The soldiers who were bearing the heat and burden of the war always
held a near place in Mr. Lincoln’s heart and sympathy. Upon one
occasion, when he had just written a pardon for a young soldier who
had been condemned by court-martial to be shot for sleeping at the post
as a sentinel, Mr. Lincoln remarked:
“I could not think of going into eternity with the blood of that poor
young man on my skirts. It is not to be wondered at that a boy raised
on a farm, probably in the habit of going to bed at dark, should, when
required to watch, fall asleep; and I cannot consent to shoot him for
such an act.” The Rev. Newman Hall, in his funeral sermon upon Mr.
Lincoln, said that this young soldier was found dead on the field of
Fredericksburg with Mr. Lincoln’s photograph next to his heart, on
which he had inscribed, “God bless President Lincoln.”
At another time there were twenty-four deserters sentenced to be shot,
and the warrants for their execution were sent to the President to be
signed. He refused, and the general of the division went to Washington
to see Mr. Lincoln. At the interview he said to the President that
unless these men were made an example of, the army itself would be
in danger. Mercy to the few is cruelty to the many. But Mr. Lincoln
replied: “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.”
“I am astonished at you, Ward,” said Mr. Lincoln; “you ought to have
known better. Hereafter, when you have to hit a man, use a club and not
your fist.”