Recollections of Abraham Lincoln, 1847-1865

by Ward Hill Lamon

CONTENTS.

Letter from Ex-Secretary Usher.
Letter from A. K. McClure.
Memoir of Ward H. Lamon.
CHAPTER I.
	Page
EARLY ACQUAINTANCE.
Prominent Features of Mr. Lincoln's Life written by himself	[9]
Purpose of Present Volume	[13]
Riding the Circuit	[14]
Introduction to Mr. Lincoln	[14]
Difference in Work in Illinois and in Virginia	[15]
Mr. Lincoln's Victory over Rev. Peter Cartwright	[15]
Lincoln Subject Enough for the People	[16]
Mr. Lincoln's Love of a Joke—Could "Contribute Nothing to the End in View"	[16]
A Branch of Law Practice which Mr. Lincoln could not learn	[17]
Refusal to take Amount of Fee given in Scott Case	[18]
Mr. Lincoln tried before a Mock Tribunal	[19]
Low Charges for Professional Service	[20]
Amount of Property owned by Mr. Lincoln when he took the Oath as President of the United States	[20]
Introduction to Mrs. Lincoln	[21]
Mrs. Lincoln's Prediction in 1847 that her Husband would be President	[21]
The Lincoln and Douglas Senatorial Campaign in 1858	[22]
"Smelt no Royalty in our Carriage"	[22]
Mr. Lincoln denies that he voted against the Appropriation for Supplies to Soldiers during Mexican War	[23]
Jostles the Muscular Democracy of a Friend	[24]
Political Letter of 1858	[26]
Prediction of Hon. J. G. Blaine regarding Lincoln and Douglas	[27]
Time between Election and Departure for Washington	[28]
CHAPTER II.
JOURNEY FROM SPRINGFIELD TO WASHINGTON.
Mr. Lincoln's Farewell to his Friends in Springfield	[30]
At Indianapolis	[32]
Speeches made with the Object of saying Nothing	[33]
At Albany—Letter of Mr. Thurlow Weed	[34]
Loss of Inaugural Address	[35]
At Philadelphia—Detective and alleged Conspiracy to murder Mr. Lincoln	[38]
Plans for Safety	[40]
At Harrisburg	[40]
Col. Sumner's Opinion of the Plan to thwart Conspiracy	[41]
Selection of One Person to accompany Mr. Lincoln	[42]
At West Philadelphia—Careful Arrangements to avoid Discovery	[43]
At Baltimore—"It's Four O'clock"	[45]
At Washington	[45]
Arrival at Hotel	[46]
CHAPTER III.
INAUGURATION.
Formation of Cabinet and Administration Policy	[48]
Opposition to Mr. Chase	[49]
Alternative List of Cabinet Members	[50]
Politicians realize for the First Time the Indomitable Will of Mr. Lincoln	[51]
Mr. Seward and Mr. Chase, Men of Opposite Principles	[51]
Mr. Seward not to be the real Head of the Administration	[52]
Preparations for Inauguration	[53]
Introduction by Senator Baker	[53]
Impression made by Inaugural Address	[54]
Oath of Office Administered	[54]
The Call of the New York Delegation on the President	[55]
CHAPTER IV.
GLOOMY FOREBODINGS OF COMING CONFLICT.
Geographical Lines distinctly drawn	[56]
Behavior of the 36th Congress	[57]
Letter of Hon. Joseph Holt on the "Impending Tragedy"	[58]
South Carolina formally adopts the Ordinance of Secession	[62]
Southern Men's Opinion of Slavery	[62]
Mr. Lincoln imagines Himself in the Place of the Slave-Holder	[65]
Judge J. S. Black on Slavery as regarded by the Southern Man	[66]
Emancipation a Question of Figures as well as Feeling	[66]
Mission to Charleston	[68]
"Bring back a Palmetto, if you can't bring Good News"	[70]
Why General Stephen A. Hurlbut went to Charleston	[70]
Visit to Mr. James L. Pettigrew—Peaceable Secession or War Inevitable	[71]
"A great Goliath from the North"—"A Yankee Lincoln-Hireling"	[72]
Initiated into the great "Unpleasantness"	[73]
Interview with Governor Pickens—No Way out of Existing Difficulties but to fight out	[74]
Passes written by Governor Pickens	[75,78]
Interview with Major Anderson	[75]
Rope strong enough to hang a Lincoln-Hireling	[76]
Timely Presence of Hon. Lawrence Keith	[77]
Extremes of Southern Character exemplified	[77]
Interview with the Postmaster of Charleston	[78]
Experience of General Hurlbut in Charleston	[79]
CHAPTER V.
HIS SIMPLICITY.
The Ease with which Mr. Lincoln could be reached	[80]
Visit of a Committee from Missouri	[81]
A Missouri "Orphan" in Trouble	[82]
Protection Paper for Betsy Ann Dougherty	[83]
Case of Young Man convicted of Sleeping at his Post	[86]
Reprieve given to a Man whom a "little Hanging would not hurt"	[87]
An Appeal for Mercy that failed	[88]
An Appeal for the Release of a Church in Alexandria	[89]
"Reason" why Sentence of Death should not be passed upon a Parricide	[90]
The Tennessee Rebel Prisoner who was Religious	[90]
The Lord on our Side or We on the Side of the Lord	[91]
Clergymen at the White House	[91]
Number of Rebels in the Field	[92]
Mr. Lincoln dismisses Committee of Fault-Finding Clergymen	[93]
Mistaken Identity and the Sequel	[94]
Desire to be like as well as of and for the People	[96]
Hat Reform	[97]
Mr. Lincoln and his Gloves	[97]
Bearing a Title should not injure the Austrian Count	[99]
CHAPTER VI.
HIS TENDERNESS.
Mr. Lincoln's Tenderness toward Animals	[101]
Mr. Lincoln refuses to sign Death Warrants for Deserters—Kind Words better than Cold Lead	[102]
How Mr. Lincoln shared the Sufferings of the Wounded Soldiers	[103]
Letters of Condolence	[106-108]
CHAPTER VII.
DREAMS AND PRESENTIMENTS.
Superstition—A Rent in the Veil which hides from Mortal View what the Future holds	[111]
The Day of Mr. Lincoln's Renomination at Baltimore	[112]
Double Image in Looking-Glass—Premonition of Impending Doom	[112]
Mr. Lincoln relates a Dream which he had a Few Days before his Assassination	[114]
A Dream that always portended an Event of National Importance	[118]
Mr. Lincoln's Last Drive	[119]
Mr. Lincoln's Philosophy concerning Presentiments and Dreams	[121]
CHAPTER VIII.
THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF HIS CHARACTER.
Mr. Lincoln calls himself "Only a Retail Story-Dealer"	[123]
The Purpose of Mr. Lincoln's Stories	[124]
Mr. Lincoln shocks the Public Printer	[124]
A General who had formed an Intimate Acquaintance with himself	[125]
Charles I. held up as a Model for Mr. Lincoln's Guidance in Dealing with Insurgents—Had no Head to Spare	[127]
Question of whether Slaves would starve if Emancipated	[127]
Mr. Lincoln expresses his Opinion of Rebel Leaders to Confederate Commissioners at the Peace Conference	[128]
Impression made upon Mr. Lincoln by Alex. H. Stephens	[129]
Heading a Barrel	[129]
A Fight, its Serious Outcome, and Mr. Lincoln's Kindly View of the Affair	[130]
Not always easy for Presidents to have Special Trains furnished them	[132]
Mr. Lincoln's Reason for not being in a Hurry to Catch the
Train	[133]
"Something must be done in the Interest of the Dutch"	[134]
San Domingo Affair	[134]
Cabinet had shrunk up North	[135]
Ill Health of Candidates for the Position of Commissioner of the Sandwich Islands	[135]
Encouragement to Young Lawyer who lost his Case	[136]
Settle the Difficulty without Reference to Who commenced the Fuss	[137]
"Doubts about the Abutment on the Other Side"	[138]
Mr. Anthony J. Bleeker tells his Experience in Applying for a Position—Believed in Punishment after Death	[138]
Mr. Lincoln points out a Marked Trait in one of the Northern Governors	[140]
"Ploughed around him"	[142]
Revenge on Enemy	[143]
CHAPTER IX.
THE ANTIETAM EPISODE.—LINCOLN'S LOVE OF SONG.
If a Cause of Action is Good it needs no Vindication	[144]
Letter from A. J. Perkins	[145]
Mr. Lincoln's Own Statement of the Antietam Affair	[147]
One "Little Sad Song"	[150]
Well Timed Rudeness of Kind Intent	[151]
Favorite Songs	[152]
Adam and Eve's Wedding Day	[152]
Favorite Poem: "O Why Should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud?"	[153]
CHAPTER X.
HIS LOVE OF CHILDREN.
The Incident which led Mr. Lincoln to wear a Beard	[158]
The Knife that fairly belonged to Mr. Lincoln	[159]
Mr. Lincoln is introduced to the Painter of his "Beautiful Portrait"	[160]
Death of Mr. Lincoln's Favorite Child	[161]
Measures taken to break the Force of Mr. Lincoln's Grief	[162]
The Invasion of Tad's Theatre	[164]
Tad introduces some Kentucky Gentlemen	[166]
CHAPTER XI.
THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE GETTYSBURG SPEECH.
The Gettysburg Speech	[169]
A Modesty which scorned Eulogy for Achievements not his Own	[170]
Mr. Lincoln's Regret that he had not prepared the Gettysburg
Speech with Greater Care	[173]
Mr. Everett's and Secretary Seward's Opinion of the Speech	[174]
The Reported Opinion of Mr. Everett	[174]
Had unconsciously risen to a Height above the Cultured Thought of the Period	[176]
Intrinsic Excellence of the Speech first discovered by European Journals	[176]
How the News of Mr. Lincoln's Death was received by Other Nations	[176]
Origin of Phrase "Government of the People, by the People, and for the People"	[177]
CHAPTER XII.
HIS UNSWERVING FIDELITY TO PURPOSE.
An Intrigue to appoint a Dictator	[180]
"Power, Plunder, and Extended Rule"	[181]
Feared Nothing except to commit an Involuntary Wrong	[182]
President of One Part of a Divided Country—Not a Bed of Roses	[182]
Mr. Lincoln asserts himself	[184]
Demands for General Grant's Removal	[184]
Distance from the White House to the Capitol	[185]
Stoical Firmness of Mr. Lincoln in standing by General Grant	[185]
Letter from Mr. Lincoln to General Grant	[186]
The Only Occasion of a Misunderstanding between the President and General Grant	[187]
Special Order Relative to Trade-Permits	[188]
Extract from Wendell Phillips's Speech	[189]
Willing to abide the Decision of Time	[190]
Unworthy Ambition of Politicians and the Jealousies in the Army	[191]
Resignation of General Burnside—Appointment of Successor	[192]
War conducted at the Dictation of Political Bureaucracy	[193]
Letter to General Hooker	[194]
Mr. Lincoln's Treatment of the Subject of Dictatorship	[195]
Symphony of Bull-Frogs	[196]
"A Little More Light and a Little Less Noise"	[198]
CHAPTER XIII.
HIS TRUE RELATIONS WITH McCLELLAN.
Mr. Lincoln not a Creature of Circumstances	[199]
Subordination of High Officials to Mr. Lincoln	[200]
The Condition of the Army at Beginning and Close of General McClellan's Command	[201]
Mr. Lincoln wanted to "borrow" the Army if General McClellan did not want to use it	[202]
Mr. Lincoln's Opinion of General McClellan. A Protest denouncing the Conduct of McClellan	[203]
Mr. Lincoln alone Responsible to the Country for General McClellan's Appointment as Commander of the Forces at Washington	[204]
Confidential Relationship between Francis P. Blair and Mr. Lincoln	[205]
Mr. Blair's Message to General McClellan	[206]
General McClellan repudiates the Obvious Meaning of the Democratic Platform	[207]
Mr. Lincoln hopes to be "Dumped on the Right Side of the Stream"	[208]
Last Appeal to General McClellan's Patriotism	[208]
Proposition Declined	[210]
CHAPTER XIV.
HIS MAGNANIMITY.
Public Offices in no Sense a Fund upon which to draw for the Payment of Private Accounts	[212]
Busy letting Rooms while the House was on Fire	[214]
Peremptory Order to General Meade	[214]
Conditions of Proposition to renounce all Claims to Presidency and throw Entire Influence in Behalf of Horatio Seymour	[215]
Mr. Thurlow Weed to effect Negotiation	[216]
Mr. Lincoln deterred from making the Magnanimous Self-Sacrifice	[217]
How Mr. Lincoln thought the Currency was made	[217]
Mr. Chase explains the System of Checks—The President impressed with Danger from this Source	[218]
First Proposition to Mr. Lincoln to issue Interest-Bearing Notes as Currency—The Interview between David Taylor and Secretary Chase	[220]
Mr. Lincoln's Honesty—Some Legal Rights and Moral Wrongs	[222]
Mr. Lincoln annuls the Proceedings of Court-Martial in Case of Franklin W. Smith and Brother	[222]
Senator Sherman omits Criticism of Lincoln	[223]
Release of Roger A. Pryor	[224]
CHAPTER XV.
CABINET COUNSELS.
The "Trent" Affair	[227]
Spirit of Forgiveness (?) toward England	[229]
The Interview which led to the Appointment of Mr. Stanton as Secretary of War	[230]
Correspondence with Hon. William A. Wheeler	[231]
The Appointment of Mr. Stanton a Surprise to the Country	[232]
Mr. Stanton's Rudeness to Mr. Lincoln in 1858	[236]
Mr. Lincoln abandons a Message to Congress in Deference to the Opinion of his Cabinet—Proposed Appropriation of $3,000,000 as Compensation to Owners of Liberated Slaves	[237]
Mr. Stanton's Refusal of Permits to go through the Lines into Insurgent Districts	[239]
Not Much Influence with this Administration	[239]
Mr. Stanton's Resignation not accepted	[239]
The Seven Words added by Mr. Chase to the Proclamation of Emancipation	[240]
Difference between "Qualified Voters" and "Citizens of the State"	[240]
Letter of Governor Hahn	[241]
Universal Suffrage One of Doubtful Propriety	[242]
Not in Favor of Unlimited Social Equality	[242]
The Conditions under which Mr. Lincoln wanted the War to Terminate	[243]
The Rights and Duties of the Gentleman and of the Vagrant are the Same in Time of War	[245]
What was to be the Disposition of the Leaders of the Rebellion	[246]
Mr. Lincoln and Jefferson Davis on an Imaginary Island	[247]
Disposition of Jefferson Davis discussed at a Cabinet Meeting	[248]
Principal Events of Life of Mr. Davis after the War	[249]
Discussing the Military Situation—Terms of Peace must emanate from Mr. Lincoln	[250]
Telegram to General Grant	[251]
Dignified Reply of General Grant	[252]
CHAPTER XVI.
CONFLICT BETWEEN CIVIL AND MILITARY AUTHORITY.
Difficulties attending the Execution of the Fugitive Slave Law	[254]
Civil Authority outranked the Military	[255]
District Jail an Objective Point	[257]
Resignation of Marshal	[258]
Marshal's Office made a Subject of Legislation in Congress	[259]
A Result of Blundering Legislation	[259]
Mr. Lincoln's Existence embittered by Personal and Political Attacks	[260]
Rev. Robert Collyer and the Rustic Employee	[261]
CHAPTER XVII.
PLOTS AND ASSASSINATION.
Conspiracy to kidnap Mr. Buchanan	[264]
Second Scheme of Abduction	[265]
Mr. Lincoln relates the Details of a Dangerous Ride	[265]
A Search for Mr. Lincoln	[271]
Mr. Lincoln's Peril during Ceremonies of his Second Inauguration—Booth's Phenomenal Audacity	[271]
The Polish Exile from whom Mr. Lincoln feared Assault	[273]
An Impatient Letter appealing to Mr. Lincoln's Prudence	[274]
Mr. Lincoln's high Administrative Qualities	[276]
But Few Persons apprehended Danger to Mr. Lincoln	[276]
General Grant receives the News of the Assassination of Mr. Lincoln—A Narrow Escape	[278]
Last Passport written by Mr. Lincoln	[280]
Mr. Lincoln requested to make a Promise	[280]
Mr. Lincoln's Farewell to his Marshal	[281]
Lincoln's Last Laugh	[282]
Willing to concede Much to Democrats	[286]
Eastern Shore Maryland	[287]
Honesty in Massachusetts and Georgia	[287]
McClellan seems to be Lost	[288]
Battle of Antietam, Turning-point in Lincoln's Career	[289]
Motto for the Greenback	[289]
"Niggers will never be higher"	[290]
Lincoln in a Law Case	[291]
Lincoln's Views of the American or Know-Nothing Party	[299]
Account of Arrangement for Cooper Institute Speech	[300]
"Rail Splitter"	[303]
Temperance	[305]
Shrewdness	[309]
Religion	[333]

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INDEX OF LETTERS.

Black, Jeremiah S., [329]
Briggs, Jas. A., [300]
Catron, J., [330]
Davis, David, [xxxii], [317], [324]
Doubleday, A., [326]
Douglas, S. A., [319]
Faulkner, Chas. J., [327]
Fell, Jesse W., [11]
Field, Eugene, [xxxv]
Field, Kate, [306]
Foster, Chas. H., [325]
Grant, Gen., to Secy. Stanton, [252]
Hanna, W. H., [317], [320], [326], [331]
Harmon, O. F., [314]
Hatch, O. M., [313], [316]
Henderson, D. P., [331]
Holt, J., [58]
Hurlburt, Stephen A., [79]
Kress, Jno. A., [256]
Lamon, W. H., [xxvi], [231], [274], [307], [333]
Lemon, J. E., [319]
Lincoln, A., [xxxiii], [xxix], [26], [106], [108], [186], [194], [241], [301], [309]
Logan, S. T., [xxviii], [328]
McClure, A. K., [vii]
Murray, Bronson, [311], [312]
Oglesby, R. J., [330]
Perkins, A. J., [145]
Pickens, Gov. F. W., [75], [78]
Pleasanton, A., [289]
Pope, John, [316]
Scott, Winfield, [314]
Seward, W. H., [xxxi]
Shaffer, J. W., [329]
Smith, Jas. H., [312]
Stanton, Ed. M., [252]
Swett, Leonard, [313], [318]
Taylor, Hawkins, [315], [327]
Usher, Secy. J. P., [v], [xxv], [320], [322]
Weed, Thurlow, [34]
Weldon, Lawrence, [xxxii], [318]
Wentworth, Jno., [331]
Wheeler, Wm. A., [234]
Yates, Richard, [xxiv]

WARD HILL LAMON.

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