A Tribute to Harry Pratt

CIVIL WAR HISTORY A Tribute to Harry Pratt For his friends, February the 12th will not only mean the birth of Abraham Lincoln; it will also mark the anniversary of the day that Harry Pratt left us. Through most of Harry's life, it can truly be said that he had lived with Lincoln. He followed in Lincoln's footsteps. Where he had been, there Harry went. Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Washington were as familiar to Harry Pratt as they must have been to Abraham Lincoln. In such a person, the spirit of Lincoln found worthy companionship. A patient man, who even in adversity never lost his gentleness. A friendly man, who enriched his acquaintances with the fullness of his friendship. A generous man, who always gave of himself and his knowledge to any who asked for assistance. It is doubtful if any major book has been written in the last twenty years in the Lincoln field, which did not consciously or unconsciously pay tribute to Harry's aid. Even Hollywood, in its search for accuracy came to his door for help. No one who ever sought it went away emptyhanded . He not only gave when asked but he sought out opportunities to be of assistance. For such was the nature of the man. Great as were his deeds, greater was the man himself. For what he did was motivated by what he was. By adding to the immortality of Lincoln he has made himself immortal. Stewart McClelland •Read at a special Convocation of Lincoln College in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's arrival at New Salem, Illinois. ...