Although himself a most polished, even a fastidious, gentleman, Senator
Sumner never allowed Lincoln’s homely ways to hide his great qualities.
He gave him a respect and esteem at the start which others accorded only
after experience. The Senator was most tactful, too, in his dealings
with Mrs. Lincoln, and soon had a firm footing in the household. That he
was proud of this, perhaps a little boastful, there is no doubt.
Lincoln himself appreciated this. “Sumner thinks he runs me,” he said,
with an amused twinkle, one day.