Lincoln’s reply to a Springfield (Illinois) clergyman, who asked him
what was to be his policy on the slavery question was most apt:
“Well, your question is rather a cool one, but I will answer it by
telling you a story:
“You know Father B., the old Methodist preacher? and you know Fox River
and its freshets?
“Well, once in the presence of Father B., a young Methodist was worrying
about Fox River, and expressing fears that he should be prevented from
fulfilling some of his appointments by a freshet in the river.
“Father B. checked him in his gravest manner. Said he:
“‘Young man, I have always made it a rule in my life not to cross Fox
River till I get to it.’
“And,” said the President, “I am not going to worry myself over the
slavery question till I get to it.”
A few days afterward a Methodist minister called on the President, and
on being presented to him, said, simply:
“Mr. President, I have come to tell you that I think we have got to Fox
River!”
Lincoln thanked the clergyman, and laughed heartily.