One of the things I like the most about Lincoln was his humanity. He knew the war was necessary to save the Union, but he greatly struggled with the large loss of life. He was often depressed when thinking about the men. Because he was emotional, he often stopped the execution of soldiers for desertion. The General tried everything they could to make sure appeals never reached Lincoln, knowing he would stop them. He often wrote letters to parents of fallen men. Most of his job as president was receiving visitors at the White House who came with complaints or wanting positions. He would often go outside and if he saw a soldier he would bring them to the front of the line. He loved his soldiers and wished he could spare them, but he also knew this nation needed to last.
Historically Speaking 