During the Civil War Abraham Lincoln visited the hospitals and talked with

wounded soldiers. On one occasion a doctor told Lincoln that a wounded

soldier was near death.

Lincoln went to the soldier’s bed and asked, “Is there anything I can for

you?”

The wounded soldier didn’t recognized Lincoln, and he whispered, “Would you

write a letter to my mother?”

“Of course,” Lincoln answered.

Paper and pen were provided for Lincoln, and he began with the words: “My

dearest Mother, I’m badly hurt while doing my duty. I’m afraid that I’m not

going to recover. Don’t grieve too much for me. Kiss Mary and John for me.

May God bless you and Father…”

The wounded soldier was too weak to continue speaking. Lincoln signed the

letter and signed a postscript: “Written by Abraham Lincoln.”

The soldier asked to see the letter and was surprised. He asked, “Are you

really the president?”

Lincoln said, “Yes. Is there anything else I can for you?”

“Yes,” the soldier whispered. “Hold my hand.”

President Abraham Lincoln took the wounded soldier’s hand and spoke words

of hope until death came.



Roy Wetherington

Tifton