enthusiasm and it has been
growing upon me. I thought then, and I am confident now, it is just what
we want. I am sure that the Monitor is still afloat, and that she will
yet give a good account of herself. Sometimes I think she may be the
veritable sling with a stone that will yet smite the Merrimac Philistine
in the forehead."

Soon was the President's judgment verified, for the "Fight of the
Monitor and Merrimac" changed all the conditions of naval warfare.

After the victory was gained, the presiding Captain Fox and others went
on board the Monitor, and Captain Worden was requested by the President
to narrate the history of the encounter.

Captain Worden did so in a modest manner, and apologized for not being
able better to provide for his guests. The President smilingly responded
"Some charitable people say that old Bourbon is an indispensable element
in the fighting qualities of some of our generals in the field, but,
Captain, after the account that we have heard to-day, no one will say
that any Dutch courage is needed on board the Monitor."

"It never has been, sir," modestly observed the captain.

Captain Fox then gave a description of what he saw of the engagement and
described it as indescribably grand. Then, turning to the President, he
continued, "Now standing here on the deck of this battle-scarred
vessel, the first genuine iron-clad--the victor in the first fight
of iron-clads--let me make a confession, and perform an act of simple
justice.

"I never fully believed in armored vessels until I saw this battle.

"I know all the facts which united to give us the Monitor. I withhold no
credit from Captain Ericsson, her inventor, but I know that the country
is principally indebted for the construction of the vessel to President
Lincoln, and for the success of her trial to Captain Worden, her
commander."

HER ONLY IMPERFECTION.

At one time a certain Major Hill charged Lincoln with making defamatory
remarks regarding Mrs. Hill.

Hill was insulting in his language to Lincoln who never lost his temper.

When he saw his chance to edge a word in, Lincoln denied emphatically
using the language or anything like that attributed to him.

He entertained, he insisted, a high regard for Mrs. Hill, and the only
thing he knew to her discredit was the fact that she was Major Hill's
wife.

THE OLD LADY'S PROPHECY.

Among those who called to congratulate Mr. Lincoln upon his nomination
for Presiden