Lincoln : Speeches and Writings : 1859-1865

Abraham Lincoln was a great writer and the best author to hold the office of President. He delivered important speeches and wrote letters that documented the Civil War era. The Library of America collection contains 555 speeches letters and other documents from 1859 to 1865. Lincoln's writings show his efforts to defend and maintain the Union his opposition to slavery and his fight against secession. His Second Inaugural Address delivered in 1865 is considered a masterpiece of American literature. Lincoln died in 1865 after being assassinated but his legacy as a writer and leader during the Civil War lives on.