Civil War History – Page 14 – Old Magazine Articles

Traveling to the Lincoln – Douglas Debate (National Park Service, 1956)

Stephen Douglas (1813 – 1861), Lincoln’s Democratic rival in the contest for the U.S. Senate seat from Illinois, was a popular figure with a great deal of political capitol who enjoyed wide spread fame throughout much of the fruited plain; this all contributed to a robust ego which would not suffer anything less than traveling to the debates in a grand style. By contrast, Honest Abe traveled in economy class, packed among the masses (although as a railroad lawyer, he certainly could have afforded better).

This short paragraph (accompanied by a photograph of both men) was written by a friend of Lincoln who recalled his train ride with the (losing) candidate as he made his way to Ottawa, Illinois, the site of the first debate.

Ford’s Theater Layout (Harper’s Magazine, 1865)

Attached is a schematic drawing depicting the theater box occupied by the President and Mrs. Lincoln the night of his assassination.

Featured in the image is the dark hallway leading to the President’s Box, the footlights and the stage by which Booth was able to make good his escape.

Click here to read about a dream that President Lincoln had, a dream that anticipated his violent death.

Lincoln’s Reconstruction Parable (Harper’s Weekly, 1907)

President Abraham Lincoln told many parables during the Civil War; he told this one to General A.J. Cresswell on the last day of his life.

To read the story behind Lincoln’s beard, click here.

Lincoln’s Reconstruction Parable (Harper’s Weekly, 1907)

President Abraham Lincoln told many parables during the Civil War; he told this one to General A.J. Cresswell on the last day of his life.

To read the story behind Lincoln’s beard, click here.

John Hay Recalls Lincoln (National Park Service, 1956)

John Hay (1838 – 1905), formerly one of Lincoln’s private secretaries, wrote out some of his recollections of Lincoln’s daily personal and official habits as President.

He was very abstemious, ate less than anyone I know. Drank nothing but water, not from principle, but because he did not like wine or spirits.

Hay was in Paris serving as Secretary of United States Legation when he wrote the letter, about a year and a half after Lincoln’s death.

The conduct of the war contributed mightily to Lincoln’s rapidly aging appearance. Look at this photo-essay examining his facial decay year by hear: click here.