Mary Todd Lincoln (1818–82) was a politically ambitious; volatile; and sharp-tongued woman; a shopaholic; and an embarrassment to her son and to the powerful men who sought to control the Lincoln legacy for their own political supremacy. Slandered by former Lincoln cronies and Republican operatives; such as William Herndon; Ward Hill Lamon; and Thurlow Weed; disliked by her son’s wife; the former Mary Harlan; plagued by debts; her pension grant having been denied by Congress; conspired against by her son; Robert; along with Supreme Court justice David Davis; Leonard Swett; John Todd Stuart; Isaac N. Arnold; and others; she had literally no one to turn to. This account of her final years; based on documentary evidence; sets the record straight and restores the reputation of one of the most maligned women in American political history.
#614035 in Books David Sievert Lavender 2001-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.05 x 6.00l; 1.37 #File Name: 0803280033444 pagesThe Way To The Western Sea
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A singularly venerable American storyBy Dave DOf the great 'travels' I have read; I've got to place this journey at the top; above; even; that of Marco Polo; Captain Cook; Shackleton's gripping tale of survival as recounted in 'Endurance' (as told by Lansing); and Burton's 'Pilgrimage.' The reason for my doing so is that this tale combines the best elements of all the others; and at extremes of hardship and unfamiliarity exceeding those of some of the other travelers. My lone quibble is that while the content in Lavender's rendition of this sublime journey far surpasses that of Twain's 'Life Along the Mississippi;' the writing does not. In terms of phraseology and word choice he often makes the modern historical writer's error of mimicry of Gibbon and good; late-18th century writers; which he should not - and I am sympathetic to the inclination. In the meantime; on the other hand; the material is so strong (and Mr. Lavender has made such good use of it) that I could not put it down; and I am indebted to him for his service. If there is any strong lack in the book; from my personal perspective; it is that same deficiency from which Lewis and Clark themselves suffered: good; detailed maps.14 of 17 people found the following review helpful. A most excellent adventureBy James FergusonDavid Lavender just may have written the definitive history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. It is a wonderfully wrought narrative; capturing the full width and breadth of this incredible journey. Lavender's sardonic tongue deflates many of the myths surrounding the "voyage of discovery;" noting that for the most part this was a well-trodden path. The only actual "discovery" was that of linking the Missouri to the Columbia. However; this makes it no less an adventure.He downplays the significance of Sacagewea. For the most part she was little used on this voyage. Her one major contribution was helping to secure horses for the great fording of the Bitteroot Mountains. Still; Lavender lavishes much attention on her and her son; which it seems that William Clark did as well. Her presence seemed to secure safe passage during their final leg down the Columbia River; as it made the expedition team seem less war-like.Lavender also provides the background for the voyage; detailing President Jefferson's dream to establish an American Northwest Passage; linking one ocean to another. Lavender probes the seemingly paternal relationship between Jefferson and Lewis; and how Jefferson was able to win Congress over to a third attempt to cross the continent; despite questions regarding Lewis' qualifications. Jefferson personally trained Lewis for the expedition and provided added tutelage in the form of the leading lights of American science. Like a devoted son; Lewis made every effort to carry out the mission; which Jefferson sponsored; even when it seemed foolhardy to do so.For those who haven't travelled this route before; you will be in good hands with David Lavender. For those who have; I think you will marvel at how masterful a job Lavender does in recording the events; giving the best rounded version of the "voyage of discovery" that I have read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Unbounded Courage!By Father MikeDetailed account of a truly amazing journey into the far reaches of unknown lands. Both readable and informative. History comes alive in this excellent book.
