To tell a new Lincoln story is something of an achievement. Colonel
Tom Brown, a former citizen of Badgerdom, who now resides in Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, has achieved this distinction, we believe, in
relating the following incident. In view of the nature of our leading
article, and of the local interest which attaches to Mr. Brown’s tale,
we gladly give it such additional currency as lies within our power.
In some sections of southwestern Wisconsin during the Civil War, so
the story runs, certain copperhead organizations, particularly the
Knights of the Golden Circle, became decidedly outspoken in the
expression of their sentiments--so much so that a group of loyal
citizens decided to send a spokesman to Washington to acquaint the
President with the threatening proceedings. The delegate chosen for
this mission was a certain Professor Kilgore of Evansville Seminary.
On his arrival at Washington he was invited to take lunch at the White
House, where he was seated next to President Lincoln himself. At this
time finger bowls were coming into fashion, but their advent had not
as yet come within the ken of the simple western professor.
Accordingly he was greatly perplexed by the little dish, containing a
slice of lemon and some liquid, apparently lemonade, which appeared
near the close of the meal. Observing his embarrassment, President
Lincoln, leaning toward him, whispered, “Professor, don’t sip out of
that bowl, watch me.”
Following this kindly instruction the pedagogue concluded the meal
without disgracing himself. When, later, they found themselves alone
together, President Lincoln confided to the visitor that he himself
needed a servant to keep him informed about “those little things.”
We cannot vouch for the truth of the story, although it rests on
better authority than most of the tales that are told about Lincoln.
However authentic its details, it presents a trait of homely kindness,
the possession of which constitutes one of the most attractive aspects
of Lincoln’s personality.