- Because a soldier is rewarded for bravery Lincoln's son "Tad" demands and gets a commission Armed with this he enlists the children. He goes through the grounds and finds a sentry whose place he takes - all on the strength of his commission. The soldier flies to the bedside of a sick wife, is arrested and taken to the President who hears his tale. The President and the private go out and find a very tired little boy still faithfully keeping watch.—Bruce R. Bardarik
- In the first scene Abraham Lincoln rewards a young private for exceptional deeds of valor by giving him a commission as lieutenant. This scene is watched by his little son Tad, who, after a ceremony, demands that a commission be bestowed upon him. In jest, Lincoln writes out an informal commission, making the boy a lieutenant of the United States Army, and it is duly signed by the Secretary of War and given to the boy. The latter has a small uniform made and proceeds to recruit an army from the servants of the White House. The colored cook, the footman and the maid are all enrolled, after which he proceeds to relieve the sentries on duty about the White House grounds with his newly-acquired forces. When they object he shows them his commission, and as it is signed by the President they have nothing to do but obey. There is one private whose wife is ill and who would like to go and see her, but whose commanding officer tells him that he must report for duty and stay by the post. This soldier is one whom Tad personally relieves, his army having deserted him after being left on other posts. The private demurs at the command to leave his post, but being shown the commission, he finally accepts the situation and goes to visit his little wife. Of course his absence is noted and he is arrested, and it would go hard with him but that he tells the story of the President's son and of his being commanded to leave. On this plea he is brought before the President, where the officer of the day, having noticed the post vacant and the boy guarding it, substantiates the private's story. Then the President understands the situation, and after a thoughtful moment leaves the rest of the company, and taking the sentry with him, repairs to the grounds. There, wandering wearily up and down, half asleep, is poor little Tad carrying the heavy musket, from the weight of which his arms are sore and aching. When he sees the President he salutes in a very sleepy manner, and then falls asleep standing up against the tall figure of his father. The President bends gently and takes up the little figure in his arms, and then, motioning the sentry back to his post with a few words of caution for the future, he takes the sleeping boy back to the White House.—The Film Index synopsis
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