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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 175Immediately after Mr. <strong>Lincoln's</strong> nomination for President at the ChicagoConvention, a committee, <strong>of</strong> which Governor Morgan, <strong>of</strong> New York, waschairman, visited him in Springfield, Ill., where he was <strong>of</strong>ficially informed<strong>of</strong> his nomination.After this ceremony had passed, Mr. Lincoln remarked to the company thatas a fit ending to an interview so important <strong>and</strong> interesting as that whichhad just taken place, he supposed good manners would require that heshould treat the committee with something to drink; <strong>and</strong> opening the doorthat led into the rear, he called out, "Mary! Mary!" A girl responded to thecall, to whom Mr. Lincoln spoke a few words in an undertone, <strong>and</strong>, closingthe door, returned again <strong>and</strong> talked with his guests. In a few minutes themaid entered, bearing a large waiter, containing several glass tumblers, <strong>and</strong>a large pitcher, <strong>and</strong> placed them upon the center-table. Mr. Lincoln arose,<strong>and</strong>, gravely addressing the company, said: "Gentlemen, we must pledgeour mutual health in the most healthy beverage that God has given toman--it is the only beverage I have ever used or allowed my family to use,<strong>and</strong> I cannot conscientiously depart from it on the present occasion. It ispure Adam's ale from the spring." And, taking the tumbler, he touched it tohis lips, <strong>and</strong> pledged them his highest respects in a cup <strong>of</strong> cold water. Ofcourse, all his guests admired his consistency, <strong>and</strong> joined in his example.WASN'T STANTON'S SAY.A few days before the President's death, Secretary Stanton tendered hisresignation as Secretary <strong>of</strong> War. He accompanied the act with a mostheartfelt tribute to Mr. <strong>Lincoln's</strong> constant friendship <strong>and</strong> faithful devotion tothe country, saying, also, that he, as Secretary, had accepted the position tohold it only until the war should end, <strong>and</strong> that now he felt his work wasdone, <strong>and</strong> his duty was to resign.Mr. Lincoln was greatly moved by the Secretary's words, <strong>and</strong>, tearing inpieces the paper containing the resignation, <strong>and</strong> throwing his arms aboutthe Secretary, he said:

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