Lincoln's Sanctuary: Abraham Lincoln and the Soldiers' Home Book

I picked this book up at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield not expecting much. It turned out to be very well researched and written . It gives great insight into Lincoln as a person as opposed to the usual history of his political career. He and his family spent three summers living at a country cottage on the acreage of the Soldiers Home. Mary was reeling from the death of their beloved son Willy and wanted somewhere quiet to recover.They wanted to escape the heat and busyness of the White House . Lincoln rode back and forth to the cottage daily sometimes alone and later, usually guarded. They entertained friends there and people came to petition for causes, such as amnesty for deserters. Son Todd loved to ride his pony and hang out with the soldiers. Lincoln often was seen in the middle of the night walking the grounds unable to sleep. On his better days, he loved to recite poetry and read Shakespeare to his guests.

Before long the worries of the war and re-election catch up with him and his sanctuary becomes his place to create policy, strategies and influence both enemies and friends. Here is where he first penned the Emancipation Proclamation and tried it out on his cabinet. Here is where he finally decided to fire his slow moving Generals and put Grant and Sherman is charge. Here is where he refused to give in to those wanting peace by offering to let slavery exist in the South. He refused to give in. His policy was a restoration of the union and freeing of all the slaves. The war was going badly at this time and several attempts were made on his life.

One sees his strength and humanity as he struggles against his foes. Soon the fortunes of war turn and Lincoln is re elected. It seem he will finally have the success and status of a great leader. Very shortly, he is assassinated at Ford theatre.