On October 3, 1862, a rare occurence took place in western Maryland, near the Potomac River. Photographer Alexander Gardner's camera recorded this occurence, as President Abraham Lincoln gathered with General George B. McClellan, Major General John Fitz Porter, and thirteen others, at a house known as Mount Airy. Lincoln was there to pay visit to the Army of the Potomac, which lay bivouacked in separate corps near Sharpsburg.

On the front lawn of Mount Airy, owned by the Grove family, tents were erected to house both Union and Confederate wounded. An assistant surgeon of the 7th North Carolina, A. W. Wiseman, recalled one particularly large tent was erected in the yard, which housed all of the medical officers of both armies. Reportedly, these officers "drank together and slept together and had a high old time."

Lincoln is said to have arrived at Mount Airy on horseback. Upon his arrival, he expressed a desire to visit with the wounded in the hospital tents. A Washington correspondent for the Cincinnati "Commercial" described the President's visit:

"After leaving General [Israel B] Richardson [who was lying mortally wounded at the Pry House], the party passed a house in which was a large number of Confederate wounded. By the request of the President, the party alighted and entered the building. The President, after looking, remarked to the wounded Confederates that if they had no objections he would be glad to take them by the hand. He said the solemn obligations which we owe to our country and posterity compel the persecution of this war, and it followed that many were our enemies through uncontrollable circumstances, and he bore them no malice, and could take them by the hand with sympathy and good feeling."

"After a short silence the Confederates came forward and each silently but fervently shook the hand of the President. Mr. Lincoln and General McClellan then walked forward by the side of those who were wounded too severely to be able to arise and bid them be of good cheer, assuring them that every possible care should be bestowed upon them to ameliorate their condition. It was a moving scene, and there was not a dry eye in the building, either among the Nationals or Confederates. Both the President and Gen. McClellan were kind in their remarks and treatment of the rebel sufferers during this remarkable interview."

Reference Source: Atkinson, James R.; "Mr. Lincoln Visits His Army," Civil War Times Illustrated, June 1971

Rutlege Hill Press, Nashville, Tennessee has recently published a book entitled, "A Commitment To Honor," compiled and edited by Gordon Leidner. Mr. Leidner has put together a delightful book of insights and quotes which uniquely portray Abraham Lincoln in his own words and those of others. There are also many photographs in the book, which makes it a useful reference for any library.