Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-06-08
Anecdotes of Lincoln,

| Mr. L. J. Cist has collected for a Gin
cinnati paper some interesting anecdotes
of the martyred President. In 1882, when
2S years old. Lincoln was induced to run
rs whig candidate for the legislature, and
made his maiden speech as follows:
Gentlemen. Fellow citizens: presume
you all know who am. am humbly
Abraham Lincoln. | have been solicited
by many friends to become candidate
for the legislature. My politics are short
and sweet like an old woman's dance. l
am in favor of national bank. l am in
favor of the internal improvement system
and protective tariff. These are my
sentiments and political principles. If
elected, will be thankful. If not, it's all
the same" He WAS not elected at that
time,
There resided in Springfield, in 1860, IN
Irish laborer, John Mccarthy by name, a
red hot democrat. Shortly after the pres
idential election, Mr.. Lincoln was walk
ing past the public square, where John
was at work clearing out the gutter. As
the president-eect drew near, Mccarthy
pausing in his work and holding out his
hand said bluntly AN so yer elected
president, are yerP Faith. an it wasn't
by my vote you wur." "Well, yes. John
replied Mr.. Lincoln shaking hands very
cordially, "the papers say I'm elected
but it seems odd | should be when YOU
went against me-" "Well, Misther Lin
colu,' said John dropping his voice, lest
some brother democrat should hear him.
I'm glad you got it, after all. It's mighty
little pace I've had wild Biddy for votin'
fornist ye, an ifye'd been bate she'd have
druve me from the shanty as shure's the
wurrild." "Give my compliments to Bid
dy, John, and tell her I'll think seriously
Of the woman's suffrage" said Mr.. Lincoln
with smile as he passed on to his office
President Lincoln once said that the best
story he ever read in the papers about him
travelling on the railroad, and were heard
discussing the probable result of the war.
II think" said one that Jefferson will
succeed" "Why does thee think SOP
asked the other. Because Jefferson is a
praying man. And so is Abraham a
praying man." "Yes, but the Lord will
think Aarahsm is only joking" doubtful
ly replied the first,
After state election in New York in
which the republican party was defeated,
Mr.. Lincoln was asked how he felt after
having heard the news. He replied
Somewhat like the boy in Kentucky who
stubbed his toe while running to see his
sweetheart. He said he was too big to
cry and too badly hurt to laugh.
During the spring of 1864, friend In
conversation with Mr.. Lincoln about the
approaching presidential election, said
nothing could defeat him but Grants cap.
ture of Richmond, followed by his nomi
nation and acceptance. "Wen," said The
president "I feel very much like the man
who said he didn't want to die particula lar.
ly but if he had got to die that was pre-
cisely the disease he would like to die Of
In the summer of 1862, Gen. McClel
Ian wrote from the peninsul" long letter
to the president, giving him advice as tc
the general politics of the country. and
how to carry on the affairs of the nation
"What did you replyP" asked some ont
of Mr.. Lincoln. " Nothing. but 1t madt
me think of the Irishman whose horst
Q kicked up and caught his foot in the stir
rup. 'Arrah = said he, if you are goine
to get on, l will get off, "