President Abraham Lincoln often visited hospitals to

talk with wounded soldiers during the Civil War.

Once, doctors pointed out a young soldier who was

near death and Lincoln went over to his bedside. “Is

there anything I can do for you?” asked the President.

The soldier obviously didn’t recognize Lincoln,

and with some effort he was able to whisper, “Would

you please write a letter to my mother?” A pen and

paper were provided and the President carefully began

writing down what the young man was able to

say:

“My dearest mother, I was badly hurt while doing

my duty. I’m afraid I’m not going to recover. Don’t

grieve too much for me, please. Kiss Mary and John

for me. May God bless you and father.” The soldier

was too weak to continue, so Lincoln signed the letter

for him and added, “Written for your son by Abraham

Lincoln.”

The young man asked to see the note and was astonished

when he discovered who had written it. “Are

you really the President?” he asked. “Yes, I am.”

Lincoln replied quietly. Then he asked if there was

anything else he could do. “Would you please hold

my hand?” the soldier asked, “It will help to see me

through to the end.” In the hushed room, the tall

gaunt President took the boy’s hand in his and spoke

warm words of encouragement until death came.