The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-04-07
A War "Reminiscences.

the Seven Days fight: and, as may be-
imagined felt pretty badly.
True, the final and bloody repulse of
the rebels at Malvern Hill had cheered
us up somewhat, but it was plain to en-
listed men as we'll as officers that the oc-
cupation of Richmond would have to be
deferred for long time.
It was during our first weeks occupa-
ton of this prehistoric spot that en-
ioyed the first and only opportunity 1
ever had of seeing President Lincoln,
who visited the army shortly after its ar
rival in order 10 ascertain its exact con-
dition and decide upon its future move
ments.
As the writer of this was the orderly
of Maj. Gen. Sumner, whose guest the
President was during his brief stay, he
had more than ordinarily good Gdvan-
tages for observing his peculiarities,
which, it is needless to say, he improved
to the utmost.
What first impressed me about Presi-
dent Lincoln was the excessive awkward
ness of his figure and the fact that his
clothes didn't seem to fit him. Tall,
gaunt and ungainly, he certainly looked
like rail splitter going about in his
Sunday suit, or an undertaken Temporal
rily out of business. This latter resem-
blance was intensified by the melancholy
character of his features and the coat,
vest and trousers of funeral black in
which he was habitually attired. The
expression of his face was an odd ming
ling of shrewdness, sagacity and native
kindliness; and despite its sadness, there
continually lurked about the co~ners of
his mouth CLEANS of quaint humor of
which none of his pictures give the
slightest indication.
Mr.. Lincoln wore what is commonly
called a plug hat, and although it may
only have been of conventional length,
it appeared to me extraordinarily tall.
Although it may we'll be doubted if any
other species of hat would have better
become him, I remember thinking at
the time that the stovepipe added much
to the oddness and grotesquerie of his
appearance.
The troops were to he reviewed on the
day of his arrival, and / remember the
General was very much perplexed as to
the character of the Presidents mount,
but finally consulted him as the kind of
a charger he would prefer. l remember
his answer as plainly as if it were only
yesterday.
General" said he, "any kind of
quiet beast will do. don't think was
cut out for q cavalryman, and am afraid
a high spirited war-horse might prove a
little two much for me-"
In the Generals stud was a little sor-
rel mare called Bonnie. the soul of gen.
tleness and good temper, and he at once
proposed her for Mr.. Lincoln's use.
''All right" said the President, 81
guess the mare will suit me to a T; be-
sides, among horses, that sex is much the
easiest to manage. This remark, how
ever" he added, with merry twinkle in
his eye, "does not hold good of hu-
mainly
When Mr.. Lincoln was mounted on
Bonnie his appearance was more pecu-
liar than ever. The little mare was not
more than fourteen hands high, and so
great was the length of the Presidents
legs that when once fairly settled in his
saddle his feet nearly touched the ground.
As he ruefully remarked, glancing at
his extremities, If was only two inches
longer, think Id get off and walk"
Mounted by his side, on a splendid
stallion, prancing and rearing, and sur
rounded by brilliant staff, General
Sumner looked like veritable cavalier
of old, while the Chief Magistrate of the
Republic, by comparison, had the APP
pearance of some quiet country parson
who, in ambling to morning service,
had fallen among military men by mis-
take.
However. the enthusiasm of the men
for the plain-looking civilian was ire
mendous, and the President was much
pleased with the review. Particularly
was he delighted with the spirit of the
troops, which was evidently much better
than he expected.
As he rode back he said to the Gen
eral gleefully:
'"The boys seem as if they were will
ing to 60 in again tomorrow, senti-
ment to which that. officer heartily
assented.
After our return to camp the Presi-
dent dined heartily, and toward evening
went away to visit some of the other
Generals.
II was about eight o'clock aud getting
dark when General Sumner ordered me
to send his colored servant to him. This
was q sprightly contraband whom the
men had christened Ston-whll Jackson,
but on the present occasion Stonewau
belied the promptness Of his mamesake
and was not forthcoming
A tupna1 ont of he ba1