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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 311Republican; that she thought he would make a good President, but wouldlook better if he would let his whiskers grow. If he would do so, she wouldtry to coax her brothers to vote for him. She thought the rail fence aroundthe picture of his cabin was very pretty. "If you have not time to answer myletter, will you allow your little girl to reply for you?"Lincoln was much pleased with the letter, and decided to answer it, whichhe did at once, as follows:"Springfield, Illinois, October 19, 1860."Miss Grace Bedell."My Dear Little Miss: Your very agreeable letter of the fifteenth isreceived. I regret the necessity of saying I have no daughter. I have threesons; one seventeen, one nine and one seven years of age. They, with theirmother, constitute my whole family. As to the whiskers, having never wornany, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if Ishould begin it now? Your very sincere well-wisher, A. LINCOLN."When on the journey to Washington to be inaugurated, Lincoln's trainstopped at Westfield. He recollected his little correspondent and spoke ofher to ex-Lieutenant Governor George W. Patterson, who called out andasked if Grace Bedell was present.There was a large surging mass of people gathered about the train, butGrace was discovered at a distance; the crowd opened a pathway to thecoach, and she came, timidly but gladly, to the President-elect, who told herthat she might see that he had allowed his whiskers to grow at her request.Then, reaching out his long arms, he drew her up to him and kissed her.The act drew an enthusiastic demonstration of approval from the multitude.Grace married a Kansas banker, and became Grace Bedell Billings.LINCOLN AS A DANCER.