St. Landry democrat., 1889-06-29
Lincoln and the Little Girl
Youths Companion.

Youths Companion.
Will the world ever know what depth
of tenderness there was in the heart OF
Abraham Lincoln? An anecdote which
has never been published brings out one
more incident in which his sympathies,
awakened by little child, nobly con
trolled his action. In one of the first
skirmishes of the civil war, young Union
soldier was so severely wounded in the leg
that it had to be amputated. On leaving
the hospital, the young soldier, by the aid
of influential gentlemen, obtained posi-
ton as government weigher of hay and
grain. Not long after he had entered upon
his duties, his superior officer said to him
''See here, Mr.. M-.s~, this hay weighs
so much on these scales, but to the gov
eminent weighs so much more"
81 do not understand, sir, that way of
doing business. l can enter but one
weight, and that is the correct one," an
swered the young weigher.
His superior walked away uttering
threats. The young man from that day
suffered many petty prosecutions for his
honesty, and it was not long before he re-
ceived notice that the government had no
further need of his service. The summary
dismissal made him so down hearted that
when he told the story to his family, he
seemed man without hope.
Father" replied the eldest daughter, a
girl of thirteen, ''cheer up! am going
to see President Lincoln. know he will
make it all right"
Her father and mother tried to turn the
purpose, saying that it would be useless to
see the president, as he would not attend
to such petty matter as the dismissal of
weigher of grain. But her faith in the
presidents sense of justice was so strong
that she went to the White House, and
after three days of patient waiting in the
ante room, was admitted to Mr.. Lincoln's
presence.
The hour for receiving visitors had
nearly expired, and as she entered the
room the president, throwing himself on
lounge, said YEARLY: 'Well, my little
girl, what can do for your
She told her artless story. Mr.. Lincoln
listened attentively, and with smile
asked: "But how, my dear, do l know
that your statement is true?'
''Mr. President" answered the girl, with
energy, you must take my word for it y
Il do" replied the president, rising and
taking her hand. Come with me to Mr..
Stanton"
"Stanton," said Mr.. Lincoln, as they
entered the Office of the great war secre-
tary, 81 wish you would hear this child's
story"
81 have no time" answered the over
worked man.
''But you must" replied Mr.. Lincoln.
81 have not q moment to spare to-day,
Mr.. President.
''Come again, my dear, tomorrow, and
Mr. Stanton will hear you then" said the
president, leading her away:
The next day she was admitted at once
to the president, who took her over to Mr.
Stanton's Office The secretary listened to
the child's simple story, and was so moved
by it that he indignant haexclaimed, before
she had finished, "The internal rascal y
He went to his desk and wrote an order
for the immediate dismissal of the dishon-
est official, and for the appointing the lit
Tie girls father to the vacant place.
Mr.. Lincoln never forgot the child. He
told her story to several congressman, and
through their influence her two brothers
we're enrolled ame ng the pages of the
house of representatives.