The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1872-11-08

President Lincoln ana Secretary Seward.
just before Mr.. Seward handed over
the Department OF State to the Premier
of General Grants Administration, l
called on the Secretary at his official res.
idence. He was in fine health and spir.
its, and spent an hour in chatty con.
versation, 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 marked him in his law practice
in Springfield. If he wanted anything
of the DEPARTING nts, instead of ringing
his bell and calling a messenger, he
would take his hat and run round from
from one Office to another, Just as one
lawyer would run round to the office of
a 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 well 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 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 a scrap of paper
on which was scrubbed few lines. The |
purport Of the note was % Let this |
woman have 500 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 $4,000 to 100000
annually as a secret service fund. OF
this the Secretary of State is the custo-
dian. He must countersign the Presi.
dents order or not a 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. swell, she was
going to England to 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 800. 81 can
give you no money for such purpose"
said the Secretary of State. "Your SER
vices are worth nothing. In London
1ou would be damage and not bene-
1t to us. / can't throw away the peo-
ole's money in that fashion for YOU"
The lady was not only indignant but as
$50 you refuse to obey the
Presidents order?- IL do" "And
vou are greater man than Mr.. Lincoln |
md when he says let me have 500 of
lis own money. you say shan't have
t." swell, Madam, if the President
rants to give you 500 out of his own
alary, he has perfect right to do it.
,ut you can have no money out of the Sc
ret Service Fund for such Tom Fools
rrand as you are starting on" "Give
ne my papers, sir, if you please" said
he excited lady, and off she started to
nd the President. Mr.. Lincoln groan-
d as she crossed the threshold. swell,
hat now? p "Mr. Seward won't give
he money !" and she told her story.
Well, madam" said the President, ~
an do no more for you. | told you
ad very little influence with this Adj
-New York Correspondence
oston journal.