Abraham Lincoln is one of the few persons, or even things, that I can remember from my early education. He was so impressive coming from a poor environment and having put so much importance on an education. Having failed to win public office several times, where he thought he could do some good for his country. Trying until he won. Than for him to run and be elected to the Presidency is one of those fairy tale stories. He was often chided for his awkward appearance. He has been an inspiration for many people including this writer who has often been impressed with his unique way of looking at things. For example during a very trying time when the Civil War was not going very well, His Secretary of Defense said, “We only have to pray that God will be on our side.” Abe came back with the following, “ No! We have to pray that we are on the Lord’s side.”
War is hell, and the Civil was one of the worst and most hellish because Americans were killing Americans. There were 620,000 men who lost their lives in the Civil War.
During war time, there are casualties other than in battle, the prison were disease ridden and thousands died while as prisoners of war. Another problem was falling asleep on guard duty. Men sleeping and preparing for the next day encounter are dependent on guards for protection. There was a young man who fell asleep on guard duty and about to be put to death by firing squad, there were some extenuating circumstances and when President Lincoln found out about it he wanted to know the circumstances. As soon as Mr. Lincoln understood the case, he signed a pardon, and sent it to the camp. The morning before the execution arrived, and the President had not heard whether the pardon had reached the officers in charge of the matter. He began to feel uneasy. He ordered a telegram to be sent to the camp, but received no answer. State papers could not fix his mind, nor could he banish the condemned soldier boy from his thoughts. At last, feeling that he MUST KNOW that the lad was safe, he ordered the carriage and rode rapidly ten miles over a dusty road and beneath a scorching sun. When he reached the camp he found that the pardon had been received and the execution stayed. The sentinel was released, and his heart was filled with lasting gratitude. When the campaign opened in the spring, the young man was with his regiment near Yorktown, Virginia. They were ordered to attack a fort, and he fell at the first volley of the enemy. His comrades caught him up and carried him bleeding and dying from the field. “Bear witness,” he said, “that I have proved myself not a coward, and I am not afraid to die.” Then, making a last effort, with his dying breath he prayed for Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was a great man!