Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man - Biography of William H. Seward, American Statesman & Secretary of State - Perfect for History Buffs, Political Science Students & Civil War Enthusiasts

At the end of chapter 18 Walter Stahr says that William Seward had the unique distinction of working for four years under Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history, and four years under Andrew Johnson, usually considered one of the worst. This split tells a great deal about Seward. Seward was personable, brilliant and a congenial person who always wanted compromise. He was an excellent listener and effective counselor so much so that when others wanted him fired, both Lincoln and Johnson stood by him. His advice was critical in Lincoln’s decision-making and his political advice and tactics may have saved Johnson from impeachment. Both presidents relied upon him enormously for his counsel.But looked at from today and from the perspective of what were called the Radical Republicans at the time, Seward’s advice to both presidents seems weak or, at best, very limited. Before, during and after the Civil War his concern was for the fastest readmission of the southern states into the Union as possible. Lincoln, who had his own similar views on this issue, was influenced by Seward throughout his presidency and Johnson went well beyond Seward in concessions to the former Confederate states but with Seward’s professional approval. Neither Johnson nor Seward was much concerned about how the newly freed slaves were treated once the war was done. Stahr presents a challenge to the reader. Seward was a “moderate” at the time. Today we can see the devastating historical results of his position (common to many people then) of ignoring the civil rights of slaves beyond emancipation. But how to judge Seward in his own time? Stahr lays out all the information and lets the reader decide.Stahr is an excellent writer, clear, well-organized, easy to follow and enjoyable to read. Besides the domestic issues, he fleshes out Seward’s role as secretary of state in his dealings with other countries. Most everyone knows that Seward bought Alaska from Russia. But most people do not know that, if Seward had his way, several Caribbean islands along with Hawaii and possibly British Columbia and Baja California would also have become part of the U.S. at the time. Most also do not know how close the U.S. came to war with Britain during the Civil War and how Seward, in his constant drive for conciliation, helped to prevent what would have been a disaster for the country. This is a book that expands the reader’s knowledge and at the same time challenges the reader’s judgment. It is an excellent historical biography.