<h3>"HANG ON--NOT HANG!"</h3>
<p>On April 11, 1865, Mr. Lincoln spoke out of his study window to
an immense and joyous crowd. There were rockets, and portfire, and
a huge bonfire, while the President was serenaded. The finish of
the Rebellion delighted all persons. His offhand speech was full
of compassion and brotherly love. Louisiana was already being
"reconstructed." Mr. Harlan, who followed the chief, touched the
major key: "What shall we do with the rebels?" To which the mob
responded hoarsely:</p>
<p>"Hang them!"</p>
<p>Lincoln's little son, Tad, was in the room, playing with the quills
on the table where his father made his notes. He looked at his father,
and said, as one whose intimacy made him familiar with his inmost
thoughts:</p>
<p>"No, papa; not hang them--but <i>hang on</i> to them!"</p>
<p>The President triumphantly repeated:</p>
<p>"We must hang on to them! Tad's got it!"--(By Mrs. H. McCulloch,
present.)
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