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Introduction

Unravel the complexities of Abraham Lincoln’s personal and political transformation.

In a single year, Lincoln articulated two quotes that stand in stark contrast, so much so that they could easily be attributed to two entirely different individuals:

“I have always hated slavery, I think as much as any Abolitionist. Let us … unite as one people throughout this land.”

“I will say … that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races.”

These conflicting statements, both voiced by Abraham Lincoln in the same year, might lead one to believe they originated from two distinct figures with opposing beliefs.

Lincoln’s character is nothing short of intricate. Over the years, scholars and commentators have selectively drawn from his extensive body of quotes to bolster their own political arguments. Some view Lincoln as a complex figure who strategically used emancipation for political maneuvering, while others see him as a steadfast advocate of equality and emancipation, transcending mere political motivations.

In Jon Meacham’s “And There Was Light,” a more nuanced portrait emerges. Lincoln’s legacy is a blend of commendable actions and perceived shortcomings. As the leader of a deeply divided nation, Lincoln skillfully navigated an apparently irreconcilable conflict, achieving resolutions that resonated on multiple fronts. The consequences of his presidency and the war he presided over continue to echo into contemporary times.

Chapter One: Early Life

While Abraham Lincoln possessed a remarkable talent for eloquence and persuasion, there was one subject that made him less forthcoming: his own humble origins. When queried about his upbringing, Lincoln’s response was succinct yet revealing: “There is not much of it, for the reason, I suppose, that there is not much of me.”

Lincoln’s modest beginnings in rural Kentucky carried a sense of shame for him. His mother, Nancy, endured gossip due to her family’s reputation for promiscuity, and his father, Thomas, came from a large family, orphaned at the tender age of six, and remained uneducated, unable to read or write beyond his own name.

Abe Lincoln’s early years were far from idyllic. In the harsh Kentucky winters, he endured frigid conditions with threadbare boots and shabby clothing. Their family farm, Knob Creek, lived up to its name, featuring rugged cedar trees scattered across deep ravines.

During his childhood, his father often used young Abe’s labor for the benefit of neighbors, keeping the earnings for himself. This experience left a lasting impact on Lincoln, leading him to once lament, “I used to be a slave.” This encounter likely played a significant role in shaping his anti-slavery convictions as he matured. To add to his hardships, his mother, Nancy, fell ill and passed away when he was just nine years old.

In contrast to his father, young Abe managed to obtain a minimal amount of formal education – less than a year’s worth – but it was a crucial boon. The most invaluable skill he acquired was the ability to write. Armed with this proficiency, he would inscribe letters with charcoal in the dust, sand, and snow, becoming an avid writer. Lincoln’s thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, driven by an innate curiosity. Books became his refuge; he devoured literature eagerly, laying the foundation for his intellectual and ethical beliefs.

Religiously, young Abe was introduced to the Baptist faith. Baptist churches often took a stance against slavery, with abolition as a recurring theme. The Lincolns were members of the Baptist Licking-Locust Association Friends of Humanity, a group known as an “emancipation association.” Lincoln later affirmed that he was “naturally antislavery,” a sentiment rooted in genuine belief rather than mere political posturing.

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Chapter Two: Getting into Politics

During Abraham Lincoln’s formative years in the United States, politics held a pervasive presence. The broadening of suffrage rights for white men led to a surge in political engagement. Within this backdrop, Lincoln harbored a fervent desire to leave a lasting mark, transcending the limitations of his humble beginnings and establishing his legitimacy.

Settling in the charming Illinois town of New Salem, Lincoln’s attention turned toward the courtroom. There, he observed lawyers with a keen curiosity. One particular instance left a profound impression on him when he witnessed a defense attorney deliver a compelling argument in a murder trial. Looking back, Lincoln admitted that his “soul would have been satisfied” if he could deliver a speech of similar eloquence.

In reality, Lincoln already possessed a sense of his innate rhetorical talents. At the age of 21, before his relocation to New Salem, he delivered his maiden political address in the summer of 1830. Even then, he recognized the melodious and persuasive quality of his voice, relishing the influence he held over his audience.

In 1832, Lincoln embarked on his inaugural campaign for a political office, seeking a position in the Illinois legislature. Unfortunately, he faced defeat, an outcome that left a bitter taste of disappointment. In the aftermath, he immersed himself in the role of New Salem’s postmaster.

Simultaneously, Lincoln’s insatiable thirst for literature and intellectual discourse continued to flourish. Inspired by the writings of Thomas Paine, which critiqued traditional religion, Lincoln penned an essay challenging Christianity. His treatise garnered significant attention and debate until an incident transpired: a confidant and mentor of Lincoln confiscated the manuscript and consigned it to flames. Given his political aspirations, expressing views considered radical by the nation’s political elite was unwise for Lincoln. Henceforth, he adopted a pragmatic stance in the public arena, even as his private convictions often diverged.

Chapter Three: The Struggle over Slavery

The issue of slavery remained a persistent moral dilemma throughout Abraham Lincoln’s life and his political career. This weighty matter cast a long shadow during his four terms in the Illinois state legislature, an office he secured two years after initially facing electoral defeat.

In his early years, Lincoln aligned himself with the Whig Party. This political group opposed slavery but did not advocate for its immediate abolition. Lincoln, much like other anti-slavery advocates, believed that the federal government lacked the constitutional authority to abolish slavery in states where it was already established, contending that the power to emancipate rested with the states themselves.

In line with this perspective, Lincoln adopted what was referred to as the “scorpion’s sting” strategy. The concept behind this approach was to encircle the South with free states, gradually restricting the metaphorical “scorpion” until it would be compelled to bring about its own end. The foundation of this strategy lay in the gradual transformation of culture, rather than immediate federal intervention.

In the years 1848 and 1849, Lincoln crafted a resolution aimed at the gradual abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. However, this plan included concessions to slaveholders, such as compensating them for the “full value of his or her slave” if enslaved individuals in the District were to be emancipated and allowing for the recapture of fugitive slaves. Unfortunately, this position failed to resonate with either abolitionists or pro-slavery factions, resulting in its rejection.

Nonetheless, Lincoln remained committed to seeking compromise and compensation. While he staunchly opposed slavery, he was also determined to make his proposals politically viable. As anti-slavery sentiments gained momentum and slaveholders grew increasingly defensive, Lincoln navigated this complex landscape by striving to occupy a middle ground.

Chapter Four: Lincoln Ascendant

Despite his approach of gradual change, Abraham Lincoln made no effort to conceal his unwavering opposition to slavery. His dissent became evident as he openly criticized the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which proposed that new territories could decide whether to allow slavery. In a Senate campaign speech in 1854, he branded slavery as a “monstrous injustice” and a “great moral wrong.” This steadfast stance persisted in 1856 when he aligned with the newly established Republican Party, a party explicitly dedicated to the abolition of slavery.

By 1858, Lincoln had gained significant recognition. Although his bid for the Senate in Illinois against Stephen Douglas ended in defeat, his name resonated within the Republican political sphere. The highly publicized debates with Douglas had propelled him into the national spotlight due to his remarkable rhetorical skills.

This newfound prominence led to Lincoln’s selection as the Republican nominee for the 1860 presidential election, an election he ultimately won.

The renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass welcomed the outcome. From his perspective, Lincoln’s election had shattered the influence of the “imperious slave oligarchy,” which had held sway over the nation for the previous half-century.

However, Lincoln’s transition to power was fraught with tension. He arrived in the capital discreetly, with whispers of treason hanging in the air. Rumors circulated that the former governor of Virginia was assembling a 25,000-strong army to march on the capital and thwart Lincoln’s inauguration.

Instead of attempting to prevent Lincoln from assuming office, the South chose a more radical path – secession from the Union. In December 1860, South Carolina declared its secession, a move swiftly followed by other Southern states. On February 8, 1861, they formally united to create the Confederate States of America.

Chapter Five: Civil War

Following the formal secession of the Confederate States of America from the Union, Frederick Douglass wondered if Abraham Lincoln, known for his inclination toward seeking compromises, would continue down a conciliatory path. However, this time, he took a different approach.

Perhaps emboldened by his electoral successes, Lincoln displayed a newfound determination. In a speech, he declared his commitment to preserving the Union and the original Constitution. He went as far as to state that he would choose instant assassination over surrendering the legacy of the Founding Fathers. Despite the willingness of other notable Republicans to entertain compromises with the South, Lincoln remained resolute and refused to yield.

In response, the Confederacy resorted to violence. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces launched an attack on Fort Sumter, a federal garrison located in Charleston, South Carolina. From the Confederate perspective, maintaining fervor was crucial for the success of secession, and they saw war as the only solution. The following morning, Lincoln composed these words: “I shall, to the extent of my ability, repel force by force.” He recognized that the peaceful preservation of the nation was no longer feasible.

As Lincoln navigated the challenges of the war, he also faced personal tragedy. In February 1862, his son Willie fell ill with typhoid fever and tragically passed away at the young age of eleven.

This profound loss brought about a noticeable transformation in Lincoln. He began spending more time at church, engaging in personal religious reflections. In a private note, he wrote: “The will of God prevails.” He contemplated whether God favored the Union, the Confederacy, or some enigmatic third option. Lincoln’s perspective shifted, viewing the world through the lens of divine providence. He came to believe that even the heart-wrenching death of a child might be part of an intricate plan crafted by an all-knowing and all-loving God.

Chapter Six: Emancipation

Always cautious in his leadership style, Lincoln hesitated to risk alienating his base or undermining his political standing. He strategically addressed the issue of slavery only when he believed it was a safe course of action.

It wasn’t until July 1862 that he felt the time was right to broach the topic of complete emancipation. Yet his motivation wasn’t solely based on morality. The Union was grappling with significant challenges in the war, and Lincoln saw emancipation as a potential means to inspire Black Americans to actively join the fight alongside them.

During the summer, Lincoln initially drafted a version of the Emancipation Proclamation. However, he hesitated for several months, uncertain if this was the best course of action. Would the liberation of enslaved individuals turn too many white Northerners against him, or would it secure the vital support of Black individuals needed to win the war?

In September 1862, Lincoln perceived what he regarded as a divine sign. He had made a solemn vow that a Union victory in the Battle of Antietam, Maryland, would signify divine will and guide his decision. When Union General McClellan emerged victorious, Lincoln proclaimed, “God had decided this question in favor of the slave.”

On New Year’s Day in 1863, Lincoln added his signature to the Emancipation Proclamation. He understood the profound historical significance of the moment, stating, “If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.” The proclamation declared the immediate freedom of all slaves in Confederate states and also authorized the enlistment and arming of Black men. The nature of the war underwent a transformative shift from being about preserving the Union to championing the liberation of the enslaved.

Chapter Seven: War’s End

At the crack of dawn on Monday, April 10, 1865, the cannons unleashed thunderous roars, with a total of five hundred explosions that reverberated through the capital, shattering windows in people’s homes. The streets burst into life, transforming into muddy thoroughfares of joyous celebration. As Lincoln sat down for breakfast in the White House, the sounds of victory reached his ears with startling clarity.

The American Civil War had come to an end, and the Union had emerged victorious.

After the Emancipation Proclamation, the tide of the conflict had gradually shifted in favor of the Union, culminating in a swift and resounding turnaround. The Union’s superior numbers and resources had become increasingly evident. The Confederates had given up strategic territories, and their last-ditch attempt to conscript the enslaved into their ranks had met with dismal failure.

A week before this celebratory moment, the Union had successfully captured Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital. On April 2, Confederate General Lee sent a telegram to Confederate President Davis, conceding that he could no longer hold his position in the nearby town of Appomattox, Virginia. As Richmond fell, preparations for evacuation were set in motion. Banks were emptied of their deposits, wagons were loaded for escape, and tavern keepers poured barrels of whiskey into the streets.

As Lincoln strolled through the streets of the fallen capital a day later, a few Black individuals rushed forward, kneeling at his feet. Lincoln responded by encouraging them not to do so. He humbly redirected their reverence, saying, “That is not right. You must kneel to God only and thank Him for the liberty you will enjoy from now on.”

The conclusion of the war marked a momentous victory for the Union. However, a mere few days later, tragedy would befall both Lincoln and the newly reuniting nation.

Chapter Eight: Assassination and Aftermath

John Wilkes Booth possessed a striking handsomeness and an air of elegance. However, beneath this exterior, he harbored vehement white supremacist beliefs and sympathized with the Confederacy, nurturing a deep-seated loathing for President Lincoln. Over time, this hatred became insatiable, seeking an outlet.

On April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC, President Lincoln attended a performance of the farce “Our American Cousin.” Booth, with calculated stealth, infiltrated the president’s box, discreetly carving a small hole through which he could observe. From a concealed anteroom, he fixed his gaze on the president, awaiting the opportune moment. When the time was right, Booth emerged, advanced toward Lincoln, and unleashed a fatal shot directly into the president’s head using a .44-caliber single-shot pistol.

A few hours later, Lincoln drew his final breath, lying diagonally on a bed too compact for his tall frame.

The nation was shrouded in palpable grief, shared by Lincoln’s family and countless citizens. However, there were exceptions. Booth had succeeded in his sinister mission, despite being later captured and killed. Certain publications had labeled Lincoln a “despot,” a “usurper,” and subtly advocated for his assassination. A journalist even framed Lincoln as a “tyrant justly felled by an avenging hand.”

Following Lincoln’s tragic demise, his vice president, Andrew Johnson, assumed the presidency. Lincoln had only just begun his second term, leaving Johnson ample time to wield his influence. Regrettably, Johnson’s tenure spelled disaster for racial progress. Embracing reactionary and racist beliefs, he had been chosen as Lincoln’s running mate in his second term primarily for political reasons – an attempt to appease white, antiblack Northerners.

Johnson promptly proclaimed that Black individuals lacked the capacity for self-governance, asserting that white men alone should oversee the South. While slavery had ended, the insidious grip of white supremacy and racial hierarchy persisted, manifested through Jim Crow laws, segregation, and lynchings. The journey toward equality for Black Americans would be long and arduous.

Final Summary

Abraham Lincoln is a figure frequently referenced by people from diverse political backgrounds. His messages, characterized by their nuanced nature, can be easily interpreted to align with a variety of agendas. However, beneath this complexity, Lincoln emerges as a progressive force, even though he didn’t fully embrace the most extreme form of abolitionism. His position on slavery evolved throughout his political career. Ultimately, Lincoln’s actions represented a pivotal step toward universal equality in America, a stance that also made him a target for the white supremacist assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

 

About the author

Jon Meacham, an esteemed historian and Pulitzer Prize recipient for his book “American Lion,” currently serves as the Canon Historian at the Washington National Cathedral. He has made substantial literary contributions to publications including the New York Times Book Review and several other prestigious outlets. Within his remarkable portfolio of New York Times bestsellers, you’ll find notable titles such as “His Truth Is Marching On,” “The Soul of America,” “Thomas Jefferson,” and “Destiny and Power.”

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