Illinois Patronage Patronage caused some of the biggest problems in Mr. Lincoln’s relationships with his Illinois friends. State Auditor Jesse Dubois bitterly recalled that “the moment [Mr. Lincoln] was elevated to his proud position he seemed…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Presidential Patronage The concept of friendship was never far from President Lincoln’s notions of patronage and military appointments. But dispensing patronage was a very delicate balancing act in order not to… Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Patronage and the Land Office In April 1849, Mr. Lincoln wrote Navy Secretary Preston: “I suppose Gen. Taylor, because both of his declarations, and his inclination, will not go the doctrine of removals very strongly; and hence the greater reason, when an office or…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Sympathy for Pets and People Mr. Lincoln “had very great kindness of heart,” recalled another lawyer-friend, Leonard Swett. “His mind was full of tender sensibilities; he was extremely humane, yet while these attributes were…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Opponents and Enemies Mr. Lincoln, “it can be fairly said, never held a grudge,” noted psycho-biographer Charles B. Strozier. Like most lawyers, he could leave a bitter courtroom battle without an ounce of enmity. He never seemed to…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Social Relationships An editor who visited Mr. Lincoln in June 1860 remarked on his sociability: “My visit, which I intended should be ten minutes, was nearly two hours long. More than once I rose to leave, but he was…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Bipartisan Friendship Mr. Lincoln’s first election to the State Legislature in 1834 came about because local Democrats sought to defeat Whig leader John T. Stuart. They liked Lincoln and said they would help him. Their manipulations… Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Humor and Personality Ward Hill Lamon knew Mr. Lincoln on both the Illinois legal circuit and in Washington where he served the President as U.S. Marshal. “Mr. Lincoln was from the beginning of his circuit-riding the light and life of the court. The most…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Limits of Friendship Friend was an important concept for Mr. Lincoln. Writing his political autobiography in 1860, Lincoln recalled that after his business failed in New Salem, “He was now without means and out of business, but was anxious to remain with his friends who had…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Concepts and Principles When a delegation from the 1860 Republican National Convention arrived in Springfield, neighbors of Mr. Lincoln offered to provide liquor to serve the distinguished guests. “Gentlemen, I thank you for your kind intentions, but must…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >