Abraham Lincoln - The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VI (Chap. 2.63) lyrics

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 d**h, 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.]