While in Washington we heard a good story in regard to Uncle
Abe and John B. Weller, “the Mexican killer.”
Weller was at Washington settling his accounts as Minster to
Mexico. After their adjustment, he
concluded to pay his respects to Mr. Lincoln, with whom he had served in
congress. He called at the Presidential
mansion, and was courteously received.
“Mr. President,” said Colonel Weller, “I have called on you
to say that I most heartily endorse the conservative position you have assumed
and will stand by you so long as you prosecute the war for the preservation of
the Union and the Constitution.”
“Colonel Weller, said the President, “I am heartily glad to
hear you say this.”
“Yes, Mr. President,” said Weller, “I desire an appointment
to aid in this work.”
“What do you want, Colonel?” asked Abraham.
“I desire to be appointed Commodore in the Navy,” said
Weller.
The President replied:
“Colonel, I did not think you had any experience as a
sailor.”
“I never had, Mr. President,” said Weller, “but judging from
the Brigadier Generals you have appointed in Ohio, the less experience a man
has the higher position he attains.”
Lincoln turned off, with a hearty laugh and said – “I owe
you one, Colonel.”
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2
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