It was also here that Private William Scott, known to history as the Sleeping Sentinel, was found asleep at his post on August 31, court-martialed, and sentenced to be executed. President Lincoln heard about the case, pardoned Scott, and returned him to his unit.
Private William Scott, who became famous as the Sleeping Sentinel, was discovered sleeping on duty on August 31st. He was court-martialed and given a death sentence. However, President Lincoln intervened and pardoned Scott, sending him back to his unit.