Inside the White House in War Times: Memoirs and Reports of Lincoln's Secretary

by William Osborn Stoddard, Michael Burlingame (Editor)

Of the three secretaries who assisted President Abraham Lincoln—John G. Nicolay, John Hay, and William O. Stoddard—only Stoddard wrote an extended memoir about his time in the Executive Mansion. First published in 1890, the book vividly depicts the president’s agonizing reaction to the defeats at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the difficulties encountered (and presented) by Mary Lincoln, the president’s relations with George B. McClellan and other generals, and the anxiety preceding the Merrimack’s epic battle with the Monitor.

 

In 1866 Stoddard also penned thirteen “White House Sketches” about his time in Lincoln’s service. Originally published in an obscure New York newspaper, these essays—never previously collected—supplement Stoddard’s memoir. Together the memoir and sketches provide an intimate look at the sixteenth president during a time of crisis.

226 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1890

About the author

William Osborn Stoddard (Cortland County, 1835–1925) was an American author, inventor, and assistant secretary to Abraham Lincoln during his first term.

Stoddard first published work in 1869. He wrote both poetry and fiction, ultimately producing over a hundred books, including 76 books for boys.

Stoddard also received nine patents for inventions.

Reviews

[David Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

William Stoddard was Lincoln's "third secretary," brought in during part of his presidency to assist John Nicolay and John Hay with the volumes of mail received each day. The book contains both Stoddard's memoir published in 1890 and a series of "sketches," narratives he wrote in 1866 as letters to the editor of the New York Citizen. The volume is edited by Lincoln scholar Michael Burlingame, who provides ample annotation for his own Introduction and for each of the thirteen sketches. No notes are included for the memoir itself.

As Burlingame notes in his introduction, Stoddard's narratives are somewhat suspect. Nicolay criticized his "great tendency to exaggeration," and Hay argued that Stoddard was becoming "more and more worthless." Stoddard clearly embellished on the depths of his involvement with day-to-day affairs in the White House. Still, his memoir does provide some insight into White House life during the war.

Overall, the book was an interesting read, the notations by Burlingame were useful in fleshing out the offhand references to key characters, and the sketches provided perhaps more reliable accounts. It's worth a read if you enjoy the history, though you're unlikely to find anything really new.

[Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me for Christmas by my wife Shari. It is on the list of 100 essential books on Lincoln that are recommended.

The book content is taken from the 3rd secretary to President Lincoln Mr. William O. Stoddard. Mr. Stoddard went on to a successful career as a writer following the war years. He was a favorite of Mrs. Lincoln as well.

The book is filled with personal observations of events and personalities as they happened during his time in the White House.

A thoroughly enjoyable read and has sparked my interest - once again - in getting a copy of the full memoirs of Mr. Stoddard.

I seldom give more than 3 stars, but this book merits that in my view simply based on the insights at the time and the impressions he shares.

[Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old book - excellent personal experiences of Bill Stoddard during his time as secretary behind Nicolay and Hay - in the White House.

It has driven me to find Nicolay/Hay books on Lincoln and make them a part of my personal library.

So many books, and time running out.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended by Bill Potter at Circa History Guild. Book provided good insights on the Lincoln white house from a forgotten 3rd secretary. Most everyone knows about John Nicolay and John Hay. Fascinating insights.