Election of 1860

[nrandolph]

Friends,

I'm in the beginning stages of writing an article(s) for our state organization's newsletter about the presidential election of 1860. I would like to explore any and all aspects of the candidates, their thoughts, policies (or lack thereof) and backgrounds. I know that this is a large undertaking and I would be grateful if everyone, or anyone could give me their choices or recommendations for some articles, books, etc. that would be helpful in this area.

Thank You,
Neil Randolph
1st WV

[stx]

Re: Election of 1860

It may sound like the simple answer, but Shelby Foote's great series has a good 100 pages devoted solely to Lincoln and his pre presidential years.

[ajroscoe]

Re: Election of 1860

I would highly recommend the book "Team of Rivals" by Dorris Goodwin. It tells of Lincoln's main opponents in the 1860 election for the Republican ticket. Granted, that leaves three other parties to deal with, but it also covers Douglas in some detail as well.

[charles Helmer]

Re: Election of 1860

Neal, Try two recent works by Dr. Thomas Dilorenzo. The Real Lincoln: a New look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War, and Lincoln Unmasked: What you're Not Supposed to Know About Dishonest Abe.

Both are real eye openers.

Charlie Helmer

[AZReenactor]

Re: Election of 1860

We just had a link to the 1860 The Republican campaign songster shared on another board and you might find it of interest.

[KLCoombs]

Re: Election of 1860

You might contact Melinda Day and the other interpretative staff at Harper's Ferry National Historical Park. Every Presidential Election year they do a superb Election Day 1860 event, with rallies for Breckinridge, Douglas and Bell (Lincoln wasn't on the ballot in Virginia), militia parades, etc. I'm partial to the Constitutional Union party (Bell & Everett carried Virginia). Everett was the same fellow who made the now-forgotten 2 hour speech at Gettysburg the same day as Lincoln. A famed orator, he was supposed to be the star attraction. What I love about the CU party is their platform. It basically says that all political parties pretty much lie and promise the undeliverable in their platforms so they're not going to make any campaign promises other than that they will preserve the Union. Ya' gotta love that degree of honesty.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Election of 1860

Neal, Try two recent works by Dr. Thomas Dilorenzo. The Real Lincoln: a New look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War, and Lincoln Unmasked: What you're Not Supposed to Know About Dishonest Abe.

Both are real eye openers.

Charlie Helmer

I second this nomination of The Real Lincoln! I enjoyed this book and if nothing else it gives you a different outlook than the traditional interpretation of Lincoln. Also, I don't know how far you live from it but at the Lincoln Memorial Museum there is a pretty good collection of Pre-war/Pre-president Lincoln including a VERY realistic life size wax statue of Lawyer Lincoln in one of his original outfits! Very decent exhibit. Includes many images and campaign posters.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Election of 1860

Also, you might try the book "Idea of a Southern Nation" by John McCardell; it really gets into the politics and public thought behind secession.

[nrandolph]

Re: Election of 1860

Thanks to all for some new material for me to look at! I appreciate your time, opinions, and references.

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[GASharpshooter]

Re: Election of 1860

Railroad lawyers, the whole lot. Railroad lawyers up North and cotton barons down South.

Follow the money.

[lisa]

Re: Election of 1860

I would second the response regarding "Team of Rivals" and would add "The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln" by Sean Wilentz. Incredibly wieldy to read (800+ pages if I remember correctly), but sections give clear cut descriptions of the politics of the US in the early to mid-century period. Good Luck!

[lambrew]

Re: Election of 1860

Neil, two books you may be interested in are; "The last best hope of earth" by Mark E. Neely, Jr. It is a short overview of his entire administration, but it does deal with the election of 1860. Also "Abraham Lincoln, The prairie years, & The war years", by Carl Sandburg. A hefty tome to be sure, but worth the read. I hope this helps! Good luck.


Respectfuly....
Sean Collicott