WP “Show the relationship between the two presidents spanning over a century”
On President’s Day, a document showing the relationship between current President Joe Biden and former President Abraham Lincoln was released and became a hot topic.
The Washington Post (WP) cited documents from the country’s National Archives on the 19th (local time) and told the story of President Biden’s great-grandfather being pardoned by then-President Lincoln after being incarcerated on charges including attempted murder in the 1860s.
The incident dates back to March 21, 1864, during the American Civil War. Moses J. Robinette, President Biden’s great-great-grandfather, was staying at a camp in Virginia as a civilian employee of the Union Army at the time.
He worked as a veterinarian during the war and managed the health of horses and mules that transported ammunition. On the evening of the incident, I was chatting with a female cook when John J. Alexander, who worked at the same camp, intervened.
According to reports, Alexander thought Robinette was talking about him to the female chef and asked Robinette for an explanation. During this process, the atmosphere heated up and a fight broke out.
Robinette took out a pocket knife he was carrying at the scene. A brief fight ensued, and by the time security guards intervened to arrest Robinette, Alexander had already suffered several stab wounds.
A military trial began about a month after the incident, and Robinette was accused of violating order and military discipline by engaging in a dangerous fight. Attempted murder was also included in the charge, especially since he pulled out a weapon.
During the trial, Robinette stated that his actions were in self-defense and that he had no intent to kill Alexander. However, she was found guilty on all charges other than attempted murder and sentenced to two years in prison.
Robinette was later imprisoned near Key West, Florida, where three Army officers filed a petition arguing that his sentence was harsh. In addition, his pardon was carried out with one senator supporting it.
The senator who supported the petition at the time was Rep. Weightman T. Willie, a Republican whose district is West Virginia. Afterwards, Congressman Lincoln, also a Republican, pardoned Robinette on September 1, 1864.
WP said, “The 22 pages of well-preserved trial records reveal a hidden link between two men and two presidents from across the century.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.