conscious that some one was behind and bending over me. A big hand took hold of my left hand, covering it on the table, and with his right hand, over my shoulder, he laid down a sheet of paper covered with writing, in front of my plate. I realized it was Mr. Lincoln. He told me that he was due to leave town in a few minutes, and as he moved away, he looked back, waved his hand, exclaiming, 'Goodbye, my dear!' and passed through the door. It was the last time I ever saw him."

CHAPTER VII

Lincoln's passion for women-How he dealt with them-Herndon's testimony Interviewing one of Lincoln's female clients- Her story of his conduct - Lincoln on the circuit-Avoiding social functions-Fondness for concerts and like entertainments at the town hall - Accompanying Henry C. Whitney to the negro minstrel show in Chicago-Efforts of author to determine if Lincoln attended lecture by Thackeray in St. Louis - Lincoln's status as a married man - His wife's temperament and its effect on him - Her traits of character - Her management of the household Her experience with Spring

field tradesmen.

MENTION of Lincoln as a society or family man serves to recall some of the things illustrating that phase of his make-up which came to the surface before his intimates and professional brethren — the most competent of witnesses had all passed away. Following is the written testimony of Herndon, of deep significance and value, because it is exactly as recorded by him:

"Mr. Lincoln had a strong, if not terrible passion for women. He could hardly keep his hands off a woman, and yet, much to his credit, he lived a pure and virtuous life. His idea was that a woman had as much right to violate the marriage vow as the man-no more and no less. His sense of right his sense of justice - his honor forbade his violating his marriage vow. Judge Davis said to me in 1865, 'Mr. Lincoln's honor saved many a woman,' and this is true to the spirit. This I know on my own knowledge. I have seen Lincoln tempted and I have seen him reject the approach of woman."

In this connection I venture to relate an experience of my own. One day in Springfield I was sitting in the room which Lincoln, for a few days prior to his removal to

Washington in February, 1861, had used as an office, when I was joined by Mr. Herndon who had asked me to meet him there. In due time our conversation drifted toward Lincoln, a subject of such intense and engaging interest that sunset found us still absorbed in the discussion of that great and marvelous character. Herndon did most of the talking, nor did he manifest the slightest sign of impatience at the fusillade of curious and unusual questions I asked him. I remember among other things how admirably he enlightened me regarding Mr. Lincoln's moral and professional standards, his personal habits, his conduct and bearing in court, including the narration of some of his apt and incomparable stories. He even went so far as to imitate Lincoln's voice and gesture in the delivery of a speech. To me it was a revelation so vivid and fruitful I felt, when we separated for the day, almost as if I had been in Lincoln's presence.

"In order that you may judge of Mr. Lincoln's habits in dealing with people professionally," said Herndon, “including his demeanor and conduct toward the fair sex, and thus enable you to determine how near the truth my estimate of the man is, I am going to send you to a woman who was once a client of ours and who, if you succeed in finding her and induce her to talk, can tell you how Mr. Lincoln behaved as a man and lawyer as well as how he treated her." Mr. Herndon further explained that at an early day the woman, handicapped by a shady reputation, had landed in court charged with keeping a house of ill-repute or some like offense, had counseled with Lincoln and himself and retained them to represent her. "She is well along in years," continued Herndon, "and although I have not seen

A WOMAN'S RECOLLECTIONS

83

her for a long time I have been assured on reliable authority that now and for some time past she has been leading a correct and becoming life."

In compliance with Mr. Herndon's suggestion I started out in search of the woman and after diligent inquiry located her. At first, when I sought to interrogate her, she was somewhat reticent if not really unresponsive, but when I explained that Mr. Herndon had sent me to see her with the assurance that her name should not be used, she gradually relented and eventually answered all my questions. She admitted that she had employed Lincoln and Herndon to look after her interests when her case came up in court. The first thing done was to ask for a change of venue, which, having been granted, she and the witnesses, some of whom were female inmates of her own household, others sundry gentlemen of gay and sportive tendency, were obliged to travel a short distance over the country to another court. "There was a good crowd of us," she related, "and a livelier delegation never drove over the prairies. As to the behavior and actions of Mr. Lincoln, I must say it was in every respect correct so that I can recall nothing improper or out of place about it. Of course he talked to me a good deal, and for that matter to the other ladies too."

"Where and when was it he talked to you?" I asked. "Sometimes in the office, sometimes in the court-house, and sometimes elsewhere."

"Did he ever talk with you alone?"

"Yes, I have frequently been in his office and spoken to him when no one else was there."

"What did he talk about?"

"Usually about business; also many other things that

suggested themselves. The truth is he was an interesting talker on all subjects."

"How did he conduct himself? Was he agreeable?"

"To me he seemed always a gentleman. I could see nothing wrong or unpleasant about him."

"Did you hear him tell any stories?"

"Yes; a good many."

"Were any of these stories told when you and he were

alone?"

"Yes; and I remember that he told some when one or more of the ladies who accompanied me were present." "What kind of stories were they?"

"Various kinds. Of course I can't describe them now, but I remember that they were all very much alike in one particular and that is that they were usually funny." "Were any of them suggestive or objectionable?" "No, I do not think they were."

"Then what would you say about their propriety; that is, would you consider what he said unfit to be told in polite society or in the company of ladies?"

The last question was evidently more or less of a tax on the old woman's memory or perhaps her conception of propriety; for she hesitated a few moments, as if buried in thought, before she answered; but she soon rallied and then responded:

"No, although some of the things he said were very amusing and made me as well as the others laugh, I do not think it would be fair to call them improper; in fact, I believe they could with safety have been told in the presence of ladies anywhere." At this point the witness halted again, but only an instant; for she promptly recovered her