The following is excerpted from
“Conversations with Lincoln”, by Charles M Segal. (Putnam, 1961)…
TUESDAY, JULY 19[?], 1864
An
interesting view of President Lincoln is provided by a Canadian editor—probably Josiah Blackburn of the London
Free Press, who visited
Washington in the summer of 1864—which was reprinted in the American press:1
The
President's private room is just over the reception room, and is entered from a sort of
square hall, about which there are many waiting rooms for persons seeking audiences with the President. Upon entering this room I
saw persons walking to and fro in waiting. I at once placed in the hands of a messenger my card and letters (previously procured from
friends in New York and Cincinnati), to deliver to the President, and with scarcely a moment's delay I was ushered into his presence,
when he arose and stepped forward in a stooping position, extended his hand and shook mine kindly, but rather loosely, as if he was
afraid of hurting it, remarking at the same time, "I am glad to
see you sir; be seated." I replied, "I am a stranger to the Capital,
and have sought an interview with you, Mr. President, and have been much pleased with the easy means of access."
President—"Yes, this
ready means of access is, I may say, under our form of government, the only link or cord which connects the people with the governing
power; and, however unprofitable much of it is, it must be kept up; as, for instance, a mother in a distant part, who has a son in the
army who is regularly enlisted, has not served out his time, but has been as long as she thinks he ought to stay, will collect together
all the little means she can to bring her here to entreat me to grant him his discharge. Of course, I cannot interfere, and can only see
her and speak kindly to her. How far is your place from Detroit, sir?"
"About one hundred
miles east from Detroit; we have no water communications, but have a very nice little inland city. I intend
remaining in Washington for a few days; all seems stir and commotion here."
President—"Yes, there
never was anything in history to equal this."
"Your position must
indeed be responsible and trying, President."
"Yes, to think of it,
it is very strange that I, a boy brought up in the woods, and seeing, as it were, but little of the
world, should be
drifted into
the very apex of this great event."
"I read your
proclamation of this morning calling for more men; it will, no doubt, be filled
up." [Lincoln, on July 18th, called for 500,000 volunteers.]
President—"Yes, sir, it
will be filled up."
I then arose, saying—"I
thank you, Mr. President, for your kind- ness and courtesy."
President shakes hands
again, and says: "I am most happy to have made your acquaintance."
These words are given
exactly as expressed by the President, written down a few moments after they were uttered.