New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-23
LINCOLN AND CHILDREN
INSTANCES OF THE KINDNESS OF THE
WAR PRESIDENT TO LITTLE MEN.

->oA-0 CF Ihf' Kindness OF THE
WAR PRESIDENT TO LITTLE MEN.
Ihon'as w Lloyd, Of Montoursvlle. Penn re-
| rates the following interesting "reminiscences of
Abraham Lincoln:
/ saw Abraham Lincoln for the first time in
the winter OF 1863. one Of his public recep-
lions. was only child. but had heard so
much OF Abraham Lincoln that I had a sort OF
vague idea that he was not a mere man. but
some Kind OF divinity to be worshipped from
afar. and naturally I anxious TO see him
was therefore permitted 10 accompany my
father, who was then serving as chief clerk OF
the House of Representatives to one OF the
presidential receptions I knew nothing OF pub
nc functions at that time and had some sort OF
notion that we would only be permitted to gaze
upon the great man from a distance When We
came to him in the line. however, and he had
greeted my father with few pleasant words
and We we're about to pass on. the President
said: Wait one moment: I haven't shaken
hands with this little man lie took me by the
hand. patted me on the head said a few kind
words to me and We passed on
Later in the same winter met him again AZ
my own home In Pennsylvania AT the begin
ming or the war. as mere child. was fired
with patriotic spirit and went about the streets
Of my native village making speeches, urging
every man 20 enlist l did not then know what
the war meant but knew our side was right
simply because it was our side and my
appearance on the street was signal 10 get me
up on a store goods box to make a speech Nv
father had related this to Lincoln and asked
permission to bring me to the White House
This was granted and morning we drove
there and were received by the President alone
As be rose from his chair to greet us l remem-
Der thinking he was the longest ugliest and
most ungainly man had ever seen. When
was presented to him he leaned down and
taking me by the hand. said; so this is the
little patriot. All. Mr.. Lloyd. in these times the
boy Is indeed father to the man. l wish all the
men in the North had his spirit
las he took me on his knee and talked TO me
of the war. all the ugliness forgotten, and as
I looked into his face and saw the deep set
kindly eyes. the firm mouth, about which a
smile lowered. and listened to his gentle voice
began TO think he was positively handsome
As look back upon the scene, it brings many
tender memories of the who amid all the
cares and burdens OF his position, and with the
fate Of a mighty nation weighing upon his heart
could find time enough to say a few kind words
to a little child.
"As still further illustration of this kindness
of heart is the following incident which have
heard my father relate. A young boy who had
served with distinction in a naval engagement
on board the gunboat ottawa. and In another as
captains messenger, recommended TO a
cadetship at the Naval Academy at Annapolis
This appointment President Lincoln was glad
to make, and the lad was directed to report for
examination in July. Just as he was about to
start from home 1t was discovered that he could
not be admitted, because he had not reached the
required age of fourteen. his birthday occurring
In the following September. The boy was
greatly disappointed and wept bitterly in the
fear that he would not be able to go at all He
told, however, that he would be taken TO see
the President. who would make it all right
Some time afterward he was taken TO the White
House and presented to the President to whom
he made a graceful bow. The difficulty was ex-
planned and the President said: Why bless me-
is that the hoy who did so CALAMITY in those two
battles? Why. feel though l should take off
my hat to him and not he to me- The Presi-
that postponement until September would suf-
flee made the order that the lad should report
in that month. Then, putting his hand on the
lads shoulder, he said: Now my boy go home
and have good fun during the two months for
they are about the last holiday you will get
The little fellow bowed himself out feeling that
the President though a great man, was at the
same time kindly one.
1T was these simple characteristics OF this
all with whom he came in contact, and while
we admire the intellect and ability of the states
man we love the man."