A Sentry Story

[NH Civil War Gal]

A sentry story is related by C.C. Buel.

It was a cold, blusterous winter night. Says Mr. Buel:

"Mr. Lincoln emerged from the front door, his lank figure bent over as he drew tightly about his shoulders the shawl which he employed for such protection; for he was on his way to the War Department, at the west corner of the grounds, where in times of battle he was wont to get the midnight dispatches from the field. As the blast struck him he thought of the numbness of the pacing sentry, and, turning to him, said: 'Young man, you've got a cold job to-night; step inside, and stand guard there.'

'My orders keep me out here,' the soldier replied.

'Yes,' said the President, in his argumentative tone; 'but your duty can be performed just as well inside as out here, and you'll oblige me by going in.'

'I have been stationed outside,' the soldier answered, and resumed his beat.

'Hold on there!' said Mr. Lincoln, as he turned back again; 'it occurs to me that I am Commander-in-Chief of the army, and I order you to go inside.'"

"Abe" Lincoln's Anecdotes and Stories
Compiled by R.D. Wordsworth, Page 95
The Mutual Book Company, 1908

"Abe" Lincoln's Yarns and Stories
By Colonel Alexander K. McClure, Page 382
Copyright by Henry Neil, 1901

 

[Ethan S.]

Well, you can't say no to the commander of all U.S. armies, and the United Sates himself, now can you? Kudos to the man who followed his orders, no matter how cold it was.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

That's another great Lincoln story. The more of these we hear the more clear it becomes exactly how lucky we were to have him. And why his giant image gazes over this country, as a reminder.

 

[Carronade]

Great story! Ironically the photo is of Lincoln clean-shaven, before he became President.

 

[FarawayFriend]

Hm, yes, probably a nice story.

But Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief should have known in what an embarrassing situation he brought the young sentry and also his superior officer.
That is what I will probably forever criticize in Lincoln, that he did bend rules and regulations as he pleased. He saw a young soldier shivering? Pah, just leave your post and get warm. A pretty woman wants a job for her husband - here she gets it, no matter if someone else had hoped to get that job but was less bold to send his wife. His son wants to "go soldiers" as so many other young men in his generation - okay, but best put him in a position where it is unlikely that he will see serious combat, because it would break his mother's heart...

While the Prussian King Frederic II saw himself as first servant of his state and submitted himself to the law, to me Lincoln seemed to be inclined to make rules and regulations fit his own ideas... nice for the people who benefitted, but who asked the ones who thought rules and orders are there to be obeyed and stayed on their cold post at night or applied correctly for a job or risked their life and their mother's broken heart while fighting on the frontline...?

Where does kindness and humanity end and abuse of office start?

 

[JOHN42768]

Hm, yes, probably a nice story.

But Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief should have known in what an embarrassing situation he brought the young sentry and also his superior officer.
That is what I will probably forever criticize in Lincoln, that he did bend rules and regulations as he pleased. He saw a young soldier shivering? Pah, just leave your post and get warm. A pretty woman wants a job for her husband - here she gets it, no matter if someone else had hoped to get that job but was less bold to send his wife. His son wants to "go soldiers" as so many other young men in his generation - okay, but best put him in a position where it is unlikely that he will see serious combat, because it would break his mother's heart...

While the Prussian King Frederic II saw himself as first servant of his state and submitted himself to the law, to me Lincoln seemed to be inclined to make rules and regulations fit his own ideas... nice for the people who benefitted, but who asked the ones who thought rules and orders are there to be obeyed and stayed on their cold post at night or applied correctly for a job or risked their life and their mother's broken heart while fighting on the frontline...?

Where does kindness and humanity end and abuse of office start?

I have to disagree. Any military personnel is sworn to obey any lawful command by a superior officer. A random act of kindness is hardly abuse of office. And yes, favoritism occurred before, then, now and probably always will. Rules were meant for structure to maintain order. A President has the authority to change many, not all, rules. This act was not changing any rule. His authority as Commander in Chief over ruled the previous command that the soldier was charged to carry out.

 

[byron ed]

...Where does kindness and humanity end and abuse of office start?

Well beyond Lincoln's having a bit of empathy for young soldier in the cold. How cynical to magnify that.

 

[Mrs. V]

A very nice story, meant to showcase Lincoln's connection to the common man. Whether it is true or not. Lincoln was that guy who would grab you and pull you inside and insist you had a hot toddy..on duty or not. And he'd take the heat from the commander of that person. How are you going to argue, "He was cold, and shivering, and I was safe enough"...Lincoln's great understanding of humanity is what made him a leader who was greatly loved, and feared. Why feared? He knew what he could do, and had no hesitation to do what he saw fit. That resoluteness of spirit made him a very dangerous man to his enemies.

 

[Seduzal]

Interesting story! Never heard or seen this before. Thanks for sharin.