Chapter 1

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

The night previous to the meeting of the Convocation of Chicago, Mr. Lincoln did not get home until eleven o’clock at night. In the morning Mrs. Lincoln, who possessed a most amiable disposition, remonstrated with her good husband at breakfast. She kindly, but firmly, informed him that politics were leading him into bad habits, especially (S. 87, N. 6) to keeping late hours and drinking at the rum shops. She did not like it; she had to sit up, and also the children were kept awake. “And now, Abraham,” she continued, “let me tell you that to-night I will go to bed at ten o’clock. If you come before that hour, well and good; if not, I will not get up and let you in.” Ten o’clock came that night, and true to her word, Mrs. Lincoln went to bed with her children. About an hour later Mr. Lincoln knocked at the door. He knocked once, twice, and even three times before an upper window was raised and the nightcap of a female looked out. “Who is there?” “I.” “You know what I told you, Abraham?” “Yes, but, wife, I have got something very particular to tell you. Let me in!” “I don’t want to hear. It is political stuff.” “Wife, it is very important. There is a telegraphic despatch, and I have been nominated for the Presidency.” “Oh, Abraham, this is awful! Now I know you have been drinking. I only suspected it before, and you may just go and sleep where you got your liquor!” And down went the window with a slam. The next day confirmed the truth of the news that the humble husband had been nominated to rule over millions.—THE NEW YORK HERALD.