In 1861, the badgered President had so novel an application that he
wrote the annexed note to facilitate its harvest:
"To Major Ramsey: The lady--bearer of this--says she has two sons who
want to work. Set them at it, if possible. Wanting to work is so rare a
merit that it should be encouraged."
* * * * *
"BUT AARON GOT HIS COMMISSION!"
To animadversion on the President appointing to a post one who had
zealously opposed his reelection, he replied:
"Well, I allow that Judge E----, having been disappointed before, did
behave pretty 'ugly,' but that would not make him any less fit for the
place; and I think I have scriptural authority for appointing him. You
remember when the Lord was on Mount Sinai getting out a commission for
Aaron, said Aaron was at the foot of the mountain, making a false god
for the people to worship? Yet Aaron got his commission, you know."
* * * * *