The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-10
MIR. LINCOLN AND THE WAR.
An Interview Immediately After His First
EleotiOn-His Hopes for Peace.

-
ElectiOn-His Hopes for Peace.
Veteran" in St. Louis Globe Democrat.
In 1860 was chief quartermaster of thu
western department, stationed in this city
Shortly after the election of Mr.. Lincoln I
was requested to go to Springfield and confer
with the President-elect 1t had been
rumored that the South were making largo
acquisitions for arms, and as those from the
arsenals at Rock Island and st. Louis would
naturally pass through my hands, Mr.. Lin
coin desired to get at the facts. He was con-
stantly in consultation with a committee of
his political friends, among whom was Mr..
T. W. fo8, OF this city, who had brother
IN the hardware business at Springfield,
Plobably through him he heard OF me, and
nence the request for an interview. Colond
sumner was IN command of the department.,
and told him that l was going to Spring.
field on business. Mr.. Fox, another gentleman
and myself took the evening train and on
arriving at Springfield we found thu
President-elect in the Governors room at tt.
capitol, which had been rendered Tor his
use. He was seated at Il desk. aud a numbe,.
OF persons were present. The interview was
the very reverse OF a private one. People
were constantly arriving; farmers, mechan-
les, old neighbors, and former clients would
approach the door, and Mr. Lincoln, CATCH
ing sight OF them, would say, in his easy,
nomely fashion, Come in, Jake; slide along,
DICK; glad to see you; how are the babies"
etc. Finally he gave the rumors that had
reached him, and wanted to know what [
knew about them. l told him that there
had been acquisitions for arms from the
Southern States. Under law of Congress-
all of the States were entitled to their regu-
lar quota of arms, but the South for some
years had neglected their militia, and had
not drawn the amount to which they were
entitled by law. The Northern States had
been more punctual with their acquisitions,
obtaining from time to time their proportion.
There had been no illegal distribution of arms
through my department. as they We're simply
calling for that which would have been fur
nished Mt any time if the demand had been
made. He then asked me what thought of
this undetermined threat of secession
told him that for number of years | had
been stationed at the South, periodically
visiting the different military posts from
New Orleans to Key West, [ had mingled
freely with the Southern people, and knew
their feelings l believed that secession was
inevitable, and that all the Southern States
would join in the issue and fight, if neces-
sary, TO maintain what they thought to bo
their rights. They considered that their
right of property in the negro was threatened
by his election and in my opinion we were
on the eve of gigantic civil war; which
would last six or seven years. and end in the
subjugation of the South and the destruction
of slavery.
said, furthermore that being a soldier
could not vote. had always been in SYM
pathy with the Democratic party, and had it
been possible 1 should have voted against
him; but, If war came, should do all in
my power to sustain the supremacy of the
government. The fact that there seemed to
be concerted action on the part of the
Southern States to secure their quota of
arms at this time was, to my mind, an evil
dence that they were preparing for war. Not
that they believed it would come, but if it
did they would be ready. l told him. in ad-
dition to this, that in my opinion, the feel
ing was so intense against him in the South
that they would not permit him to peaceabiy
take his seat as President If they could avoid
it, and if a favorable opportunity presented
itself they would attempt to assassinate him.
He laughed and peoh poohed at the idea and
said that he did not believe there would be
any war. That it was all talk, such as we
had heard for thirty years. That when any
chap from the South wanted to make q sem
sation in Congress he would work himself
into rage and threaten the disruption Of
the Union. The people of the South were
too sensible to attempt any such foolish &C.
ton, and as for assassination, be thought
that was all moonshine. America was not
the land of assassins, and he did not believe
that his bitterest political enemies were ca.
pable oil such an act. 1t appears that he
changed his mind when he went on to Wash
ington, by leaving his car at Harrisburg and
going through Baltimore in disguise.
A general desultory conversation fol-
lowed, in which all took part, and as
the train for St. Louis did not leave
until midnight great deal was said. 1
remember of his saying; BY the way, do you
know Major Hunter, paymaster stationed
at Fort Leavenworth? He has been writing
me letters l asked him if he remembered
man by that name who, several years before,
had tried to horsewhip Long John Went
worth, of Chicago. He said he remembered
it we'll, i told him that Hunter was the
man. When he went on to Washington I
believe that Hunter accompanied him in the
same car must confess that was disap-
pointed. With my army notions of dignity,
the easy-going Hello, Jack, slide along Bill
style impressed me MS being the manner of
politician rather than that of statesman
But events showed afterward that he grew
up to the emergencies. He did not lead pub
lie opinion, but he kept his finger on the
public pulse, and when the people were
ready for certain line OF policy, he would
act"
Demooratie AuthOritY.