Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>THE GOOD BOY GETS ON.</h3> <p>According to White House etiquette, as a congressman and a senator, Wilson and Rice, called together on the President, they were admitted in company. As they were readmitted from the anteroom a boy of about twelve, on the lookout, slipped in with them. After the salutations the host became absorbed in the intruder, as he was always interested in the young.</p> <p>But the two gentlemen were unable to answer the natural question:</p> <p>"Who is this little boy?"</p> <p>But the boy could speak for himself, and instantly said that he was "a good boy," come to Washington in the hope of becoming a page in the House of Representatives. The President began to say that Captain Goodenow, head doorkeeper there, was the proper person to make that application to, as he had nothing to do with such appointments. But the good little boy pulled out his credentials, from his folks, the squire, and the parson and schoolmaster, and they stated not only that he was good, but good to his widow mother, and wanted to help the needy family. The President called the boy up to him, studied him, and wrote on his petition:</p> <p class="ind"> &nbsp;&nbsp;"If Captain Goodenow can give this good boy a place,<br/> &nbsp;&nbsp;it will oblige A. LINCOLN."</p> <p>(Vouched for by Alexander H. Rice, member of Congress, and ex-governor of Massachusetts.) <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />