<h3>A BATTLE OF ROSES.</h3>
<p>At every reverse to the Unionists, the more or less secret
sympathizers with the seceders reiterated the cry that gentler
measures should be used against "our erring brothers." To one such
pleader, the President severely, but humorously, responded, in
writing:</p>
<p>"Would you have me drop the war where it is, or would you prosecute
it in future with elder-stalk squirts charged with rose-water?"</p>
<p>Mr. Lincoln may or may not have said this and thus--but he certainly
<i>wrote</i> it, for which see his letter to C. Bullitt, July 28,
1862. Guns of elder squirts are mentioned by his dear Shakespeare.
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