Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-11-24
President Lincoln in the Hospitals.
To the Editor Of the Independent:

To the Editor Of the Independent:
On the Monday before his death, when
our late beloved President was on his return
from Richmond. he stopped at City Point Call
ing upon the head Surgeon at that place. Mr..
Lincoln told him that he wished TO visit all the
hospitals under his charge, and shake hands
with every soldier. The surgeon asked the Pres
ident if he knew what task be was undertake
ing, and told him that there were then between
five and six thousand soldiers at that place, and
il would be quite tax upon his strength 10 Wis
it all the wards and shake hands with every sol
der. Mr.. Lincoln answered, with smile, that
he guessed he Was equal TO the task; at any
rate he would try, and 60 as far as he could; be
should never probably Sc the boys sgain.
and he wanted them to know that he appreciat-
ed what they had done for their country
Finding it useless TO try to dissuade him, the
surgeon began his rounds with the President,
who walked from bed to bed, extending his hand
to all, saying few words Of sympathy to some,
making kind inquiries of others. and welcomed
by all with the heartiest cordislity.
As they passed along, they came to ward in
which lay rebel, who had been wounded, and
was a prisoner. As the tall figure Of the kindly
visitor appeared in sight, he was recognized by
the rebel soldier, who, raising himself on his ell
bow in bed. watched Mr.. Lincoln as he approach
ed, and. extending his hand, exclaimed, while
tears ran down his cheeks Mr.. Lincoln,
have long wanted TO see you, TO ask youI for
giveness for ever raising my had against the old
flag" Mr.. Lincoln was moved 10 tears. He
heartily shook the hand Of the repentant rebel.
and assured him of his good will. and, with a
few words Of kind advice, passed on.
After some hours the tour Of the various hos
pitals was made, and Mr. Lincoln returned with
the surgeon to his Office. They had scarcely en-
tered, however, when a messenger came. saying
that one ward had been omitted, and 1.-the boys
wanted to see Mr.. Lincoln. The surgeon, who
was thoroughly tired, and knew that Mr.. Lin
coin must be, tired TO dissuAde him from going;
but the good man said he must 90 back, he would
not knowingly omit one, 1.-The boys would be
so disappointed. So he went with the messen-
ger, accompanied by the surgeon, and shook
hands with the gratifed soldiers, and then re-
turned again to the office The surgeon expires
sed the fear that Mr.. Lincoln's arm would be
famed with so much hsnd-shsking saying that
II certainly must ache. Mr. Lincoln smiled,
ard saying something about his ''strong mus
cles, stepped out at the open door, took up a
very large. heavy axe, which lay there by log
Of wood, and chopped vigorously for few min
utes, sending the chips flying in all directions
and then, pausing, he extended his right arm
10 It's full length, holding the ak out horizontally
without its even quiyering as he held it. Strong
men, who looked On-men accustomed TO manu-
al labor-cOuld not hold the same axe in that po-
sition for a moment. Returning to the office,
be took glass Of lemonade, for he would take
no stronger beverage; and while he was within.
the chips he hsd chopped were gathered up and
safely cared for by a hospital steward. because
they were ''the chips that Father Abraham
chopped
In a few more hours more, the beloved Presi-
dent was at home in Washington; in a few days
more be had passed away, and a bereaved ma
ton was in mourning.
HW.