Based on deep consultation of seldom-examined primary sources, this third volume in Richard Lawrence Miller’s massive Lincoln biography follows Lincoln’s long effort to win a seat in Congress, his activity there, and his return to Illinois—chastened by his Washington experience. Topics include: Lincoln’s anti-slavery efforts in Congress; the popularity of his stance against the Mexican War (which, contrary to common belief, didn’t significantly harm his political reputation); his support of Zachary Taylor’s presidential campaign and his subsequent efforts to win a patronage job from the Taylor White House; his political activities after returning to Illinois; and his generally happy home life with Mary and his sons. Throughout the work, a new portrait emerges of Lincoln as a canny politician, making his own luck by striking swiftly and strongly when opportunities arose.

Richard Lawrence Miller worked for former President Herbert Hoover’s personal archivist after college. He became a public radio producer, whose programs were heard on National Public Radio and other outlets. A retired community organizer, he lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

Richard Lawrence Miller
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 417
Bibliographic Info: 66 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-5928-5
eISBN: 978-0-7864-6192-9
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments v

Preface      1

1. 1843: Thwarted for a Congressional Seat      3

2. 1844: Thwarted Again      41

3. 1845: Maneuvering Toward Congress      80

4. 1846: Victory at Last      94

5. 1847: Never-Ending Politics      125

6. 1847–1848: Thirtieth Congress, First Session      157

7. 1848: Illinois and Massachusetts      193

8. 1848–1849: Thirtieth Congress, Second Session      217

9. 1850: Slavery      249

10. 1851: Slavery Still      285

11. 1852: Law and Politics      299

12. 1853: Last Days Before Battle      324

Chapter Notes      359

Sources      393

Index      405

About the series: “Miller has done a formidable amount of reading in the Lincoln literature, as well as fine-combing the Illinois newspapers for previously unknown material”—Civil War News; “has great value and is distinctive”—Civil War Book Review; “brings the world of Lincoln and the early western frontier to life”—Patricia L. Goitein, Editor, Galena Trail newsletter; “Miller succeeds in his goal of laying out for all time the documentary record of Lincoln’s political actions”—Civil War Studies; “abundant new information…a massive infusion of new material on Lincoln’s initiation into politics and his rise to a position of leadership…survey of Illinois newspapers for these years is beyond anything previously attempted…another impressive feat is Miller’s mining of the political handbill collection…an invaluable contribution”—Journal of American History; “full of revelations”—Popmatters.com.