A Lincoln Story.
The American magazines are full of Lincoln stories. Does an American President, when he takes the 6sQa, promises to acknowledge every bantling of wit fathered on him by his exuberant Republican citizens? Lincoln's stories 'are legion, and must have established a reputation for wit for many of his aueocesors. Here is one I have never heard attributed to anyone but Lincoln. Some officer had disobeyed or failed to comprehend an order. " I believe I'll sit down," eaid Secretary Stanton, " and give that man a piece of my mind." "Do so," said Lincoln ; " write him now while /you have it on your mind. Make it sharp. Cut him all up." Stanton did not need l a second invitation. It was a bone-crusher that he read to the President. "That's right," 6aid Lincoln; "thats a good one." "Who can I send it by?" mused the seoretarv. "Send it!" replied Lincoln: "send it! Why, don't send it at all. Tear it uo. You have freed 1 your mind on the aubiect. and +hat is all that is necessary. Tear it up. You never want to send such letters. T never do."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19071204.2.339.8
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 2803, 4 December 1907, Page 91
Word Count
191A Lincoln Story. Otago Witness, Issue 2803, 4 December 1907, Page 91
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