The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-04-27
AN "OLD ABE" STORY.
New York Tribune.


 Service pensions had been the subject uppermost at the veterans campfire that night and, together with the hard tack boiled beans and other refresh- ments," it had been thoroughly discussed
 Finally, General Schuyler Hamilton spoke up and told the following fine story of "Honest Old Abe"
 A story of Abraham Lincoln never wants for listeners in audience of old soldiers, and with the exception of the occasional scratching of a match when a fresh cigar or another pipefu of tobacco lighted, the order preserved must have wholly satisfied the narrator. The soldiers gath cred around him and the general began:
 "It was roasting hot day in the early part of July, 1861, at the national capital, fortnight, probably, before the first battle of Bull Run fought. Pennsylvania avenue was ankle deep with red dust, which arose in great clouds in the wake of arriving regiments and batteries hurried for ward by the loyal governors for the expected fight Two-wheeled smbulances were making trips between the city and the neighboriDg camps, and numbering army wagons were jammed in among the omnibuses, which ran between Georgetown and the capital for it before the days of street and herdics in Washington. All seemed to have one object that swetering day, and that was to kick up the dust, suffocating pedestrians and mak- ing life unbearable. The humidity must have ranked high that day, and every bcdy felt sweaty and sticky and out of temper. At least that about the way those at the headquarters of the army seemed to feel from General Scott down to the body servants. I was then holding the posi- tion of military secretary to General Scott, with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
 at was nearly three o'clock in the afternoon, think, when the ta gaunt form of the president of the United States entered the office of the general in-chief He looked tired and jaded out-the very picture of exhausted energy and disgust. His long linen duster, evidently recent acquaintance of the wash-tub, was wet with stair of precipitation under the arms, reaching almost to the pockets his dingy- looking vest was unbuttoned and his russet pantaloons of pioneer cut dangled at least couple of inches above an expanse of dust covered shoe leather. Before General Scott had time to arise and welcome his visitor MT. Lincoln threw his limp figure into the nearest chair, and, remov- ing his dilapidated old slouch hat, he began mop- ping his perspiripg brow. General Scott was SO astonished by the presidents sudden and pecul- far appearance that, although the old hero had managed to get upon his feet and bow to the chief magistrate, he was unable to express anything except surprise, and that not in words, but by looks. He afterward explained his perturbation by saying that he feared some dire misfortune had befalen the Union cause to bring the president to army headquarters in such state.
 "'Sit down, general said MT. Lincoln, in his consderate way, still wiping the accumulations of dust and moisture from his face "this is too hot day for ceremony. dropped in to tell you that I have learned something O-day."
 "What is that, Mir President2" asked the general, somewhat treasured.
 Since nine o'clock this morning have been trying to get hearing from some clerk in the pension bureau. believe that have tried them all, but in vain. They have sent me up and down those stairs from the ground floor to the attic and back again until am tired out.' There ele- vators in the government buildings then, and the presidents exuding frame gave evidence of their absence.
 "Excuse me, MT. President General Scott replied, with a courteous gesture but it is hardly becoming in the president of the United States to Dc solicitor of pensions. If you have any matters of that kind to attend to send them to me- and