John George Nicolay

By Richard Watson Gilder (1844–1909)

John Nicolay, who died on Sept. 26, 1901, was the private secretary of President Lincoln and joint author, with John Hay, of a life of the President.

THIS man loved Lincoln, him did Lincoln love;

Through the long storm, right there, by Lincoln’s side,

He stood, his shield and servitor; when died

The great, sweet, sorrowful soul,—still high above

All other passions, that for the spirit fled!

To this one task his pure life was assigned:

He strove to make the world know Lincoln’s mind:

He served him living, and he served him dead.

So shall the light from that immortal fame

Keep bright forever this most faithful name.

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