the Fremont and Dayton Campaign.  He was now President, and was, like Brutus, ’vexed with many cares.’  The change which a few years had made was simply appalling.  His whiskers had grown and had given additional cadaverousness to his face as it appeared to me.  The light seemed to have gone out of his eyes, which were sunken far under his enormous brows.  But there was over his whole face an expression of sadness, and a far-away look in the eyes, which were utterly unlike the Lincoln of other days.  I was intensely disappointed.  I confess that I was so pained that I could almost have shed tears.”

CHAPTER XXIII

Lincoln’s Home-life in the White House—­Comfort in the Companionship of his Youngest Son—­“Little Tad” the Bright Spot in the White House—­The President and his Little Boy Reviewing the Army of the Potomac—­Various Phases of Lincoln’s Character—­His Literary Tastes—­Fondness for Poetry and Music—­His Remarkable Memory—­Not a Latin Scholar—­Never Read a Novel—­Solace in Theatrical Representation—­Anecdotes of Booth and McCullough—­Methods of Literary Work—­Lincoln as an Orator—­Caution in Impromptu Speeches—­His Literary Style—­Management of his Private Correspondence—­Knowledge of Woodcraft—­Trees and Human Character—­Exchanging Views with Professor Agassiz—­Magnanimity toward Opponents—­Righteous Indignation—­Lincoln’s Religious Nature.

Of the two sons left to Lincoln after the death of Willie in 1862, Robert, the older, was a student in Harvard College until appointed to service on the staff of General Grant; and “Little Tad,” or Thomas, the youngest, was the only one remaining in the White House during the last hard years.  He was ten years old in 1863, a bright and lovable child, with whom his father was associated in constant and affectionate companionship.  The boy was much with him in his walks and journeys about Washington, and even in his visits to the army in the field.  The father would often gain a brief respite from his heavy cares by sharing in the sports and frolics of the light-hearted boy, who was a general favorite at the White House, where he was free to go and come at will.  No matter who was with the President, or how intently he might be absorbed, little Tad was always welcome.  “It was an impressive and affecting sight,” says Mr. Carpenter, an inmate of the White House for several months, “to see the burdened President lost for the time being in the affectionate parent, as he would take the little fellow in his arms upon the withdrawal of visitors, and caress him with all the fondness of a mother for the babe upon her bosom.”  Hon. W.D.  Kelley, a member of Congress at that time, says:  “I think no father ever loved his children more fondly than he.  The President never seemed grander in my sight than when, stealing upon him in the evening, I would find him with a book open before him, with little Tad beside him.  There were, of course,