"NO PLACING THORNS IN THE SIDE OF MY WORST ENEMY!"
The Free Constitution of Maryland was the work of Lincoln. His and its supporters made a party to go to Washington and congratulate the President on the victory. They had a band and serenaded him in the White House until he came forth. But he said, to the dampening of their ardor, when the cheering had subsided:
"My friends, I appreciate this honor very highly, but I am very sorry to see you rejoice over the defeat of those opposed to us. It is furthest from my desire to place a thorn in any one's side, though he be my worst enemy."--(Recited by Mr. Hy. G. Willis, Baltimore, in the Sun of that city.)