The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-11-21
LINCOLN AND CHILDREN.

LINCOLN AND CHILDREN.
Thomas W.. Lloyd, of Montours-
vile, Pa, relates the following in
teresting "reminiscences of Abraham
Lincoln:
81 saw Abraham Lincoln for the
first time in the winter of 1868, at one
of his public receptions. 1 was only
a child, but had heard SO much 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. l was
therefore permitted to accompany my
father, who was then serving as chief
clerk of the House of Representatives.
I knew nothing of pnblic functions
at that time, and had some sort of no.
ton that we would only be permitted
to gaze upon the great man from
distance. When we came to him in
the line, however, and he had greet
ed my father with few pleasant
words and we were about to pass on
the President said: Wait one mo-
ment I haven't shaken hands with
the little man. He took me by the
hand, patted me on the head, said a
few kind words to me and we pass
ed on.
Later in the same winter I met
him again in Pennsylvania. At the
beginning of the war, as mere child,
I was fired with patriotic spirit and
went about the streets of my native
village making speeches, urging every
man to enlist. I did not then know
what the war meant, but I knew our
side was right, simply because it was
our side, and my appearance on the
street was signal to get me up on a
store goods box to make a speech.
My father had related this to Lin
coin, and asked permission to bring
me to the White House. This was
granted, and one morning we drove
there and were received by the Presi-
dent alone. AS he rose from his chair
to greet us I remember thinking he
was the longest, ugliest and most un-
calmly man had ever seen. When
I was presented to him he leaned
down, and, taking me by the hand,
said: so this is the little patriot.
Ah,. Mr.. Lloyd, in these times the boy
is indeed father to the man. l wish
all the men in the North had his
spirit.
Gas he took me on his knee and
talked to me of the war, all the ugli-
ness was forgotten, and as l looked
into his face and saw the deep set,
kindly eyes, the firm mouth, about
which a smile hovered, and listened
to his gentle voice, I began to think
he was positively handsome. AS l
look back upon the scene it brings
many tender memories of the man
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.
GA 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 serv-
ed with distinction in naval engage
ment on board the gunboat Ottawa,
and in another as Captains messen-
ger, was recommended to 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 it was discovered that he
could not be admitted, because he
had not reached the required age oi
ID, his birthday occurring i'll the fol.
lowing September. The boy was
greatly disappointed and wept bitter
ly in the fear that he would not be
able to go at all. He was told, how
ever, that he would be taken to see the
President, who would make it al
right Some time afterward he wa:
taken to the White House and pre-
sented to the President, to whom h'
made graceful bow. The difficulty
was explained, and the Presiden
said: why, bless me is that the
boy who did so gallantly in those two
battles? Why, feel as though
should take off my hat to him anC
not he to me- The President tool
the papers, and as soon as he learned
that postponement until .Septembel
would suffice made the order that th'
lad should report in that month
Then, putting his hand on the lad
shoulder, he said: Now, my boy
go home and have good fun during
the two months, for they are abou
the last holiday you will get Th
little fellow bowed himself out, feel
ing that the President, though
great man, was at the same time
kindly one.
"It was these simple characteristic
of the large and many sided man tha
endeared him to all with whom b
came in contact, and while we admir-
the intellect and ability of the states
man we love the man. ."-Me0O Y0'Y
Tribune.