of the South saw fit to rebel; and Douglas, espousing the side of the right, has died a patriot.  There had always been a feeling of friendship existing between Mr. Lincoln and Judge Douglas; and the manner in which the latter acted just prior to the Inauguration, and the gallant part he sustained at that time, as well as afterwards, served to increase their mutual regard and esteem.  It was my good-fortune to stand by Mr. Douglas during the reading of the Inaugural of President Lincoln.  Rumors had been current that there would be trouble at that time, and much anxiety was felt by the authorities and the friends of Mr. Lincoln as to the result.  “I shall be there,” said Douglas, “and if any man attacks Lincoln, he attacks me, too.”  As Mr. Lincoln proceeded with his address, Judge Douglas repeatedly remarked, “Good!” “That’s fair!” “No backing out there!” “That’s a good point!” etc.,—­indicating his approval of its tone, as subsequently he congratulated the reader and indorsed the document.

At the Inauguration Ball, all were waiting the arrival of the Presidential party.  Much feeling had been created in the city by the announcement that Washington people did not intend to patronize the affair, and it was feared that it might fall through.  Presently the band struck up “Hail Columbia,” and President Lincoln with his escort entered the room, followed by Mrs. Lincoln, who was supported by Judge Douglas.  A more significant demonstration of friendship and of personal interest could not possibly be suggested; and Mr. Douglas, that night, by his genial manner, his cordial sympathy with the personnel of the new Administration, and the effectual snubbing which he thereby gave to the pretentious movers in Washington society, won for himself many friends, and the gratitude of all the Republicans present.

About two months since, while in the telegraph office at Washington, I saw Mr. Douglas.  Accosting him, I asked what course he thought the President should pursue towards the sympathizers with the South who remained in that city.  “Well,” replied he, “if I were President, I’d convert or hang them all within forty-eight hours.  However, don’t be in a hurry.  I’ve known Mr. Lincoln a longer time than you have, or than the country has; he’ll come out right, and we will all stand by him.”

The President was, in return, a warm friend of Mr. Douglas.  I had occasion to inquire of him if he had, as was reported in the newspapers, tendered to Judge Douglas the position of Brigadier-General.  “No, Sir,” said Mr. Lincoln, “I have not done so; nor had I thought of doing so until to-night, when I saw it suggested in the paper.  I have no reason to believe Mr. Douglas would accept it.  He has not asked it, nor have his friends.  But I must say, that, if it is well to appoint brigadier-generals from the civil list, I can imagine few men better qualified for such a position than Judge Douglas.  For myself, I know I have not much military knowledge,