New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-17

grounds But through it all. no soldier in the
ranks was cooler and drawer under fire than Tad
Lincoln.
\ little excursion up the Apponattox River
made the single diversion and social feature OF
the Presidents stay at City Point. II was on
Sunday afternoon, week before tn, surrender
The company included the President, General
Grant and staff. Admiral Porter. Mrs Lincoln,
Mrs Grant, Fred Grant then ii lad of sixteen
Tad Lincoln and Crook. The party went up on the
small hcadquartcr boat, landed AT Poin, OF Rocks,
and went over to the Grows Nest The chief
attraction was ii magnificent English oak whose
story was told the visitors by group Of natives.
Pocaiontas had saved the life of Captain John
Smith under this tree. The legend, therefore, had
saved the tree while all its companions had fallen
by the woodlands axe. When the black people
were told that the tall man was really "Massa
Linkum," they gazed at the President with open
eyed wonder and rcycrcnt curiosity. The day was
full Of sunshine, and here the dcsolation and
horrors of war could not spread their pail over
Natures gadncss, bursting forth in IN, first buds
of the early spring The banks Of the Apo
mattox were simmer of green and gorgeous
color Of wild flowers, and the branches of the
lockwood threw the fragrance OF ia white blossoms
over the passng boat. H. was almost a pleasure
trip and the one peaceful day of the Presidents
visit holding the nearest approach to forgrtful-
ness Of the
The next morning a rough-lookns man in cit-
zcns dress suddenly Appealed on board OF 'hc
River Queen, and, going 10 Captain bradford,
asked 10 sec the President. His clothes were
dusty and travel worn. and his whole appearance
indicated that he had made long journey on
foot lie showed signs Of great fatigue ana re-
messed excitement When told that he must state
his business with the President, he became nervous
and impaticnt He said he was from Illinois, and
had come a long way just to see Mr.. Lincoln.
The President knew my father out there and l
did him service once he added. giving name
which he declared was well known TO Mr.. Lincoln
CAPTAIN Bradford was not prcpo.scsscd In the
mans favor, but he referred him to Crook, VINO
carried his message to the President.
IL don't know such man. and never knew
him. No. Crook, ! can't see him. was Mr.
Iincoln's reply. When this answer was taken to
the would-bc visitor he grew more nervous and
excited He insisted, and begged Crook TO try
again, and to urge the President to see him, re-
pcating very earnestly that it was II matter Of
GREAT importance When Crook went to the
President second time the latter seemed much
disturbed, and firmly refused TO see the man. His
refusal was again carried back, and now the fell
lows disappointment showed itself in desperate
reckless anger, as he said, fcrcely "If | could
see him he'd know me ID quick" With these
words he turned and instantly left the boat.
Recovering from the surprise caused by this un-
expected turn, Captain Bradford and Crook at
once made search for the stranger who was not
TO he found No one had seen him go on or of
the boat, and, though the search was continued
and thorough, there was no trace OF him anywhere
in the vicinity Whatever the President thought
OF this strange visitor. he did not refer to him or
to his mysterious disappearance Added precau-
lions for the Presidents safety were taken by the
Captain Crook, who was always armed, was
now doubly watchful but Mr.. Lincoln himself
was not aware OF it. Had the man succeeded in
reaching the President, there is little doubt that
the River Queen would have been the scene Of
the assassination instead OF Ford's Theatre
On the goth Of March General Grant moved his
headquarters from City Point In accordance with
tho forward movement Of the Army and the at
tack to b made on Petersburg the following
night. On the evening before the President said :
General, II you leave te-merrew think will
return to Warrington"
"Better stay few days longer, Mr.. President
You are protected by my troops. You know this
y my base Of supplies, and you can be comfort