Immediately after Mr. Lincoln’s nomination for President at the Chicago
Convention, a committee, of which Governor Morgan, of New York, was
chairman, visited him in Springfield, Ill., where he was officially
informed of his nomination.
After this ceremony had passed, Mr. Lincoln remarked to the company that
as a fit ending to an interview so important and interesting as that
which had just taken place, he supposed good manners would require that
he should treat the committee with something to drink; and opening
the door that led into the rear, he called out, “Mary! Mary!” A girl
responded to the call, to whom Mr. Lincoln spoke a few words in an
undertone, and, closing the door, returned again and talked with his
guests. In a few minutes the maid entered, bearing a large waiter,
containing several glass tumblers, and a large pitcher, and placed them
upon the center-table. Mr. Lincoln arose, and, gravely addressing the
company, said: “Gentlemen, we must pledge our mutual health in the most
healthy beverage that God has given to man--it is the only beverage I
have ever used or allowed my family to use, and I cannot conscientiously
depart from it on the present occasion. It is pure Adam’s ale from the
spring.” And, taking the tumbler, he touched it to his lips, and pledged
them his highest respects in a cup of cold water. Of course, all his
guests admired his consistency, and joined in his example.