Page:Behind the scenes, or, Thirty years a slave and four years in the White House.djvu/147

Rh dent, demands that I should not hesitate any longer to act." Mrs. Lincoln kept her word. Ever after this, she either led the promenade with the President, or the President walked alone or with a gentleman. The change was much remarked, but the reason why it was made, I believe, was never generally known. In 1864 much doubt existed in regard to the re-election of Mr. Lincoln, and the "White House was besieged by all grades of politicians. Mrs. Lincoln was often blamed for having a certain class of men around her. "I have an object in view, Lizabeth," she said to me in reference to this matter. "In a political canvass it is policy to cultivate every element of strength. These men have influence, and we require influence to re-elect Mr. Lincoln. I will be clever to them until after the election, and then, if we remain at the White House, I will drop every one of them, and let them know very 7