The Republican

February 13, 1903

 

LINCOLN’S NARROW ESCAPE.

Fiendish Plot to Inoculate Him with the Smallpox.

 

            The demand for an additional bodyguard around the White House recalls an incident of the civil war within the memory of many residents. During the exciting period of ’61 great fears were entertained for the safety of the President, and every precaution was taken to insure his personal protection.

            One morning there appeared at the White House a woman, closely veiled, demanding an immediate interview with Mr. Lincoln.  Approaching Messenger Perkins, who guarded the door of Mr. Lincoln’s private office, the visitor made known her request and pleaded earnestly that she be admitted to a personal interview.  The doorkeeper’s orders were, however, very strict, and finding her eloquence all in vain, she finally compromised by confiding her message to the courteous but firm employee.  Taking him to one side, the veiled lady took both is hands in hers and tenderly rubbed them as she extracted a promise that he would immediately deliver her request to the President. Perkins was almost overcome by a most peculiar odor that appeared to emanate from his companion, and hastened to get rid of her without creating a scene.

            No sooner had he accomplished this than he confided to one of the household the effect produced upon him while in conversation with the importunate visitor.  A physician who was present promptly divined the truth and instituted a search for the woman, when it was learned that she had driven rapidly away in a carriage, and all trace was lost.  Perkins was immediately ordered to return to his home and await developments.

            Within the usual period he was taken ill with one of the worst cases of virulent smallpox on record, and for weeks lay upon the point of death.  Upon his recovery the faithful messenger, whose devotion to duty doubtless saved the life of the President, was appointed by Mr. Lincoln to a permanent position on the clerical force of the War Department, which office he has continued to hold up to this date, being one of the most efficient clerks on the rolls.