passed in each was mostly during the hours of darkness, when
there was little opportunity of seeing anything.

"In Washington I was fortunate enough to see our worthy
President. We were marching down Pennsylvania Avenue at the time.
On the opposite side of the street we descried a very tall man,
of slender figure, walking thoughtfully along, not appearing to
notice what was passing around him.

"The officer in command turned and said: 'Boys, look sharp. That
is Abraham Lincoln, across the way.'

"Of course, we all looked eagerly toward the man of whom we had
heard so much.

"I could not help thinking how great a responsibility rests upon
this man--to how great an extent the welfare and destinies of our
beloved country depend upon his patriotic course.

"As I noticed his features, which, plain as they are, bear the
unmistakable marks of a shrewd benevolence, and evince also, as I
think, acute and original powers of mind, I felt reassured. I
could not help saying to myself: 'This man is at least honest,
and if he does not carry us in safety through this tremendous
crisis, it will not be for the lack of an honest determination to
do his duty.'

"And now let me attempt to give you a picture of our present
situation, with some account of the way we live.