Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-08-09
LINCOLN AND HANCOCK.
ghat Eenest Old Abe Told a
Baltimore Delegation.

Bedford Springs Lstter to Lancaster Intelli-
gcncer.
1 met Mr. James McDougal, lum-
ber merchant of Baltimore, of high
respectability, a relative Of Mrs. B.
J. McGraun of Lancaster, and one Of
the genial classes Of Bedford Springs
visitors who become generally known
and popular. Mr.. NlcDougal has been
an ardent republican; a demoniac con-
dition he reached after starting in life
IS an old line whig, and passing
hence through the purgatory Of
Douglas democracy. Mr.. McDoug-
al lost forty thousand and
some odd dollars by the rebellion,
a circumstance which may account for
some of his bitterness against the
rebels. They say he was in danger Of
being lynched in the unpatriotic at
mosphere of Baltimore, in the earlier
days of the rebellion, fact which |
can readily believe, for he evidently
is brim full OF strong opinions and
plain language, and has no disposition
10 check their overflow. He told me
something which you will be glad to
hear and which am surprised that
we never read before.
When Mr.. Lincoln issued his eman-
cipation proclamation-I believe that
was the occasion-a deputation of cit
liens from Baltimore went on to
Washington to congratulate him. Mr..
McDougal was of the number. They
speedily got through with their ad.
dresses at the white house, aud were
about to leave. with the declaration
that they would not further trespass
upon the presidents valuable TIM.
Take seats, boys, take seats, ex-
claimed Mr., Lincoln, as he rang for
chairs to be brought in. "it would be
strange if | could not spare halt
hour for conversation withfriends who
have come from Baltimore to SEQ me. =
And the visitors sat down and spent
nearly an hour in conversation. Pres
emily the subject OF generals came up
and various opinions were expressed
as to who was the abisst officer on our
side. When a great many opinions
had been given, Mr.. Lincoln said;
Gentlemen, in my Judgment, you
have not struck the right man yet.
And Of course all were anxious to
hear him name the man and asked
him to do so He said;
ut is General Hancock.
The countenances of his visitors
expressed their surprise, aud one Of
them ventured to say that he feared
Hancock was too rash.
"Yes," said Mr.. Lincoln, 80 some
of the older generals have said 10 me,
and l have said to them that l have
watched General Hancock's conduct
very carefully, and | have found that
when he goes into action he achieves
his purpose and comes out with a
smaller list of casualties than any O
them. Bold he is, but not rash.
Why, gentlemen, do you know what
his record was at West Point?'
And Mr.. Lincoln went to his book
shelf, and, taking down an army reg
lister, showed the position in which
HANCOCK had graduated, and that.
furthermore, in class that was one of
the most distinguished that had ever
graduated at the military academy.
Continuing to speak of him in the
highest terms, he further said.
II tell you, gentlemen, that if his
life and strength are spared, / believe
that General Hancock Ia destined to
be one of the most distinguish cd men
of the age. When | go down in the
morning to open my maitland | arise
at four oclock--l declared that | do
it in fear aud trembling, least may
Lineoln's prediction comes true in
this hour that finds Hancock at the
hear that Hancock has been killed OIL
wounded"
Was not that a remarkable nara.
tive to take from an absolutely trust
worthy source in the quiet valley By
the Bedford springs, and is it not .