Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1908-12-31
LINCOLN And THE War PERIOD



bit % acting.
It had so happened for several days
that Major Eckert had been out " hen the
president came to our Office. Coming in
one day and finding the major counting
money at his desk, Mr.. Lincoln remarked
that he believed the major never came to
the Office any more except when be had
money to count. The major declared
that his being out when the president
came in was simply a coincidence, and
reminded him, the major. Of a certain
tailor in Mansfield, Ohio, the majors
former home, who was very stylish in
dress and airy in manner. Passing q
shop-keeper's door one day, the shop
keeper pufled himself up and gave long
blow, expressive Of the imitation Of the
concelted tailor. who Indignantly turned
and said, 'srll teach you not to blow
when + IN passing,n to which the shop
keeper instantly replied, sand pIl teach
you not to pass v hen I'm blowing.u The
president said that was very good; very
like a story he had heard Of q man who
Was driving through the country in an
open buggy and was caught one night In
pouring rain. He was hurrying for
ward toward shelter as fast as possible.
apparently struggling with the effects Of
bad whiskey, thrust bis head out Of q
window and shouted loudly, stHeIlo,
hello" The traveller stopped and asked
what was wanted. 1Nothing of you. y
was the reply. "well, what IN the devil
do you shout hello for when people are
passingT' angrily asked the traveller.
"Weil. what in the devil are you passing
- unF. - hnIrn1fH
the inebriate. The major then asked Mr..
Lincoln II the story of bis interview with
compliments against General Grants
drinking habit was true, viz, that he had
inquired solicitousiy where the general
got his whiskey, because II he could find
out he would like to send a barrel to each
OF his other generals. Mr.. Lincoln said
that he had heard the story and that it
would have been very good il be had said
It, but that he didn't. He said he sup
posed ii was charged to him to give it
currency. He then said that the original
Of the story was in King Georges time.
Bitter complaints were made 10 the king
that his General Wolfe, then operating
against the French Ia Quebec, was mad.
. Mad. Is hef'' said the king angrily,
stthen I wish he would bite some OF my
WtAANA INMEAMA1a AAN AA~A @4NAtA0AANA p
bright saying that he had lately heard,
referring to the recent riots in New York
city, in which the Irish figured most con-
spicuously, viz. s-ssIt is said that General
Fitzpatrick is going to New York to quell
to do with it.u
The first news OF the battle Of Drains
willie was to the effect that our forces had
4. - - 49, a.
atty Colts revolvers. Mr.. Lincoln askec
the Office messenger who handed him the
telegram II be could tell him how soon
those Colts revolvers would grow to be
horse pistols.
Further news Of this same battle,
which occurred after q long time OF spir-
tied picket firing, showed that Il was al
most without useful result, and Il seemed
that both armies were afraid to make q
serious attack. After reading the re-
ports. Mr.. Lincoln said il reminded him
q two puppy dogs he had seen barking
furiously at each other through 3 paling
fence, keeping up the most savage snarl-
ing as they ran along until they came I'M
expectedly to an open gate, when they
snapped their jaws At each other. turned
quickly around and ran away.
A lady friend OF his in Louisville, KY,
apprehending the removal from Office Of
another friend OF hers, wrote to Mr.. Lin
coin in protest. He autographed in reply,
- Mr.. II. will not be iostled from his
place with my knowledge and consent
Speaking Of the nomination for presi-
dent at the national convention at Balti-
more to take place the following day,
June 7, 1864. Mr.. Lincoln said that when
there were 9 number OF names up and nc
] one had decided majority, the mosi
prominent one was likely TO be defeated.
hoped he would express his view as to
the probable action Of the convention, bui
Mr.. Fox OF the navy, with whom be wal
talking, interrupted him with some non
sense or other about John p. Hale and
New Hampshire politics and be said NJ
more about II. On the day Of the con
vention be received the information in
our office, from my comrade, Mr.. Tinker
Of both his own nomination and that o.
Andrew johnson. Concerning the latter
( he said musingly, 81 supposed likely be
might be the man, and perhaps he il The
best man, butt and he arose from hi
chair and walked thoughtfully out Of thu
Office without finishing his sentence. II
the light Of subsequent events, have
wondered what was in his mind when b.
said but''-and jeff his thought unspok
en-.
The evening OF the national election
day in November, 1864, Mr.. Lincoln
spent in our ofics, receiving the returns
as they came in with great interest. Aft
er reading q message which 80 summed
up the result as to indicate quite clearl,
that his reelection was assured, he hand
ed it across the table to me, saying, 8
wish you would send that over to tn
madam. believe she is more anxiou
about it than / am"
Late in the afternoon Of April ~, 1885
Mr.. Lincoln came into our Office anI
when Major Eckert offered him the sea
at bis desk. which he often occupied, b
said, ssNo, no. keep your seat and let m
sit somewhere else. / want to write q lit
tie longer than usual" So he borrowe
my pen which ne had before told m
seemed to suit him better than any other
and went into his room adjoining an