Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, extended his merciful hand to none other than Joe Biden’s great-great-grandfather, Moses J. Robinette, during the Civil War. Here’s the fascinating tale:

1. The Brawl: Moses was working as a civilian veterinary surgeon for the U.S. Army during the Civil War. While stationed at the Army of the Potomac’s winter camp in Spring 1864, he got into a brawl with another fellow. The dispute escalated, and Moses was accused of pulling out his pocketknife and stabbing the other man, John J. Alexander. John was left bleeding from several cuts after the scuffle.
2. The Trial: Moses faced trial, and although the charge of attempted murder was dropped, he was convicted on other counts, including assault and “violating good order and military discipline.” He was sentenced to two years of hard labor.
3. Lincoln’s Mercy: Moses ended up at the Dry Tortugas islands near Key West, FL, serving his sentence. However, other army officers who knew him wrote a letter in his defense. This letter eventually reached Abraham Lincoln’s desk. Honest Abe reviewed the case and deemed Moses’ punishment too severe. As a result, he pardoned Moses, and within a month, Moses was a free man, reunited with his family.