Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1885-09-07
THE GENTLENESS AND DE.
VOUTNESS OF LINCOLN'S
CHARACTER ILLUS
TRATED.

Mr.. Lincoln, says Ward II. La
mon in the Philadelphia Press, was
exempt from the fraiIties common to
most men he cast aside the remem-
brance of all provocations which he
had to nourish resentment because
of ingratitude or ambition. A nota-
BILE instance-a rather distinguished
man now dead, whose name for this
reason need not be mentioned, was
for years respected acquaintance;
his, son, who was in the army, was
charged and convicted of grave Of
fence, the penalty of which might
have been death. Lincoln, at the
solicitation of the father pardoned
the son. 9W go
Time passed on until the political
campaign of 1864, when a secret
military organization was formed in
Illinois to oppose the reelection Of
Lincoln, and that father was at the
head of this secret organization.
Some time after the election the
father was proposed for appointment
to an important bureau Office in the
treasury department, and it was
greatly wondered at that Mr.. Lin
coin was disposed to look favorably
on the proposition. Cabinet minis
tiers and others demonstrated, but
Lincoln said: 81 can't afford to take
notice of and punish every person
who has seen fit to oppose my elec-
ton. We want competent man in
this office, l know of no one who
could perform the duties of this most
responsible office better than -"
calling him by name. That migrate
father was appointed. "ga#s
/. At the interview had by the presi-
dent and Mr.. Seward with Messrs.
Stephens, Campbell, and Hunter the
status of those in rebellion was dis
cussed, and one of them remarked
to Mr.. Lincoln: According to your
view of the case we are all guilty of
treason and liable to be tried, con-
victed, and hanged?'h yf<
"Yes," he replied, "you correctly
understand my views of your situa-
ton" 0 .aa,.,> -aJ.s
After a pause one Of them an
sweIed: eyes we had supposed as
much, but we have never believed
that we were in much danger of be-
ing hanged while you are president"
From the gentIeness of his character
such was the sentiment he inspired,
even among his enemies. 33 5
At the time Mr.. Lincoln submitted
his proclamation of emancipation of
the slaves on Jan. 1, 1868, for the
consideration of the cabinet, before
that time never having conferred
with any one about the phraseology
of the instrument, he read the
document through without single
interruption or comment. They
all concurred in the opinion that
it was an admirable paper.
Mr.. Chase then said: ssMr Presi-
dent, you have invoked the consider
ate judgement of mankind, but you
have not invoked the blessings of
Almighty God on your action in this
matter. believe He has something
to do with this question:
Mr.. Lincoln then said ssYou are
right, Mr.. Secretary. [ most hum
bly, thank you for that suggestion ;
it was an oversight of mine. Do
me the favor of taking a pen and
paper and add what you would have
in conclusion" ta
Mr.. Chase wrote seven words
viz: "And the gracious favor of
Almighty God" Mr.. Lincoln then
added them to the last paragraph,
which made the whole read as fol-
lows :-to-wit: "And upon this act
of justice, warranted by the consti-
tuition upon military necessity, i in
woke the oonsiderate judgement of
mankind and the gracious favor of
Almighty Cod" aa t
KEEP TT TO YOURSELF.