“You seem very comfortable, my friend,” Lincoln said.
“Not so comfortable as I should be if I could get home to Maryland,” was the reply.
“What is your name?”
“S. Stover, Co. H, 2d Maryland Volunteers,” was promptly answered, and Lincoln passed on.
In just three days came an order from the President to transfer Private Stover, Co. H, 2d Md. Vols., by water to the hospital at Annapolis.
“I was surprised myself,” he said; “for I had watched him as long as he was in sight, and when I saw him go through the door without writing down my name and company, I gave up all hope of seeing my Maryland again.
“And it has always been a mystery to me that a man with so much to think of should keep in mind the name, regiment and company of a private soldier.”
As he turned away to conceal the tears he could not keep back, it was plain how large a place the thoughtful kindness of that great man had won in the heart of the poor, homesick, wounded soldier.