What did Mr. Lincoln enjoy doing?

[RJNorton]

Bill, over the past 40 years or so, I think I have pulled Twenty Days off the shelves for perusal more than any other book I have ever owned. That book is indeed a special one!

Regarding Willie's passing...
Here is a letter Franklin Pierce wrote to Lincoln after Willie died:

From Franklin Pierce to Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1862

Concord N. H.

March 4 1862

My dear Sir,

The impulse to write you, the moment I heard of your great domestic affliction was very strong, but it brought back the crushing sorrow which befel me just before I went to Washington in 1853, with such power that I felt your grief, to be too sacred for intrusion.

Even in this hour, so full of danger to our Country, and of trial and anxiety to all good men, your thoughts, will be, of your cherished boy, who will nestle at your heart, until you meet him in that new life, when tears and toils and conflict will be unknown.

I realize fully how vain it would be, to suggest sources of consolation.

There can be but one refuge in such an hour, -- but one remedy for smitten hearts, which, is to trust in Him "who doeth all things well", and leave the rest to --

"Time comforter & only healer

When the heart hath broke"

With Mrs Pierce's and my own best wishes -- and truest sympathy for Mrs Lincoln and yourself

I am, very truly,

Yr. friend

Franklin Pierce