The Perfect Tribute
On November 18, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln travels to Gettysburg with a distinguished group to dedicate a national cemetery for soldiers who died in battle. As he journeys, he grapples with the weight of his responsibilities and the expectation to deliver a meaningful speech. Despite his self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy compared to the polished orator Edward Everett, Lincoln resolves to write a speech that reflects his sincerity. The following day, a vast crowd gathers at Gettysburg for the dedication ceremony. Everett delivers a lengthy, eloquent oration that captivates the audience, but some listeners feel discomfort with his portrayal of the conflict. When Lincoln speaks, his initial falsetto voice elicits a brief, unintended reaction from the crowd, but he quickly gains their attention. His address, though brief, emphasizes the principles of liberty and equality, and the need for the living to honor the sacrifices of the dead. After his speech, Lincoln feels it was a failure, as the audience remains silent, offering no applause. He later encounters Edward Everett, who praises Lincoln's words, suggesting that they captured the essence of the occasion in a way Everett's lengthy speech could not. Despite this, Lincoln remains critical of his own performance. The narrative shifts to a young boy, Warrington Blair, who seeks a lawyer for his wounded brother, Captain Carter Blair, a Confederate soldier in a prison hospital. Lincoln, upon meeting the boy, offers to help and accompanies him to the hospital. There, he meets Captain Blair, who admires Lincoln despite being on opposing sides of the war. The captain expresses his appreciation for Lincoln's recent speech, recognizing its significance and the humanity it conveys. As they discuss the speech, Captain Blair's admiration for Lincoln grows, and he expresses a desire to shake hands with him. The conversation reveals a mutual respect that transcends their differences. The captain's health deteriorates, but he finds solace in the connection with Lincoln, who listens attentively and offers comfort. In a poignant moment, Captain Blair, facing death, acknowledges the shared love for their country that binds them, regardless of their allegiances. He expresses a wish to meet Lincoln, symbolizing a bridge between the divided nation. As the captain succumbs to his injuries, he holds Lincoln's hand, signifying a moment of unity and understanding amidst the turmoil of war. The work explores themes of sacrifice, the weight of leadership, and the power of words to connect individuals across divides. Lincoln's journey from self-doubt to recognition of the impact of his speech, coupled with the human connection forged with Captain Blair, underscores the enduring significance of empathy and shared ideals in times of conflict.
By Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · First published 1911 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Drama · 7,351 words
First lines
On the morning of November 18, 1863, a special train drew out from Washington, carrying a distinguished company. The presence with them of the Marine Band from the Navy Yard spoke a public occasion to come, and among the travellers there were those who might be gathered only for an occasion of importance. There were judges of the Supreme Court of the United States; there were heads of departments; the general-in-chief of the army and his staff; members of the cabinet. In their midst, as they stood about the car before settling for the journey, towered a man sad, preoccupied, unassuming; a man awkward and ill-dressed; a man, as he leaned slouchingly against the wall, of no grace of look or manner, in whose haggard face seemed to be the suffering of the sins of the world. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, journeyed with his party to assist at the consecration, the next day, of the national cemetery at Gettysburg. The quiet November landscape slipped past the rattling train, and the President's deep-set eyes stared out at it gravely, a bit listlessly. From time to time he talked with those who were about him; from time to time there were flashes of that quaint wit which is linked, as his greatness, with his name, but his mind was to-day dispirited, unhopeful.
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The Perfect Tribute is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Biography, Drama, Literary Fiction, War Literature
- Length: 7,351 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Perfect Tribute by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative centers around a significant historical event, the Gettysburg Address, and explores the life and thoughts of Abraham Lincoln during this pivotal moment in American history.
- Biography — The story provides insights into the character and personal struggles of Abraham Lincoln, portraying his thoughts and emotions as he prepares for a crucial speech.
- Drama — The work features intense emotional exchanges and conflicts, particularly highlighting the themes of duty, honor, and the human cost of war.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and rich in language, focusing on character development and thematic depth rather than action.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · War Story · Patriotism · Sacrifice · Love · Loss · Grief · Memorial Day · Civil War · Battle of Gettysburg · Soldier's Life