"It has been said by those most competent to judge, that Mr. Lincoln surpassed all orators in eloquence, all diplomats in wisdom, all statesmen in foresight, and this makes him and his name a power not to be resisted as a political prohibitionist. "We do not say much about it, for it is not necessary, but there were times and occasions when Mr. Lincoln came to be, in his administration, greater than law—when his wisdom was greater than the combined wisdom of all the people. The people, the law-makers had never comprehended the conditions and the situation that confronted him. He was as great as necessity, and our safety lay in the fact that he was as just as he was great, and as wise as he was just. Great in law, but greater in necessity. "God be praised for the great gifts he showered upon him; God be praised for the generous use he made of them. In the radiance of God's light and in the sunshine of his love from out the gates of pearl which were swung inward to his entrance by those who waited to welcome him thither, there opened to him that vast and bright eternity, vivid with God's love. We could wish for a moment the veil might be parted and we, too, could have vision that such labor shall be crowned with immortal rest. Hail, brother, and farewell." In a letter to me, of late date, Major Merwin writes: "None of us can get too many views of the good and great Lincoln, and the world grows better for all we know, or can learn of him.... I spoke in New Haven last Sunday evening in one of the largest churches in the old college town. The house was packed with Yale students and others. The subject was, 'Lincoln, the Christian Statesman,' emphasizing the religious phase of the man, much to the surprise of many present. This was the real source of his strength. He was larger than any or all so-called 'denominations,' and yet a multitude find both comfort and strength in these various divisions, and Lincoln's heart was glad it was so." It should have been stated, in connection with Mr. Merwin's temperance record in the army, that General Winfield Scott, after hearing several addresses made by Mr. Merwin from President Lincoln's carriage, to the regiments gathering in Washington, said to the President, "A man of such force and moral power to inspire courage, patriotism, faith, and obedience among the troops is worth more than a half-dozen regiments of raw recruits." As before stated, Mr. Merwin is now in his eightieth year, and resides at Middlefield, Connecticut. In his last letter to me, dated January 14, 1909, referring to the above paragraph, he says, "I am not now equal to 6,000 men, but am able to tell the story of the plain, great man, whose name is now, and ever will be a glory on the nation's brow." [Illustration: THE LINCOLN-BROONER GUN,