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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 79you,' attempting to place his hand on the man's shoulder, when the bullystruck a fearful blow at the officer's face."This was parried, and instantly followed by a blow from the fist of theofficer, striking the fellow under the chin and knocking him senseless.Blood issued from his mouth, nose and ears. It was believed that the man'sneck was broken. A surgeon was called, who pronounced the case a criticalone, and the wounded man was hurried away on a litter to the hospital."There the physicians said there was concussion of the brain, and that theman would die. All the medical skill that the officer could procure wasemployed in the hope of saving the life of the man. His conscience smotehim for having, as he believed, taken the life of a fellow-creature, and hewas inconsolable."Being on terms of intimacy with the President, about two o'clock thatnight the officer went to the White House, woke up Mr. Lincoln, andrequested him to come into his office, where he told him his story. Mr.Lincoln listened with great interest until the narrative was completed, andthen asked a few questions, after which he remarked:"'I am sorry you had to kill the man, but these are times of war, and a greatmany men deserve killing. This one, according to your story, is one ofthem; so give yourself no uneasiness about the matter. I will stand by you.'"'That is not why I came to you. I knew I did my duty, and had no fears ofyour disapproval of what I did,' replied the officer; and then he added: 'WhyI came to you was, I felt great grief over the unfortunate affair, and Iwanted to talk to you about it.'"Mr. Lincoln then said, with a smile, placing his hand on the officer'shoulder: 'You go home now and get some sleep; but let me give you thispiece of advice--hereafter, when you have occasion to strike a man, don'thit him with your fist; strike him with a club, a crowbar, or with somethingthat won't kill him.'"