''Abe'' Lincoln's Yarns and Stories - University of Macau Library

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 16So Adjutant-General McClure was mustered in, and after that a regiment aday of boys in blue left Harrisburg for the front. Colonel McClure is one ofthe group of great Celt-American editors, which included Medill,McCullagh and McLean."ABE" LINCOLN'S YARNS AND STORIES.LINCOLN ASKED TO BE SHOT.Lincoln was, naturally enough, much surprised one day, when a man ofrather forbidding countenance drew a revolver and thrust the weaponalmost into his face. In such circumstances "Abe" at once concluded thatany attempt at debate or argument was a waste of time and words."What seems to be the matter?" inquired Lincoln with all the calmness andself-possession he could muster."Well," replied the stranger, who did not appear at all excited, "some yearsago I swore an oath that if I ever came across an uglier man than myself I'dshoot him on the spot."A feeling of relief evidently took possession of Lincoln at this rejoinder, asthe expression upon his countenance lost all suggestion of anxiety."Shoot me," he said to the stranger; "for if I am an uglier man than you Idon't want to live."TIME LOST DIDN'T COUNT.Thurlow Weed, the veteran journalist and politician, once related how,when he was opposing the claims of Montgomery Blair, who aspired to aCabinet appointment, that Mr. Lincoln inquired of Mr. Weed whom hewould recommend, "Henry Winter Davis," was the response."David Davis, I see, has been posting you up on this question," retortedLincoln. "He has Davis on the brain. I think Maryland must be a good State