Lincoln's Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural

Mr. White talked about his book, Lincoln’s Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural, published by Simon and Schuster. Mr. White said that many present at the inauguration were expecting a victory speech in the aftermath of the North’s triumph in the Civil War. Instead, President Lincoln spoke about reunification and healing, “with malice toward none.” The speech was also the culmination of his lifelong struggle with the issue of slavery. Mr. White said that Lincoln was aware that the content of the speech would be both controversial and profound. He also responded to questions from members of the audience.

“Lincoln’s Sermon on the Mount: The Second Inaugural” was a presentation at the fifth annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium “The Latest in Lincoln Scholarship” in honor of Smithsonian’s “The American Presidency.” It was held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. close