ln and Mr. Jewett,
an eminent lawyer in Chicago, whose name was earnestly pressed
upon him by the Senators from Illinois. I said that I had
known Mr. Lincoln pretty well when he was in President Garfield's
and Mr. Arthur's Cabinet, and thought very highly of him.
He was a very modest man indeed, never pressing any claim
to public consideration or office, either on his own account
or as his father's son, and never seeking responsibility.
But I had noticed that when he had anything to say or anything
to do, he always said or did the wisest and best thing to be
said or done under the circumstances. I do not know how
much influence what I said had, but it seemed to gratify
President Harrison exceedingly, and he stated that he was
strongly inclined to appoint Mr. Lincoln.

I was told the next morning he sent for the two Illinois
Senators, and told them that he had made up his mind to nominate
Mr. Lincoln, and that one of them, Senator Farwell, was exceedingly
offended. He was also much disturbed by President Harrison's
attitude in regard to the appointment of the postmaster at
Chicago. The result was that when President Harrison's name
came up for another nomination, Mr. Farwell was opposed to
him, and when he was with difficulty nominated for reelection,
the State of Illinois voted for Cleveland. Senator Cullom,
though not liking very well to have his opinion disregarded,
was more discreet. He did not see fit to make the exercise
of the President's rightful and Constitutional prerogative
a reason for breaking off his friendly relations with the
Administration, with whose principles he was in full accord.
This is an instance of President Harrison's want of tact.
I have little doubt that if, before finally announcing his
intention, he had sent for the Illinois Senators--as Abraham
Lincoln would have done, or as President McKinley would have
done--gone over the whole ground with them, and told them
his reasons and desire, they would have cheerfully acquiesced
in the conclusion to which he had come, and their friendship
with him would have been strengthened and not weakened.

After saying what was to be said about the English Mission,
I said to President Harrison: "We have a gentleman in Massachusetts,
whom I think it is very desirable indeed to place in some
important public service; that is Thomas Jefferson Coolidge.
He is a great-grandson of Mr. Jefferson." I said to the President
the substance of what I have ju