Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to George G. Meade re: stay of execution for two Union privates
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06039 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 September 1863 Pagination: 1 p. 24.4 x 18.6 cm Order a Copy
Also requesting the facts of the cases. Signed twice (the second time on a postscript). Lincoln stays the execution for two privates, one whose name Lincoln can't remember in the 1st Regiment NJ Vols., and one of Private Daniel Sullivan in the 13th Mass. Sullivan had been sentenced to be shot for desertion. The other man has not been definitively identified but may be Daniel Drights (or Driggets) (1st NJ, convicted of desertion 17 Sept. 1863).
Notes: Printed in Basler 6:478.
Executive Mansion
Washington, Sep. 24, 1863
Major General Meade
Army of Potomac:
I am appealed to in favor of a private (name not remembered) in Co. D 1 Regt. New Jersey Volunteers, in 6th Corps, who is said to be under sentence to be shot tomorrow. Please give me briefly the facts of the case, including his age and your opinion on it.
A. Lincoln
P.S. Also give me a like statement in the case of Daniel Sullivan, of 13th Regt. of Massachusetts Vols. 1st Army Corps.
A. Lincoln
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