When it was told to Lincoln that a division of Burnside’s had been entrapped into a cul de sac, Lincoln said he’d cull the sack for his stupidity.
A Liberal Giver.
Mr. Lincoln, in his happier moments, is not always reminded of a “little story,” but often indulges in a veritable joke. One of the latest reported is his remark when he found himself attacked by the varioloid; he had been recently very much worried by people asking favours. “Well,” said he, when the contagious disease was coming upon him, “I’ve got something now that I can give to everybody.” About the time when there was considerable grumbling as to the delay in forwarding to the troops the money due to them, a western paymaster, in full major’s attire, was one day introduced at a public reception. “Being here, Mr. Lincoln,” said he, “I thought I’d call and pay my respects.” “From the complaints of the soldiers,” responded the President, “I guess that’s about all any of you can pay.”
Coffee versus Tea.
It is told by a Federal correspondent, who is probably “reliable,” that Mr. Lincoln was walking up Pennsylvania Avenue the other day, relating “a little story” to Secretary Seward, when the latter called his attention to a new sign bearing the name of “T. R. Strong.” “Ha!” says old Abe, his countenance lighting up with a peculiar smile, “T. R. Strong, but coffee are stronger.” Seward smiled, but made no reply. [We don’t see how he could reply after so atrocious a thing as that.]
Lincoln on Skedaddle.
“Don’t talk to me bosh! I am sickened each day
“With your bumkum and tweedle dee twaddle:
“Why, on earth, do you tell me our men run away,
“When the right term to use is Skedaddle?