Abraham Lincoln — The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VI Chap. 2.63

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 death, 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.        &nbsp[President Lincoln sent many telegrams similar in form to        &nbspthis one in order to avoid tiresome repetition the editor        &nbsphas omitted all those without especial interest. Hardly a        &nbspday went by that there were not people in the White House        &nbspbegging mercy for a sentenced soldier. A mother one day,        &nbsppleaded with Lincoln to remit the sentence of execution on        &nbsp her son. "Well, I don't think it will do him a bit of good"        &nbspsaid Mr. Lincoln—"Pardoned." D.W.]