Institution, the Potomac, Alexandria, and on down the river toward Mt.  Vernon.  Across the Potomac were Arlington Heights and Arlington House, late the residence of Robert E. Lee.  On the hills around, during nearly all Lincoln’s administration, were the white tents of soldiers, field fortifications and camps, and in every direction could be seen the brilliant colors of the national flag.  The furniture of this room consisted of a large oak table covered with cloth, extending north and south; and it was around this table that the Cabinet sat when it held its meetings.  Near the end of the table, and between the windows, was another table, on the west side of which the President sat in a large armchair, and at this table he wrote.  A tall desk with pigeon-holes for papers stood against the south wall.  The only books usually found in this room were the Bible, the United States Statutes, and a copy of Shakespeare.  There were a few chairs and two plain hair-covered sofas.  There were two or three map frames, from which hung military maps on which the position and movements of the armies were traced.  On the mantel was an old and discolored engraving of General Jackson and a later photograph of John Bright.  Doors opened into this room from the room of the Secretary, and from the outside hall running east and west across the House.  A bell cord within reach of his hand extended to the Secretary’s office.  A messenger who stood at the door opening from the hall took in the cards and names of visitors.  Here, in this plain room, Lincoln spent most of his time while President.  Here he received everyone, from the Chief Justice and Lieutenant-General to the private soldier and humblest citizen.  Custom had fixed certain rules of precedence, and the order in which officials should be received.  Members of the Cabinet and the high officers of the army and navy were generally promptly admitted.  Senators and members of Congress were received in the order of their arrival.  Sometimes there would be a crowd of them waiting their turn.  While thus waiting, the loud ringing laugh of Mr. Lincoln would be heard by the waiting and impatient crowd.  Here, day after day, often from early morning to late at night, Lincoln sat, listened, talked, and decided.  He was patient, just, considerate, and hopeful.  The people came to him as to a father.  He saw everyone, and many wasted his precious time.  Governors, Senators, Congressmen, officers, clergymen, bankers, merchants—­all classes approached him with familiarity.  This incessant labor, the study of the great problems he had to decide, the worry of constant importunity, the quarrels of officers of the army, the care, anxiety, and responsibility of his position, wore upon his vigorous frame.”