If he had lived, Abraham Lincoln would be 211 years old today. In its February 26, 1870 issue Harper’s Weekly pictured a new statue of Abraham for Union Square in New York City and recounted the story of President Lincoln pardon of the “sleeping sentinel,” William Scott.
Saved the Union
Harper’s Weekly February 26, 1870
asleep at the Chain Bridge
reprieve
According to Wikipedia, Carl Sandburg debunked part of the William Scott story: no dramatic last words, no dramatic presidential ride to the execution site. But more modern research indicates that Mr. Lincoln was aware of the case and did intervene (as General McClellan’s order implied).
pre-Hollywood treatment
