Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>ON THE BLISTER-BENCH.</h3> <p>At the taking of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, 1862, the steamer <i>Valley City</i> was saved from blowing up by a gunner's-mate. This John Davis coolly sat on a powder-keg from which the top had been shot off, and was so found by an officer, who hastily censured him for his loafing--"bumming" during recess. But, on the reason for his taking his seat being pointed out, Davis was recommended for promotion. In countersigning the papers entitling him to the rank of gunner, at a thousand a year for life, the President mock-solemnly observed:</p> <p>"Metaphorically, we occupy the same position; <i>we</i> are sitting on the powder under fire!" <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />