Secretary Sherman says he never will forget his first meeting with a
President. It was shortly after Lincoln’s inauguration, and he attended a
public reception, fell into line, and awaited an hour or two for a chance
to shake hands with the Great Emancipator.
“During this time,” says Mr. Sherman, “I was wondering what I should say
and what Lincoln would do when we met. At last it came my turn to be
presented. Lincoln looked at me a moment, extended his hand, and said:
‘You’re a pretty tall fellow, aren’t you? Stand up here with me, back to
back, and let’s see which is the taller.’
“In another moment I was standing back to back with the greatest man of
his age. Naturally I was quite abashed by this unexpected evidence of
democracy.
“‘You’re from the West, aren’t you,’ inquired Lincoln.
“‘My home is in Ohio,’ I replied.
“‘I thought so,’ he said; ‘that’s the kind of men they raise out there.’”