Key Takeaways:
– Abraham Lincoln used his pardoning power for justice, irrespective of individual characteristics.
– In 1861, Lincoln pardoned a soldier who fell asleep on duty, emphasizing the lack of sleep.
– Conversely, Lincoln refused to pardon notorious slave trader Nathaniel Gordon, shedding light on his stand against the immoral act of slave trading.
– During the Dakota Indian war, Lincoln went against significant public pressure, ensuring only those guilty of atrocities were punished.
The Power of Pardoning: Lincoln’s Perspective
As the political wheel turns, and one presidential administration makes way for another, the use of presidential pardoning power frequently comes under scrutiny. One of the most notable users of this power was President Abraham Lincoln, who wielded justice with thoughtfulness, fairness, and resilience in the face of political risk.
Lincoln’s Approach to the Sleeping Sentinel
One of Lincoln’s first pardons was granted to a young soldier named William Scott. Scott had been court-martialed for falling asleep at his post, a serious offense during the time of the Civil War. The military of the 1860s believed this act mirrored inherent weakness, and thus, Scott was slated for execution as a deterrent for others.
Nevertheless, Lincoln decided to pardon Scott, not simply as an act of mercy. Rather, it was a profound act of justice. Considering the modern understanding of the importance of sleep for proper brain function, Lincoln’s pardon highlighted the military’s neglect of soldiers’ well-being.
Lincoln’s No-Nonsense Approach on Slave Trading
In sharp contrast in 1862, a notorious slave trader, Nathaniel Gordon, found no mercy from Lincoln. Gordon had trafficked 897 Africans, predominantly women and children. Despite the illegal status of slave trading since 1808, Gordon operated fearlessly, relying on the lack of stringent enforcement of the law.
Despite petitions advocating for his life, Lincoln allowed the execution to proceed in alignment with his strong anti-slavery views. The execution emphasized Lincoln’s stand against exploitation for monetary gain, reinforcing the necessity of full penalty for such crimes.
Walking a Tightrope During the Dakota War
Later that year, Lincoln again found himself in the battleground of justice amidst the Dakota Indian war in Minnesota. The ensuing war crimes tribunal depicted a bleak picture, with 303 Dakota Indians facing execution for attacking white settlers.
Public opinion was largely in favor of carrying out the sentences, but Lincoln refrained from making hasty decisions, demonstrating restraint and responsibility. Insisting on a review of the case files of the Dakotas, Lincoln differentiated between those guilty of war crimes and soldiers captured on the battlefield.
The result was the largest commutation in American history, as Lincoln commuted the sentences of 265 Dakotas, reserving execution for the 38 confirmed guilty of crimes against unarmed civilians. His decision wasn’t without controversy; however, his response to political criticism highlighted his prioritizing justice over political gain.
Wrapping Up
In all these instances, Lincoln’s approach to pardoning depicts a fine balancing act between mercy and justice. It underscores the importance of examining the unique circumstances surrounding each case, rather than succumbing to popular opinion or sweeping assumptions. Whether it was pardoning a sleep-deprived soldier, authorizing the execution of a slave trader, or ensuring justice for the Dakota Indians, Lincoln’s pardoning power was truly a potent force in shaping America’s historical landscape.