Morning journal and courier., 1889-09-19

upon him-not an uncommon thing, by the way, and pastime of mine in those days. So the doctor turned his back squarely upon ps and buried himself in the National Intel ligencer,' edited by MT. Seaton, one of the generals warmest admirers and his personal friend. Observing the situation, said in tones of grave and studied respect: MT. President, may be allowed to present to you Dr. T., of the army, General Scott's staff surgeon, and indeed, Mir. President, whatever services General Scott Is able to render are due to the doctors ministrations.'
 s'The doctor glanced over his shoulder in chary way at the visitor, and discovering that it was indeed the President, arose and advanced toward him. But the doctor was not courier by any means. He was polite enough to take MT. Lincoln's outstretched hand, but eyeing his seedy outfit with ill., disguised aversion, he blurted out: MT. President, excuse me, but so many Virginia wood choppers come here every dsy to take a look at General Scott that I mistook you for one of them' This unexpected allusion to his appearance was little too much for the President. He was vexed, not to say an- gry. A little spot of hectic red burned for a moment on his cheeks. But it was only for a moment and then he said pleasantly: 'Dr. T--, you give me an agreeable sur prise. thought every man, woman and child in the United States was familiar with "Old Abe's" ugly phiz. But, doctor, although you do not know me, I know you. You are getting up hospital for those who may fall sick or be wounded in the defense of the Union. I have been there and have seen you at work, although you were not aware of it. I want to aid you in your preparations for taking care of the poor fellows who will need all that we can do for them. When you need any thing don't let there be any red tape. Come to me at once without hesitation, ana you shall have any thing you want if I can get 1t for you.'
 "The room just back of the parlor was General Scott's bed chamber. The glass door connecting the rooms opened and the old hero walked in. He had been a silent witness of what had passed. Good morn- ing. Ar. President he said, as he shook the chief magistrate by the hand, and then went on without further ceremony: Demos themes said that what was needed in ora- tory was action, action, action. What we need in war is discipline, discipline, disci- pline. Yet here you are directing Df. T. to do what is violation of discipline. Red tape is necessary sometimes, or how will he get his accounts through the Treasury de- partmenta Moreover, MT. President, you the surgeon general from enjoying with you the sad pleasure of ministering to our sick and wounded soldiers. Dr. T. should make his requisition upon the medical pur- veyor and they should be countersigned by the surgeon general. If any further order is needed I shall have the pleasure of giving it under the authority of the law, MT. Presi- dent, and your authority as commander in chief of the army and navy of the United States All right said MT. Lincoln with a smile, and lowing to the general, 'Dr. T., do just what General Scott says you should do, and it will be all right I am eure' Af- ter some private conversation with the gene- ral MT. Lincoln took his leave with the rs- mark: General Scott, you are the only man | in Washington who gives me backbone
 "That evening the general had a number ! war to dine with him at his private quarters. | had been especially directed to ask them to ! be on hand at five p. m. We had pleasant ! dinner, and when everybody present was ! feeling in good trim for enjoying little fun | the general said to me: Colonel Hamilton,
 oblige me, if you please, by giving us the interview between our friend, Dr. T., and
 the President this morning. complied. oi
 course, telling it as I have told it now. Dr. T. was not entirely pleased ct hearing the
 incident so publicly rehearsed. General, ! he said, I did not think you would order mt
 here to be made laughing stock. Afte all, is there so much difference between ! wood chopper and rail splittera The din
 ner party broke up, but the story was no | long III IraV6unS 6ll over WasnluRtOn. Wlt I the doctors remark added. By midnight l
 had reached the President at the Whit | House.
 "Next morning, as usual, he appeared 6
 General Seott's quarters and almost immedi
 ately asked for Dr. T.. The doctor wa
 not present. After what had happened h
 did not care to meet the President just yet
 General Scott, fearing that something wa
 wrong, gave with many encomiums Dr tT---'s official pedigree. Mr. Lincoln hear,
 him through and then said: General, yo'
 sometimes quote Shakespeare at me. vii give you little from Pope: ''An homes
 mans the nobIest work of God" Dr. T. \ is blunt, but he is honest. As he said, ther
 is not so much difference between a WOO
 chopper and rail splitter. The general wa
 greatly relieved. T am very glad.' he said
 taking the Presidents hand, that you thinl
 well of my friend Dr. T., but you vii
 pardon me, MT. President, if I quote littl
 Shakespeare at you now: There is a cer
 tain dignity should hedge about a king" O
 other potentate. Excuse me, dear MT. Pres
 ident, I think-I think that it would be we
 if your garb did not permit you to be mi
 taken either for wood chopper or for ra
 splitter, being President of the Unite
 States Their hands remained olasped for
 moment, looks of kindly meaning were e1
 changed, and the soiled duster, the russo trousers and the hat of many summers wer
 seen no more thereafter"