Page:Six Months at the White House.djvu/212

Rh all they ask, I trust they will remember that has; and that as it seems He wills to do it. .'

"On New Year's day, 1865," wrote a correspondent of the New York "Independent," "a memorable incident occurred, of which the like was never before seen at the White House. I had noticed, at sundry times during the summer, the wild fervor and strange enthusiasm which our colored friends always manifest over the name of Abraham Lincoln.  His name with them seems to be associated with that of his namesake the Father of the Faithful.  In the great crowds which gather from time to time in front of the White House, in honor of the President, none shout so loudly or so wildly, and swing their hats with such utter abandon, while their eyes are beaming with the intensest joy, as do these simple-minded and grateful people.  I have often laughed heartily at these exhibitions.  But the scene yesterday excited far other emotions.  As I entered the door of the President's House, I noticed groups of colored people gathered here and there, who seemed to be watching earnestly the inpouring throng. For nearly two hours they hung around, until the crowd of white visitors began sensibly to diminish. Then they summoned up courage, and began timidly to approach the door. Some