shrunk from committing to their equals, and much more to their superiors, in the conduct of public affairs.”  In a noted instance where the most powerful influence was brought to bear upon Lincoln to induce him to make what he regarded as an unworthy appointment, he exclaimed:  “All that I am in the world—­the Presidency and all else—­I owe to the opinion of me which the people express when they call me ‘Honest Old Abe.’  Now, what would they think of their honest Abe if he should make such an appointment as the one proposed?”

Hon. Leonard Swett, who knew Lincoln from 1848 to the time of his death, and had “traveled the circuit” with him in Illinois, relates that soon after the election he and Judge Davis advised Lincoln to consult Thurlow Weed regarding the formation of the Cabinet and on political affairs generally.  “Mr. Lincoln asked me,” says Mr. Swett, “to write Mr. Weed and invite him to a conference at Lincoln’s house in Springfield.  I did so, and the result was that Judge Davis, Thurlow Weed, and myself spent a whole day with him in discussing the men and measures of his administration.  At that meeting, which took place in less than a month after Lincoln’s election, or early in December, 1860, Lincoln became convinced that war was imminent between the North and the South.  Mr. Weed was a very astute man, and had a wonderful knowledge of what was going on.  He told Lincoln of preparations being made in the Southern States that could mean nothing less than war.  It was a serious time with all of us, of course, but Lincoln took it with the imperturbability that always distinguished him.”

The account given by Thurlow Weed, the veteran New York editor and journalist, of his visit to Lincoln on this occasion is of peculiar interest.  Mr. Weed remained in Springfield two or three days in close consultation with the President-elect, the formation of the new Cabinet being the subject principally discussed.  After expressing gratification at his election, and an apprehension of the dangers which threatened the incoming administration, says Mr. Weed, in his autobiography, “Mr. Lincoln remarked, smiling, that he supposed I had had some experience in cabinet-making; that he had job on hand, and as he had never learned that trade he was disposed to avail himself of the suggestions of friends.  The question thus opened became the subject of conversation, at intervals, during that and the following day.  I say at intervals, because many hours were consumed in talking of the public men connected with former administrations, interspersed, illustrated, and seasoned pleasantly with Mr. Lincoln’s stories, anecdotes, etc.  And here I feel called upon to vindicate Mr. Lincoln, as far as my opportunities and observation go, from the frequent imputation of telling indelicate and ribald stories.  I saw much of him during his whole Presidential term, with familiar friends and alone, when he talked without restraint; but I never heard him use a profane or indecent word, or tell a story that might not be repeated in the presence of ladies.”