Morris tribune., 1909-03-27

FefSonai INSTRUCTIONS from ElnColns
General William H. Seward, son Of
Linccln's secretary of state, was the
principal speaker at the recent celebra
ton in Auburn, N Y, of the Cayuga
County Historical society. His theme
was Personal Recollections of Abra
ham Lincoln" Referring to Lincoln's
prediction for telling stories, General
Seward said:
II have often heard him tell his ia
nous stories, sometimes at serious of.
fetal gatherings, and, though droll and
amusing, I think he told them to re-
lieve the sense of crushing RESPONSE
bility then resting upon him. There
were many occasions when 1 talked
with him intimately, especially during
my army life, one or two of which at
least | may mention here.
perhaps my most cherished recol-
lection is one which have not felt at
liberty to relate until today. 1t was a
military commission he once personal
~ intrusted to me. 1t was early in
1863, and while sitting as president at
a court martial in Virginia special
messenger came to me with an order
to report at headquarters in Washing
ton. After an exceedingly muddy ride
of more than twenty miles I reported
in little less than three hours, covered
with mud and making anything but a
respectable appearance. I was told
that the president wished to see me at
once. Looking more like tramp than
a soldier, should probably not have
been admitted to the White House eX-
cept for the fact that was well
known to the old porter at the door.
81 was shown into the library, where
1 found Mr. Lincoln, who greeted me
kindly, saying in substance:
1--WE wish to communicate with General
Banks, now in New Orleans, just about
to start on his campaign through the
Teche country. All communication by
land being cut off, our messenger must
go by sea- and, as this takes a long time,
it is probable that his army will be well
advanced in Louisiana before you can
reach him Most of this country is hos
tile, but General Banks must be found
wherever he may be. You will therefore
as no guard which you could take would
be of sufficient protection. Our dispatch,
which is now being prepared in the war
department, is of great Importance and
must not fall into the enemy's hands.
Commit your dispatch to memory, conceal
it and in case of possible capture destroy
it, Start tonight, if possible, and now
goodby, my boy. God bless you!
HE grasped me by the hand and,
looking into my face with his deep,
sad eyes, babe me farewell. My body
tingling with enthusiasm to carry out
his commission, FASTENED to the war
department, where my interview with
Secretary Stanton was much more
formal and military. found him
standing at his high desk, as he most
always did when at work, looking
sharply over the top of his spectacles.
He said briefly:
".Colonel, the president has explain
cd to YOU what we want. Can you do
itY
81 answered simply Yes
"aThe dispatch is ready. Don't let
# fall into rebel hands. Good night,
sir!' he said as received it.
"After tempestuous voyage OF more
than fourteen days on the government
transport Blackstone, during which
fire and mutiny occurred, I reached
New Orleans, only to find that General
Ranks had been gone more than a
week. After an exciting ride of over
100 miles through the enemy's country
/ overlook him at New Iberia and de-
liyered my dispatch"