A Western senator bothered the President about a client of his for back
pay of a dubious nature. Lincoln responded with one of his evasive
answers--that is, "a little story":
"Years ago, when imprisonment for debt was legal, a poor fellow was
sent to jail by his creditor, and compelled to serve out his debt at
the rate of a dollar and a half a day.
"When the sentence had expired, he informed the jailer of the fact and
asked to be released. The jailer insisted on keeping him four days
longer. Upon making up his statement, however, he found that the man
was right. The prisoner then demanded not only a receipt in full for
his debt, but also payment for four days' extra service, amounting to
six dollars, which he declared the county owed him. Now," concluded
Lincoln, "I think that county would be about as likely to pay this
man's claim as this government will be to pay your friend's claim for
back pay."--(Told before Colonel Noteware, of Colorado, a Western
senator, and a congressman.)
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