The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 7: 1863-1865

This volume gathers a range of Abraham Lincoln’s official writings from the pivotal years of 1863 to 1865, offering a window into the president’s thoughts as the nation grappled with war. Inside, listeners will hear his measured assessment of a disastrous military loss in the Shenandoah Valley, where he weighs command decisions, responsibility, and the limits of blame without rushing to judgment.

The collection also includes Lincoln’s private correspondence with generals and governors, revealing his concerns about loyalty, arms distribution, and the fragile political climate in border states. Through these documents, his careful language and steady hand in navigating both military and civil challenges become clear, inviting a deeper understanding of the complexities that shaped the final stretch of the Civil War.