Evening journal., 1912-10-08
NEW NEWS OF YESTERDAY
The Only Time Lincoln
Showed Fear
BY Holland.

Aaron A. Craigin Of New Hamp-
shire. represented that state in the
United States Senate at the time Of
the Civil War and during the admin
istration of President Johnson. Ear
lier he served as a member Of the
lower House Of Congress- He was an
intimate friend Of Francis e. Spinner,
who was the treasurer OF the United
States from 1861 until 1875. Mr. Spin
ner's signature was upon every green
back and treasury note issued by the
government during that period. 1t
looked like a miniature Egyptian la
byrinth and Il was always a source of
great amusement TO President Lin
coin, who was in the habit. when
ever he had a greenback or treasury
note, OF studying for some minutes
the hieroglyphic signature, as he
termed it. OF Father Spinner" as he
always called the treasurer OF the
United States.
Senator Cralgin was often spoken
of as the original Lincoln man in the
state of New Hampshire. He was
delegate to the Republican national
convention of 1860 and warmly urged
the nomination Of Mr. Lincoln.
Shortly after the death of Presi-
dent Lincoln, Senator Craigin was in
in the Office Of Treasurer Spinner and
the two men began to exchange opin-
ions respecting the intellectual and
moral character of the dead Presi-
dent. Both Of them held Mr. Lincoln
not only in high esteem but also in
real affection.
Spinner said Senator Craigin.
there was one thing about Mr.. Lin
coin that I think too little attention
was paid TO- | have talked with a
great many persons who met Lincoln
under all sorts OF conditions. To some
Of them the president confessed that
he was constantly receiving COM
munications, some Of which contain
ed the direst sorts Of threats He,
however. never showed the slightest
sense Of fear So far as know. dur
/ ing his entire administration Lincoln
was either free from any apprehen-
sion or else possessed the highest
kind Of courage. I am sure that he
was never really frightened
well. you are mistaken about
that" Spinner replied. Gle was. as
you say. a man of very great cour-
age; he was not timid. But there was
one occasion on which he confessed
that he was actually frightened
1T happened in this way" Mr.
Spinner continued. Lincoln was
chatting with a friend about a year
after we began to issue. the green
backs His friend asked him how the
greeIbacks were made. Lincoln de-
scribed the method Of engraving and
printing and then said that after the
notes were printed / signed them and
the registrar of the treasury also
signed them These two signatures
he said. made them good notes. He
also spoke with some amusement
about my autograph; he always die
when my signature was referred to.
"Why. Mr.. President his friend
said to him, you don't mean to tel
me that Mr. Spinner actually signs
with his own hand every one OF those
notes
"'I have never had any doubt about
that the president replied.
why protested the friend. dom
you see that it would be a physical
impossibility? Spinner's name II
printed in autographic facsimile.
"ME Lincoln Immediately became
greatly concerned and sent for me
When I arrived at the White House
he asked me if 1 did not sign Will
my own hand all the government