Lincoln and The Men of War Times

[Gene C]

Written by Alexander Kelly McClure, who was a prominent Pennsylvania politician and newspaper editor. It first appears in 1892. When it was republished in 1962, three chapters of the original version were left out, Our Unrewarded Heroes, Boarder Life In War Time and The Pennsylvania Reserve Corp.

McClure seems to over emphasize his involvement in Lincoln's life, but he does acknowledge his limited influence in Lincoln's decision making. He writes a more sympathizing and defensive view of Buchanan and Cameron than most biographers of Lincoln that I have read, pointing out the limited size and supplies of the federal army at the beginning of the war, and the misunderstanding regarding the passion and determination in the southern political scene.

The book does have its shortcomings. It is a slightly different perspective of Lincoln's political life in the White House. McClure does emphasize Lincoln's willingness to listen to those who believe he should act in a more decisive manner but their persistence wears him out. Also emphasizes how alone Lincoln feels in this decision making.

In many of the chapters regarding Lincoln and the certain government and military leaders McClure is weak regarding Lincoln's interaction with them.
Some of the individual chapter headings are about Lincoln and Hamlin, Chase, Cameron, Buchanan, Stanton, McClellan, Grant, Sherman, Curtin, Stevens and Greely. But nothing on Seward. I get the opinion that McClure and Seward don't care for each other. This is due to McClure's effort in keeping Seward from getting the Republican nomination when he was the clear favorite in the beginning.

Interesting book in its own way, some of these people McClure knew fairly well, others he had very little personal contact with.

Available on Internet Archive and Amazon (with only one review).
https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Lincoln-W...525&sr=1-1

I purchased my hard bound copy for $9.99 plus s&h.
I give it a "fair" rating.