Paul M. Angle (1900–1975)

This is one of the "histories" that often get overlooked by people with sentimental views of a former golden age before the handbaskets; it was Hell back then too.

This was one of the first Lincoln books I read, and it really spurred me to read even more about him. This is kind of a 'Readers Digest' of stories about Lincoln from his childhood through the war. It includes mostly interesting stories and omits things that are seemingly in every Lincoln book ever written. Great choice for someone who wants to know more about Lincoln.

The author was an officer in the 123rd Illinois (mounted infantry). The 123rd Illinois replaced the 75th Indiana which voted against becoming a mounted infantry regiment of Wilder's brigade. The author was assigned to staff duty and removed from line duty. The book provides many insights to living in the field while campaigning in the western theater. The content includes letters to his wife while involved in the Atlanta campaign. The author switches to a diary while marching to Savannah show more since mail service was nonexistent. Most of the information is common knowledge however new information was related on Union General Jeff C. Davis isolating and abandoning 500 slaves that were following the union army around Savannah. The author provided information that would later affect Davis' promotion.
The author also relates the low opinion of the infantry of the cavalry especially of Kilpatrick’s forces which were assigned to Sherman’s army.
The editor relates that this book is the Union version of the Confederate Sam Watkins. show less

This was the only biography of Mary Lincoln my library owns. I chose to give up on it today. I read the actual story line the author wrote (which had some interesting choices in terms of what to focus on) but then the last half of the book were the letters she used as her sources. I couldn't bring myself to read all of that, especially when I have so many other books on my plate. I'd love to hear if anyone knows of a better Mary Lincoln biography.