2. President Abraham Lincoln often visited hospitals to talk with wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Once, doctors told him that a young soldier lay on bed near (1)
. Lincoln went over to his bedside.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Lincoln asked. The soldier was (2)
hurt and didn't realize it was Lincoln. He just said, "Would you please write a letter to my mother?"
Somebody brought a pen and paper and Lincoln carefully (3)
what the young man said:
"My dearest mother, I was badly hurt while doing my duty. I'm afraid I'm not going to live through it. Don't feel (4)
for me, please. Kiss Mary and John for me."
The soldier was too weak to go on, so Lincoln signed the letter for him and added, "Written for your (5)
by Abraham Lincoln." The young man asked to see the letter. He was (6)
when he saw the president's name on it.
"Are you really the president?" he asked. "Yes, I am. " Lincoln (7)
quietly. Then he asked if there was (8)
else he could do.
"Would you please (9)
my hand?" the soldier asked. "It will help to see me through to the (10)
."
In the quiet room, the tall president took the young soldier's hand in his and spoke warm words until death came.