Arizona republican., 1903-02-24
LINCOLN AND CHILDREN.
Instances of the Kindness of the War
 President to Little Men,

Thomas W. Lloyd of Montoursville. Pa. relates the following interesting "reminiscences of Abraham Lincoln:
 ..I saw Abraham Lincoln for the first time in the winter of 1863, at one of his public receptions. I was only a child, but had heard so much of Abraham Lincoln that had sort of vague idea that he was not a mere man, but some kind of a divinity to be worshiped from afar and naturally I was anxious to see him I was therefore permitted to accompany my father, who was then serving as chief clerk of the house or representatives. to one of the presi- dential receptions. I knew nothing CT public functions at that time, and had some sort of notion that we would oEly be permitted to gaze upon the grea- man from a distance. When we came to him in the line, however. and he hac greeted my father with a few pleasant words and we were about to pass or. the president said: Wait one moment, l haven't shaken hands with the little man. He took me by the hand, patted me on the head, said few kind words to me and we passed 0n-
 Later in the same winter I met him again at my own home in Pennsylvania. At the beginning of the war, as a mere child. 1 was fired with patriotic spirit and went about the streets of my na- tive village making speeches, urging every man to enlist. I did not then knew what the war meant, but knew our side was right, simply because It was our side and my appearance on the street was a signal to get mo Up on a store goods box to make a speech My father had related this to Lincoln and asked permission to bring me 70 the White House. This was granted, and one morning we drove there and were received by the president alone. As he rose from his chair to greet he ' remember thinking he was the longest. ugliest and most ungainly man I had ever seen. When I was presented to him he leaned down, and, taking ms by the hand, said: So this is the little patriot An, MT. Lloyd, in these times the boy is indeed father to the man. I wish all the men in the north had bis spirit
 "As he took me on his knee anl talked to me of the war, all the uglt- ness was forgotten, and as I looked into his face and saw the deep set kindly eyes. the firm mouth, about wl:icI: 9 smile hOVered, ana listened to hij gen. tie voice, I began to think he was posi- lively handsome. AS I lcok back upon the scene it brings many tender mem- ories of the man who, amid all the cares and burdens of his position, and with the fate of a mighty nation weighing upon lis heart, could find time enough to say few kind words to a little child.
 'As a still further illustration Of this kindness of heart is the following in- cident which I have heard my father relate: A young boy who had served with distinction in naval engagement; on board the guuboat Ottawa, and in another as captains messenge-. was recommended to a cadetship at the naval academy at Annapolis. Thi; ap- pointTent President Lincoln was gla4 to make. and the lad was directed ta report for examination in July. Just as he was about to start from home 1t was discovered that he could not bs admitted, because he had not reacnef. the required age of fl. his birthday oc- curing Tn the following September The boy was greatly disappointed and wept bitterly in the fear that he would