GOD NEEDED CHURCH FOR SOLDIERS.
"Among the numerous applicants who visited the White House one day was a well-dressed lady. She came forward without apparent embarassment in her air or manner, and addressed the president. Giving her a very close and scrutinizing look, he said:
"'Well, madam, what can I do for you?'
"She told him that she lived in Alexandria; that the church where she worshiped had been taken for a hospital.
"'What church, madam?' Mr. Lincoln asked in a quick, nervous manner.
"'The —— Church,' she replied; 'and as there are only two or three wounded soldiers in it, I came to see if you would not let us have it, as we want it very much to worship God in.'
"'Madam, have you been to see the Post Surgeon at Alexandria about this matter?'
"'Yes sir; but we could do nothing with him.'
"'Well, we put him there to attend to just such business, and it is reasonable to suppose that he knows better what should be done under the circumstances than I do. See here; you say you live in Alexandria; probably you own property there. How much will you give to assist in building a hospital?"
"'You know, Mr. Lincoln, our property is very much embarassed by the war;—so, really, I could hardly afford to give much for such a purpose.'