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Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter, 1860-1861
One of our most eminent Lincoln scholars examines the four months between Lincoln's election and inauguration, when the president-elect made the most important decision of his coming presidency there would be no compromise on slavery or secession of the slaveholding states, even at the cost of civil war.
Abraham Lincoln first demonstrated his determination and leadership in the Great Secession Winter the four months between his election in November 1860 and his inauguration in March 1861 when he rejected compromises urged on him by Republicans and Democrats, Northerners and Southerners, that might have preserved the Union a little longer but would have enshrined slavery for generations. Though Lincoln has been criticized by many historians for failing to appreciate the severity of the secession crisis that greeted his victory, Harold Holzer shows that the presidentelect waged a shrewd and complex campaign to prevent the expansion of slavery while vainly trying to limit secession to a few Deep South states.
During this most dangerous White House transition in American history, the country had two presidents: one powerless (the president-elect, possessing no constitutional authority), the other paralyzed (the incumbent who refused to act). Through limited, brilliantly timed and crafted public statements, determined private letters, tough political pressure, and personal persuasion, Lincoln guaranteed the integrity of the American political process of majority rule, sounded the death knell of slavery, and transformed not only his own image but that of the presidency, even while makinginevitable the war that would be necessary to make these achievements permanent.
Lincoln President-Elect is the first book to concentrate on Lincoln's public stance and private agony during these months and on the momentous consequences when he first demonstrated his determination and leadership. Holzer recasts Lincoln from an isolated prairie politician yet to establish his greatness, to a skillful shaper of men and opinion and an immovable friend of freedom at a decisive moment when allegiance to the founding credo "all men are created equal" might well have been sacrificed.
623 pages, Hardcover
First published October 21, 2008
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May 17, 2022
Harold Holzer is a great storyteller who combines thorough research and his deep knowledge of all things Lincoln to produce compelling, readable accounts about specific aspects of the Lincoln story. Here, he aims to give the months between Lincoln’s election and inauguration the same treatment that he gave one of the most important speeches of Lincoln’s pre-presidency in Lincoln at Cooper Union: The Speech That Made Abraham Lincoln President a few years earlier - a thorough recounting of everything that led up to the main event, filled with telling details, interesting anecdotes and astute analysis.
While this book was very good, I thought it suffered a bit in comparison to Lincoln at Cooper Union, if only because the trajectories of the two stories are very different. In the earlier book, everything built up to the speech and its importance, so every detail along the way was in service of the book’s climax and centerpiece.
In this book, Holzer’s central goal actually kind of turns out to be dual goals. He aims to dispel the idea that "Lincoln remained silent for far too long after his victory...while failing to grasp the peril of the crisis awaiting his attention," by showing that Lincoln was actually actively if furtively involved in preventing the spread of slavery and discouraging “unprincipled compromise” before he took office.
He proposes to do this by providing a “week-by-week exploration” of everything Lincoln said and did during the four months leading up to his inauguration. But this struck me as more of a second goal than a means of achieving the first, because the “week-by-week” approach incorporates a lot of side stories, minutiae and workaday details about meeting with office seekers and greeting constituents that don’t always advance Holzer’s main thesis.
When he does address his thesis, the book is very good. Political opponents, and even some supporters, criticized Lincoln at the time for not being more outspoken during the lame-duck period of predecessor James Buchanan’s presidency. But as Lincoln’s eventual successor Barack Obama was to articulate about a century and a half later, there can be “only one president at a time.” Holzer recounts how Lincoln’s decision to stay mostly publicly silent was in deference to this notion, but was also a deliberate strategy to avoid inflaming tensions even further.
Yet he shows that Lincoln was not actually completely silent at all. Holzer describes the ways in which Lincoln was more active and involved during this period than he’s traditionally given credit for. While Lincoln was frustrated with Buchanan’s actions and inaction, and also with his own inability to steer policy in the meantime, he did what he could to makes his beliefs and intentions known, by ghost-writing editorials and supporters' speeches, and quietly communicating with lawmakers to influence Congressional debates over last-ditch attempts at compromise with the South. He may not have solved the growing crisis, prevented Southern states from seceding or avoided war, but he certainly seems to have succeeded in preventing things from getting worse, by forestalling any misguided compromise that would have allowed for the expansion and/or permanence of slavery before he could even assume office.
These insights, however, are somewhat obscured by the larger “week-by-week” narrative that traces Lincoln’s every activity. That’s not to say this part of the story is bad, because much of the storytelling is quite compelling - we get a great, detailed account of Lincoln’s visit to his old homestead for a final goodbye to his relatives and his aged stepmother, a thorough portrayal of the often chaotic and crowded inaugural journey, and the full story of the Baltimore Plot that forced a last-minute change of plans and had Lincoln making a clandestine early-morning arrival in Washington, which Holzer concludes was unfortunate but probably prudent and necessary.
And the strongest part of the “week-by-week” approach is that it allows Holzer to provide a good sense of the drawn-out process of choosing a Cabinet, which was begun early but not complete until very close to Inauguration Day. Holzer generously gives Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln a shoutout several times, but he generally rejects her framing that Lincoln offered positions to his strongest presidential rivals out of a sense of magnanimity or confidence. Instead, Holzer points out that not only was choosing presidential rivals as Cabinet secretaries often done at that time, but there were many other factors at play, as every selection was done to please a particular constituency. And he offers a thorough telling of the no-win situation involving the ultimately ill-fated selection of War Secretary Simon Cameron, who was virtually ignored in Goodwin’s account.
So the “week-by-week” storytelling is mostly good. And the “Lincoln was more effective before his inauguration than you might think” analysis is strong. But each of the two approaches drowns out the other to an extent, in that they don’t completely mesh. The book might have been better if it was less of a chronological and comprehensive story and more tightly focused on the thesis of a surreptitiously-active pre-president Lincoln. Or perhaps it would have been better without the thesis altogether, and just as a compellingly-written story about the interesting things that happened along the way as president-elect Lincoln became President Lincoln.
This was just one of those books that was very good, but I couldn’t let go of the lingering feeling as I read that it somehow could have been better. That said, “very good” is better than most, so even a Holzer book that’s not perfect is still one that I’m glad to have read.
While this book was very good, I thought it suffered a bit in comparison to Lincoln at Cooper Union, if only because the trajectories of the two stories are very different. In the earlier book, everything built up to the speech and its importance, so every detail along the way was in service of the book’s climax and centerpiece.
In this book, Holzer’s central goal actually kind of turns out to be dual goals. He aims to dispel the idea that "Lincoln remained silent for far too long after his victory...while failing to grasp the peril of the crisis awaiting his attention," by showing that Lincoln was actually actively if furtively involved in preventing the spread of slavery and discouraging “unprincipled compromise” before he took office.
He proposes to do this by providing a “week-by-week exploration” of everything Lincoln said and did during the four months leading up to his inauguration. But this struck me as more of a second goal than a means of achieving the first, because the “week-by-week” approach incorporates a lot of side stories, minutiae and workaday details about meeting with office seekers and greeting constituents that don’t always advance Holzer’s main thesis.
When he does address his thesis, the book is very good. Political opponents, and even some supporters, criticized Lincoln at the time for not being more outspoken during the lame-duck period of predecessor James Buchanan’s presidency. But as Lincoln’s eventual successor Barack Obama was to articulate about a century and a half later, there can be “only one president at a time.” Holzer recounts how Lincoln’s decision to stay mostly publicly silent was in deference to this notion, but was also a deliberate strategy to avoid inflaming tensions even further.
Yet he shows that Lincoln was not actually completely silent at all. Holzer describes the ways in which Lincoln was more active and involved during this period than he’s traditionally given credit for. While Lincoln was frustrated with Buchanan’s actions and inaction, and also with his own inability to steer policy in the meantime, he did what he could to makes his beliefs and intentions known, by ghost-writing editorials and supporters' speeches, and quietly communicating with lawmakers to influence Congressional debates over last-ditch attempts at compromise with the South. He may not have solved the growing crisis, prevented Southern states from seceding or avoided war, but he certainly seems to have succeeded in preventing things from getting worse, by forestalling any misguided compromise that would have allowed for the expansion and/or permanence of slavery before he could even assume office.
These insights, however, are somewhat obscured by the larger “week-by-week” narrative that traces Lincoln’s every activity. That’s not to say this part of the story is bad, because much of the storytelling is quite compelling - we get a great, detailed account of Lincoln’s visit to his old homestead for a final goodbye to his relatives and his aged stepmother, a thorough portrayal of the often chaotic and crowded inaugural journey, and the full story of the Baltimore Plot that forced a last-minute change of plans and had Lincoln making a clandestine early-morning arrival in Washington, which Holzer concludes was unfortunate but probably prudent and necessary.
And the strongest part of the “week-by-week” approach is that it allows Holzer to provide a good sense of the drawn-out process of choosing a Cabinet, which was begun early but not complete until very close to Inauguration Day. Holzer generously gives Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln a shoutout several times, but he generally rejects her framing that Lincoln offered positions to his strongest presidential rivals out of a sense of magnanimity or confidence. Instead, Holzer points out that not only was choosing presidential rivals as Cabinet secretaries often done at that time, but there were many other factors at play, as every selection was done to please a particular constituency. And he offers a thorough telling of the no-win situation involving the ultimately ill-fated selection of War Secretary Simon Cameron, who was virtually ignored in Goodwin’s account.
So the “week-by-week” storytelling is mostly good. And the “Lincoln was more effective before his inauguration than you might think” analysis is strong. But each of the two approaches drowns out the other to an extent, in that they don’t completely mesh. The book might have been better if it was less of a chronological and comprehensive story and more tightly focused on the thesis of a surreptitiously-active pre-president Lincoln. Or perhaps it would have been better without the thesis altogether, and just as a compellingly-written story about the interesting things that happened along the way as president-elect Lincoln became President Lincoln.
This was just one of those books that was very good, but I couldn’t let go of the lingering feeling as I read that it somehow could have been better. That said, “very good” is better than most, so even a Holzer book that’s not perfect is still one that I’m glad to have read.
November 21, 2015
A readable, well-written history of the four months between the 1860 election and Lincoln’s inauguration. Holzer’s Lincoln comes off as a decisive, strong-willed statesman with a clear idea of his goals, uncertainty about his methods, and a shrewd grasp of how to achieve his objectives. Holzer argues that Lincoln exerted more power and influence before his formal swearing-in than any other president-elect, and that Lincoln was unprepared to sacrifice his party’s position on slavery in order to save the Union that had existed before. Holzer’s Lincoln comes off as “great” before the war even started.
Holzer’s prose moves along at a crisp pace, and his rendition of the daily grind of Lincoln’s life at this time is very enjoyable. His retelling of the facts is clear and his arguments are well-supported. Holzer clearly describes all of the issues faced by Lincoln and how he managed to retain a grip on reality throughout, as well a retain a good deal of energy. Some historians have portrayed Lincoln during this era as self-doubting, indecisive, and on the verge of being overwhelmed; Holzer clearly disagrees, although he does describe all of the incidents where Lincoln’s rhetoric seemed clumsy and contradictory. Also, this was the same period where Lincoln made the poor choice of Simon Cameron as secretary of War.
As a lame-duck president, it did not seem like there was all that much Lincoln could do during this period. Holzer does not address this in much detail; to the extent that he does, he seems to strongly disagree. He thoroughly covers all of Lincoln’s activities during this period; however, there is relatively little coverage of other players, many of whom arguably may have had more of an impact than Lincoln. The book’s narrow focus is one drawback, and Holzer doesn’t always put Lincoln’s rhetoric and actions into any wider context.
There is little analysis of Lincoln’s speeches, which seems inappropriate given that the whole country was paying attention at the time. Holzer calls the compromise movement “unprincipled,” and calls Buchanan’s willingness to give concessions to the South “astonishing,” even though Buchanan blamed the crisis on antislavery radicals. He calls Millard Fillmore’s support for the Fugitive Slave Act, “inexplicable,” although even Lincoln and Chase would have supported it. Holzer also writes that the Republican proposal to admit New Mexico “embraced nearly all the key Southern demands.” It did? What about Dred Scott, the slave code issue, and the territories issue? Also, most of Holzer’s discussion of Lincoln’s anti-compromise attitude is about Lincoln’s views on slavery. There is little on Lincoln’s constitutional views.
Also, Holzer mostly only covers these events from Lincoln’s perspective; if word of them got back to Lincoln, Holzer usually covers it. If it didn’t, Holzer mostly doesn’t. The course of the seceding states and the Buchanan administration is worthy of coverage, but Holzer’s discussion of these seems inadequate. Also, Holzer’s themes sometimes seem repetitive. The constant discussion of this or that office seeker seems mostly irrelevant. Mary Boykin Chesnut is at one point called a “Virginia” diarist, and Holzer writes that the South Carolina secession convention took place in Charleston (it was first Columbia, then Charleston).
There are also a few typos, like “ant-slavery,” and no doubt some readers will roll their eyes at Holzer’s indulgence in trivia: Lincoln’s decision to grow a beard takes up seven pages for some reason; Holzer even claims that this was a ploy to distract the public debate about secession (huh?). His preparations to leave Springfield for Washington take up no less than twenty pages.
Still, a vivid, well-written, very well told story that fully captures the daily grind, chaos, expectations, and strain of this period.
Holzer’s prose moves along at a crisp pace, and his rendition of the daily grind of Lincoln’s life at this time is very enjoyable. His retelling of the facts is clear and his arguments are well-supported. Holzer clearly describes all of the issues faced by Lincoln and how he managed to retain a grip on reality throughout, as well a retain a good deal of energy. Some historians have portrayed Lincoln during this era as self-doubting, indecisive, and on the verge of being overwhelmed; Holzer clearly disagrees, although he does describe all of the incidents where Lincoln’s rhetoric seemed clumsy and contradictory. Also, this was the same period where Lincoln made the poor choice of Simon Cameron as secretary of War.
As a lame-duck president, it did not seem like there was all that much Lincoln could do during this period. Holzer does not address this in much detail; to the extent that he does, he seems to strongly disagree. He thoroughly covers all of Lincoln’s activities during this period; however, there is relatively little coverage of other players, many of whom arguably may have had more of an impact than Lincoln. The book’s narrow focus is one drawback, and Holzer doesn’t always put Lincoln’s rhetoric and actions into any wider context.
There is little analysis of Lincoln’s speeches, which seems inappropriate given that the whole country was paying attention at the time. Holzer calls the compromise movement “unprincipled,” and calls Buchanan’s willingness to give concessions to the South “astonishing,” even though Buchanan blamed the crisis on antislavery radicals. He calls Millard Fillmore’s support for the Fugitive Slave Act, “inexplicable,” although even Lincoln and Chase would have supported it. Holzer also writes that the Republican proposal to admit New Mexico “embraced nearly all the key Southern demands.” It did? What about Dred Scott, the slave code issue, and the territories issue? Also, most of Holzer’s discussion of Lincoln’s anti-compromise attitude is about Lincoln’s views on slavery. There is little on Lincoln’s constitutional views.
Also, Holzer mostly only covers these events from Lincoln’s perspective; if word of them got back to Lincoln, Holzer usually covers it. If it didn’t, Holzer mostly doesn’t. The course of the seceding states and the Buchanan administration is worthy of coverage, but Holzer’s discussion of these seems inadequate. Also, Holzer’s themes sometimes seem repetitive. The constant discussion of this or that office seeker seems mostly irrelevant. Mary Boykin Chesnut is at one point called a “Virginia” diarist, and Holzer writes that the South Carolina secession convention took place in Charleston (it was first Columbia, then Charleston).
There are also a few typos, like “ant-slavery,” and no doubt some readers will roll their eyes at Holzer’s indulgence in trivia: Lincoln’s decision to grow a beard takes up seven pages for some reason; Holzer even claims that this was a ploy to distract the public debate about secession (huh?). His preparations to leave Springfield for Washington take up no less than twenty pages.
Still, a vivid, well-written, very well told story that fully captures the daily grind, chaos, expectations, and strain of this period.
December 29, 2021
Lincoln President-Elect is my second book by ubiquitous Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer, the other being the engaging Lincoln at Cooper Union: The Speech That Made Abraham Lincoln President. Holzer follows Lincoln’s ominous four-month interregnum as President-Elect, between Lincoln’s election night through to his inauguration day and first inaugural speech. Holzer’s aim is to dispel the notion that during this “Great Secession Winter”, Lincoln was not an indecisive and oblivious leader while the Southern states seceded as some historians have suggested, but a shrewd and principled actor displaying a “masterly inactivity.”
Holzer’s study is a first-hand account through the eyes of Lincoln as he reacts to election night in Springfield, grapples with the politics of putting a cabinet together, deals with the torrential onslaught of office-seekers, introduces himself to the northern states on his turbulent 13-day inaugural journey to Washington, evades an assassination plot in Baltimore, and crafts a nimble inaugural address aimed at holding the Union together. With the nation holding its breath as seven Southern states secede, Lincoln identifies the task before him “greater than that which rested upon Washington.”
Abundantly sourced, Lincoln President-Elect is a careful examination of this extraordinary transition period in American history. As with his work on Lincoln at Cooper Union, Holzer synthesizes a narrow period in Lincoln’s life and provides a detailed and engaging narrative. This is an essential read for any student of Lincoln.
Holzer’s study is a first-hand account through the eyes of Lincoln as he reacts to election night in Springfield, grapples with the politics of putting a cabinet together, deals with the torrential onslaught of office-seekers, introduces himself to the northern states on his turbulent 13-day inaugural journey to Washington, evades an assassination plot in Baltimore, and crafts a nimble inaugural address aimed at holding the Union together. With the nation holding its breath as seven Southern states secede, Lincoln identifies the task before him “greater than that which rested upon Washington.”
Abundantly sourced, Lincoln President-Elect is a careful examination of this extraordinary transition period in American history. As with his work on Lincoln at Cooper Union, Holzer synthesizes a narrow period in Lincoln’s life and provides a detailed and engaging narrative. This is an essential read for any student of Lincoln.
November 26, 2023
An intimate look at the Great Secession Winter, this book satisfies on many levels. The writing is crisp and nuanced, evoking strong emotions even this far removed from when the events occurred. The author has written over 25 other books about Abraham Lincoln, so he is very familiar with the subject of the book. Overall, a great introduction to the Civil War and a good starting place for anyone looking to brush up on this chapter of American history!!
May 28, 2012
Interesting book about Lincoln's handling of his long interregnum between his election in early November 1860 and his inauguration on March 4, 1861. It is incredible to read that, almost daily, he woul hold public visiting hours to allow people the chance to come in and talk with him. These sessions were not just for party luminaries and big-wigs, they were for anyone who wanted to see him (most of them came asking for a job as they knew Lincoln would soon command a vast amount of political patronage to dispense). It truly is a wonder that he lived as long as he did since so many people had access to him and someone easily could have killed him even before her took office. But Lincoln refused to believe that many people really intended to do him harm.
Especially interesting was Lincoln's inaugural journey from Springfield to Washington. The supposed assassination plot against him in Baltimore has never been proven nor disproven.
I do think the book suffers from over-reliance on newspaper editorials and commentaries. I understand Holzer wanting to paint a scene showing the disparate factions, and their mouthpieces (who back then were largely newspapers as they were more partisan than today) either praising or criticizing everything that Lincoln said or did (or did not say or do). However, after reading what, for instance, the New York Herald Tribune had to say about Lincolns' latest rumored cabinet choice, became somewhat overdone.
Especially interesting was Lincoln's inaugural journey from Springfield to Washington. The supposed assassination plot against him in Baltimore has never been proven nor disproven.
I do think the book suffers from over-reliance on newspaper editorials and commentaries. I understand Holzer wanting to paint a scene showing the disparate factions, and their mouthpieces (who back then were largely newspapers as they were more partisan than today) either praising or criticizing everything that Lincoln said or did (or did not say or do). However, after reading what, for instance, the New York Herald Tribune had to say about Lincolns' latest rumored cabinet choice, became somewhat overdone.
August 12, 2013
Having read some of the other reviews, I don't know how much I can add.
This is a well-researched, well-written account of Abraham Lincoln's life and actions during the time between his election and his inauguration. This is an unique time in our history; states were seceding, the sitting President (Buchanan) was completely immobilized, and the President-Elect (Lincoln) had four long months during which he had no power and during which he wisely recognized that anything he said would probably only serve to make the situation worse. All through this time, Lincoln dealt with a tidal wave of job-seekers and dispensers of (usually) unwanted advice. As Mr. Holzer so accurately points out, it's amazing how astute and wise Lincoln was in how he proceeded, and yet he rarely receives the credit he deserves for getting through those four months with as little damage as he did.
I enjoyed the volume of detail Mr. Holzer provides and especially appreciated that he rarely drifted off into baseless speculation in the way that so many other historical authors are tempted to do. He backs up his speculations with first-hand accounts and even goes so far as to cast doubt on his source's veracity when the occasion calls for skepticism.
This is not a book for the casual reader. In order to fully appreciate the material, it's essential to already have a familiarity with the time period and with the chain of events of those four months, because Mr. Holzer does not dive into much detail outside the world of Springfield, the train trip from Illinois to DC, and the days in Washington City leading up to Inauguration Day. Along the way, Mr. Holzer provides insights into 19th Century practices (for example, the inauguration parade and address were customarily held before the new President received the oath of office) that add to the sense that you are there.
Bottom line: this book is well worth the time.
This is a well-researched, well-written account of Abraham Lincoln's life and actions during the time between his election and his inauguration. This is an unique time in our history; states were seceding, the sitting President (Buchanan) was completely immobilized, and the President-Elect (Lincoln) had four long months during which he had no power and during which he wisely recognized that anything he said would probably only serve to make the situation worse. All through this time, Lincoln dealt with a tidal wave of job-seekers and dispensers of (usually) unwanted advice. As Mr. Holzer so accurately points out, it's amazing how astute and wise Lincoln was in how he proceeded, and yet he rarely receives the credit he deserves for getting through those four months with as little damage as he did.
I enjoyed the volume of detail Mr. Holzer provides and especially appreciated that he rarely drifted off into baseless speculation in the way that so many other historical authors are tempted to do. He backs up his speculations with first-hand accounts and even goes so far as to cast doubt on his source's veracity when the occasion calls for skepticism.
This is not a book for the casual reader. In order to fully appreciate the material, it's essential to already have a familiarity with the time period and with the chain of events of those four months, because Mr. Holzer does not dive into much detail outside the world of Springfield, the train trip from Illinois to DC, and the days in Washington City leading up to Inauguration Day. Along the way, Mr. Holzer provides insights into 19th Century practices (for example, the inauguration parade and address were customarily held before the new President received the oath of office) that add to the sense that you are there.
Bottom line: this book is well worth the time.
March 15, 2011
This book is close to a five star book for me. I am very picky about giving 5 stars, though.
Harold Holzer knows the subject of the book - his depth of knowlege is widely acknowledged and it shows in the book. Four four months - Lincoln with no power - had to try to put a cabinet together, write speech that would mark his direction and that of the country - all the while states are seceding and setting up their own separate nation with governments to support that effort. And by the way, they were also seizing federal property in defiance of the government duly elected in Washington D.C. Lincoln literally toiled over his inaugural address - hoping against hope that war could be averted and that the states in rebellion would be convinced that something could be worked out. Lincoln had no intention of abolishing slavery where it existed, but was in his heart determined to stop the spread of that awful institution. Here is Lincoln trying to put a cabinet together that would consist of a number of political opponents all the while the south is a powder keg that he has no influence on. He spoke only briefly during the LONG 4 month delay to inauguration, so as to avoid inflaming things further - either in the south or the north. And remember that Lincoln had a staff of . . . only two. John Nicolay and John Hay (www.lincolntogo.net)
To keep this in perspective, this was probably the most dangerous transition from one president to another. On one hand we have an outgoing president who is paralyzed by events and refusing to act and the incoming president with no constitutional authority whatever. The country is literally fragmenting during the 4 months from election to the March inauguration of Lincoln.
Lincoln comes out as a strong, resolute and determined man. 4.8 stars for this book. Great addition to my "Lincoln Library".
Harold Holzer knows the subject of the book - his depth of knowlege is widely acknowledged and it shows in the book. Four four months - Lincoln with no power - had to try to put a cabinet together, write speech that would mark his direction and that of the country - all the while states are seceding and setting up their own separate nation with governments to support that effort. And by the way, they were also seizing federal property in defiance of the government duly elected in Washington D.C. Lincoln literally toiled over his inaugural address - hoping against hope that war could be averted and that the states in rebellion would be convinced that something could be worked out. Lincoln had no intention of abolishing slavery where it existed, but was in his heart determined to stop the spread of that awful institution. Here is Lincoln trying to put a cabinet together that would consist of a number of political opponents all the while the south is a powder keg that he has no influence on. He spoke only briefly during the LONG 4 month delay to inauguration, so as to avoid inflaming things further - either in the south or the north. And remember that Lincoln had a staff of . . . only two. John Nicolay and John Hay (www.lincolntogo.net)
To keep this in perspective, this was probably the most dangerous transition from one president to another. On one hand we have an outgoing president who is paralyzed by events and refusing to act and the incoming president with no constitutional authority whatever. The country is literally fragmenting during the 4 months from election to the March inauguration of Lincoln.
Lincoln comes out as a strong, resolute and determined man. 4.8 stars for this book. Great addition to my "Lincoln Library".
August 24, 2018
“I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
March 2, 2009
The golden rule of book reviews is to not criticize an author for not writing the book he didn't write. While I was somewhat disappointed in Harold Holzer's 460-page tome on the four months between Lincoln's election victory and his highly anticipated inauguration (attended by a whopping 25,000 people, an unprecedented crowd in 1861), it is a worthy, enlightening, easy read.
The scope of the book is intentionally narrow. It deals only with Lincoln, his thoughts, his words, his grinding day-to-day routine, and closest advisors and allies during the four months of his life between Nov. 1860 and March 1861 (the four-month lame duck period was done away with during FDR's presidency).
Holzer sought to debunk what he contends is an inaccurate historical representation of Lincoln during this interregnum: that he was "too conspicuous, sequestered, careless, conciliatory, calculating, coercive, sloppy" and even preening! Lincoln grew a beard for the first time after his election victory.
Holzer successfully re-examines the record and paints a much different picture of a shrewd, politically skilled leader without yet the responsibility, or burden, of office-- who faced an overwhelming crisis. Lincoln had to pull off the juggling act of all juggling acts, with northern Republicans demanding he stand firm in the face of insurrection, northern Democrats begging him to compromise, southern Democrats accusing him of belligerence, and abolitionists spitting out their frustration any time Lincoln reminded them he would not seek to end slavery where it existed, where it had been Constitutionally protected.
You are taken into the meeting rooms where Lincoln personally met patronage job seekers, into his correspondence with political allies and foes, and into his incredible mind as he drafts and re-drafts his first inaugural address. This aspect of the book is most rewarding; Lincoln's writing skills were unparalled among contemporary politicians. He was a man of principle, even if some of those principles may be hard to understand today. For instance, Lincoln supported the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act, although he detested the law.
You need only a cursory knowledge of American history to understand the context in which Lincoln operated in his "masterly inactivity" (he remained publicly silent for weeks after Election Day so he would not inflame southern fire-eaters, among others). For example, Holzer mentions briefly how Lincoln studied Jackson's handling of the Nullification controversy over the tariff of 1832. You get very little detail of that past battle between Jackson and the Nullifiers, but enough to understand it was an important moment on the road to disunion. Never heard of Edwin Ruffin? You'll learn a little about him here.
And that is where my disappointment lay. I wanted Holzer to stray outside Lincoln's world more often-- and examine Secession with a broader scope. Instead, he gives you enough to understand the incredible challenges Lincoln faced from all angles-- which was the intention of his work anyway. You will come away with a clearer understanding and better appreciation of Lincoln's marvelous intellect.
There are a lot of colorful characters here, too, like Frederick Douglass, Horace Greeley, and Lincoln's wife Mary.
Another bonus of reading a book like this is you taste what American life was like 150 years ago, a world without electronic amplification (how did anyone hear Lincoln's speech?), where women had to sit behind the men in their own area at the inaugural ceremonies, and a world in which blacks were non-persons, even in Lincoln's Illinois.
And Old Abe wasn't the best speller!
The scope of the book is intentionally narrow. It deals only with Lincoln, his thoughts, his words, his grinding day-to-day routine, and closest advisors and allies during the four months of his life between Nov. 1860 and March 1861 (the four-month lame duck period was done away with during FDR's presidency).
Holzer sought to debunk what he contends is an inaccurate historical representation of Lincoln during this interregnum: that he was "too conspicuous, sequestered, careless, conciliatory, calculating, coercive, sloppy" and even preening! Lincoln grew a beard for the first time after his election victory.
Holzer successfully re-examines the record and paints a much different picture of a shrewd, politically skilled leader without yet the responsibility, or burden, of office-- who faced an overwhelming crisis. Lincoln had to pull off the juggling act of all juggling acts, with northern Republicans demanding he stand firm in the face of insurrection, northern Democrats begging him to compromise, southern Democrats accusing him of belligerence, and abolitionists spitting out their frustration any time Lincoln reminded them he would not seek to end slavery where it existed, where it had been Constitutionally protected.
You are taken into the meeting rooms where Lincoln personally met patronage job seekers, into his correspondence with political allies and foes, and into his incredible mind as he drafts and re-drafts his first inaugural address. This aspect of the book is most rewarding; Lincoln's writing skills were unparalled among contemporary politicians. He was a man of principle, even if some of those principles may be hard to understand today. For instance, Lincoln supported the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act, although he detested the law.
You need only a cursory knowledge of American history to understand the context in which Lincoln operated in his "masterly inactivity" (he remained publicly silent for weeks after Election Day so he would not inflame southern fire-eaters, among others). For example, Holzer mentions briefly how Lincoln studied Jackson's handling of the Nullification controversy over the tariff of 1832. You get very little detail of that past battle between Jackson and the Nullifiers, but enough to understand it was an important moment on the road to disunion. Never heard of Edwin Ruffin? You'll learn a little about him here.
And that is where my disappointment lay. I wanted Holzer to stray outside Lincoln's world more often-- and examine Secession with a broader scope. Instead, he gives you enough to understand the incredible challenges Lincoln faced from all angles-- which was the intention of his work anyway. You will come away with a clearer understanding and better appreciation of Lincoln's marvelous intellect.
There are a lot of colorful characters here, too, like Frederick Douglass, Horace Greeley, and Lincoln's wife Mary.
Another bonus of reading a book like this is you taste what American life was like 150 years ago, a world without electronic amplification (how did anyone hear Lincoln's speech?), where women had to sit behind the men in their own area at the inaugural ceremonies, and a world in which blacks were non-persons, even in Lincoln's Illinois.
And Old Abe wasn't the best speller!
January 14, 2009
After seeing Harold Holzer on the Lou Dobbs show talking about his new book, I decided to read it, in part, to be able to reflect and compare how Lincoln used his time as President-Elect with the current President-Elect status of Barack Obama we are living in today. Harold goes to great lengths to detail every single moment, if possible, into weekly chunks, of Lincoln's excruciatingly long 4 month's as President-Elect. Harold Holzer did a great job with this book, and it was highly readable. The constant office seekers, the photo and sculptor sitting sessions, the telegraph office visits, the press hounding him to speak out about the status of secession, the hide-away where he worked on his first inaugural address, and his mistake laden victory train ride to Washington, are all vividly described in this biography. And yes, the never ending theme of the unqualified office seeker who shows up in Lincoln's presence asking for great favors are written into almost every page, almost to nausea. But I only had to read about it. Lincoln had to live it.
December 30, 2018
Holzer is an excellent researcher, historian, and writer. Focusing on a specific section of Lincoln history, he has put together an outstanding depiction of what was happening as Lincoln was preparing to become President of the United States.
I was impressed by the amount of new details I encountered.
Outstanding read.
I was impressed by the amount of new details I encountered.
Outstanding read.
June 14, 2022
Very interesting book that covers everything Lincoln from the day he is elected up to and including his inauguration and his famous first Inaugural Address. The details were complete (and perhaps overwhelming) but the author does a fabulous job of tracing not only Lincoln and company's journey from Springfield to Washington, but also the political decisions day to day and week to week during this period. What I most appreciated was the sense of getting to know Lincoln and his mindset during these troubling days.
July 18, 2023
It is hard to fathom the challenges Lincoln faced the winter leading up to his inauguration. The recounting and exploring of this period is done so in a readable way. My appreciation for Lincoln grew in seeing how he dealt with a nation in crisis. Highly recommend!
August 13, 2017
Holzer is one of the best on Lincoln. While this book is engaging, I believe he overstates the argument in support of Lincoln's silence during the "Secession Winter."
I do believe that part of it was strategy, but I am also convinced that Lincoln underestimated the crisis, at least at the beginning of his time as President-Elect.
I do believe that part of it was strategy, but I am also convinced that Lincoln underestimated the crisis, at least at the beginning of his time as President-Elect.
December 14, 2020
An election imbued with overheated passions; a result disputed and spat upon by a whole swath of the country; a population bitterly divided, reveling in prejudice and rejecting facts; a president-elect of the long-winded, folksy type, hated by some, looked down upon by many, and perhaps too committed to the middle ground. No, this is not a description of 2020, but rather the Great Secession Winter of 1860-61, which saw President-Elect Abraham Lincoln chart a course between outspoken, principled leadership and respect for the ongoing peaceful transition of power.
Harold Holzer, a renowned Lincoln scholar, achieves a remarkable result with this intimate portrait of Lincoln as president-elect. Stripped of the achievements that would entomb the real Lincoln in marble and myth, the Lincoln of these pages is a national political newcomer, though possessed of some exceptional talents in a time and place that called for something above the mediocrity of his immediate predecessors.
Holzer accomplishes tow major tasks in "Lincoln President-Elect": a lively, weekly take on Lincoln during the interregnum prescribed by the US Constitution; and a forceful argument that, rather than bumbling towards power, Lincoln more often than not stood in the right, rejecting ill-guided compromises that men like Crittenden and even Seward may have signed on to had they occupied Lincoln's eminent position.
In Illinois, along the route to DC, and in DC before the inauguration festivities, Lincoln employs a masterful silence on the pressing issue of the day: secession. While respecting that Buchanan's administration still holds the reins of government, Lincoln subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, reminds citizens of his election platform: no extension of slavery permitted; slavery to be respected in its current states; and, above all, adherence to all laws passed and that should be faithfully executed. In crowd-pleasing speeches and quiet moments away from the crush of office-seekers, Lincoln finds the time to summon the words of his Inaugural Address, bringing forth the mystic chords of memory to a nation bitterly divided and on the precipice of war.
Alas, Lincoln's words and work as president-elect did not prevent disunion. Try as he might, Southerners rejected not only Lincoln, but the democratic process generally. As soon as an executive assumed power espousing some anti-slavery sentiments, the South declared its own "alternative facts" and set an independent course from the Union. Lincoln's job after his inauguration became less and less to assuage the misguided Southerners as it was to show the folly, by blood and treasure, of tearing asunder the fabric of the Union.
Harold Holzer, a renowned Lincoln scholar, achieves a remarkable result with this intimate portrait of Lincoln as president-elect. Stripped of the achievements that would entomb the real Lincoln in marble and myth, the Lincoln of these pages is a national political newcomer, though possessed of some exceptional talents in a time and place that called for something above the mediocrity of his immediate predecessors.
Holzer accomplishes tow major tasks in "Lincoln President-Elect": a lively, weekly take on Lincoln during the interregnum prescribed by the US Constitution; and a forceful argument that, rather than bumbling towards power, Lincoln more often than not stood in the right, rejecting ill-guided compromises that men like Crittenden and even Seward may have signed on to had they occupied Lincoln's eminent position.
In Illinois, along the route to DC, and in DC before the inauguration festivities, Lincoln employs a masterful silence on the pressing issue of the day: secession. While respecting that Buchanan's administration still holds the reins of government, Lincoln subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, reminds citizens of his election platform: no extension of slavery permitted; slavery to be respected in its current states; and, above all, adherence to all laws passed and that should be faithfully executed. In crowd-pleasing speeches and quiet moments away from the crush of office-seekers, Lincoln finds the time to summon the words of his Inaugural Address, bringing forth the mystic chords of memory to a nation bitterly divided and on the precipice of war.
Alas, Lincoln's words and work as president-elect did not prevent disunion. Try as he might, Southerners rejected not only Lincoln, but the democratic process generally. As soon as an executive assumed power espousing some anti-slavery sentiments, the South declared its own "alternative facts" and set an independent course from the Union. Lincoln's job after his inauguration became less and less to assuage the misguided Southerners as it was to show the folly, by blood and treasure, of tearing asunder the fabric of the Union.
May 24, 2024
This book covers the period from election to inauguration of Lincoln. The author is a foremost, Lincoln scholar, Harold Holzer.
What most Lincoln biographers cover in one chapter or less, Holzer
S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-S for 492 pages and 1500 footnotes. The detail becomes tedious at times and nearly a daily recounting once Lincoln boards the inaugural train to Washington.
The redeeming value in this history are the dozens and dozens of wonderful Lincoln clips and comments. These serve to show Lincoln‘s humor, patience in listening to literally thousands of office seekers and patronage recommendations, his intellectual capacity, and his unyielding commitment to the Republican party platform of no extension of slavery beyond its current existence. Despite incomprehensible pressure to save the Union by compromising these principles, Lincoln held firm.
Another interesting attribute of this book comes in the epilogue where Holzer presents Lincoln’s inaugural address in its draft form with all the changes, many of which were recommended by Seward . This demonstrated the difficulty Lincoln faced in writing a speech, which he hoped would preserve the union and how small changes in words made a huge impact:
“ The Mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield, and patriot grave, to every every living hearth and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
What most Lincoln biographers cover in one chapter or less, Holzer
S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-S for 492 pages and 1500 footnotes. The detail becomes tedious at times and nearly a daily recounting once Lincoln boards the inaugural train to Washington.
The redeeming value in this history are the dozens and dozens of wonderful Lincoln clips and comments. These serve to show Lincoln‘s humor, patience in listening to literally thousands of office seekers and patronage recommendations, his intellectual capacity, and his unyielding commitment to the Republican party platform of no extension of slavery beyond its current existence. Despite incomprehensible pressure to save the Union by compromising these principles, Lincoln held firm.
Another interesting attribute of this book comes in the epilogue where Holzer presents Lincoln’s inaugural address in its draft form with all the changes, many of which were recommended by Seward . This demonstrated the difficulty Lincoln faced in writing a speech, which he hoped would preserve the union and how small changes in words made a huge impact:
“ The Mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield, and patriot grave, to every every living hearth and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
November 7, 2020
Discusses the time, referred to as “the great secession winter”, between Lincoln’s election in November, 1860, to his inauguration in 1861. During this time, seven Southern states seceded from the Union, and Lincoln, not yet inaugurated, was powerless to stop them. However, this book shows how Lincoln still managed to shape policy regarding the seceded states by communicating to Congressmen and Senators his unwillingness to compromise on the Republican Party platform and by reaffirming that he would not interfere with slavery in the states where it existed, but would not allow its expansion.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I was particularly interested in the description of Lincoln’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the crafting of his inaugural address, and the formation of his cabinet. Less interesting to me was the description of his long rail journey from Springfield, Illinois, to Washington, D.C. I was also interested in the text of his inaugural speech, which is presented with all of his and Secretary of State-elect Seward’s edits.
A good read for those interested in learning about this time.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I was particularly interested in the description of Lincoln’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the crafting of his inaugural address, and the formation of his cabinet. Less interesting to me was the description of his long rail journey from Springfield, Illinois, to Washington, D.C. I was also interested in the text of his inaugural speech, which is presented with all of his and Secretary of State-elect Seward’s edits.
A good read for those interested in learning about this time.
January 4, 2023
Top-notch Lincoln book focusing on the period between his election day and inauguration. Holzer goes into great detail, but it is not overwhelming. Instead, it helps the reader feel present in the events and to really get a feel for Lincoln and those around him.
Holzer focuses on Lincoln's prerogatives during this time. It is often either glanced over or made out to seem like Lincoln had no idea what he was doing. But Holzer shows that, generally, Lincoln was battered by outside advice but stuck to his guns. He shows how Lincoln maintained control over his party during this period, how he skillfully handled the deluge of office seekers and Cabinet creation, and helped influence larger events in the country even before he could officially act. It is a great portrait of Lincoln as a man that, while obviously not perfect, was very intelligent and skilled.
Holzer focuses on Lincoln's prerogatives during this time. It is often either glanced over or made out to seem like Lincoln had no idea what he was doing. But Holzer shows that, generally, Lincoln was battered by outside advice but stuck to his guns. He shows how Lincoln maintained control over his party during this period, how he skillfully handled the deluge of office seekers and Cabinet creation, and helped influence larger events in the country even before he could officially act. It is a great portrait of Lincoln as a man that, while obviously not perfect, was very intelligent and skilled.
June 14, 2022
Springfield born and raised so I’ve read quite a bit about President Lincoln over the years. This four month stretch after being elected and waiting to be inaugurated is an interesting time that hasn’t been as closely evaluated as other periods of Lincoln’s life. Harold Holzer (whom I saw give a lecture at John Wood College in Quincy a few years back) does an excellent job. Would recommend to any Lincoln fans out there.
March 13, 2021
Following his historic election in early November to his installation as President in March of 1861, writer Harold Holzer recounts the anxious 4 months Lincoln and his family sustained as they prepared for a new life in Washington, all while the country slowly broke itself apart. While Lincoln did his best not to further inflame passions at the conclusion of a bruising campaign, he did not yet grasp the urgency of the situation, as the Civil War slowly draws itself nearer. Mr. Holzer does well to stay focused on Lincoln as the crisis begins and accelerates, and the documentation from this period shows how little people realized what a conflict this would be. In the end, we are given a portrait of a man who is still not president, but must contend with a crisis of which he must immediately face, without any power or ability to stem it. From this period, we see a family and its leader begin to understand the immense responsibility he has been shouldered with, and how he might yet rise to the occasion.
February 20, 2017
Very academic
January 14, 2019
4.5 Incredibly well researched book, although at times the writing became a little tedious with the author trying to get every fact into the book.
August 15, 2020
Solid read.
February 16, 2017
Great behind the scenes view point.
Enjoyed learning about how Abraham Lincoln handled the secession crisis while still being powerless to really do anything about it.
Enjoyed learning about how Abraham Lincoln handled the secession crisis while still being powerless to really do anything about it.
April 10, 2013
I thought this book was fantastic! Holzer's argument is simply that historians who play Lincoln as aloof in the four months between his election and inauguration as President of the United States are wrong. Holzer shows a Lincoln willing to play party chief: filling patronage jobs, dictating policy to congressional Republicans (no compromise on the free soil policy outlined in the 1860 Republican platform), researching past speeches/actions made in order to placate or deal with the South, as well as issue essays anonymously. It was thought unseemly for a president-elect to give any real policy preferences while the lame duck president still held power, since he had no real power anyway.
Even if you're not a history or Lincoln buff, you will enjoy this book. It's structured like a narrative, and flows very nicely. It has a plethora of "Lincolnian" jokes and phrases that he reportedly made to newspaper reporters at the time, and they make for an enjoyable read.
Even if you're not a history or Lincoln buff, you will enjoy this book. It's structured like a narrative, and flows very nicely. It has a plethora of "Lincolnian" jokes and phrases that he reportedly made to newspaper reporters at the time, and they make for an enjoyable read.
February 16, 2009
Just like in Civil War readings you can go from the general (multi-volume military histories) to the specific (how one regiement fought at a particular hour on a particular day in a particular battle), so with Lincoln. One can read the 10-volume work by Nicoly and Hay or more narrow works like this.
This volume focuses on Lincoln as president-elect, from the night of his election until the delivery of the First Inaugural Address. Like Obama, he believed in the "one president at a time" mode of operation. Unlike Obama, he made no final cabinet appointments and very few official speeches. He stood on the platform on which he was elected and suggested people read his prior speeches to know what he believed.
A fine biography with a some details that I had not known before. (no jokes about that)
This volume focuses on Lincoln as president-elect, from the night of his election until the delivery of the First Inaugural Address. Like Obama, he believed in the "one president at a time" mode of operation. Unlike Obama, he made no final cabinet appointments and very few official speeches. He stood on the platform on which he was elected and suggested people read his prior speeches to know what he believed.
A fine biography with a some details that I had not known before. (no jokes about that)
September 18, 2009
A little too much minutiae for the casual reader, but ideal for the civil war/Lincoln fan. Holzer is a big fan of Lincoln -- and rarely leaves his topic to visit other events happening contemporaneously -- but you get real insight into the President-elect by the focus. Some of the repetition gets annoying (way too much time is spent on office-seekers in my opinion), but at the same time you get to view a lot of the living and political conditions of the times, not just the march to Civil War.
If you haven't read Team of Rivals yet, I honestly suggest you do that first. But if you have read it and are looking for another bio on Lincoln to read, you can't go wrong with this one.
If you haven't read Team of Rivals yet, I honestly suggest you do that first. But if you have read it and are looking for another bio on Lincoln to read, you can't go wrong with this one.
April 14, 2009
I find this book beautifully written but exceedingly boring. The substance of Holzer's latest, book number 31 on Lincoln, could easily have been captured in a journal article. But as it stands we are given a seemingly endless list of encounters with office seekers, well-wishers, dinner companions, potential cabinet members and so on, as well as an absolutely unnecessary account of every whistle stop between Springfield and Washington. The only events that Holzer hasn't documented are Lincoln's respirations, alimentations, excretions and so on. Maybe he's saving that for number 32.
March 6, 2011
Another too long entry in the endless series of Lincoln books insisting we know every waking moment of the man's life. One would think there are only so many ways an author could tell you Lincoln was beset by office seekers, or stopped here and there to give a brief, meaningless speech; Holzer manages to think of them all. It would prove a fine work for research purposes, but in the end it is weighed down by all the unnecessary tidbits Holzer insists you must know. Informative generally speaking, but on the whole, the absolute last of this sort of Lincoln book I will ever read.
February 2, 2015
Enjoy reading books about Lincoln. I admire the author's research efforts pertaining to the four months between Lincoln's first election and inauguration. I am astonished that there is a review on the back cover by David Herbert Donald whose own book titled Lincoln presents Lincoln as weak and indecisive. This is in direct contrast to Holzer's analysis of Lincoln as strong minded during the same time frame. I suppose historians can interpret behavior but short of getting into one's brain, are left to suppose the thought processes which led to historical results.
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