Note 7 — LI.

Mr. Lincoln’s friend Brooks, of the Sacramento Union, has given to the public a somewhat different version of this story, placing its occurrence on the day of the election in 1860. The account, as I have given it, was written before I had seen that by Mr. Brooks, and is very nearly as Hay and myself heard it,—the incident making a powerful impression upon my mind. I am quite confident that Mr. Lincoln said it occurred the day he was first nominated; for he related it to us a few hours after having received intelligence of his renomination, saying, “I am reminded of it to-night.” It is possible, however, that I am mistaken in the date. Mr. Brooks’s statement that “Mrs. Lincoln” was “troubled” about it, regarding it as a “sign that Mr. Lincoln would be reëlected, but would not live through his second term,” is undoubtedly correct.