Old Dennis Hanks was sent to Washington at one time by persons
interested in securing the release from jail of several men accused of
being copperheads. It was thought Old Dennis might have some influence
with the President.
The latter heard Dennis’ story and then said: “I will send for Mr.
Stanton. It is his business.”
Secretary Stanton came into the room, stormed up and down, and said the
men ought to be punished more than they were. Mr. Lincoln sat quietly in
his chair and waited for the tempest to subside, and then quietly said
to Stanton he would like to have the papers next day.
When he had gone, Dennis said:
“‘Abe,’ if I was as big and as ugly as you are, I would take him over my
knee and spank him.”
The President replied: “No, Stanton is an able and valuable man for this
Nation, and I am glad to bear his anger for the service he can give the
Nation.”