During the rebellion the Austrian Minister to the United States
Government introduced to the President a count, a subject of the
Austrian government, who was desirous of obtaining a position in the
American army.
Being introduced by the accredited Minister of Austria he required no
further recommendation to secure the appointment; but, fearing that his
importance might not be fully appreciated by the republican President,
the count was particular in impressing the fact upon him that he bore
that title, and that his family was ancient and highly respectable.
President Lincoln listened with attention, until this unnecessary
commendation was mentioned; then, with a merry twinkle in his eye, he
tapped the aristocratic sprig of hereditary nobility on the shoulder in
the most fatherly way, as if the gentleman had made a confession of some
unfortunate circumstance connected with his lineage, for which he was in
no way responsible, and said:
“Never mind, you shall be treated with just as much consideration for all
that. I will see to it that your bearing a title shan’t hurt you.”