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

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

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<strong>Yarns</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Stories</strong>, by Alex<strong>and</strong>er K. McClure 173them!"WANTED STANTON SPANKED.Old Dennis Hanks was sent to Washington at one time by personsinterested in securing the release from jail <strong>of</strong> several men accused <strong>of</strong> beingcopperheads. It was thought Old Dennis might have some influence withthe President.The latter heard Dennis' story <strong>and</strong> then said: "I will send for Mr. Stanton. Itis his business."Secretary Stanton came into the room, stormed up <strong>and</strong> down, <strong>and</strong> said themen ought to be punished more than they were. Mr. Lincoln sat quietly inhis chair <strong>and</strong> waited for the tempest to subside, <strong>and</strong> then quietly said toStanton he would like to have the papers next day.When he had gone, Dennis said:"'Abe,' if I was as big <strong>and</strong> as ugly as you are, I would take him over myknee <strong>and</strong> spank him."The President replied: "No, Stanton is an able <strong>and</strong> valuable man for thisNation, <strong>and</strong> I am glad to bear his anger for the service he can give theNation."STANTON WAS OUT OF TOWN.The quaint remark <strong>of</strong> the President to an applicant, "My dear sir, I have notmuch influence with the Administration," was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lincoln's</strong> little jokes.Mr. Stanton, Secretary <strong>of</strong> War, once replied to an order from the Presidentto give a colonel a commission in place <strong>of</strong> the resigning brigadier:"I shan't do it, sir! I shan't do it! It isn't the way to do it, sir, <strong>and</strong> I shan't doit. I don't propose to argue the question with you, sir."

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