Just before Whipple's death on May 7 President Lincoln, a friend of Whipple's, promoted him to major general of volunteers. Lincoln rode in an open carriage as part of Whipple's funeral cortege. He was later awarded posthumously more brevets for his wartime services, and both of his sons received presidential appointments to the military academy of their choice.
Prior to Whipple's passing on May 7th, President Lincoln, a close friend of Whipple's, elevated him to the rank of major general of volunteers. Lincoln personally participated in Whipple's funeral procession by riding in an open carriage.  Whipple was later posthumously awarded additional brevet for his wartime service and both of his sons were given presidential appointments to their preferred military academies.