New Britain herald., 1915-04-19


 cousins on their Maryland farm. They had as neighbors, mile away. a family named Stewart a widow and two children. With these children I often played. The mother was hung as a conspirator for Lincolns murder. The son, John H., escaped to Europe, was brought back and tried for con- spiracy but not convicted.
 Relatives Slave Owners.
 We are in many ways creatures of our environment. This is especially true of the opinions we form in our Cheldhood and youth. My environ ment was entirely southern. Washing ton was then southern city. My schoolmates and collegemates were southern. I saw slavery in the mild est and most patriarchal form in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Some of my relatives and many of my friends were slave owners. ] was taught to believe that slavery for the black man was of divine appointment. One of my college essays undertook to prove the right of slavery, from the Bible. I say this to show you that if I had been voter in the fall of 1860. I should not have voted for MT. Lincoln.
 But l revolted at the thought of disunion, of secession, of states dis severed, discordant, belligerent." When in February, 1862, the Con- federate government was organized, blue rosettes, worn by its adherents and sympathizers appeared in large numbers on the city streets. I speedily fastened a red, white and blue rosette on the lapel of my own coat.
 First Sight of Lincoln.
 My first sight of MT. Lincoln was on his inauguration day. The side walks were lined with spectators from the White House to the capitol. The day was bright and balmy. But suspicion and fear made the human atmosphere electric. The roofs of the buildings on either side of the avenue held armed sentinels. Nnbody knew what might happen. l was one of the throng wearing proudly my tri-color, and for more than on hour while waiting for the procession l talked with an 1T know it alp' air to Lincoln elector from Ohio on the grave issues of the day. There he was, the new president, sur rounded by troop of cavalry, riding close to his carriage, the rugged IT, regular features, homeiy face, the 1ank figure, the long arm Waivlng, an otu of style silk hat, the railsplitter. the western demagogue. How I hated the sight of him. What con- trast he was to the silver haired ccurtly statesman, the ex-president, who rode by his side. His coming seemed prophetic of national disaster. I had many after opportunities of seeing Lincoln, on the street, at an occasional reception, and during the spring and summer when I stood on the south portico of the White house amid the beauty and fragrance of the bower of honeysuckle bloom, listening to the music of the marine band and watching the president through an open window.
 In March, 1862, by reason Of an ac- Cident to the sanctuary, whither we had removed from the old church on Tenth street, our congregation held an afternoon service in the New York avenue Presbyterian church, located near the White House. I often at tended morning service there and be-
 
 president I recall now the eager deVoutness of his dcmeanor in the sanctuary. His pastor, Dr. Gurley, , tells how MT. Lincoln on the mid week service night would often enter the pastors room and through a part " open door enjoy, unobserved, the devotions which he declared greatly refreshed him.
 Became Brooklyn Pastor
 In November, 1862, I became a pas tor ip Brooklyn, N. Y. was in a new environment. My after breakfast news diet was the New York Tribune My friends and parishioners were mostly republican, some radicals. They knew my southern upbrInging and were generous They never talked politics to me. They left me to work cut my problems for myself, God bless their patient, kindly hearts
 I became of voting age just before leaving home, but two Novembers passed and I did not vote. The rain came down in torrents on the election day of November, 1864 Polling booths were few and voters many. For one hour and half I stood in the line eagerly waiting my chance. On either side of me was deacon, a sort of guard of honor. For they realized how full of moment the oc- Casion was to me, for that morning I shook off the influences of an old environment and accepted rully the | influences of a new one, as I cast my ballot for Abraham Lincoln for presi- dent of the United States. The act vas the full and honest confession of my Judgment and my heart. Two years of candid thought nau secured f ny profoundest admiration for the sagacity, courage and political prin-