What is your best one-word description of President Abraham Lincoln's character?

[Gene C]

(10-08-2023 01:13 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  Forgetting for a moment that it's been 40 years since I read the book, why would it matter if Hendrick discussed or did not discuss any of Lincoln's foibles?
I think a strong argument could be made that Lincoln made deep errors in his cabinet selections. I can't think of anyone who believes Simon Cameron was a great choice. Maybe Lincoln was impressed by the fact that he believed Cameron wouldn't steal a hot stove.

Also, Salmon Chase was a poor choice. I don't believe for a moment that no one else in Washington could run the Treasury Department. Chase was not a loyal cabinet member and did what he could to undermine his boss, which is not a great resume bullet point.

I was looking forward to your opinion of this book,
As I recall Lincoln selected many of his cabinet members because he needed their knowledge and political influence if the country went to war. From his political and financial contacts Chase was a good selection, he was just too full of himself (and Lincoln tolerated it for a time). Lincoln felt his good features outweighed his lesser qualities since he appointed him to the supreme court. If Cameron hadn't been such a crook so that he was shipped of to Russia, we might have never purchased Alaska.

So can you remember anything about the book - Lincoln's War Cabinet?
Is there, in your opinion, a better book about Lincoln's cabinet?