Smith, Francis M. (1842-1917) [Anecdote about Lincoln's kindness towards a wounded Confederate soldier]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05603.01.18 Author/Creator: Smith, Francis M. (1842-1917) Place Written: s.l. Type: Typed document signed Date: no date Pagination: 2 p. ; 22.7 x 16.5 cm. Order a Copy
Signed as 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant, 1st Maryland Volunteer Infantry. Relates an incident at City Point hospital on 2 April 1865, where President Abraham Lincoln met a Confederate soldier and treated him with great kindness. After Lincoln left, the Confederate soldier asked "Who did you say that man was?" When he learned it was Lincoln, he declared that if other Confederates could meet Lincoln, they would lay down their arms and go home. According to Smith, the Confederate soldier exclaimed, "If God spares my life, I will never again raise my arms against the United States Government." See GLC05603.17 for the introductory letter. John E. Boos copied this statement from an April 11, 1865 letter to the editor in the National Tribune. The original letter was written by General Richard Bowerman and Boos asked Francis "Frank". Smith, who was also present that day, to verify the story.
Smith served 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant, 1st Maryland Volunteer Infantry.
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