A Union officer in conversation one day told this story:
“The first week I was with my command there were twenty-four deserters
sentenced by court-martial to be shot, and the warrants for their
execution were sent to the President to be signed. He refused.
“I went to Washington and had an interview. I said:
“‘Mr. President, unless these men are made an example of, the army
itself is in danger. Mercy to the few is cruelty to the many.’
“He replied: ‘Mr. General, there are already too many weeping widows in
the United States. For God’s sake, don’t ask me to add to the number,
for I won’t do it.’”