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- Oct 10, 2012
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During the bitter slavery debate in Congress, it was feared that many southern members would be attacked in the halls of Congress or on the streets of Washington. The fear spread to such an extent that there was located in the city an organization of one hundred southern men, known as the Minute Men for the sole purpose of protecting the Southern members. In this organization were two young men, both tall and commanding in appearance- John Hatcher of Virginia, six foot six in height and 220 llb, and another from North Carolina also above the normal height and weight.
It so happened on the day of the inauguration these two friends and several other members of the " Minute Men " were near the White House while the great throng of people formed in line to shake hands with the President. The one from North Carolina suggested that they get in line to pay their respects to the new president, to which all agreed except John Hatcher, who declared he would never shake hands with Mr Lincoln, as he was unfriendly with the South. Mr Hatcher was urged to go with them. He finally consented but declared " He would not shake the hand of old Abe Lincoln."
The other replied, " We are going to shake hands with Mr Lincoln; and I will wager you the finest suit of clothes to be purchased in this city that you cannot pass by Mr Lincoln and carry out your purpose."
" Agreed " said the tall and handsome John Hatcher.
With this compact they fell in line, John Hatcher in the lead, his head erect, and determination shown in every line on his face. As he approached Mr Lincoln, the retiring President Buchanan, took him by the hand, shook it cordially, and after receiving his name, turned to introduce him to Lincoln. To the surprise of Lincoln and Buchanan, Hatcher suddenly withdrew his hand, letting it drop by his side, and began to move on without greeting Mr Lincoln or even looking on his face. Mr Lincoln, grasping the situation instantly, moving a little to the right extended his arm in front of Hatcher, and with a smile, said: " No man who is taller and handsomer than I am can pass by me today without shaking hands with me."
It had been reported that an attempt would be made to do the president bodily harm and possibly this caused Mr Lincoln to think Hatcher's act was only the beginning of some trouble that was to follow.
After the young friends left the White House, the North Carolinian said " John, I have won the suit of clothes."
" Yes, " replied John; " but who could refuse to shake hands with a man who would leave his position and put his hand in front of you and use such complimentary language as Mr Lincoln did?"
" I have won the suit of clothes fairly," replied the friend; " but I will not take the wager, because you surrendered like a courteous Southern gentleman and shook the hand of the new President, as all Americans should do."
C. B. Edwards
During the bitter slavery debate in Congress, it was feared that many southern members would be attacked in the halls of Congress or on the streets of Washington. The fear spread to such an extent that there was located in the city an organization of one hundred southern men, known as the Minute Men for the sole purpose of protecting the Southern members. In this organization were two young men, both tall and commanding in appearance- John Hatcher of Virginia, six foot six in height and 220 llb, and another from North Carolina also above the normal height and weight.
It so happened on the day of the inauguration these two friends and several other members of the " Minute Men " were near the White House while the great throng of people formed in line to shake hands with the President. The one from North Carolina suggested that they get in line to pay their respects to the new president, to which all agreed except John Hatcher, who declared he would never shake hands with Mr Lincoln, as he was unfriendly with the South. Mr Hatcher was urged to go with them. He finally consented but declared " He would not shake the hand of old Abe Lincoln."
The other replied, " We are going to shake hands with Mr Lincoln; and I will wager you the finest suit of clothes to be purchased in this city that you cannot pass by Mr Lincoln and carry out your purpose."
" Agreed " said the tall and handsome John Hatcher.
With this compact they fell in line, John Hatcher in the lead, his head erect, and determination shown in every line on his face. As he approached Mr Lincoln, the retiring President Buchanan, took him by the hand, shook it cordially, and after receiving his name, turned to introduce him to Lincoln. To the surprise of Lincoln and Buchanan, Hatcher suddenly withdrew his hand, letting it drop by his side, and began to move on without greeting Mr Lincoln or even looking on his face. Mr Lincoln, grasping the situation instantly, moving a little to the right extended his arm in front of Hatcher, and with a smile, said: " No man who is taller and handsomer than I am can pass by me today without shaking hands with me."
It had been reported that an attempt would be made to do the president bodily harm and possibly this caused Mr Lincoln to think Hatcher's act was only the beginning of some trouble that was to follow.
After the young friends left the White House, the North Carolinian said " John, I have won the suit of clothes."
" Yes, " replied John; " but who could refuse to shake hands with a man who would leave his position and put his hand in front of you and use such complimentary language as Mr Lincoln did?"
" I have won the suit of clothes fairly," replied the friend; " but I will not take the wager, because you surrendered like a courteous Southern gentleman and shook the hand of the new President, as all Americans should do."
C. B. Edwards
Bringing the