How President Lincoln Received the News of Sheri
Annie Wittenmyer recalls sitting with President Lincoln when a telegram arrived announcing General Sheridan’s second victory in the Shenandoah Valley and General Early’s defeat. Though the messenger twice stresses its importance, Lincoln remains absorbed in discussing the army’s sanitary condition, the connection between food and health, and special-diet kitchens for restoring soldiers. Wittenmyer, who supports that work but believes strongly in furloughs, is eager to hear the news. Lincoln finally reads the despatch aloud, warmly calling it good news and praising Sheridan as “a little Irishman” and “a big fighter.” As she leaves, he wishes her success. Wittenmyer then portrays Lincoln as a towering figure whose strength, charity, wisdom, humor, and trust in God sustained him amid civil war and treason. She mourns his assassination as a calamity felt by victor and vanquished alike, and calls him the Great Emancipator, a martyr, and a defender of republican government and human liberty. She describes the flag as avenging him by entangling the assassin, and affirms that, after twenty-nine years, Lincoln’s memory and work endure through the growing honor paid to the flag and the spread of the principles he upheld.
By Annie Wittenmyer · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical nonfiction, Personal reminiscence, Biographical sketch · 1,149 words
First lines
I was personally acquainted with President Lincoln, and sat talking with him in his public office when the telegram was brought in announcing General Sheridan's second victory in the Shenandoah Valley, which resulted in the defeat of General Early.
When the messenger came in, Mr. Lincoln was talking very earnestly; and although he laid down the telegram with the announcement, "An important telegram, Mr. President," Mr. Lincoln took no notice of it.
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Genres
- Historical nonfiction — The work recounts a purported firsthand encounter with President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War and reflects on events involving General Philip Sheridan and General Jubal Early.
- Personal reminiscence — Wittenmyer narrates from personal experience, centering on her own conversation with Lincoln and her memory of his reaction to Sheridan's victory.
- Biographical sketch — Although brief, the piece presents a strongly admiring portrait of Lincoln's character, leadership, public importance, and legacy.
- Civil War literature — Its setting, central news event, military figures, and discussion of army health all arise directly from the United States Civil War.
Tags
Abraham Lincoln · Philip Sheridan · Jubal Early · American Civil War · Shenandoah Valley Campaign · Washington, D.C. · Union victory · military telegram · presidential office · Civil War memoir · personal reminiscence · sanitary reform
What this Textopian page supports
How President Lincoln Received the News of Sheridan's Victory is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Annie Wittenmyer, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Annie Wittenmyer
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical nonfiction, Personal reminiscence, Biographical sketch, Civil War literature, Presidential history
- Length: 1,149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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