Abraham Lincoln: A Life 1861-1862

The Fort Sumter Crisis (March-April 1861) Lincoln struggles with William Seward's thirst for power while the Fort Sumter question comes to the forefront of the nation's politics. War has begun. Lincoln hesitates calling a session of Congress amidst fears of interference with the war effort. Needing to defend the capital, he calls for the Union militia. A commander by the name of George B. McClellan is placed in complete control of the Union army. Snobbish and arrogant, he treats many in the White House with little respect, including the president. For six months, no offense is made from either side of the war. People grow impatient for action. The troublesome Lincoln children and the expensive taste of his wife bring difficulty to the functionality of the White House. Mary convinces Lincoln to give government positions to family and friends. Her manner and susceptibility towards flattery make it easy for others to take advantage.