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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 174A few days after, the friend of the applicant who had presented the order toSecretary Stanton called upon the President and related his reception. Alook of vexation came over the face of the President, and he seemedunwilling to talk of it, and desired the friend to see him another day. He didso, when he gave his visitor a positive order for the promotion. The lattertold him he would not speak to Secretary Stanton again until he apologized."Oh," said the President, "Stanton has gone to Fortress Monroe, and Danais acting. He will attend to it for you."This he said with a manner of relief, as if it was a piece of good luck to finda man there who would obey his orders.The nomination was sent to the Senate and confirmed.IDENTIFIED THE COLORED MAN.Many applications reached Lincoln as he passed to and from the WhiteHouse and the War Department. One day as he crossed the park he wasstopped by a negro, who told him a pitiful story. The President wrote himout a check, which read. "Pay to colored man with one leg five dollars."OFFICE SEEKERS WORSE THAN WAR.When the Republican party came into power, Washington swarmed withoffice-seekers. They overran the White House and gave the President greatannoyance. The incongruity of a man in his position, and with the very lifeof the country at stake, pausing to appoint postmasters, struck Mr. Lincolnforcibly. "What is the matter, Mr. Lincoln," said a friend one day, when hesaw him looking particularly grave and dispirited. "Has anything gonewrong at the front?" "No," said the President, with a tired smile. "It isn't thewar; it's the postoffice at Brownsville, Missouri."HE "SET 'EM UP."