Students of American history have always been fascinated by the life and career of the sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Honest Abe, as he was known by his Kentucky and Illinois peers, is the subject of history lessons from primary through graduate school education. Lincoln was the stereotypical backwoodsman who felt the call to public service of the state, on local and national levels. He became well known for his anti-slavery political and moral stance and saw his goal as president to preserve the Union. But few have ever looked carefully at the method he used to fulfill his call and meet his goal. His dedication and faithfulness to nation would override all feelings and past associations.

The historian and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Doris Kearns Goodwin, ha…