The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-13
LINCOLN And REPORTERS
The War Presidents Cautious
Talks With Newspaper Workers.
A Veteran of the Corps Recftcs His
Experiences in Searching for I'M
portnnt Ncws-A Night Scene mt
the War observation-disclosures
Publication of u Political Letter.

An old newspaper man in this city re-
called recently the following reminis-
cences of his experience in Washington
during the war:
MY work was principally at the White
House." said this gentleman, land l had
many opportunities for studying the char
acter of the great War President While
Mr.. Lincoln was generally courteous to
newspaper correspondents, l do not know
that he gave to any of us his entire conf
denoe. Whenever he did impart any item
of news, especially relating to events of
the war, he was extremely cautious in his
narrative, so that the exact facts might
be stated to the public. AS case in point
On one occasion an important telegram
was received at the War Department an
nouncing 4 great Union victory, but for
some reason unexplained at the time the
Secretary was not disposed to communi-
cate the particulars. Failing thus to OBJ
tain the required amount of information
at the War Department, several of the
correspondents, myself among the num-
Der, FASTENED to the White House in or
der to secure the facts from the President
himself. The Cabinet meeting had Just
ADJOURNED and several of the members
were leaving the Presidents room as we
came in. We mad no sooner sent in our
cards to him than we heard him calling
TO us to Walk in, walk in" and when we
had done so, Take seats he added Be-
fore we had time to announce the object
hn orb I.
you have come for; you want to hear more
about the good news. l know you do You
gentlemen are keen OF scent and always
wide awake One of US replied: You
have hit the matter precisely, Mr. Presi-
dent; that's exactly what we want-the
news
Mr.. Lincoln was more than ordinarily
cheerful. AS we had recently suffered a
defeat in battle, this latest intelligence
of which he was in possession. evidently
gave him much comfort He was happy.
Leaning back in his chair and stretching
his legs on the table he took up a small
piece of paper memoranda, saying at the
same time: I've already told this story
half dozen times, but I'll tell it again,
as you haven't heard it. He then pre-
faced his narrative with a few explana-
tory remarks, in order that we might all
clearly understand it. He next alluded
to what the telegram said, and made his
comments, being very careful in separat-
ing the announcement contained in the
despatch from his own conclusions. We
reporters, meanwhile, as is our custom,
noted the words, and we got thoroughly
good story Gentlemen said the Presi-
dent, in conclusion. that's all there is
about 1t. The public will be glad to hear
It, One of us said, We shall be very
happy, Mr.. President, to give the good
news that direction. And, without any
unnecessary delay the correspondents
among us FASTENED to the telegraph office
TO flash over the wires the cheerful in
telligence
''At the time Vicksburg was invested.
President Lincoln naturally felt intense
interest in the situation. During both day
and night he frequently visited the War