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 >

Firm Hand of Friendship There was no false compassion in Mr. Lincoln’s nature. When Maryland Democrat Reverdy Johnson wrote him from New Orleans in July 1862 to complain of the actions of the military governor, President Lincoln did not yield: “You are ready to say I apply to friends what is due only to…” Abraham […]

Presidency and Acquaintance Friendship was politically important as well as personally important to Mr. Lincoln’s election to the presidency. Mr. Lincoln’s secretary, John G. Nicolay, wrote of the “pride which his old-time friends and neighbors felt in the…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Nomination for the Presidency Shortly after his defeat in the 1858 campaign for the U.S. Senate, Mr. Lincoln wrote law partner William H. Herndon, Mr. Lincoln “began gradually to lose his interest in the law and to trim his political sails…” Abraham Lincoln and Friends >

Senate Campaign of 1858 The 1858 debates with Senator Douglas caused Mr. Lincoln’s friends much apprehension – even though they were the agents for his debate challenge. It was Bloomington businessman Jesse W. Fell who urged Mr. Lincoln to challenge… Abraham Lincoln and Friends >