Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1884-01-31
President Lincoln and the DGSGrtGr'S Son
From the Youths Companion.

From the Youths Companion.
Abraham Lincoln's second inaugura
ton March 4th, 1869 will long be re
membered by all who witnessed it. 1t is
not our purpose to describe it, but tC
speak of very manly looking youth who
on that day was seen lowering about the
White House
He was first seen by the attendants OF
the mansion as early as eight o'clock ii
the morning, to one of whom he appealed
for an audience with the President
But his efforts proved futile. The in
variable answer was, that the President
was to much occupied with matters il
connection with his Inauguration to re
ceive visitors.
Still the youth did not quite DESPAIR OF
accomplishing his object, and watching
for an opportunity to pass through the
door unnoticed, he took the advantage OF
call made by a U. s. Senator, whom he
knew by sight, to slip in behind him
while the usher in charge was for an in
slant absent from his post.
Once in, he lost no time in finding his
way to the Presidents room, in which he
saw Mr.. Lincoln seated at desk, engag,
ed in writing.
Several distinguished looking gentle
men were there; among them the Senator
to whose opportune visit he was indebted
for the chance of having an interview
with the chief magistrate of the nation.
The youths feelings may be imagined
as he waited to get the ear of the man
who had it in his power to make glad not
only his heart, but the hearts of five 9TH
ers. Maxwell Smith held in his hand a
petition for the pardon of his father, who
had deserted his camp near Washington
to go to his home in New York city,
where, at the time, his wife and two of
his children lay i'll with scarlet fever.
The President continued writing for
some moments, when suddenly raising his
eyes they encountered those of the lad
who had quietly made his way to his
desk.
"Who are you?" was the first exclama-
tian that greeted the young petitioner, as
hat in one hand, and the petition in the
other, he stood irresolute. But his con-
fusion was but momentary; remembering
q hn hl6 70 0Ay no
advanced closer to the desk, and handed
to Mr.. Lincoln his paper. The latter gave
it hasty glance, and then a grave ex-
preston stole over his face. In an al
most angry tone he said:
Here is another petition for the par
don of deserter. 1t is about time l
ceased showing clemency to runaways at
crisis like this, when it is important
that every man should be at his post.
But how did you get in here, young man
My orders were to admit this morning
none but my constitutional advisers"
Young Smith made the required eXpla-
nation in modest but unhesitating man
ner, and in doing so evidently made an
impression on the President, who smiled
and said:
Such persistency is deserving of some
reward, but" and here a frown wrinkled
his brow, 81 wish, yOungster, it had been
exhibited for worthier purpose than the
pardon of a deserter."
But he is my father" answered the
boy, land he had an excuse for desertion.' y
There can be no excuse for Gesertion.
| Had your father asked for a furlough, it
would, doubtless, have been granted him"
"He did ask, Mr. President, but it was
refused him again and again. VIII you
please read the petitiOn?"
Not now. Come here Immediately af-
ter my return from the CAPITOL, and | will
see what can be done for your father.
| Unless you have good grounds for asking
for his pardon. it will be time thrown
away
Thus ended the first interview. 1t hap
pened young Smith left the White House
in company with the Senator whom he
had followed into the executive chamber.
He was pleased with his looks. and ven
tured to ask his name and solicit his aid
in behalf of his father.
The gentleman gave his name as
Edwin ID. Morgan, and Smith knew at
once that he could not have more pow
erful ally than the Ex-Governor of New
| York.
The hour of the Inauguration arrived
Mr.. Lincoln took the oath of Office and
delivered the address. Then he resumed
his seat in the barouche which had con.
veyed him to the Capitol, and the process.
sion started on its return to the White
House.
All the way there Smith kept his eye
on Mr. Lincoln, and noticed how his care
worn face would light up as he acknowl
edged with smile or bow the cheer
which greeted him on the line of marcl
through PENNSYLVANIA Avenue. surely.
he said to himself. 80 geod face mus