President Abraham Lincoln often visited hospitals to talk with wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Once, doctors told him that a young soldier was near death. Lincoln went over to his bedside.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Lincoln asked. The soldier was badly hurt and didn't realize it was Lincoln. He just said, "Would you please write a letter to my mother?"
Somebody brought a pen and paper and Lincoln carefully wrote down what the young man said:
"My dearest mother, I was badly hurt while doing my duty. I'm afraid I'm not going to live through it. Don't feel sad for me, please. Kiss Mary and John for me. "
The soldier was too weak to go on, so Lincoln signed the letter for him and added, "Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln. " The young man asked to see the letter. He was surprised when he saw the president's name on it.
"Are you really the president?" he asked. "Yes, I am," Lincoln replied quietly. Then he asked if there was anything else he could do.
"Would you please hold my hand?" the soldier asked. "It will help to see me through to the end. "In the quiet room, the tall president took the young soldier's hand in his and said warm words until the death came.