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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 220returned to their previous owners, have them flogged and fined for runningaway from their masters, or even shot if he felt like it. This attitude of thePresident of the Confederate States of America led to the promulgation ofPresident Lincoln's famous "Order No. 252," which, in effect, was anotification to the commanding officers of the Southern forces that if negroprisoners of war were not treated as such, the Union commanders wouldretaliate. "Harper's Weekly" of August 15th, 1863, contained a clevercartoon, which we reproduce, representing President Lincoln holding theSouth by the collar, while "Old Abe" shouts the following words ofwarning to Jeff Davis, who, cat-o'-nine-tails in hand, is in pursuit of aterrified little negro boy:MR. LINCOLN: "Look here, Jeff Davis! If you lay a finger on that boy, tohurt him, I'll lick this ugly cub of yours within an inch of his life!"Much to the surprise of the Confederates, the negro soldiers foughtvaliantly; they were fearless when well led, obeyed orders withouthesitation, were amenable to discipline, and were eager and anxious, at alltimes, to do their duty. In battle they were formidable opponents, and inusing the bayonet were the equal of the best trained troops. The Southernershated them beyond power of expression.TALKED TO THE NEGROES OF RICHMOND.The President walked through the streets of Richmond--without a guardexcept a few seamen--in company with his son "Tad," and Admiral Porter,on April 4th, 1865, the day following the evacuation of the city.Colored people gathered about him on every side, eager to see and thanktheir liberator. Mr. Lincoln addressed the following remarks to one of thesegatherings:"My poor friends, you are free--free as air. You can cast off the name ofslave and trample upon it; it will come to you no more.