of our
party at the old Bates House in Indianapolis. When we entered the hotel
I set the bag down with the other luggage, which was all removed to a
room back of the clerk's desk.

"As soon as I missed the valise I went right to father, in great
distress of mind. He ordered a search made. We were naturally much
alarmed, for it was the only copy he had of his inaugural address, which
he had carefully written before leaving Springfield. Of course, he added
certain parts after reaching Washington. The missing bag was soon found
in a safe place.

"Instead of taking out the precious manuscript and stuffing it into his
own pocket, father handed it right back to me, saying:

"'There, Bob, see if you can't take better care of it this time'--and
you may be sure I was true to the trust he placed in me. Why, I hardly
let that precious gripsack get out of my sight during my waking hours
all the rest of the long roundabout journey to Washington."

THE TERRIBLE LONELINESS AFTER WILLIE DIED

The death of Willie, who was nearly three years older than Tad, early in
1862, during their first year in the White House, nearly broke his
father's heart. It was said that Mr. Lincoln never recovered from that
bereavement. It made him yearn the more tenderly over his youngest son
who sadly missed the brother who had been his constant companion.

It was natural for a lad who was so much indulged to take advantage of
his freedom. Tad had a slight impediment in his speech which made the
street urchins laugh at him, and even cabinet members, because they
could not understand him, considered him a little nuisance. So Tad,
though known as "the child of the nation," and greatly beloved and
petted by those who knew him for a lovable affectionate child, found
himself alone in a class by himself, and against all classes of people.

TURNING THE HOSE ON HIGH OFFICIALS

He illustrated this spirit one day by getting hold of the hose and
turning it on some dignified State officials, several army officers, and
finally on a soldier on guard who was ordered to charge and take
possession of that water battery. Although that little escapade appealed
to the President's sense of humor, for he himself liked nothing better
than to take generals and pompous officials down "a peg or two," Tad got
well spanked for the havoc he wrought that day.

BREAKING INTO A CABINET MEETING

The members of the President's cabinet had reason to be annoyed by the
boy's