He loved to see the pearls of joy on the cheeks of a wife whose husband he had rescued from death. Lincoln was the grandest figure of the fiercest civil war. He is the gentlest memory of our world. ROBERT G. INGERSOLL. от XVII. A. H. MARKLAND. NOT long after the November election of 1860, an association was formed in Washington City for the purpose of gathering information as to the real condition of political affairs in the South with reference to threatened secession, and to organize for such remedies as might seem necessary. This association was composed of gentlemen mainly from the Southern States, who were for the maintenance of the Union at whatever cost. Some were the personal friends of Abraham Lincoln, others had opposed his election. In the membership were men who had held prominent positions in the public service, and who were skilled in political diplomacy. This association held its meetings for consultation daily and nightly during the winter months of 1860 and 1861, and though the meetings were not absolutely secret they were not openly public. I was one of the young members of the association. It is not material to state what steps were taken or what methods were adopted to accomplish the work in view. It is suf ficient to say that while the disunionists had their agents visiting State capitals and the large cities to address Legislatures and the people generally on the beauties of secession, the Unionists were educating them in a more quiet way to its folly and danger. It was through this association I became personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln shortly after his inauguration. My first interview with Mr. Lincoln was in company with some of his intimate personal friends, who called informally to pay their respects to him as the President of the United States. When the salutations and congratulations were being made to Mr. Lincoln, one of his secretaries placed some papers on his table for signature. Mr. Lincoln excused himself for the moment by this remark: "Just wait now until I sign some papers, that this government may go on.' The papers being signed, Mr. Lincoln entered into a chatty conversation on public subjects, in which he gave his views on the situation as then presented by the attitude of the Southern States. He was then hopeful that a more serious phase of the threatened trouble might be averted, and that the better judg ment of the citizens of the South might prevail. But he was very decided and determined as to what his duty was and what his action would be, if the secessionists and disunionists pressed their case. He said; The disunionists did not want me to take the oath of office. I have taken it, and I intend to administer the office for the benefit of the people, in accordance with the Constitution and the law." The interview was of short duration, but of consequence as showing that Mr. Lincoln had in no measure been inattentive to the growth of disunion. sentiment in the South, nor was he in doubt as to what means should be taken to check its progress. He had said to a prominent Democratic politician of the State of Kentucky who called upon him at Springfield, Illinois, immediately after the November election: "The Fugitive Slave law will be better administered under my administration than it ever has been under that of my predecessors. If your party has been honest in its execution I will see that my party is equally honest in its execution." The gentleman said in reply: "Mr. Lincoln, if you will put that in writing that I make take it South and show it to the people, I will guarantee to save every State from secession except probably South Carolina." Mr. Lincoln said: "Sir, these are my views, given to you honestly and with good intent. You may use them as you think proper. It would be indelicate and uncalled for to put them in writing, at this time, for the pur pose you indicate. I have not yet been placed in charge of the government. When the time comes for me to assume authority, I will speak plainly and explicitly, and no man who is for the Union will mistake me." The gentleman, with whom this conversation was had, has repeated it to me within the last few days. The persuasive methods of Mr. Lincoln and his friends for the adjustment of the differences between the Unionists and disunionists were destroyed by Beauregard's bombardment of Fort Sumter. The business of active war was inaugurated. At a consultation between Mr. Lincoln and a number of Kentuckians then in Washington City, it was determined that come what would Kentucky should not be plunged into secession and war against the Union. The importance of that State in the prosecution of the struggle for the supremacy of the law and the Union was such that it was deemed advisable to observe the most conciliatory policy in relation to it. It was, however, understood that preparations should be made for the emergency if the conciliatory policy should fail. The earnestness with which Mr. Lincoln looked to the importance and action of Kentucky was shown by his language at that conference. He said: sion. Kentucky must not be precipitated into seces- |