Visiting Abraham Lincoln

Harvey persisted in trying to convince President Lincoln and Governor Salomon that the soldiers needed to be moved to recuperate faster. Recommending that they need to move to the army hospital up in the north, she cited her experience of saving 93 soldiers by moving them up North. She said it would inspire more people to fight. Lincoln retorted, saying that if the soldiers left, they wouldn't come back. Convincing the President was no mean feat for Harvey. But she stood strong with her passions. After five such heated conversations, Lincoln finally saw reason in Harvey’s words and permitted Harvey to start the Harvey Hospital.

Letter from Cordelia Harvey to Abraham Lincoln, Cordelia Harvey, 1865/1866 [real date unknown]

Transcript of picture above:

‘If you believe me you will give me hospitals, if not–well...’

“I intended to have said if you will let the sick come north, you will have ten well men in the army one year from today where you have well one now whereas if you do not let them come they will all be dead."

"Yes! Yes, I understand you, but if they are sent North they will desert, where is the difference?"

"Dead men cannot fight and they may not desert.”

~ Excerpt from a conversation between Cordelia Harvey and Abraham Lincoln

Cordelia's work helped thousands of soldiers and their families. She did her job so well that soldiers often asked for her to come and help them at the hospitals.

"The President bowed his head, and with a look of sadness I can never forget, said, 'I never shall be glad any more.'"

~ Cordelia Harvey

The Wisconsin Angel

Visiting Abraham Lincoln