Just Trivia

[RJNorton]

Wonderful question, Michael! Here is the original source. It's in a letter from John S. Bliss to William H. Herndon, January 29, 1867:

"Willie, his son, came in and begged his father for twenty-
five cents. 'My son,' said the father, 'what do you want
with twenty-five cents?' 'I want it to buy candy with,'
cried the boy. 'I cannot give you twenty-five cents, my son,
but will give you five cents,' at the same time putting his
thumb and finger into his vest pocket and taking therefrom
five cents in silver, which he placed upon the desk before
the boy. But this did not reach Willie's expectations; he
scorned the pile, and turning away clambered down-stairs and
through the spacious halls of the Capitol, leaving behind
him his five cents and a distinct reverberation of sound.
Mr. Lincoln turned to me and said, 'He will be back after
that in a few minutes.' 'Why do you think so?' said I.
'Because, as soon as he finds I will give him no more he
will come and get it.' After the matter had been nearly
forgotten and conversation had turned in an entirely
different channel, Willie came cautiously in behind my chair
and that of his father, picked up the specie, and went away
without saying a word."

http://www.hellenicaworld.com/USA/Litera...coln2.html