Lincoln Walks at Midnight: A Poem, A Presence

 

You may have first met him in a textbook. Or maybe, like me, in a poem.

Vachel Lindsay’s Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight doesn’t give us the marble man or the Gettysburg orator. It gives us a shadowed figure in a shawl, pacing the streets of Springfield, unable to rest. A man who still carries the weight of a world that hasn’t yet learned how to live in peace.

This post is a quiet return to that vision—a reflection on how poetry, memory, and moral burden keep Lincoln walking long after the war has ended.

“A mourning figure walks,
and will not rest,
Near the old court-house pacing up and down.” [*]

About Vachel Lindsay

Born in 1879 in Springfield, Illinois—just blocks from Lincoln’s old home—Vachel Lindsay was a poet who believed verse should be heard, not just read. He called his style “singing poetry,” and often performed his work aloud with dramatic flair. But "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight", written in 1914, is different. It’s hushed. Grieving. And deeply personal.

Lindsay wrote it during the early days of World War I, heartbroken by the violence sweeping across Europe. In his imagination, Lincoln rises from the grave—not to lead, but to mourn. He walks the streets of Springfield again, unable to rest while the world repeats the same mistakes he tried to mend.

Themes and Meaning

The poem is a meditation on conscience. Lincoln becomes a symbol of moral unrest—a figure who cannot sleep while injustice, war, and sorrow persist. Lindsay’s Lincoln is not triumphant; he is burdened, wrapped in a shawl, his head bowed, pacing through the night like a parent waiting for a child to come home.

The poems key themes include:

~ The cost of leadership

~ The persistence of grief

~ The unfinished work of peace

~ The haunting presence of history

 This is one of the poem's most memorable lines:

“He cannot sleep upon his hillside now. He is among us:—as in times before! And we who toss and lie awake for long Breathe deep, and start, to see him pass the door.”

Closing Reflection

Lincoln doesn’t haunt us because he was perfect. He haunts us because he tried—and because we still haven’t finished what he started.

Lindsay’s poem reminds us that the work of conscience doesn’t end at the grave. It walks beside us, especially when the world grows dark.

The war is over. The work isn’t. Somewhere, Abe Lincoln the Storyteller still walks.

Mac

[*] Below the Works Cited section is Lindsey's poem in its entirety.

Works Cited

[1] Editorial cartoon by Lloyd Ostendorf, “And a World Half Slave and Half Free?” originally published in the Dayton Journal-Herald, February 12, 1955. Reprinted in Lincoln Lore, No. 1362 (May 16, 1955).

[2] Poem below is from “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” by Vachel Lindsay (1914). Public domain. Full text available via The Poetry Foundation.

Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight

By Vachel Lindsay

(In Springfield, Illinois)

It is portentous, and a thing of state

That here at midnight, in our little town

A mourning figure walks, and will not rest,

Near the old court-house pacing up and down.

Or by his homestead, or in shadowed yards

He lingers where his children used to play,

Or through the market, on the well-worn stones

He stalks until the dawn-stars burn away.

A bronzed, lank man! His suit of ancient black,

A famous high top-hat and plain worn shawl

Make him the quaint great figure that men love,

The prairie-lawyer, master of us all.

He cannot sleep upon his hillside now.

He is among us:—as in times before!

And we who toss and lie awake for long

Breathe deep, and start, to see him pass the door.

His head is bowed. He thinks on men and kings.

Yea, when the sick world cries, how can he sleep?

Too many peasants fight, they know not why,

Too many homesteads in black terror weep.

The sins of all the war-lords burn his heart.

He sees the dreadnaughts scouring every main.

He carries on his shawl-wrapped shoulders now

The bitterness, the folly and the pain.

He cannot rest until a spirit-dawn

Shall come;—the shining hope of Europe free;

The league of sober folk, the Workers' Earth,

Bringing long peace to Cornland, Alp and Sea.

It breaks his heart that kings must murder still,

That all his hours of travail here for men

Seem yet in vain.   And who will bring white peace

That he may sleep upon his hill again?

Stories about President Lincoln and His Ego

Two moments from the White House that show how Lincoln wore power lightly—and sometimes laughed at it.

President Abraham Lincoln in his White House office [*]
No throne, no Oval, just a desk, a chair, and the weight of a nation.

While leading a fractured nation through war, Abraham Lincoln carried not only the burdens of command, but also the gift of lightness. These two brief stories reflect the humor, humility, and self-awareness that made him not just a great president—but a rare kind of human.

“I Hope to Have More Influence With the Next Administration”

Judge Baldwin of California once sought a pass from Washington to visit his brother behind Union lines. A loyal Union man himself, Baldwin assumed it would be a quick matter. But he was swiftly denied by General Halleck, then by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.

Exasperated, Baldwin took his case to Lincoln himself, expecting presidential authority to sweep the obstacles aside. Instead, Lincoln listened patiently, asked if the others had refused—and then, with a dry smile, replied:

“Well then, I can do nothing; for you must know that I have very little influence with this Administration, although I hope to have more with the next.”

It was a moment that revealed Lincoln’s sly wit—but also his deep awareness of his own limits. He was President, yes, but he governed not with an iron fist, but with collaboration, persuasion—and often, a well-placed joke.

“Then I Must Be One”

On another occasion, Congressman Owen Lovejoy and a group of Westerners visited Lincoln to present a plan requiring War Department approval. Lincoln gave his blessing and directed them to Stanton, the Secretary of War.

But Stanton was in no mood for diplomacy. Upon seeing Lincoln’s order, he barked, “Did Lincoln give you an order of that kind?”

When they affirmed he had, Stanton growled, “Then he is a d——d fool.”

Lovejoy, stunned, hurried back to Lincoln and reported the exchange.

Lincoln paused, looked up, and said:

“If Stanton said I was a d——d fool, then I must be one, for he is nearly always right, and generally says what he means. I will slip over and see him.”

Again—no outrage, no wounded pride. Just a president who recognized that good leadership sometimes meant letting others speak freely - even sharply. And more than that, it meant answering egos with grace.

Lincoln’s genius wasn’t only in his words, but in how lightly he wore the heavy coat of power. In a time of chaos, he remained unpretentious, quick to laugh at himself, and unwilling to trade humility for authority. If the Republic survived its gravest test, it did so in part because its leader didn’t see himself as untouchable—but as a man who could “slip over” and listen.

While the ancients had Aesop and his fables, the moderns have Abraham Lincoln and his stories. These were two more about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

[*] 🏛️ Why Lincoln Didn’t Use the Oval Office?

Simple reason: it didn’t exist yet.

The Oval Office wasn’t built until 1909, during the presidency of William Howard Taft. He was the first to move the president’s working space into the newly constructed West Wing and adopt the Oval Office as the symbolic and functional heart of the presidency.

During Lincoln’s time, the president worked in the second-floor southeast corner of the White House, in a room that today is known as the Lincoln Bedroom. It was his office, his Cabinet meeting space, and where he signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

So when we see those rare photos of Lincoln seated or standing in that room, we’re looking at the real seat of power in 1863—no ovals, no Resolute Desk, just resolve.

Works Cited

[1] McClure, Colonel Alexander K. (1901) Lincoln's Yarns and Stories. New York, NY: Western W. Wilson Company.

'A Springfield Incident' — President-elect Lincoln's Surprise Southern Visitor

 

January 10, 1861 edition of the
Chicago Daily Tribune, p.2.

On the lower right-hand side of page two of the January 10th edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune sat a small but significant article titled 'A Springfield Incident.'

The year, 1861, was just ten days old and the nation was splintering. The South was seceding. And President-elect Abraham Lincoln—still in Springfield, Illinois and weeks away from taking office—was already battling one of his greatest challenges: misconception and mistrust.

Rumors had spread across the South, painting Lincoln as a threat to their way of life, a man who would bring destruction upon them. Most Southerners would never meet him, never hear his voice, never read his speeches, and never know his true intentions.

But one man—an elderly visitor from Mississippi—wanted to find out for himself if those rumors were true.

A Journey for Truth

The man arrived in Springfield one cold Saturday. His clothing was simple homespun, the mark of someone unaccustomed to the politics of grand halls and polished offices. Yet, he came with a purpose—to speak with Abraham Lincoln.

He first mingled with Republican representatives, talking with them, listening. And surprisingly, he found that the people of Illinois were not so black-hearted as they had been painted in Southern newspapers.

Then, he was granted an audience with with the President-elect himself.

For a long time, the two spoke. Lincoln did not lecture him, nor berate Southern leaders, nor push his policies onto the man. Instead, Lincoln shared his genuine thoughts and intentions, assuring him that he harbored no hatred toward the South—only a desire "to preserve the Union and protect the just rights of all its people." [1]

The conversation changed the man. It shattered his preconceived notions. He had expected hostility. He had expected cold political talk. Instead, he saw Lincoln for who he truly was—someone trying to mend what was already falling apart.

The Tears That Said Everything

The Mississippi visitor left Lincoln’s office a changed man.

As he stepped outside into the crisp Illinois air, tears stole down his cheeks. He dreaded the future. Turning to a friend, he lamented:

"Oh! If the people of the South could hear what I have heard, they would love and not hate Mr. Lincoln." [1]

He had seen the man with his own eyes and heard the words with his own ears. And he desperately wanted to share that truth he had journeyed so far to seek.

But, instead, he delivered a heartbreaking realization:

"I will tell my friends at home, but… they will not believe me!" [1]

The Unbreakable Walls of Mistrust

That moment encapsulated the tragedy of misinformation in early 1861. The South had already decided Lincoln’s fate before he ever took office.

No matter how kind and reassuring his words, no matter how honest his intentions, many Southerners would never believe him—even if one of their own stood before them, recounting Lincoln’s message word-for-word.

In another world, at another time, this meeting might have changed minds. Might have calmed fears. Might have stopped the coming storm.

But in this world—the world of 1861—the divide was already too wide, too deep, too ingrained.

And so, this old man left Springfield, carrying both truth and sorrow, knowing that what he had learned from Lincoln would never be accepted back home.

It was not a failure of words, but a failure of trust.

And it was that lack of trust—not Lincoln’s election—that would send the nation spiraling into war.

Why This Story Matters

This encounter is a forgotten footnote in history, yet it embodies the emotional complexity of Abraham Lincoln’s rise to power.

It was never just about policies. Never just about elections.

It was about perception, belief, and the tragedy of division—a division so deep that even truth could not bridge it.

But on that cold January day, one Mississippi man wished he could—but he knew then that it would take a war.

This is another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

FYI: Below the Works Cited section is the Tribune article in its entirety.

Works Cited

[1] "A Springfield Incident". Chicago Daily Tribune, January 10, 1861. p. 2. [From the (Springfield) State Journal, January 7th.]

"A Springfield Incident"

An old man, hailing from Mississippi, dressed in plain homespun, came to our city Saturday. He mingled freely with the Republican representatives - got their views, and seemed to think that we are not quite so black as we are represented. He called on Mr. Lincoln, talked freely with him, and heard the Presient-elect express his sntiments and intentions. He learned that Mr. Lincoln entertained none but the kindes feelings toward the people of the South, and that he would protect the South in her jiust rights. He had a long conversation, and he went away delighted. He left the office of Mr. Lincoln in company with a friend who communicated this to us, and when outside the door, he remarked, while the tears stole down his cheeks: "Oh! if the people of the South could hear what I have heard, they would love and not hate Mr. Lincoln. I will tell my firiends at home, but, "he added, sorrowfully, "they will not believe me!" He said that he did wish that everyman in the South could be personally acquainted with Mr. Lincoln.

The Letter That Lincoln Never Read

Abraham Lincoln and Grace Bedell photos.
Both were taken about the time that Bedell wrote her second letter.

In 2007, historian Karen Needles, Director of the Lincoln Archives Digital Project, unearthed a long-lost letter in the Treasury records at the National Archives. It was addressed to President Abraham Lincoln, requesting his help in securing a position with the U.S. Treasury Department.

What makes this discovery so remarkable is not just the letter itself, but the fact that its author was none other than Grace Bedell—the young girl whose famous "Beard Letter" had influenced Lincoln’s public image years earlier.

By 1864, three years had passed since Lincoln had stepped off his inauguration train in Westfield, NY to personally meet Grace. Much had changed in that time—not just for the nation, but for Grace’s family as well. Her father had lost much of his property and assets, leaving them struggling financially.

At just 15 years old, Grace was no longer the hopeful child urging Lincoln to grow whiskers—she was now a determined young woman, facing the harsh realities of economic hardship. Seeking an opportunity to help her parents, she learned that the Treasury Department in Washington was offering stable jobs with decent wages, and women were preferred for their keen ability to detect counterfeit currency.

So, on January 14, 1864, Grace wrote to Lincoln again—but this time, her letter was not about beards or elections. It was a plea for economic opportunity, a request for help in securing a government job. She reminded Lincoln that he had once signed himself as her “true friend and well-wisher”—and now, she hoped he would prove it by helping her obtain meaningful work.

A Letter That Was Nearly Forgotten

Because of her beard letter and his personal meeting with her, Grace Bedell was no longer just another unknown citizen—her words had once shaped how a president presented himself to the nation. Her rediscovered letter provides a rare and meaningful extension to a historical footnote in Lincoln's story.

Although it didn’t change history the way her first one did, it reveals that Grace still saw Lincoln as a trusted figure—someone worthy of her respect, someone she believed might still help or guide her during her hour of need.

Correcting the Miscounting of Grace’s Letters

For years since its discovery, historians have referred to Grace Bedell’s January 14, 1864 letter as her second letter to Lincoln. However, this isn’t entirely accurate.

In reality, this was Grace’s third letter to Lincoln, though only two survive today. She had previously written to him once before asking for a government position, but never received a response. In her 1864 letter, she referenced this earlier, unanswered request, stating:

I have addressed one letter to you before, pertaining to this subject, but receiving no answer, I chose rather to think you had failed to receive it, not believing that your natural kindness of heart, of which I have heard so much, would prompt you to pass it by unanswered.

Historians often overlook this detail because only two of Grace’s letters survive: 

 ✔ The famous "Beard Letter" from October 15, 1860, advising Lincoln to grow a beard. 

 ✔ The 2007 discovery of her job request from January 14, 1864.

Since the first job request letter was never recovered, most sources count only those letters that are physically in the historical archives. But accuracy prevents flawed or misleading history. Grace Bedell wrote three letters.

Unfortunately, both letters went unanswered. Historians speculate that Lincoln may never have seen January 14th letter. Needles noted that Lincoln's chief secretary, John Hay, was out of town when that letter arrived at the White House, and the letter was likely filed away with standard Treasury applications rather than brought to Lincoln’s attention. Needles believes the letter - had it reached Lincoln - would have lifted his spirits in the midst of wartime burdens. 

And he would have answered it.

In fact, Grace thought so too - at least with regards to the first job request letter. She wrote: 

but receiving no answer, I chose rather to think you had failed to receive it, not believing that your natural kindness of heart, of which I have heard so much, would prompt you to pass it by unanswered.

Whatever the case, Grace never received a position in the Treasury Department, and this letter ended in the dusty bin of history—until its surprising rediscovery in 2007.

Though Grace never secured the job she hoped for, the rediscovery of her letter provides a remarkable glimpse into her persistence, ambition, and quiet determination to shape her own future. The rest of her life proves this.

Grace’s Later Life [1]

Because of Lincoln's silence - inadvertent or not - Grace’s life took a vastly different path.

On December 3, 1867, at 19 years old, she married George Newton Billings, a Civil War veteran who had served in the 10th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment and later as a sergeant in the 8th New York Heavy Artillery. 

Before they settled down in one location, George worked as a wagon train captain, guiding pioneers into the West. By 1870, the couple found their home in the American West - Delphos, Kansas, about 40 miles north of Salina. They first lived in a house northwest of town, but in 1880, they built a new home at 602 Custer Street.

Life on the Kansas frontier was harsh, but Grace's quiet determination persisted, and she adapted. She rode horseback, learned to shoot, carried a gun in her purse, and mastered survival skills in a land threatened by grasshopper plagues, floods, tornadoes, prairie fires, Indian attacks, and disease.

Among their more colorful acquaintances was “Wild Bill" Hickok, a legend and a frequent dinner guest at the Billings household until his death in Deadwood, South Dakota.

In 1880, George became a cashier at the State Bank of Delphos—some records even suggest he co-founded the bank. Their only child, Harlow Drake Billings, was born in 1872 and later became president of the same bank. Grace's lineage -through Harlow - continues today in Delphos and Salina.

As the years passed, Grace remained remarkably private about her role in Lincoln’s transformation - perhaps because she was embarrassed by his silence when she needed him. When asked about her famous childhood letter, she dismissed the attention, saying she disliked “making a fuss”. Grace never sought to profit from her unexpected place in history.

George passed away in 1930 after nearly 50 years at the bank, and Grace followed six years later, on November 2, 1936—just two days shy of her 88th birthday. She and George are buried in Delphos.

Both Delphos, Kansas and Westfield, New York have memorials dedicated to Grace, ensuring that her contribution to American history—and her charming role in Lincoln’s legacy—is never forgotten.

This is another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

FYI: Grace Bedell's third letter is published it its entirety below the Works Cited section.

Works Cited

[1] Chetwynd, Sally Morong. "Grace Bedell (1848-1936)". Brass Castle Arts website - November 1, 2010. Retrieved May 5, 2025.

Grace Bedell’s Third Letter to Lincoln

Albion, Orleans Co., N.Y. Jan. 14, 1864

Pres Lincoln,

After a great deal of forethought on the subject, I have concluded to address you, asking your aid in obtaining a situation. Do you remember before your election receiving a letter from a little girl residing at Westfield in Chautauqua Co. advising the wearing of whiskers as an improvement to your face? I am that little girl grown to the size of a woman.

I believe in your answer to that letter you signed yourself “Your true friend and well-wisher.” Will you not show yourself my friend now?

My father, during the last few years, lost nearly all his property, and although we have never known want, I feel that I ought and could do something for myself. If I only knew what that “something” was. I have heard that a large number of girls are employed constantly and with good wages at Washington cutting Treasury notes and other things pertaining to that Department. Could I not obtain a situation there?

I know I could if you would exert your unbounded influence—a word from you would secure me a good-paying situation, which would at least enable me to support myself, if not to help my parents. This, at present, is my highest ambition.

My parents are ignorant of this application to you for assistance. If you require proof of my family's respectability, I can name persons here whose names may not be unknown to you.

We have always resided here, excepting the two years we were at Westfield. I have addressed one letter to you before, pertaining to this subject, but receiving no answer, I chose rather to think you had failed to receive it, not believing that your natural kindness of heart, of which I have heard so much, would prompt you to pass it by unanswered.

Direct to this place.

Grace G. Bedell

The 11-Year-Old Who Changed Lincoln’s Image—And American Politics: The Political Genius of Grace Bedell

 

The Phases of Lincoln's Transformation

Presidents rise and fall, political campaigns come and go, but the power of a single, well-placed idea? That can last for generations.

Now imagine—an 11-year-old girl, far removed from the political battleground of Washington, unknowingly influencing one of the most iconic figures in American history.

Before Lincoln led the country through war, before his speeches were etched into the national conscience, before he even set foot in the White House—Grace Bedell saw something no one else did. And with just a few strokes of a pen, she altered the image of the man who would change the world.

A Political Genius

Grace Bedell’s letter wasn’t just a charming suggestion—it was an astute understanding of political optics, decades ahead of its time.

While Lincoln’s own political campaign strategists emphasized his image as the hardworking, “rail-splitter,” Bedell, at just 11-years-old, saw something deeper—the emotional and psychological power of appearance. She understood that a beard wouldn’t just change Lincoln’s look; it would soften his rugged features, make him more distinguished, and appeal to women—a vote-influencing group that had no official say but still held political power through their husbands, fathers, and sons.

This was grassroots persuasion at its finest—a near 20th- or 21st-century political strategy conceived and executed through a single, handwritten letter. Bedell wasn’t thinking in terms of policy or party lines; she saw the personal, human side of leadership—the same logic modern political campaigns use when focusing on relatability, image, and emotional appeal. (Think 2024 presidential election.)

She unknowingly predicted what would become a staple in future elections: political branding beyond policy—using personal appeal to shape public perception.

The Letter That Changed Lincoln

On October 15, 1860, from her home in Westfield, New York, Grace Bedell sat down and wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln, then a relatively unknown presidential nominee. She didn’t discuss tariffs, states’ rights, or slavery. Instead, she focused on something no campaign strategist had considered.

"I have yet got four brothers, and part of them will vote for you any way, and if you let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you; you would look a great deal better, for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and then you would be President."

What she understood—perhaps better than Lincoln himself—was the power of influence beyond the voting booth. Women, though disenfranchised, held immense political sway. Her letter was more than an opinion—it was also a political strategy.

Lincoln’s Response—And Transformation

Four days later, Lincoln wrote back, playfully questioning whether suddenly growing whiskers might seem absurd. But something about Bedell’s logic resonated with him.

By the time he embarked on his presidential journey to Washington, Lincoln had grown the full beard that would define his iconic image forever.

When his train stopped in Westfield, New York, he sought out Grace Bedell in the crowd. The president-elect greeted her, showing her his whiskers—proof that her idea had not only reached him but transformed him.

These two larger than life bronze statues, created in 1999
depict the historic meeting between President-Elect Abraham Lincoln
and Westfield resident Grace Bedell.[**]

A Legacy of Political Influence

Lincoln, of course, would go on to become one of the most celebrated figures in American history. His speeches, his resolve, and his leadership in the Civil War defined his presidency. But beneath it all, there remains the curious fact that an 11-year-old girl helped shape the unique and iconic image that the entire world recognizes.

Bedell’s understanding of human psychology in politics was decades ahead of its time. She saw what professional strategists would later rely on—personal appeal, relatability, and emotional connection matter as much as policy.

Her letter wasn’t just about a beard—it was a lesson about how leaders must recognize the subtle forces that shape public perception.

And in that moment, Bedell demonstrated what Lincoln himself would later embody—the power of words to move people, to shape history, and to change the course of a nation.

What do you think—was Bedell’s idea just a suggestion, or was she ahead of her time in campaign strategy?

This was another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[**] These statues, located in Lincoln-Bedell Statue Park in Westfield, NY were sculpted by local sculptor, Don Sottile and cast at the Fireworks Foundry, Penn Yann, in upstate New York. 

[1] Bedell, Grace. "Letter to Abraham Lincoln. October 15, 1860." Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler et al.  .

Abraham Lincoln and the Story of His Teeth

Abraham Lincoln
(Smithsonian Institution)

When it comes to presidential health quirks, George Washington’s nightmare of wooden dentures is the stuff of legend. But what about Abraham Lincoln? Did the Great Emancipator have a mouth full of perfectly preserved teeth, or did he endure his own dental disasters?

Turns out, Lincoln’s teeth have their own strange history, and two studies—one by an American dental historian and another by a French medical researcher—attempt to unravel the mystery. Did fluoride-rich water bless Abe with naturally strong enamel, or was he just really good at avoiding dentists? Let’s sink our teeth into this peculiar presidential puzzle.

Dr. Maynard K. Hine, a dental historian and former president of the American Dental Association, published an article in the Bulletin of the History of Dentistry in 1975. In it, he suggested that Lincoln’s dental health was remarkably strong—possibly due to the natural fluoride present in the wells and springs of Kentucky and Indiana. [1]

But can we really credit fluoride for Lincoln’s luck? A French dentist and medical historian, Dr. Xavier Riaud wrote a more detailed look at Lincoln’s actual dental history in his 2018 article in the Journal of Dental Health, Oral Disorders & Therapy. Dr. Riaud suggests a different story—one involving painful extractions, self-administered anesthesia, and a possible phobia of dentists.

Lincoln’s Known Dental History

Lincoln wasn’t entirely free from dental problems. His own words, written to Mary Speed in 1841, describe a particularly gruesome experience:

"Do you remember when I went to this city to get a tooth extracted and it totally failed? This tooth made me suffer once again so badly that a week ago, I had to have it removed, which cost me a piece of the maxilla which came out with it. My mouth is so sore that I can neither talk, nor eat. I only survive with the memory of flavors which is inadequate in terms of nutritious diet." [2]

This account is painful just to read—a reminder of how primitive dental procedures were in the 19th century.

Lincoln endured at least three additional dentist visits:

• In 1856, he had a tooth extracted using an ivory-handled turnkey - a harsh tool used before modern forceps.
• In 1862, while serving as president, he visited Dr. G.S. Wolf in Washington—but rather than accept the dentist’s anesthesia, Lincoln produced his own vial of chloroform, inhaled it, and then allowed the extraction (of course, Lincoln was resourceful enough to handle his own pain relief).
• He purchased at least two toothbrushes, suggesting he had some understanding of oral hygiene. [2]

In addition, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, endorsed a tooth powder in an ad published by the New York Times, suggesting that dental care was valued in their household. [2]

Fact vs. Speculation

While Dr. Hine’s fluoride theory is amusing, Lincoln’s real dental history suggests a different story—one of occasional pain, infrequent visits to the dentist, and a possible phobia of extractions.

The French researcher further noted that Lincoln never smiled in photographs, leading some historians to wonder: Was he self-conscious about his teeth? The article suggests that his solemn expressions had more to do with the long exposure times required for photography, rather than any concern about his dental health.

Lincoln’s diet may have also played a role—he rarely ate sugar, avoided desserts, and never smoked or drank, meaning his teeth may have been naturally preserved without much effort.

So, was Lincoln truly blessed with strong teeth, or did he simply avoid dentists unless absolutely necessary? One thing is clear—when he did have dental problems, he handled them in the most Lincoln-esque way possible: with minimal fuss, maximum self-sufficiency, and just a touch of brutal efficiency.

What do you think? Was Lincoln lucky, cautious, or just very, very tough

This is another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[1] McDaniel, C.G. "Historian says...Abe had few dental problems". Alton [IL] Telegraph Newspaper - Wednesday, February 12, 1975. p. A-11.

[2] Riaud X. "Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) and his teeth". Journal of Dental Health Oral Disorders Therapy - 2018;9(1): pp. 30-31. 

Abe Lincoln Said: 14 Quotes That Still Resonate

 

In moments of political and economic uncertainty, history offers not just lessons, but warnings. Few understood the fragility of democracy better than Abraham Lincoln, who guided the nation through its most perilous hour - a Civil War. His words, spoken over a century and a half ago, remain astonishingly relevant today, reminding us that democracy is a constant responsibility—not a guarantee.

Here are 14 Lincoln quotes that speak directly to the challenges we face now. They are food for thought as we navigate division, governance, and the preservation of our national character.

Lincoln’s Timeless Warnings and Principles

• "History is not history unless it is the truth." (The integrity of historical fact matters—without truth, we lose our foundation.)

• "With malice toward none; with charity for all…" (Healing requires grace, not vengeance.)

• "The people know their rights, and are never slow to assert and maintain them when they are invaded." (A republic survives only when its citizens refuse to surrender their freedoms.)

• "A house divided against itself cannot stand." (Internal division weakens a nation more than any external threat.)

• "The Federal Union must be preserved." (America’s strength lies in its unity.)

• "No law is stronger than the public sentiment where it is to be enforced." (The law only holds power if the people believe in its fairness.)

• "No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent." (True leadership serves, not controls.)

• "You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." (Deception has limits—eventually, the truth prevails.)

• "Stand with anybody that stands RIGHT. Stand with him while he is right and PART with him when he goes wrong." (Integrity means aligning with principles, not blind loyalty to a person.)

• "There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress of mob law." (Violence in pursuit of justice only breeds greater injustice.)

• "It is an old maxim and a very sound one, that he that dances should always pay the fiddler." (A classic expression of accountability—that actions have consequences and that decisions made in the voting booth and in the Oval Office inevitably come home to roost.)

• "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." (Those who deny Liberty and due process to others deserve to lose theirs.)

• "... to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor." (Democracy survives only if its citizens actively protect and uphold it—not passively, but with courage, dedication, and - if needed - personal sacrifice.)

• "this movement is exclusively the work of politicians; a set of men who have interests aside from the interests of the people, and who - taken as a mass - are at least one long step removed from honest men.." (Lincoln recognized a critical flaw in governance: When political power is wielded by leaders and representatives who are out for personal gain rather than public service, the ordinary people suffer.)

As with all true wisdom, Lincoln’s words from the past are still relevant. They are a call to awareness, action, and accountability. In an era of uncertainty, his wisdom still walks beside us.

Lincoln’s words challenge us to confront a fundamental question—one that demands reflection both individually and as a nation: Are today’s leaders truly serving the people, or merely serving themselves?

Express your opinion at the ballot box.

Food for thought.

Mac

Abe Lincoln’s Gamble

 A Circuit-Riding Story

Circuit Lawyer Painting by Lee Dubin

Abraham Lincoln was known for his cautious decision-making, especially when it came to money. He was no reckless spender, nor was he one to take unnecessary risks. But once, during his years as a circuit-riding lawyer, Lincoln made an investment—not in land, business, or stocks, but in the potential of a wayward young man.

This incident took place in a small courthouse northeast of Peoria, Illinois, where Lincoln often defended cases, sometimes free of charge, for those who couldn't afford legal representation. Among the regular faces at the courthouse was a farmer with an unfortunate problem—his son, Jed.

Jed was no stranger to trouble. Shiftless, selfish, and always at odds with the law, he had a knack for landing himself in scrapes. His father, believing that money and gifts could buy his son’s way out of trouble, frequently arrived at court with offerings of honey, meat, and animal traps, hoping to persuade authorities to let Jed off the hook just one more time.

But Lincoln had seen enough. He was tired of watching Jed escape consequences through his father’s interventions. One day, when the farmer made yet another appeal on his son’s behalf, Lincoln surprised the courtroom.

"You have talked your son out of a scrape for the last time, sir," Lincoln declared. "I am representing the other side, but instead of taking up the court’s time, yours, and mine, I am going to hand down my own decision."

A Unique Sentence

Instead of sentencing Jed to jail, Lincoln issued a different kind of punishment—or, perhaps, a challenge.

"If you don’t want to go to jail," Lincoln told Jed, "then go out into the wild. Leave your father’s home and prove your worth. Trap at least fifty animal pelts before I return for the spring court session. You must do it alone—no help. The people will make sure my orders are followed."

The crowd was stunned. And they were even more astonished when Lincoln reached into his own pocket, counted out a sizeable sum of money, and handed it to Jed so that he could purchase traps and supplies to start his venture.

Jed didn’t resist. Instead, he set off eagerly on his mission, leaving the town behind.

From Criminal to Trapper

At first, Jed saw Lincoln’s challenge as nothing more than a way to escape punishment. But soon, he discovered something else—he loved the wilderness. The independence. The thrill of the hunt. The promise of profit. What began as an obligation became a passion.

By spring, when Lincoln returned to town, Jed had far exceeded expectations. He proudly displayed over 350 pelts—a remarkable achievement.

Lincoln was thrilled. True to his word, he took all the pelts back to Springfield, sold them for a premium price, and sent the money back to Jed, keeping not a cent for himself.

A Legacy Born From a Gamble

From that day forward, the once-troublesome youth was no longer known as Jed the delinquent—he became "Trapper Jed" - a name that followed him through the years.

There was no craftier trapper or trader than Jed, and as his success grew, he married and raised eleven children. He never once, however, took credit for his own transformation. Instead, he told anyone who asked that he owed his success to Honest Abe—his mentor, his investor, and the man who saw potential where others only saw failure.

Fact or Folklore?

Was this tale a true event, or just another Lincoln legend passed down through the years? We may never know. But if anyone could bet on human nature and win, it was Abraham Lincoln.

This was another story about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[1] "Lincoln . . . A Smart Investor". [This was from some rural or small town monthly magazine in Illinois in the 1960s. The article is unattributed.]

Cannibals, Courage, and President Lincoln

The James Kekela Story

Kawaiaha'o Church
Honolulu, Hawaii

In the heart of Honolulu, near the historic Kawaiahaʻo Church, a plaque stands in tribute to James Kekela, a Hawaiian missionary whose extraordinary bravery caught the attention of President Abraham Lincoln. Though his story took place far from the battlefields of the Civil War, Kekela’s heroism unfolded in the untamed waters of the South Pacific—where he found himself standing between life and death, reason and savagery.

An Unlikely Mission to the Marquesas

In 1853, a Honolulu-based religious group sent Kekela on a daunting mission—to spread Christianity among the cannibal tribes of the Marquesas Islands, nearly 1,000 miles north of Tahiti. For 46 years, he lived in isolation on the remote island of Hiva Oa, armed with little more than faith and a few basic possessions. The Marquesans, descendants of Polynesians who had settled Hawaii centuries earlier, tolerated Kekela and his teachings—but they harbored an intense hatred for white men. Their violent encounters with whalers, slave traders, and drunken sailors had left deep scars, making outsiders an easy target for retribution.

The Rescue That Captured Lincoln’s Heart

In January 1864, the American whaling vessel Congress, sailing out of New Bedford, Massachusetts, dropped anchor in Puamau Bay. Damaged in a storm, the ship needed repairs, fresh water, and provisions. Ignoring warnings of the cannibalistic islanders, Seaman Jonathan Whalon launched two boats to trade with the natives. He was quickly seized, stripped, and dragged toward an open hearth oven, where he was moments away from being cooked alive.

Kekela, witnessing the horrific scene, boldly confronted Chief Mato. His pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears, so he resorted to an extraordinary gamble—offering a ransom. Kekela presented Mato with his musket, his boat, and even his prized possessions: a stiffly starched white pair of trousers, a black claw-hammer jacket, and a beaver hat. Overwhelmed by the gifts, the cannibal chief relented, releasing the terrified whaleman.

Later, Whalon, still shaken, could barely sleep, tossing and turning with fear. Kekela gently urged him to kneel and thank God for his deliverance, documenting the emotional moment in his diary.

Lincoln’s Presidential Gift

News of Kekela’s bravery made its way to Abraham Lincoln, a president deeply embroiled in the Civil War but moved by the missionary’s actions. Despite the chaos consuming his nation, Lincoln personally ordered a gift of $500 in gold, along with a set of gold hunting-case watches, two double-barreled guns, a silver medal, and navigation tools including a spyglass, quadrants, and charts. He also ensured the Marquesan chief who had helped Kekela received a gun, and honored a young Marquesan girl who had warned Whalon against going ashore.

In response, Kekela sent a touching letter, written in Hawaiian, acknowledging the president’s kindness:

“When I saw one of your countrymen, a citizen of your great nation, ill-treated and about to be baked and eaten, as a pig is eaten, I ran to save him, full of pity and grief at the evil deed of these benighted people. I gave my boat for the stranger's life, and other possessions. They became the ransom of this countryman of yours, that he might not be eaten by the savages…” [1]

A Story That Endured

Years later, in 1888, famed author Robert Louis Stevenson sailed into the Marquesas aboard his 74-foot yacht, Casco. He came across Kekela’s letter to Lincoln, reading its words with deep emotion. In his book In the South Seas, Stevenson wrote:

“I do not envy the man who can read it without emotion.”

Kekela’s legacy is one of bravery, sacrifice, and a quiet but unwavering commitment to humanity. His story is etched into the Pacific’s forgotten history, forever bound to Lincoln’s own legacy—a reminder that heroes emerge in the most unexpected places.

This was another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

FYI: For those eager to experience history firsthand, Kawaiahaʻo Church and the James Kekela plaque offer a unique stop in Honolulu, blending architecture, Hawaiian heritage, and Lincoln-era connections. The church, often called the "Westminster Abbey of Hawaii," stands as one of the state's oldest Christian places of worship, rich with cultural significance. After viewing the plaque honoring Kekela’s heroism, visitors can explore the nearby Bishop Museum for deeper insights into Hawaiian history or take a short walk to Iolani Palace - the only royal palace in the U.S. Whether you're a history buff or a traveler seeking hidden gems, this site tells a story worth seeing in person.

Works CIted

[1] Menard, Willam. "Lincoln - And the Hawaiian Hero". The American Legion Magazine, February 1977. pp. 16, 45.

Lincoln the Pragmatist, Whitman the Idealist: Two Pillars of Democracy

 

Democracy is not self-sustaining—it must be defended, nurtured, and challenged by those who believe in its promise. In the 19th century, two towering figures, Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman, stood as guardians of democracy. Though their approaches differed, each offered profound insight into the preservation and evolution of the American experiment.

Lincoln, ever the pragmatist, focused on democracy’s immediate survival, warning of its fragility and ensuring its foundations remained strong. Whitman, the idealist, saw democracy as a cultural and moral pursuit, believing that its true fulfillment lay beyond governance in the spirit of the people. Together, they form two essential pillars of democracy—one ensuring it endures, the other inspiring it to evolve.

Lincoln: Democracy’s Architect and Guardian

Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum Address, delivered when he was just 28, warns of democracy’s greatest threat—not foreign invasion, but internal decay. He saw a nation vulnerable to mob violence, unchecked ambition, and disrespect for the rule of law. His prescription? A political religion rooted in constitutional devotion, lawfulness, and unwavering civic responsibility.

His leadership, too, reflected pragmatic action. Though he despised slavery, he navigated the path to abolition carefully, ensuring emancipation was not only morally right but politically viable. Lincoln did not dwell on lofty theories—he executed the necessary steps to preserve democracy. His legacy reminds us that democracy’s foundations must be actively guarded, lest ambition and corruption unravel them from within.

Whitman: Democracy’s Dreamer and Visionary

Where Lincoln fought to protect democracy, Whitman sought to perfect it. In Democratic Vistas (1871), written after the Civil War, he argued that laws alone were not enough—democracy needed a soul, a national character shaped by literature, creativity, and ethical leadership.

Whitman saw democracy as a living force, evolving through culture, art, and human expression. He feared that, without deep moral grounding, democracy would descend into materialism, self-interest, and political theater—an empty shell rather than a thriving institution. His words challenge us to think beyond governance: Are we building a nation worthy of democracy’s promise?

Two Visions, One Essential Balance

Lincoln and Whitman represent a necessary duality:

• Lincoln ensures democracy survives, securing its foundation through law, governance, and pragmatism.

• Whitman inspires democracy to flourish, urging cultural, moral, and artistic enrichment.

One without the other is incomplete. A democracy sustained only by law risks becoming rigid and soulless, while a democracy built purely on ideals may lack the structure necessary for endurance.

A Challenge to Our Time

In today’s world, division, cynicism, and mistrust threaten democracy’s stability. Lincoln’s warnings of internal decay feel as urgent as ever, and Whitman’s call for a higher national character remains unmet. Their combined wisdom offers a challenge:

• Are we actively protecting democracy, or merely watching its foundation erode?

• Does modern culture and journalism inspire democracy’s evolution, or simply react to events?

• Has history become a passive recollection, or a meaningful guide for shaping the future?

Lincoln and Whitman understood democracy as more than a system—it was a living, breathing ideal, demanding vigilance, creativity, and ethical action. Their words compel us to engage with history purposefully, ensuring that democracy is not merely preserved but refined and enriched for generations to come.

Let us ask ourselves: Are we living up to the democracy they envisioned? Or have we become spectators, passively watching history unfold?

Their contrasting philosophies laid the foundation for two powerful works—Lincoln’s Lyceum Address and Whitman’s Democratic Vistas. What do these writings reveal about democracy’s fragility and promise? Stay tuned as we dive into their words in the next post - Guardians of Democracy: Whitman and Lincoln’s Timeless Warnings.

Mac

Here is another post of mine that takes a look at Walt Whitman's challenge to today's TV and print journalists: Walt Whitman’s Warning: Democracy, Journalism, and the Soul of a Nation

Guardians of Democracy: Whitman and Lincoln’s Timeless Warnings

Walt Whitman and Abraham Lincoln, two towering figures of 19th-century America, shared a deep concern for the survival and integrity of democracy. In Whitman’s Democratic Vistas and Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum Address, both men grappled with the fragility of democratic institutions and the moral character required to sustain them. While Whitman envisioned democracy as an evolving cultural and spiritual force, Lincoln warned of internal threats—mob violence, lawlessness, and ambition—that could unravel the republic. Together, their messages form a timeless dialogue on the responsibilities of citizens and leaders in safeguarding democracy.

Lincoln’s Lyceum Address: A Warning Against Internal Decay 

Lincoln’s speech, delivered at just 28 years old, warned that America’s greatest threat would not come from foreign powers but from within. He cautioned against mob violence and the erosion of the rule of law, urging citizens to adopt a “political religion” rooted in respect for the Constitution and laws. His words resonate today as a reminder that democracy’s survival depends on the collective commitment to justice and order.

Whitman’s Democratic Vistas: A Call for Cultural Renewal 

Decades later, Whitman expanded the conversation, arguing that democracy required more than laws and institutions—it needed a moral and cultural foundation. Whitman saw democracy not as a finished product, but as an ongoing project—a system that must be refined, enriched, and protected. His deep sensitivity to the nature of man allowed him to see the dangers of unchecked greed, political corruption, and the decay of moral leadership. His voice, though written over a century ago, echoes like an urgent call in today’s storm.

A Shared Concern: The Fragility of Democracy 

Both Whitman and Lincoln understood that democracy is not self-sustaining. Lincoln feared the destructive power of unchecked ambition and lawlessness, while Whitman warned of materialism and moral decay. Their works challenge us to ask: Are we actively nurturing democracy, or passively watching it falter?

Conclusion 

Whitman and Lincoln, though writing in different contexts, converge on a powerful truth: democracy is a living, breathing ideal that demands vigilance, integrity, and cultural depth. Lincoln’s Lyceum Address reminds us to guard against internal threats, while Whitman’s Democratic Vistas calls us to cultivate a society worthy of democracy’s promise. Together, their messages serve as both a warning and an inspiration—a call to action for every generation to uphold the principles that define a free and just nation.

Food for thought.

Mac

In case you missed the first post on Lincoln and Whitman: Lincoln the Pragmatist, Whitman the Idealist: Two Pillars of Democracy.

Here is another post of mine that takes a look at Walt Whitman's challenge to today's TV and print journalists: Walt Whitman’s Warning: Democracy, Journalism, and the Soul of a Nation