Marrying a Man Without His Consent
Major Hoxsey, Excelsior (N. Y.) Brigade, wounded in the Fighting Joe Hooker division, could not accept a commission in the army, but wished to be put upon the staff of the volunteers, as he could not walk. He was upheld in his desire by Adjutant-general Hamlin, who accompanied him to the President. They were both asked to sit while the authority consulted the Congressional laws. Staff appointments could not be heard by the President unless the general commanding the desired rank was approving.
“I have no more power to appoint you without that request,” said the President, “than I would have to marry a woman to any man she might desire for a husband without his consent!”—(By General Charles Hamlin.)
“A LUXURY TO SEE ONE WHO WANTS NOTHING.”
Senator Depew was secretary of New York State in 1864, under Governor Seymour. He had to wait upon President Lincoln, reelected, to harmonize the calls for men, as his State was split on the accusation that the draft favored one party above the other. His official business finished, Secretary Depew called to bid farewell. Lincoln was not holding a reception, but sitting in that study accessible to the public, that never was a public man’s sanctum before—or after. He was intruded upon all the time, as he let the door remain wide open. (Old New Yorkers may recall P. T. Barnum, the showman’s, similar habit.) Every now and then some petitioners would make a desperate rush in and, on seeing they were not repelled by order or by the ushers’ own initiative, others would be emboldened to do the same. The New Yorker no sooner took this cue than the besieged man perceived him.
“Hello, Depew! what do you want?” was his hail.
“Nothing, Mr. President, save to pay my respects to you, as I am going home.”
“Stay! it is such a luxury to see any one who does not want anything!”
He had the room cleared and discussed the war, interspersing the dialogue with apposite stories.—(Told by Senator C. M. Depew.)