Lincoln, the President: Springfield to Gettysburg

Book excerpt: The fourth and final volume of J.G. Randall's monumental "Lincoln the President, a multivolume work considered by many to be indispensable to Lincoln scholars. Completed by Richard N. Current using the notes and drafts Randall left at his death, "Lincoln the President: Last Full Measure" describes the key events of Lincoln's administration from December 1863 to April 1865. These include his plan of reconstruction, the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery, efforts for a negotiated peace, and foreign affairs during his last year in office.