“This gave Mr. R. an excellent autograph of Mr. Lincoln, besides
bearing witness to his hospitable and cheerful spirit.
“Whilst thus engaged in pleasant conversation, the cars arrived that
brought from Chicago the committee of the Convention appointed to
notify Mr. Lincoln of his nomination. He received them at the door,
and conducted them to seats in his parlor. On the reception of this
committee, Mr. Lincoln appeared somewhat embarrassed, but soon resumed
his wonted tranquillity and cheerfulness. At the proper time, Governor
Morgan, of New York, chairman of the committee, arose, and, with
becoming dignity, informed Mr. Lincoln that he and his fellows appeared
in behalf of the Convention in session at Chicago, to inform him that
he had that day been unanimously nominated to the office of President
of the United States; and asked his permission to report to that body
his acceptance of the nomination. Mr. Lincoln, with becoming modesty,
but very handsomely, replied that he felt his insufficiency for the
vast responsibilities which must devolve upon that office under the
impending circumstances of the times; but if God and his country
called for his services in that direction, he should shrink from no
duty that might be imposed upon him, and therefore he should not
decline the nomination.
“After this ceremony had passed, Mr. Lincoln remarked to the company,
that as an appropriate conclusion to an interview so important and
interesting as that which had just transpired, he supposed good manners
would require that he should treat the committee with something to
drink; and opening a door that led into a room in the rear, he called
out ‘Mary! Mary!’ A girl responded to the call, to whom Mr. Lincoln
spoke a few words in an under-tone, and, closing the door, returned
again to converse with his guests. In a few minutes the maiden entered,
bearing a large waiter, containing several glass tumblers, and a
large pitcher in the midst, and placed it upon the centre-table. Mr.
Lincoln arose, and gravely addressing the company, said: ‘Gentlemen,
we must pledge our mutual healths in the most healthy beverage which
God has given to man--it is the only beverage I have ever used or
allowed in my family, and I cannot conscientiously depart from it on
the present occasion--it is pure Adam’s ale from the spring;’ and,
taking a tumbler, he touched it to his lips, and pledged them his
highest respects in a cup of cold water. Of course, all his guests were
constrained to admire his consistency, and to join in his example.
“Mr. R., when he went to Chicago, had but little political sympathy
with the Republican Convention which nominated Mr. Lincoln; but when he
saw, as he did see for himself, his sturdy adherence to a high moral
principle, he returned an admirer of the man, and a zealous advocate of
his election.”