The Life of Abraham Lincoln

By; Henry Ketcham You like I, have no doubt read many books about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. One documentary was published in three volumes of over 600 pages each. This is a small book devoted to teaching us about the character of Lincoln starting as a small boy until the end of his life. First and foremost he was a kind, gentle giant of a man who wished to not harm anyone. The grievous loss of life during the war devastated him. There were many episodes to show this to us. As a young man on a river boat to New Orleans he witnessed the brutality towards the slaves. It was here he resolved if it were ever in his power he would wipe it out. He was challenged to a duel by a small man. As the person being challenged he got to choose the weapon. He picked large broadswords. At six foot four inches it would be comical to see. The duel was called off, they became friends. One time he came across a young pig struggling to get out of the mud. In his lawyer suit he picked up the pig and brought it to safety. During the war young soldiers guilty of falling asleep on guard duty or some other infraction were brought to him to be brought before firing squads. He just couldn’t do it even though the Generals were furious. He did all he could to keep the Union together. He told them he would not start a war. When they bombed Ft. Sumter then he responded. Read this book if you want to learn more about this great man. I enjoyed reading. Jack B. Walters May 29, 2020