A “high” private of the One Hundred and Fortieth Infantry Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteers, wounded at Chancellorsville, was taken to
Washington. One day, as he was becoming convalescent, a whisper ran down
the long row of cots that the President was in the building and would
soon pass by. Instantly every boy in blue who was able arose, stood
erect, hands to the side, ready to salute his Commander-in-Chief.
The Pennsylvanian stood six feet seven inches in his stockings. Lincoln
was six feet four. As the President approached this giant towering above
him, he stopped in amazement, and casting his eyes from head to foot
and from foot to head, as if contemplating the immense distance from one
extremity to the other, he stood for a moment speechless.
At length, extending his hand, he exclaimed, “Hello, comrade, do you
know when your feet get cold?”