Part 8 (2/2)

Joshua Wolf Shenk's thoughtful and empathetic Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2005) opens a new window into the soul of the sixteenth president, shedding light on almost every aspect of Lincoln's life and decision making. William Lee Miller's (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2005) opens a new window into the soul of the sixteenth president, shedding light on almost every aspect of Lincoln's life and decision making. William Lee Miller's President Lincoln: The Duty of a Statesman President Lincoln: The Duty of a Statesman (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008) traces its subject's moral and political evolution. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008) traces its subject's moral and political evolution.

In reconstructing the difficult chronology and interlocking events of the secession crisis, I was aided greatly by Russell McClintock's recent Lincoln and the Decision for War: The Northern Response to Secession, Lincoln and the Decision for War: The Northern Response to Secession, cited above. cited above.

Chapter Five: The Volunteer.

The only relatively modern biography of Elmer Ellsworth is Ruth Painter Randall's lively Colonel Elmer Ellsworth: A Biography of Lincoln's Friend and First Hero of the Civil War Colonel Elmer Ellsworth: A Biography of Lincoln's Friend and First Hero of the Civil War (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1960), which is carefully researched and well written but unfortunately not footnoted. Charles Ingraham, (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1960), which is carefully researched and well written but unfortunately not footnoted. Charles Ingraham, Elmer E. Ellsworth and the Zouaves of '61 Elmer E. Ellsworth and the Zouaves of '61 (University of Chicago Press, 1925) and Luther E. Robinson, ”Elmer Ellsworth, First Martyr of the Civil War,” in (University of Chicago Press, 1925) and Luther E. Robinson, ”Elmer Ellsworth, First Martyr of the Civil War,” in Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1923, Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1923, both contain useful information and lengthy pa.s.sages from period sources. both contain useful information and lengthy pa.s.sages from period sources.

On the cultural history of youth in nineteenth-century America, see Glenn Wallach, Obedient Sons: The Discourse of Youth and Generations in American Culture, 16301860 Obedient Sons: The Discourse of Youth and Generations in American Culture, 16301860 (University of Ma.s.sachusetts Press, 1997); Anthony Rotundo, (University of Ma.s.sachusetts Press, 1997); Anthony Rotundo, American Manhood: Transformations in Masculinity from the Revolution to Modern Era American Manhood: Transformations in Masculinity from the Revolution to Modern Era (New York: Basic Books, 1993); Howard P. Chudacoff, (New York: Basic Books, 1993); Howard P. Chudacoff, The Age of the Bachelor: Creating an American Subculture The Age of the Bachelor: Creating an American Subculture (Princeton University Press, 1999); Thomas Augst, (Princeton University Press, 1999); Thomas Augst, The Clerk's Tale: Young Men and Moral Life in Nineteenth-Century America The Clerk's Tale: Young Men and Moral Life in Nineteenth-Century America (University of Chicago Press, 2003); and Michael S. Kimmel, (University of Chicago Press, 2003); and Michael S. Kimmel, Manhood in America: A Cultural History Manhood in America: A Cultural History (New York: Free Press, 2006). (New York: Free Press, 2006).

Marcus Cunliffe's Soldiers and Civilians: The Martial Spirit in America, 17751865, Soldiers and Civilians: The Martial Spirit in America, 17751865, (Boston: Little, Brown, 1968) is a subtle, learned, and colorful exploration of Americans' ambivalent att.i.tudes toward war and the military. See also JamesB. Whisker, (Boston: Little, Brown, 1968) is a subtle, learned, and colorful exploration of Americans' ambivalent att.i.tudes toward war and the military. See also JamesB. Whisker, The Rise and Decline of the American Militia System The Rise and Decline of the American Militia System (Susquehanna University Press, 1999). (Susquehanna University Press, 1999).

Michael Burlingame, in Lincoln's Journalist: John Hay's Anonymous Writings for the Press, 18601864 Lincoln's Journalist: John Hay's Anonymous Writings for the Press, 18601864 (Southern Illinois University Press, 1998), collects a number of articles that provide glimpses of Was.h.i.+ngton during the first weeks of the war, from someone close to both Lincoln and Ellsworth. Burlingame also edited (Southern Illinois University Press, 1998), collects a number of articles that provide glimpses of Was.h.i.+ngton during the first weeks of the war, from someone close to both Lincoln and Ellsworth. Burlingame also edited At Lincoln's Side: John Hay's Correspondence and Selected Writings At Lincoln's Side: John Hay's Correspondence and Selected Writings (Southern Illinois University Press, 2000) and, with John R. Turner Ettlinger, (Southern Illinois University Press, 2000) and, with John R. Turner Ettlinger, Inside Lincoln's White House: The Complete Civil War Diary of John Hay Inside Lincoln's White House: The Complete Civil War Diary of John Hay (Southern Illinois University Press, 1999)-both offer further accounts by Lincoln's voluble private secretary-as well as (Southern Illinois University Press, 1999)-both offer further accounts by Lincoln's voluble private secretary-as well as With Lincoln in the White House: Letters, Memoranda, and Other Writings of John G. Nicolay, 18601865 With Lincoln in the White House: Letters, Memoranda, and Other Writings of John G. Nicolay, 18601865 (Southern Illinois University Press, 2000). (Southern Illinois University Press, 2000).

Chapter Six: Gateways to the West.

For the building of the transcontinental telegraph, see James Gamble, ”Wiring a Continent,” The Californian, The Californian, vol. 3, no. 6 (June 1881); also Carlyle N. Klise, ”The First Transcontinental Telegraph,” (master's thesis, Iowa State University, 1937); the growth of Western Union is covered in Robert Luther Thompson's vol. 3, no. 6 (June 1881); also Carlyle N. Klise, ”The First Transcontinental Telegraph,” (master's thesis, Iowa State University, 1937); the growth of Western Union is covered in Robert Luther Thompson's Wiring a Continent: The History of the Telegraph Industry in the United States Wiring a Continent: The History of the Telegraph Industry in the United States (Princeton University Press, 1947). The most reliable account of the Pony Express is Christopher Corbett's myth-busting (Princeton University Press, 1947). The most reliable account of the Pony Express is Christopher Corbett's myth-busting Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express (New York: Broadway Books, 2003). See also John D. Unruh, Jr., (New York: Broadway Books, 2003). See also John D. Unruh, Jr., The Plains Across: The Overland Emigrants and the Trans-Mississippi West, 184060 The Plains Across: The Overland Emigrants and the Trans-Mississippi West, 184060 (University of Illinois Press, 1979). (University of Illinois Press, 1979).

Pamela Herr provides the best account of Jessie Fremont's life in Jessie Benton Fremont: A Biography Jessie Benton Fremont: A Biography (New York: Franklin Watts, 1987). Herr also edited, with Mary Lee Spence, (New York: Franklin Watts, 1987). Herr also edited, with Mary Lee Spence, The Letters of Jessie Benton Fremont The Letters of Jessie Benton Fremont (University of Illinois Press, 1993), a lively collection of correspondence. For John C. Fremont's life and career, see Tom Chaffin's fine biography, (University of Illinois Press, 1993), a lively collection of correspondence. For John C. Fremont's life and career, see Tom Chaffin's fine biography, Pathfinder: John Charles Fremont and the Course of American Empire Pathfinder: John Charles Fremont and the Course of American Empire (New York: Hill and w.a.n.g, 2002), along with Allan Nevins's cla.s.sic (New York: Hill and w.a.n.g, 2002), along with Allan Nevins's cla.s.sic Fremont: Pathmarker of the West Fremont: Pathmarker of the West (University of Nebraska Press, 1992; originally published 1928). Sally Denton's (University of Nebraska Press, 1992; originally published 1928). Sally Denton's Pa.s.sion and Principle: John and Jessie Fremont, the Couple Whose Power, Politics, and Love Shaped Nineteenth-Century America Pa.s.sion and Principle: John and Jessie Fremont, the Couple Whose Power, Politics, and Love Shaped Nineteenth-Century America (New York: Bloomsbury, 2007) is an engaging joint biography. (New York: Bloomsbury, 2007) is an engaging joint biography.

For California and the Civil War, see Leonard L. Richards, The California Gold Rush and the Coming of the Civil War The California Gold Rush and the Coming of the Civil War (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007), as well as Kevin Starr's compelling (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007), as well as Kevin Starr's compelling Americans and the California Dream, 18501915 Americans and the California Dream, 18501915 (Oxford University Press, 1973). Thomas Starr King's life and career have been covered most recently in Robert A. Monzingo's (Oxford University Press, 1973). Thomas Starr King's life and career have been covered most recently in Robert A. Monzingo's Thomas Starr King: Eminent Californian, Civil War Statesman, Unitarian Minister Thomas Starr King: Eminent Californian, Civil War Statesman, Unitarian Minister (Pacific Grove, California: Boxwood Press, 1991) and in Richard Peterson's ”Thomas Starr King in California, 186064: Forgotten Naturalist of the Civil War Years,” (Pacific Grove, California: Boxwood Press, 1991) and in Richard Peterson's ”Thomas Starr King in California, 186064: Forgotten Naturalist of the Civil War Years,” California History, California History, vol.69, no. 1 (Spring 1990). Among several earlier biographies, Charles W. Wendte's vol.69, no. 1 (Spring 1990). Among several earlier biographies, Charles W. Wendte's Thomas Starr King: Patriot and Preacher Thomas Starr King: Patriot and Preacher (Boston: The Beacon Press, 1921) is the most valuable. Some of King's sermons were published posthumously in volumes of his collected work; hundreds more are preserved as ma.n.u.script drafts at the Boston Public Library. His personal correspondence is in the Bancroft Library, University of California. (Boston: The Beacon Press, 1921) is the most valuable. Some of King's sermons were published posthumously in volumes of his collected work; hundreds more are preserved as ma.n.u.script drafts at the Boston Public Library. His personal correspondence is in the Bancroft Library, University of California.

Adam Arenson's recent book The Great Heart of the Republic: St. Louis and the Cultural Civil War The Great Heart of the Republic: St. Louis and the Cultural Civil War (Harvard University Press, 2010) convincingly treats the city as a fulcrum of the national crisis. The most thorough blow-by-blow account of the war there is Louis S. Gerteis's (Harvard University Press, 2010) convincingly treats the city as a fulcrum of the national crisis. The most thorough blow-by-blow account of the war there is Louis S. Gerteis's Civil War St. Louis Civil War St. Louis (University of Kansas Press, 2001). The only modern biography of Nathaniel Lyon is Christopher Phillips's (University of Kansas Press, 2001). The only modern biography of Nathaniel Lyon is Christopher Phillips's d.a.m.ned Yankee: The Life of General Nathaniel Lyon d.a.m.ned Yankee: The Life of General Nathaniel Lyon (Louisiana State University, 1996), a book that, as its t.i.tle suggests, betrays so little sympathy for its subject that one wonders how the author managed to get through writing it. Steven Rowan has done important work bringing to light the early history of the city's German community, including (Louisiana State University, 1996), a book that, as its t.i.tle suggests, betrays so little sympathy for its subject that one wonders how the author managed to get through writing it. Steven Rowan has done important work bringing to light the early history of the city's German community, including Germans for a Free Missouri: Translations from the St. Louis Radical Press, 18571862 Germans for a Free Missouri: Translations from the St. Louis Radical Press, 18571862 (University of Missouri Press, 1983), coedited with James Neal Primm; and his edited translation of Henry Boernstein's autobiography, published as (University of Missouri Press, 1983), coedited with James Neal Primm; and his edited translation of Henry Boernstein's autobiography, published as Memoirs of a n.o.body: The Missouri Years of an Austrian Radical, Memoirs of a n.o.body: The Missouri Years of an Austrian Radical, 18491866 (St. Louis: Missouri Historical Society Press, 1997). For the Forty-Eighters, see A. E. Zucker, ed., 18491866 (St. Louis: Missouri Historical Society Press, 1997). For the Forty-Eighters, see A. E. Zucker, ed., The Forty-Eighters: Political Refugees of the German Revolution of 1848 The Forty-Eighters: Political Refugees of the German Revolution of 1848 (New York: Russell and Russell, 1967) and Carl Wittke, (New York: Russell and Russell, 1967) and Carl Wittke, Refugees of Revolution: The German Forty-Eighters in America Refugees of Revolution: The German Forty-Eighters in America (University of Pennsylvania Press, 1952). William E. Smith's (University of Pennsylvania Press, 1952). William E. Smith's The Francis Preston Blair Family in Politics The Francis Preston Blair Family in Politics (New York: Macmillan, 1933) traces the various schemes of Frank Blair and his ambitious kinsfolk. (New York: Macmillan, 1933) traces the various schemes of Frank Blair and his ambitious kinsfolk.

Chapter Seven: The Crossing.

See chapter 5 chapter 5, above, for sources on Ellsworth and the Fire Zouaves, and chapter 2 chapter 2 for sources on Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C. The scene of the troops in the Capitol and the general sights of Was.h.i.+ngton in the first weeks of the war are captured beautifully in Theodore Winthrop's essay ”Was.h.i.+ngton as a Camp,” published anonymously after his death in for sources on Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C. The scene of the troops in the Capitol and the general sights of Was.h.i.+ngton in the first weeks of the war are captured beautifully in Theodore Winthrop's essay ”Was.h.i.+ngton as a Camp,” published anonymously after his death in The Atlantic Monthly The Atlantic Monthly (July 1861). Drew Gilpin Faust's (July 1861). Drew Gilpin Faust's This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008) puts Ellsworth's death into a larger, tragic, context. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008) puts Ellsworth's death into a larger, tragic, context.

Chapter Eight: Freedom's Fortress.

An essential source for the story of the Hampton Roads fugitives is Edward Lillie Pierce's largely firsthand account, ”The Contrabands at Fortress Monroe,” published anonymously in The Atlantic Monthly The Atlantic Monthly (November 1861). Pierce also sent regular dispatches (signed ”P.”) to the (November 1861). Pierce also sent regular dispatches (signed ”P.”) to the Boston Traveller Boston Traveller throughout his three-month stay at Monroe (AprilJuly 1861); these frequently include material that did not make it into the throughout his three-month stay at Monroe (AprilJuly 1861); these frequently include material that did not make it into the Atlantic Atlantic essay. Dozens of other newspaper and periodical correspondents converged upon Hampton Roads in the spring and summer of 1861, largely because people thought the first major battles of the war would be fought there-and when such battles failed to materialize, many of the reporters sent back copy about the contrabands. The archives of the American Missionary a.s.sociation (housed at Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, and also available on microfilm) include letters from the missionaries who began arriving at Fortress Monroe in the autumn of 1861, some of which recount various contrabands' life stories-although these should be used with care, since some of the missionaries were clearly seeking dramatic or shocking testimonies rather than representative ones. essay. Dozens of other newspaper and periodical correspondents converged upon Hampton Roads in the spring and summer of 1861, largely because people thought the first major battles of the war would be fought there-and when such battles failed to materialize, many of the reporters sent back copy about the contrabands. The archives of the American Missionary a.s.sociation (housed at Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, and also available on microfilm) include letters from the missionaries who began arriving at Fortress Monroe in the autumn of 1861, some of which recount various contrabands' life stories-although these should be used with care, since some of the missionaries were clearly seeking dramatic or shocking testimonies rather than representative ones.

The two best modern biographies of Benjamin F. Butler are Hans L. Trefousse, Ben Butler: The South Called Him Beast Ben Butler: The South Called Him Beast (New York: Twayne Publishers, 1957), and Howard P. Nash, (New York: Twayne Publishers, 1957), and Howard P. Nash, Stormy Petrel: The Life and Times of General Benjamin F. Butler, 18181893 Stormy Petrel: The Life and Times of General Benjamin F. Butler, 18181893 (Fairleigh d.i.c.kinson University Press, 1969). The general's own memoir, (Fairleigh d.i.c.kinson University Press, 1969). The general's own memoir, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Maj.-Gen. Benjamin F. Butler Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Maj.-Gen. Benjamin F. Butler (Boston: A. M. Thayer & Co., 1892) is a small masterpiece of self-aggrandizement, certainly not without its charms. The general's letters are collected in (Boston: A. M. Thayer & Co., 1892) is a small masterpiece of self-aggrandizement, certainly not without its charms. The general's letters are collected in Private and Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the Civil War Private and Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the Civil War (Norwood, Ma.s.sachusetts: The Plimpton Press, 1917). Butler's papers in the Library of Congress include far more extensive material from the war years, and provide virtually a day-by-day picture of his activities at Fortress Monroe. (Norwood, Ma.s.sachusetts: The Plimpton Press, 1917). Butler's papers in the Library of Congress include far more extensive material from the war years, and provide virtually a day-by-day picture of his activities at Fortress Monroe.

For nineteenth-century Hampton, see Robert F. Engs, Freedom's First Generation: Black Hampton, Virginia, 18611890 Freedom's First Generation: Black Hampton, Virginia, 18611890 (Fordham University Press, 2004). Marion L. Starkey's (Fordham University Press, 2004). Marion L. Starkey's The First Plantation: A History of Hampton and Elizabeth City County, Virginia, 16071887 The First Plantation: A History of Hampton and Elizabeth City County, Virginia, 16071887 (n.p., 1936) offers a surprisingly honest, nuanced, and sympathetic (for its place and time) account of black life there during slavery, along with the recollections of the last few surviving people who remembered the antebellum town. (n.p., 1936) offers a surprisingly honest, nuanced, and sympathetic (for its place and time) account of black life there during slavery, along with the recollections of the last few surviving people who remembered the antebellum town.

Other works give a broader picture of society and race relations in antebellum Virginia. Frederick Law Olmsted's A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States (New York: Dix & Edwards, 1861) is the best a.n.a.lysis of Virginia's economy and society by a period observer. Melvin Patrick Ely's (New York: Dix & Edwards, 1861) is the best a.n.a.lysis of Virginia's economy and society by a period observer. Melvin Patrick Ely's Israel on the Appomattox: A Southern Experiment in Black Freedom from the 1790s Through the Civil War Israel on the Appomattox: A Southern Experiment in Black Freedom from the 1790s Through the Civil War (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2004) is a valuable community study. Steven Deyle's (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2004) is a valuable community study. Steven Deyle's Carry Me Back: The Domestic Slave Trade in American Life Carry Me Back: The Domestic Slave Trade in American Life (Oxford University Press, 2005) situates often horrifying details within a larger context. Susan Dunn's (Oxford University Press, 2005) situates often horrifying details within a larger context. Susan Dunn's Dominion of Memories: Jefferson, Madison, and the Decline of Virginia Dominion of Memories: Jefferson, Madison, and the Decline of Virginia (New York: Basic Books, 2007) provides a subtle a.n.a.lysis of evolving racial att.i.tudes amid rapid changes in the economy and society of the Upper South. Scot French's (New York: Basic Books, 2007) provides a subtle a.n.a.lysis of evolving racial att.i.tudes amid rapid changes in the economy and society of the Upper South. Scot French's The Rebellious Slave: Nat Turner in American Memory The Rebellious Slave: Nat Turner in American Memory (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004) disentangles truth and myth. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004) disentangles truth and myth.

For the larger picture of racial dynamics during and after the war, Ira Berlin et al., eds., Freedom: A Doc.u.mentary History of Emanc.i.p.ation, 18611867 Freedom: A Doc.u.mentary History of Emanc.i.p.ation, 18611867 (Cambridge University Press, 1985) provides a distillation of voluminous material uncovered by the Freedmen and Southern Society Project. David Brion Davis's (Cambridge University Press, 1985) provides a distillation of voluminous material uncovered by the Freedmen and Southern Society Project. David Brion Davis's Inhuman Bondage: The Rise and Fall of Slavery in the New World Inhuman Bondage: The Rise and Fall of Slavery in the New World (Oxford University Press, 2006) offers an enlightening treatment of the contrabands within the larger story of slavery's end in the Western hemisphere. James M. McPherson's groundbreaking (Oxford University Press, 2006) offers an enlightening treatment of the contrabands within the larger story of slavery's end in the Western hemisphere. James M. McPherson's groundbreaking The Struggle for Equality: Abolitionists and the Negro in the Civil War and Reconstruction The Struggle for Equality: Abolitionists and the Negro in the Civil War and Reconstruction (Princeton University Press, 1964) traces the battle over race and slavery throughout the course of the war; Benjamin Quarles's (Princeton University Press, 1964) traces the battle over race and slavery throughout the course of the war; Benjamin Quarles's The Negro in the Civil War The Negro in the Civil War (Boston: Little, Brown, 1953) remains a valuable resource. Steven Hahn's (Boston: Little, Brown, 1953) remains a valuable resource. Steven Hahn's A Nation Under Our Feet: Black Political Struggles in the Rural South, from Slavery to the Great Migration A Nation Under Our Feet: Black Political Struggles in the Rural South, from Slavery to the Great Migration (Harvard University Press, 2003) does much to correct mistaken impressions of black pa.s.sivity. Interviews with ex-slaves conducted in the 1930s under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration are collected in George P. Rawick, ed., (Harvard University Press, 2003) does much to correct mistaken impressions of black pa.s.sivity. Interviews with ex-slaves conducted in the 1930s under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration are collected in George P. Rawick, ed., The American Slave: A Composite Autobiography The American Slave: A Composite Autobiography (Westport, Conn., 197279). (Westport, Conn., 197279).

Surprisingly, few studies specifically treat the contrabands in any depth. One of these, Armstead Robinson's Bitter Fruits of Bondage: The Demise of Slavery and the Collapse of the Confederacy, 18611865 Bitter Fruits of Bondage: The Demise of Slavery and the Collapse of the Confederacy, 18611865 (University of Virginia Press, 2005), is a provocative and compelling book, persuasively arguing that Southern blacks played a major role in undermining the rebel war effort. An encouraging sign of further interest in the subject is Kate Masur's article ”'A Rare Phenomenon of Philological Vegetation': The Word 'Contraband' and the Meanings of Emanc.i.p.ation in the United States,” (University of Virginia Press, 2005), is a provocative and compelling book, persuasively arguing that Southern blacks played a major role in undermining the rebel war effort. An encouraging sign of further interest in the subject is Kate Masur's article ”'A Rare Phenomenon of Philological Vegetation': The Word 'Contraband' and the Meanings of Emanc.i.p.ation in the United States,” Journal of American History, Journal of American History, vol. 93, no. 4 (March 2007). See also Stephanie McCurry, vol. 93, no. 4 (March 2007). See also Stephanie McCurry, Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South (Harvard University Press, 2010). (Harvard University Press, 2010).

Many books, on the other hand, have examined the contested subject of Lincoln and slavery. Two of the best are Richard Striner's Father Abraham: Lincoln's Relentless Struggle to End Slavery Father Abraham: Lincoln's Relentless Struggle to End Slavery (Oxford University Press, 2006) and Eric Foner's (Oxford University Press, 2006) and Eric Foner's The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery (New York: W. W. Norton, 2010). (New York: W. W. Norton, 2010).

Chapter Nine: Independence Day.

Harry V. Jaffa's A New Birth of Freedom: Abraham Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War A New Birth of Freedom: Abraham Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War (Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2000) includes an in-depth a.n.a.lysis of the history and political philosophy undergirding Lincoln's July 4, 1861, message to Congress. Douglas Wilson, in (Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2000) includes an in-depth a.n.a.lysis of the history and political philosophy undergirding Lincoln's July 4, 1861, message to Congress. Douglas Wilson, in Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006) meticulously reconstructs Lincoln's composition of the doc.u.ment by examining its various drafts. Adam Gopnik's stimulating (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006) meticulously reconstructs Lincoln's composition of the doc.u.ment by examining its various drafts. Adam Gopnik's stimulating Angels and Ages: A Short Book About Darwin, Lincoln, and Modern Life Angels and Ages: A Short Book About Darwin, Lincoln, and Modern Life (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009) speaks eloquently of Lincoln and the concept of the rule of law, while Richard Striner's (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009) speaks eloquently of Lincoln and the concept of the rule of law, while Richard Striner's Lincoln's Way: How Six Great Presidents Created American Power Lincoln's Way: How Six Great Presidents Created American Power (Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2010) proposes Lincoln as a figure embodying both the progressive and conservative traditions in American politics. (Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2010) proposes Lincoln as a figure embodying both the progressive and conservative traditions in American politics.

For the Comet of 1861, see David A. Seargent's The Greatest Comets in History: Broom Stars and Celestial Scimitars The Greatest Comets in History: Broom Stars and Celestial Scimitars (New York: Springer Science, 2009). (New York: Springer Science, 2009).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

I would especially like to thank two people: my friend and colleague Ted Widmer and my friend and student Jim Schelberg.

Ted has made so many good things happen: bringing me to the Eastern Sh.o.r.e of Maryland and to Was.h.i.+ngton College; introducing me to the joy of teaching; and, through countless conversations over the past nine years, opening my love of American history in new directions. (Not to mention some memorable nights in Chestertown with him and his family, dancing to 1970s rock in a 1730s house.) Ted's work as a writer and public intellectual sets a high standard indeed. I am grateful to him as well for reading my entire ma.n.u.script and offering insights on subjects from beards to baseball, as few but he can.

Jim was present throughout the creation of this book. If not for his interest in the Civil War during his freshman year of college, we never would have come across those letters in the attic that rekindled my own curiosity about 1861. One year later, Jim deployed to Afghanistan as a U.S. Marine fighting in a twenty-first-century conflict; his experiences there gave me a new understanding of how-as he wrote to me in a letter from far-off Helmand Province-”strange and unpredictable things occur in politics and war.” After Jim's return, he generously a.s.sisted with research, during which we had many conversations about both the present and the past. The book truly would not have been the same without him.

Abbie Kowalewski, gifted and pa.s.sionate student of the past, constantly reminded me that history is a story of people, not abstractions. Our regular breakfasts before my research sessions at the Library of Congress sent me sailing into the nineteenth century with the wind at my back.

Birch Bayh, Kitty Bayh, Richard Ben Cramer, and Joan Smith-cherished friends all-helped me through a rough patch and extended many other kindnesses (and meals) throughout the course of this project. Birch embodies the kind of statesmans.h.i.+p our country sorely needed, and finally got, in 1861-not to mention the kind that it could use in 2011. Richard is one of the snazziest writers I know. Kitty and Joan are two of the most thoughtful and civilized readers I know; moreover, Joan provided invaluable help with my ill.u.s.trations and bibliography. For offering inspiration and encouragement (not least by example) when I needed it most, I also thank my friends Marc Pachter, Joshua Wolf Shenk, and especially Robert Wilson.

I am proud to be a member of Was.h.i.+ngton College's extraordinary community of teachers and students. I feel especially fortunate to work with a superb group of colleagues at the C. V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, each of whom brings to bear his or her own perspective on history, and who made my life both easier and happier throughout the course of this project: Jill Ogline t.i.tus, Jenifer Emley, Michael Buckley, and Lois Kitz. My colleague in the History Department, Richard Striner-author of important scholars.h.i.+p on Lincoln and the Civil War era-read my ma.n.u.script and offered helpful suggestions. Mitch.e.l.l Reiss, Baird Tipson, and Christopher Ames were all generous with their encouragement. For their support of my work at the Starr Center, I am also grateful to Jay Griswold, the Hodson Trust (especially the late Finn M.W. Caspersen), the late Margaret Nuttle, and Margaret Melcher. Toasts to Mary Wood, the late Howard Wood, James Wood, and Olivia Wood (as well as their thirteen generations of voluble and colorful ancestors) for the adventure at Poplar Grove that led me into 1861.

For a.s.sistance, support, and camaraderie of many kinds during the writing of this book, I thank Jeffrey Akman, Julianna Andrews, Adam Arenson, Richard Beeman, Felicia Bell, Ira Berlin, Dianne Brace and Bob Lynch, Clayton and Masha Black, Bill Bodenschatz, Jack Bohrer, Jennifer Brathovde, Wanda Brogdon, Elizabeth Broun, Elizabe

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