WHY SO MANY COMMON PEOPLE.
Like another Daniel, Lincoln interpreted dreams. He said that he had one in this guise:
He imagined he was in a great assemblage like one of his receptions multiplied. The mass described a hedge to let him pass. He thought that he heard one of them remark:
"That is a common-looking fellow!"
To whom Lincoln replied--still in the dream:
"Friend, the Lord loves common-looking people--that is why He made so many of them."
(NOTE.--Another current saying substitutes "the poor" for "common.")
ENVY OF A HUMORIST.
It is difficult for the present generation to perceive the streak of fun in "the Petroleum V. Nasby Papers" which regaled our grandfathers, and Mr. Lincoln above others, who waited eagerly for the next letter in the press. He requested the presentation of the author, John Locke, and thanked him face to face--neither, like the augurs, able to keep his face--for such antidotes to the blues. He said to a friend of "the Postmaster at Confedrit X-rodes":
"If 'Petroleum' would impart his talent to me, I would swap places with him!"