Lincoln’s White House by James Conroy

[L Verge]

(02-23-2017 08:16 AM)Gene C Wrote:  Very interesting book. Something new (to me) and interesting on every page. An enjoyable book to read.
Lots of inside information from Lincoln's office secretary's, Nicolay, Hay and Stoddard.
Seems with the pressure of the job, there is a bit of rivalry between them, with Stoddard being the odd man out. He was the only one of the three that did not pursue a life long career in politics, and was a moderately successful writer.
Stoddard was the only one who seemed to get along with Mary Lincoln. "Mary Lincoln died at sixty three in 1882. Stoddard called her one of his best friends he ever had, long after it could do him any good: 'She was a women much misrepresented and scandalously abused." There is plenty in this book on why she was considered scandalous, without giving that too much attention.

Lots of quotes and references, so your getting info from original sources and not the authors opinion. I found that refreshing. Certain people mentioned in this book I am going to want to learn more about, that is due to Mr. Conroy's way of presenting the material.

Life in the White House had it's ups and downs, but for the most part it probably was not a pleasurable experience. The war, political pressures, Willie's death, and Mary's spending are all a part of it. You get some idea how important Tad was in providing some distraction for his father from the pressures and difficulties he was facing.
There is too much to comment on, I can recommend this book, you will enjoy reading it.
https://www.amazon.com/Lincolns-White-Ho...in+wartime

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