Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>"IF I HAD AS MUCH MONEY AND WAS AS BADLY SKEERED----"</h3> <p>In March, 1862, after her terrifying exploits, the <i>Merrimac</i> ram was reported to have escaped to sea and was seeking fresh prey to devour. The Eastern seaports were in a panic. A deputation of New York's merchant princes, bullion barons, and plutocrats generally, representing "a hundred millions," was the rumor heralding their "rush" visit to the capital, arrived at the White House.</p> <p>The spokesman faltered that the great metropolis was in peril, that treasures were involved by the apprehension, and that, in brief, the government ought to take measures to defend the Empire City from the spite of this irresistible ocean-terror.</p> <p>At the conclusion, the patient hearer responded:</p> <p>"Well, gentlemen, the government has at present no vessel which can sink this <i>Merrimac</i>. (They were not, for state reasons, to know what the sly fox had up his sleeve.) The government is pretty poor; its credit is not good; its legal-tender notes are worth only forty cents on your Wall Street; and we have to pay you a high rate of interest on our loans. Now, if I were in your place, and had as much money as you represent, and was as badly <i>skeered</i> as you say you are--I'd go right back to New York and build some war-vessels and present them to the government."--(Authenticated by Schuyler Colfax, afterward vice-president under General Grant; and by Judge Davis, who presented the delegation.) <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />