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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 299hand on some one else. And this reminds me of an old farmer in Illinoiswhose family were made sick by eating greens."'Some poisonous herb had got into the mess, and members of the familywere in danger of dying. There was a half-witted boy in the family calledJake; and always afterward when they had greens the old man would say,"Now, afore we risk these greens, let's try 'em on Jake. If he stands 'emwe're all right." Just so with me. As long as this imaginary assassincontinues to exercise himself on others, I can stand it.'"He then became serious and said: 'Well, let it go. I think the Lord in Hisown good time and way will work this out all right. God knows what isbest.'"These words he spoke with a sigh, and rather in a tone of soliloquy, as ifhardly noting my presence."Mr. Lincoln had another remarkable dream, which was repeated sofrequently during his occupancy of the White House that he came to regardit is a welcome visitor. It was of a pleasing and promising character, havingnothing in it of the horrible."It was always an omen of a Union victory, and came with unerringcertainty just before every military or naval engagement where our armswere crowned with success. In this dream he saw a ship sailing awayrapidly, badly damaged, and our victorious vessels in close pursuit."He saw, also, the close of a battle on land, the enemy routed, and ourforces in possession of vantage ground of inestimable importance. Mr.Lincoln stated it as a fact that he had this dream just before the battles ofAntietam, Gettysburg, and other signal engagements throughout the War."The last time Mr. Lincoln had this dream was the night before hisassassination. On the morning of that lamentable day there was a Cabinetmeeting, at which General Grant was present. During an interval of generaldiscussion, the President asked General Grant if he had any news from