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

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 96"AND--HERE I AM!"An old acquaintance of the President visited him in Washington. Lincolndesired to give him a place. Thus encouraged, the visitor, who was anhonest man, but wholly inexperienced in public affairs or business, askedfor a high office, Superintendent of the Mint.The President was aghast, and said: "Good gracious! Why didn't he ask tobe Secretary of the Treasury, and have done with it?"Afterward, he said: "Well, now, I never thought Mr.---- had anything morethan average ability, when we were young men together. But, then, Isuppose he thought the same thing about me, and--here I am!"SAFE AS LONG AS THEY WERE GOOD.At the celebrated Peace Conference, whereat there was much "pow-wow"and no result, President Lincoln, in response to certain remarks by theConfederate commissioners, commented with some severity upon theconduct of the Confederate leaders, saying they had plainly forfeited allright to immunity from punishment for their treason.Being positive and unequivocal in stating his views concerning individualtreason, his words were of ominous import. There was a pause, duringwhich Commissioner Hunter regarded the speaker with a steady, searchinglook. At length, carefully measuring his words, Mr. Hunter said:"Then, Mr. President, if we understand you correctly, you think that we ofthe Confederacy have committed treason; are traitors to your Government;have forfeited our rights, and are proper subjects for the hangman. Is notthat about what your words imply?""Yes," replied President Lincoln, "you have stated the proposition betterthan I did. That is about the size of it!"