On the President, indefatigable in visiting the soldiers anywhere to
see "how the boys are getting on," telling the head surgeon at City
Point Hospital that he had come to shake hands with _all_ the inmates,
the medical authority demurred. There were several thousands in the
wards, and any man would be tired before he had gone the grand rounds.
"I think," protested Lincoln, with his set smile and dogged
determination to have his own way, "I am quite equal to the task. At
any rate, I can try, and go as far as I can!"
It was on this, at another time--there were many of them, alas!--that
it being found that the patients in one ward were clamoring because
they had been passed over, he insisted on shaking off the fag and going
to pay them respect also.
"The brave boys must not be disappointed in their 'Father Abraham!'"
* * * * *