Francis B. Carpenter, Six Months at the White House

[297] said good-humoredly, “are you not ahead of time?” Mr. Ford showed his watch, with the pointers upon the hour of six. “Well,” replied Mr. Lincoln, “I have been so busy to-day that I have not had time to get a lunch. Go in and sit down; I will be back directly.”

Mr. Ford made the young woman accompany him into the office, and when they were seated, said to her: “Now, my good girl, I want you to muster all the courage you have in the world. When the President comes back he will sit down in that arm-chair. I shall get up to speak to him, and as I do so you must force yourself between us, and insist upon his examination of your papers, telling him it is a case of life and death, and admits of no delay.” These instructions were carried out to the letter. Mr. Lincoln was at first somewhat surprised at the apparent forwardness of the young woman, but observing her distressed appearance, he ceased conversation with his friend, and commenced an examination of the document she had placed in his hands. Glancing from it to the face of the petitioner, whose tears had broken forth afresh, he studied its expression for a moment, and then his eye fell upon her scanty but neat dress. Instantly his face lighted up. “My poor girl,” said he, “you have come here with no governor, or senator, or member of congress, to plead your cause. You seem honest and truthful; and” with much emphasis--“you don't wear ‘hoops;’ ”