New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-12
PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND MRS. GURNEY

From The LoIiiyn Times Dec n.
An interesting episode. scarcely. II at all, known
TO The public hitherto which occurred IN tie latter
wears Oh President Lincons life. IL described III the
forthcoming yeYI,V obituary volume IL the Society
oil Frends, entitled ne AaaaaI LOCATOR, Ior 1908.
IL Is related IN connection with memoir of the late
Mrs l.. +. Quincy, widow OF the weu-known Qua
kerr MIR. Joseph John Iprney, oil Norwich. On Ter
husbands deuea,c, MIS-. quincy returned Co Amor
lea tho land of her birth, and chiefly resided Tor
the REMAINDER of her lilo at burlington, In New
10 sey. she was one OF the TO ognized lady
preachers OF the Society OF Friends, aud as such,
Undertook several missionary journeys. During the
teri BILE Civil War she ioL steat sympathy Tor the
very difficult aud Responsible position III which
Pres dent Lincoln had Leen placed by tue course oil
events ana she believed 1t 10 De her duty 20 seek
AN Interview with hun tor the purpose ul eudeavor-
ing 10 animate HIM by religious eXhortati0n aud
prayer. In company with Three OF her friends AS
COMPANIONS, sho proceeded To Washington. Whas
followed Is thus described IN Tho lneuloir III no
dnguaI Monitor. winch IL written by an English
barrister 10 Friend, who WAS intimately acquainted
with Mr.. j. j. uurney and herself: o -
II was critical period, in the autumn OF 1862 The
armies OF Lee and Mcclellan confronting each other
In the neghbornood OF Washington. ana tine President,
finding capital in danger had issued eal for several
moment of his time precious. and two days
spent by Mrs Quincy ami the friends who accompanied
hope when, to her own cords the great iron door
s Ss% we 10 H' on Sunday s morning. in Tes
ing rain, that tho little party repaired 10 the White
waite apartment OF President Lincoln They quickly
ogniEed his tall, commanding hgurc: as nc rose TO re-
celVe tncm, grasp ol uhiiu, We thcy
were separately named To him. NJ placed them at
case Deep thougutfllness and Intense anxiety urked
his c0untenance and created involuntary sympathy for
him In this great National crisis He Ut first supposed
Mrs Quincy TO be from England but was soon undo
ceiyed. She gave him to understand that IL WAS no
motive Idle curiosity which had Induced her to seek
such an interview but that Bho had rome In the love or
the Gospel or Lord and saviour Jesus Christ tnat
blessed Gospel which breates GLORY TO God In the
highest; ON earth peace, good will toward men" Sue
then proceeded to him OF the deep sympathy
which, In common with the other members OF tho Society
Friends, and, indeed with every rue-hcared citizen
OF the United States she had felt for tine President In his
arduous duties He listened with respectful attention,
while calmly unfolded In address. the delivery
which occupied about fifteen minutes, her religious
wishes ON behalf She then knet IN eryent suppca
ton for him and for her country. 1t was AN anectng
scene The little party stood In reyerential awe, the
President appearing bowed IN heart under the weight OF
his responsibilities The bright waters "i the Potomac
were gsening In the distance upon the banks OF watch
stood them the two opposing arlnes. arrayed
against each other awaiting the AWFUL moment when
they sDond meet IN mortal conflict
As Mrs. Quincy leaving, the President took her
hand. and, holding IL for few moments IN silence said
I'm very deliberate manner: glad OF this Inter-
view. In the very responsible situation IN which
placed as humble Instrument In the hands OF my
Heavenly Father have desired that all my words and
actions may be In accordance with Hs wili but H. after
endeayoring to do my lest, with the light which lie
affords me, find my efforts full, then must believe
that for some purpose unknown tome, He wills II other