Lincoln Guessed the First Time
Postmaster-General James reflects a dialogue between Lincoln and one of his Cabinet officers, evincing how the iron hand in the velvet glove squeezed persons into his own mold.
“Mr. President”—Secretary Stanton speaking—“I cannot carry out that order! It is improper, and I don’t believe it is right.”
“Well, I reckon, Mr. Secretary”—very gently—“that you will hev to carry it out.”
“But I won’t do it—it’s all wrong!”
“I guess you will hev to do it!”
He guessed right, the first time.