lecture which is replete with information relative to the early manhood of Mr. Lincoln. -Author.

(*) Edward Bates, Attorney-general, was born in Virginia, 1793. He was of Quaker descent. He was educated at Charlotte Hall, Md. In 1814 he emigrated to Missouri, and began the practice of law in St. Louis. He was elected Attorney-general of the State, 1820. He became member of Congress, 1826-serving one term. President Fillmore appointed him Attorney-general of the United States, 1850, but the appointment was respectfully declined. He was outspoken in his denunciation of the attempt to force slavery upon Kansas. The Republicans of Missouri presented his name as a candidate for the Presidency at the Chicago Convention.-Author.

(7) Francis P. Blair, second son of Francis Blair, was one of the founders of the Republican Party in Missouri. He comprehended the plans of the Secessionists, and took radical and energetic measures to thwart them. He was appointed major-general by the President, and was selected by General Sherman to command an army corps in the March to the Sea. He was elected to Congress; although serving in that body, he retained his commission in the military service, which subjected him to much criticism. He was patriotic and brave, and efficiently aided the cause of the Union.-Author. (8) L. E. Chittenden, "Recollections of Abraham Lincoln," p. 213.

(*) Ibid., p. 216.

(10) Titian J. Coffey, "Reminiscences of Abraham Lincoln," p. 337. (1) Ibid., p. 338.

(12) John W. Forney, "Anecdotes of Public Men," vol. i., p. 265.

(15) General Scott's Letters to Secretary of War, “Records,” vol. xi., p. 3. (16) B. F. Butler, "Reminiscences of Abraham Lincoln," p. 140.

18

D

CHAPTER XV.

AUTUMN OF 1861.

URING the summer of 1861 Congress was in session, called by
President Lincoln. In his message he said:

"It might seem, at first thought, to be of little difference whether the present movement at the South be called 'secession' or 'rebellion.' The movers, however, will understand the difference. They knew that they never could make their treason respectable by any name which implies a violation of law. They knew their people possessed as much of moral sense, as much of devotion to law and order, and as much pride in and reverence for the history and government of their common country as any other civilized and patriotic people."

President Lincoln used plain words, which everybody could understand, as is seen in the following sentences:

"They knew they could make no advancement directly in the teeth of these strong and noble sentiments. Accordingly, they commenced by an insidious debauching of the public mind. They invented an ingenious sophism, which, if conceded, was followed by perfectly logical steps through all the incidents to the complete destruction of the Union. The sophism is that any State may, consistently with the national Constitution, therefore lawfully and peacefully withdraw from the Union, without the consent of the Union or any other State. The little disguise that the supposed right is to be exercised only for just cause, themselves to be the sole judges of its justice, is too thin to merit any notice. With rebellion thus sugar-coated, they have been drugging the public mind of their section for more than thirty years."

In these brief sentences we have the history of Secession.

"Would it not be better, Mr. President," said Mr. Defrees, the public printer," to use some other word a little more dignified than sugarcoated' in an important State paper which is to go down to all time?"

"Well, Defrees, if you think the time will ever come when the people will not understand what sugar-coated' means, I'll alter it; other wise I think I'll let it go," said Mr. Lincoln, with good-humor in every wrinkle of his face. (')

Ulysses S. Grant presided at a public meeting in Galena, Ill. A

few days later he accompanied the troops from that town to the capital of the State. He had seen service in Mexico as lieutenant, and was acquainted with military affairs. At Springfield he met Major John Pope.

"You ought to go into the United States service again," said Pope; and added, "I am acquainted with the public men of the State, and will get them to recommend you."

"I do not think I will get any indorsement for permission to fight for my country," replied Grant. He addressed a letter to the adjutantgeneral of the army, offering his services, but received no answer. From Springfield he journeyed to Covington, Ky., and visited his parents. The headquarters of Major-general McClellan being in Cincinnati, he crossed the river to that city, thinking he would apply for a position as staff-officer. Twice he entered the apartments of McClellan for that purpose, but did not meet him. Upon returning to Springfield, he found Governor Yates had appointed him colonel of the Twenty-first (Illinois) Regiment. He was sent to Missouri, and then to Cairo. Without solicitation on his part he was appointed brigadier-general.

A Confederate force under General Leonidas Polk ascended the Mississippi from Memphis and took possession of the high bluffs at Columbus, Ky. The neutrality of the State ended with that act. It had been violated by the Confederates just as President Lincoln expected it would be.

"The Confederates are getting ready to seize Paducah," said a Union man from Columbus.

If the Confederates were in Kentucky, why should not Union troops be there? Paducah was an important position. Confederate cannon planted there would prevent steamboats passing that point. Sept. 5. It was at the mouth of the Tennessee. The party which first gained possession of that town would have great advantage. General Grant informed Fremont what he intended to do, and then proceeded to do it without waiting for orders. (2)

Sept. 6.

The people of Paducah the next morning were greatly astonished to see a fleet of steamboats crowded with Union soldiers moored at the landing. Most of the citizens were Secessionists, and were expecting to welcome a Confederate force under General ThompThe prompt action of General Grant was of incalculable benefit to the Union cause in Kentucky, and gave great satisfaction to President Lincoln. Grant issued a brief address to the people of Paducah. He said:

son.