How President Lincoln Settled a Playground Dispute

 

Abraham Lincoln pencil Portrait
by Victor Powell 

Shortly after Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861, amidst the mounting tensions of the secession crisis, a curious letter landed on his desk at the Executive Mansion. It wasn’t from a politician or dignitary, but from a schoolteacher in Springfield, Illinois, seeking to settle a classroom dispute.

The teacher’s student, young George Evans Patten, had claimed he’d met Lincoln the previous year in Springfield and even shaken his hand. His classmates, unconvinced, teased him relentlessly. Determined to resolve the matter, the teacher wrote to the President, asking for confirmation.

Despite the weighty decisions Lincoln faced—such as reinforcing Fort Sumter and addressing the shortage of Union troops—he took the time to respond. In a brief note dated March 19, 1861, Lincoln wrote:

To Whom it May Concern: I did see and talk with Master George Evans Patten, last May, at Springfield, Illinois. Respectfully, A. Lincoln.

Rather than sending the reply to the teacher, Lincoln addressed it directly to young Patten, ensuring the boy had the proof he needed to silence his doubters. The letter later became a cherished artifact, passing through the hands of collectors and earning recognition for its charm and historical significance.

This anecdote offers a glimpse into Lincoln’s character—his ability to balance the gravitas of leadership with moments of humanity and kindness, even in the midst of national turmoil.

This is another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

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Works Cited

[1] "Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 4 [Mar. 5, 1860-Oct. 24, 1861]." In the digital collection Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. p. 294. Retrieved February 5, 2025.

[2] Ayres, Chris. "How Lincoln put the school bullies in their place". The Times (London) - November 19, 2009.