Daily Story
Fredericksburg
I [John Cochrane] recall the forcible illustration with which President Lincoln characterized the fatal facility of the Rapahannock transit, when I subsequently described to him the particulars: [of the defeat at Fredericksbrug].
“Well,” he said, “I thought the case was suspicious. It reminded me of a young acquaintance out in Illinois, who, having secured the affections of a lass, was proceeding to her father for his permission to marry her, when he saw him plowing in a field.”
“Hall,” cried the impatient youth, “I want your darter.”
“Take her,” said the old man, as without turning, he trudged after the plow.
“A little too easy,” exclaimed the prudent swain, scratching his head, “a little too darned easy.”
Emanuel Hertz, Anecdotes By & About Abraham Lincoln, p. 470.
Emanuel Hertz, Anecdotes By & About Abraham Lincoln, p. 155.