One of them calls me 'the slave hound of Illinois.' I'd like to meet that man, for I guess he must be a humorist." Mr.Seward leaned forward and spoke earnestly.

"Mr.President, no man values your great qualities more than I do or reprobates more heartily such vulgar libels.

But it is true that you lack executive experience.
I have been the Governor of the biggest State in the Union, and possess some knowledge of the task.

It is all at your service.

Will you not allow me to ease your burden ?" Lincoln smiled down kindly upon the other.