Lincoln

Today is the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. A friend recently visited the Memorial and, having not been in many years, was surprised at its emotive power. It is difficult to overstate his importance in American history Via the excellent Blog Them Out of the Stone Age, an essential military history blog, have a look at the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln (it appears to be popular, try reloading if it doesn't work) reciting the Gettysburg Address. It's cool.

With him (and the USS Lincoln) in mind, I will be starting Craig Symond's Lincoln and His Admirals. Lincoln's often tendentious relationship with his generals is well known, but his relations with naval commanders is relatively unknown. The reviews have been good, so I am looking forward to it.