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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 283history of the law. I presumed the court knew enough history."'That's where you're mistaken,' was his instant rejoinder. 'I dared not justthe case on the presumption that the court knows everything--in fact Iargued it on the presumption that the court didn't know anything,' astatement, which, when one reviews the decision of our appellate courts, isnot so extravagant as one would at first suppose."HANDSOMEST MAN ON EARTH.One day Thaddeus Stevens called at the White House with an elderlywoman, whose son had been in the army, but for some offense had beencourt-martialed and sentenced to death. There were some extenuatingcircumstances, and after a full hearing the President turned to Stevens andsaid: "Mr. Stevens, do you think this is a case which will warrant myinterference?""With my knowledge of the facts and the parties," was the reply, "I shouldhave no hesitation in granting a pardon.""Then," returned Mr. Lincoln, "I will pardon him," and proceeded forthwithto execute the paper.The gratitude of the mother was too deep for expression, save by her tears,and not a word was said between her and Stevens until they were half waydown the stairs on their passage out, when she suddenly broke forth in anexcited manner with the words:"I knew it was a copperhead lie!""What do you refer to, madam?" asked Stevens."Why, they told me he was an ugly-looking man," she replied, withvehemence. "He is the handsomest man I ever saw in my life."THAT COON CAME DOWN.