The Crowd Said Hang Them, Tad Lincoln Said Hold on to Them

After Lee’s surrender, at the end of the Civil war Lincoln spoke to a large crowd from the balcony of the White House. He told them about the considerate policy he had in mind for the South. At the end of his speech, Senator Harlan asked, “What shall we do with the rebels?” The vindictive crowd shouted back, “Hang them!” Tad then turned to his father and said, “No, no, Papa. Not hang them. Hang on to them!” “That’s it!” replied Lincoln joyfully. “Tad has it. We must hang on to them!” At the time, Tad was only eleven. He must have acquired his compassionate spirit from his father! (Charles Ludwig)