tell
Thomas to come in. He did just right.
He ought to have been shot if he had
obeyed orders"
One day lady came to Mr.. Stewards
office and handed him scrap of paper,
ON which was scribbled few lines. The
purport of the note was: Let this wo-
man have S100 on account of the Secret
Service Fund, and send her on her mis-
sion." The note was signed A. L. 1t is
we'll known that Congress votes the Pres
ident from 100000 to 100000 annual.
ly as Secret Service Fund. OF this,
the Secretary of State is the custodian.
He must countersign the Presidents or
ner, 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 inquired of
the woman what secret service she was
to perform that would justify his paying
her 500. Well. she was going to Eng
land to create public sentiment In favor
of our country. The case was what Mr.
Seward supposed. The woman had been
hanging around the White House, both
ering the life out of the President, and
to get rid Of her he had proposed to give
her 500. 81 can give you no money
for such purpose" said the Secretary
Of State "Your services are worth
nothing. In London you would be
damage and not benefit to us. can't
throw away the peoples money in that
fashion for you" The lady was not only
indignant, but astonished, So you refuse
to obey the Presidents order ?" /" / do"
And are you a greater man than Pres
ident Lincoln, AMI when he says let me
have 500 of his own money, you say
shan't have it ?" "Well, madam, if the
President wants give you S100outof his
own salary he has 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" and
off she started to find the President. Mr..
Lincoln groaned as she crossed the thresh-
hold. "Well, what now ?" "Mr. Sew
ard won't give me the money" and she
told her story. swell, madam" said
the President, :" can do no more for you
! told you l had very little influence
with this Administration" - Cor. of Bos-
ton Journal.