This is a great interview of David Strathairn who plays Seward in Speilberg's "Lincoln." It is the first of two parts.
http://auburnpub.com/lifestyles/lincoln-...c56e7.html

Thanks for posting this, Karen!

Great interview. As I was reading the interview I thought Lincoln laying down on the bed with the re-cooperating Seward-engaging in conversation in such an informal manner. They made quite a team.

Wonderful interview! Thanks ever so very, very much -- I can't WAIT to see this movie! Being on set was wonderful and I saw Mr. Strathairn several times - most of the time with his iPod plugged in while in period dress! I was dying to know what sort of "tunes" Mr. Seward liked! HA!

I believe that he will make a convincing Seward.

Craig

Speaking of Seward...Is there anyone on this board who knows where to find an account of how (or why) Lincoln approached Seward to be Secretary of State?

I'm pretty sure, I have it somewhere in my myriad of books but I can't seem to lay my hands on the politics behind the appointment. Any help would be appreciated.

Jerry

(09-26-2012, 08:50 AM)JMadonna Wrote: Speaking of Seward...Is there anyone on this board who knows where to find an account of how (or why) Lincoln approached Seward to be Secretary of State?

I'm pretty sure, I have it somewhere in my myriad of books but I can't seem to lay my hands on the politics behind the appointment. Any help would be appreciated.

Jerry

Jerry,

One of the best sources would be Doris Kearns Goodwin's TEAM OF RIVALS.

Thanks Joe,
But as large as that book is, she doesn't have what I was looking for.

Jerry

Have you tried Burton Hendrick's book Lincoln's War Cabinet?

Best
Rob

No, I haven't looked there. I'll check it out. Thanks.

I know Weed advocated it and Mary vehemently objected to it, but I think it was after Seward scuttled the Crittenden Compromise that Lincoln was convinced of his loyalty and offered him the position. Can anyone confirm that scenario?

David Strathairn made a great Seward in the movie, I thought. He resembled Seward enough physically to pass off as Seward pretty well, too.