The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 6: 1862-1863


A. LINCOLN.





TELEGRAM TO OFFICER IN COMMAND AT NASHVILLE.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, April 11,1863.

OFFICER IN COMMAND at Nashville, Tenn: Is there a soldier by the name of John R. Minnick of Wynkoop's cavalry under sentence of death, by a court-martial or military commission, in Nashville? And if so what was his offense, and when is he to be executed?

A. LINCOLN.

If necessary let the execution be staid till I can be heard from again.

A. LINCOLN.

     [President Lincoln sent many telegrams similar in form to
     this one in order to avoid tiresome repetition the editor
     has omitted all those without especial interest.  Hardly a
     day went by that there were not people in the White House
     begging mercy for a sentenced soldier.  A mother one day,
     pleaded with Lincoln to remit the sentence of execution on
     her son. "Well, I don't think it will do him a bit of good"
     said Mr. Lincoln—"Pardoned." D.W.]

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