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or more properly lecture, which I think was announced by the title of “Drifting about.”
Comic imitations of various characters were given, among others that of a stammering man, which appeared greatly to amuse Mr. Lincoln.
I could only now and then catch a word of the burlesque, but the voice and ringing laugh of the President were perfectly distinguishable.
When the “lecture” ceased, Mr. Lincoln said, “I want to offer a suggestion.
I once knew a man who invariably ‘whistled’ with his stammering,” and he then gave an imitation.
“Now,” he continued, “if you could get in a touch of nature like that it would be irresistibly ludicrous.”
“Pipes” applauded the amendment, rehearsing it several times, until he had mastered it to the President's satisfaction; and I dare say the innovation became a part of all subsequent performances.
About this period numerous delegations from various religious bodies and associations thronged the White House.
Among the number none met so cordial a reception as that of the “Christian Commission,” composed of volunteer clergymen who had just returned from the Wilderness battleground.
In the brief address by the chairman of the occasion, he stated that the group before the President embraced those who had been first on the field to offer aid and refreshments to the wounded of that terrible series of battles.
In reply Mr. Lincoln expressed his appreciation of the
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