Lincoln's Men: How Lincoln Became Father to an Army and a Nation

LINCOLN'S MEN offers a fascinating account of the emotional bonds forged between the average Union soldier and 'Father Abraham' Lincoln. William C. Davis bases his study on the correspondence and diaries of Union soldiers to argue that Lincoln was revered by his troops as a kind-hearted father figure. Although few ever met, or even saw Lincoln, he left an enduring impression on them as his mesmerising eloquence, combined with his melancholy face, convinced them he was just like them. In return for this loyalty, Lincoln looked after them, provided for their families with the nations' first veterans' benefits system, and offered the exemplary leadership that molded and sustained their resolve to bring the Union to victory. Davis tracks the war chronologically, highlighting events that inspired ordinary soldiers to comment upon their commander and chief, including his spats with General McClellan, calls for more recruits and his decision to free the slaves. William C. Davis offers a captivating study of the powerful and symbolic relationship between Lincoln and his men as he sustained them though the most brutal war in American history.