Recollections of Abraham Lincoln, 1847-1865

This audio brings together the recollections of a man who spent years by Abraham Lincoln’s side—law partner, confidant, and longtime friend. Ward H. Lamon’s memories were gathered from newspaper sketches, personal letters, and scattered notes, then woven together by his daughter to form a portrait that feels both intimate and unfiltered. Listeners hear the cadence of a 19th‑century voice recalling the president’s quiet moments, his humor in the White House, and the challenges that shaped his leadership.

The material offers more than the familiar public record; it reveals Lincoln’s private jokes, his habit of listening to ordinary soldiers, and the way he expressed doubts and optimism in private conversation. Interspersed with contemporary correspondence, the recollections give a sense of the man behind the myth, showing his humanity amid the pressures of war. It’s an off‑the‑beat glimpse for anyone who wants to understand the personal side of a historic figure.