The discovery of court martial records in the US National Archives sheds light on an intriguing connection between two American presidents across centuries.
The documents reveal that Abraham Lincoln, during his presidency in the midst of the Civil War, pardoned Joe Biden’s great-great-grandfather, Moses J. Robinette, after a late-night brawl in 1864.
The incident occurred when Robinette, a civilian employee of the Union Army, got into a fight with another employee, John J. Alexander, in the Army of the Potomac’s winter camp in Virginia.
Alexander rushed at Robinette after overhearing him saying something about him to a cook, leading to a scuffle where Robinette drew his pocketknife, leaving Alexander with several cuts before others intervened.
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Robinette was subsequently charged with attempted murder and sentenced to two years of hard labor by military judges.
However, three army officers petitioned Lincoln to overturn the conviction, arguing that the sentence was too severe and that Robinette had acted in self-defense against someone stronger.
Lincoln agreed with the petition and signed a pardon for Robinette on September 1, 1864.
This historical episode, unearthed after 160 years, provides a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Joe Biden’s family history and underscores the many untold stories of the Civil War era.
The discovery of these court martial records, buried among hundreds of routine cases in the National Archives, highlights the richness of history waiting to be uncovered and shared.
It serves as a reminder of the enduring connections between individuals and families across generations, as well as the complex and multifaceted narratives of American history.
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