Lincoln Discussion Symposium

To show the degree to which Abraham Lincoln's life has been explored, a person once wrote a 400+ page book on something that is missing. What am I talking about?

Lincoln's "Lost Speech" at the Bloomington Convention ?

Excellent, Michael. Although the text of Lincoln's Lost Speech is missing, Elwell Crissey was still able to write a 400+ page book on the topic. Crissey includes a lot of extra information such as many paragraphs of information on the people who attended the 1856 Bloomington Convention. Crissey's paternal grandfather was in the audience for Lincoln's speech.

Benjamin P. Thomas wrote, "The audience sat enthralled. Men listened as though transfixed. Reporters forgot to use the pencils in their hands, so that no complete and authentic record of what may have been his greatest speech has ever been found."

I recall reading that "Reporters forgot to use the pencils in their hands" somewhere. It's very evocative writing in just a few words.

Who is this?

Easy one. John Surratt Jr. later in life.

Right on, Dennis. Yes, it's John Surratt.

Surratt book recommendation: John Surratt: Rebel, Lincoln Conspirator, Fugitive; 2016, by Frederick Hatch. John Harrison Surratt Jr. lived a long life; dying April 2, 1916. He resided and worked in Baltimore for many years. In 1872 John married Mary Victorine Key Hunter from Montgomery County, MD, a relative of Francis Scott Key. Mary lived until 1926.

Who wrote this?

Lewis Powell?

Mary Lincoln ?

Nope, it was not Lewis Powell or Mary Lincoln.

Was it William Seward?

Nope, it was not William Seward. But it was someone mentioned many times on this forum.

George McClellan?