"And you would do quite right, my boy!" acquiesced the chief. "I should be the last man to set an example of disobedience."
THE IDLERS EQUALED THE EFFECTIVES.
During a review of General Howard's corps on the Rappahannock, in April, 1863, President Lincoln noticed, whether his eyes were "unmilitary or not," that a very numerous mass of men were spectators, though wearing a semisoldierly look and clothes. They were, in fact, the inevitable hangers-on of an army, the more in number, as the escaped slaves were welcomed by the soldiers, as they made them do their dirty work. The commanding general explained that they were "the cooks, the bottle-washers, and the nigger waiters." They had come out to see the President.
"That review yonder," returned Lincoln gently, as he smiled, "is about as big as ours!"--(By General O. O. Howard.)
REST!
Sitting before his desk in his office, at the White House, Lincoln quaintly uttered: "I wish George Washington or some of those old patriots were here in my place so that I could have a little rest."--(Heard by General Viele.)
"I CAN BEAR CENSURE, BUT NOT INSULT!"
An army officer appeared before the President with a statement of his defense against a sentence of cashiering. He was told that his own paper did not warrant the superior interference. But he showed up twice more, repeating the plea and the version of his own preparation.
At the continued repulse he blurted out:
"I see, Mr. President, that you are not disposed to do me justice!"