Wilson, Douglas L., ed.; Davis, Rodney O., ed.; Bateman, Newton. 'Newton Bateman (William H. Herndon Interview)' in 'Herndon's Informants: Letters, Interviews, and Statements About Abraham Lincoln' . Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1998. [format: book], [genre: interview]. Permission: University of Illinois Press
Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=herndon436b.html

[1865—66]

Newton Bateman

Says that Mr. Lincoln moved his office or what not down to the State House in the Govorners room, just after he was nominated—long before he was elected. The one I occupied was the reception room—just north of Mr. Lincoln's—a door between us—Lincoln came to his office about 9 or 10 o'clock A.M.—sometimes sooner—in the Governor's room about 7 months—Wood ^[2] was Gov'n.

Lincoln stayed in the office till January and part of it—then moved to Johnson's building No. 3—in Jan'y 1861. The question of Religion discussed by Mr. L. and myself was in Oct.—late in Oct. 1860—put it down in writing—a kind of general points—not precise—didn't write out in particular and full till after Mr. L. was assassinated. His attention was occupied all the time—run

to death—hardly had more visitors at Washington.—Rankin ^[3] a Mississippi [blank space] came to see Mr. Lincoln—heard this conversation—The Col. said—If the [blank space] could only hear your conversation &c—all would be right.

One of Mr. Lincoln's friends—said on seeing Mr. Lincoln—"Well—how do you do, Mr. President," "Not yet President—better not count the chickens till they are hatched," said Mr. Lincoln. "Well, but Mr. Pres'd't they are [blank space] replied the man.

Huntington Library: LN2408, 2:175—76

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