When Lincoln was on his way to the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, an
old gentleman told him that his only son fell on Little Round Top at
Gettysburg, and he was going to look at the spot. Mr. Lincoln replied:
“You have been called on to make a terrible sacrifice for the Union, and
a visit to that spot, I fear, will open your wounds afresh.
“But, oh, my dear sir, if we had reached the end of such sacrifices,
and had nothing left for us to do but to place garlands on the graves
of those who have already fallen, we could give thanks even amidst our
tears; but when I think of the sacrifices of life yet to be offered, and
the hearts and homes yet to be made desolate before this dreadful war is
over, my heart is like lead within me, and I feel at times like hiding
in deep darkness.” At one of the stopping places of the train, a very
beautiful child, having a bunch of rosebuds in her hand, was lifted up
to an open window of the President’s car. “Floweth for the President.”
The President stepped to the window, took the rosebuds, bent down and
kissed the child, saying, “You are a sweet little rosebud yourself. I
hope your life will open into perpetual beauty and goodness.”