JOHN SHERMAN’S FIRST MEETING WITH LINCOLN.
Secretary Sherman says he never will forget his first meeting with a President. It was shortly after Lincoln’s inauguration, and he attended a public reception, fell into line, and awaited an hour or two for a chance to shake hands with the Great Emancipator.
“During this time,” says Mr. Sherman, “I was wondering what I should say and what Lincoln would do when we met. At last it came my turn to be presented. Lincoln looked at me a moment, extended his hand, and said: ‘You’re a pretty tall fellow, aren’t you? Stand up here with me, back to back, and let’s see which is the taller.’
“In another moment I was standing back to back with the greatest man of his age. Naturally I was quite abashed by this unexpected evidence of democracy.
“‘You’re from the West, aren’t you,’ inquired Lincoln.
“‘My home is in Ohio,’ I replied.
“‘I thought so,’ he said; ‘that’s the kind of men they raise out there.’”