Mr. Lincoln’s Gift: A Civil War Story

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by Whitney Stewart

In 1864 Francis B. Carpenter wanted to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in a painting. President Lincoln gave the young painter permission to set up a giant canvas in the State Dining Room and spend six months painting. Mr. Lincoln's Gift is the true story of Carpenter's experience in the White House. Carpenter spent hours studying the president's face. and he witnessed Lincoln's sadness over the Civil War.

Carpenter had a second, private mission in Washington. He hoped to tell Mr. Lincoln the sad story of a Civil War soldier who was dying in prison. But the president was always busy. Would Carpenter be able to help save the young soldier? Would Lincoln listen to Carpenter's plea?

Mr. Lincoln's Gift is part of the Hildene Library Collection, published by Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home.

Grade 5 and up