Existing comment:
Edwin M. Stanton
Photograph
In July 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early and his troops attacked the city at Fort Stevens. Due to the proximity of the fort to the Soldiers' Home, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton feared for the First Family's safety and wrote a hasty message urging President Lincoln to return to the White House. Later that same night, Stanton rode out to the Soldier's Home to impress upon the President the severity of the situation. William Cutter, a soldier stationed at the Soldiers' Home, noted, "Well, Abe didn't think he was in any danger but he went along." |