They Knew Lincoln Washington, John E. (1880-1964) Introduction by Carl Sandburg African Americana,History & Politics

Uncommon book which captures what African Americans thought of Abraham Lincoln in his time, based on numerous interviews with those who personally knew and interacted with him. The historical record is weak in regard to Lincoln's personal relations with blacks and their perceptions of him and his attitudes toward them, and therefore this book fills a crucial gap in the Lincoln canon. Dr. John Washington, an African American dentist who grew up in the shadow of Ford's Theatre in the late 19th century and gathered these amazing stories through personal interviews with African Americans who had worked in the White House or otherwise had known Mr. Lincoln. Here are the testimonies of Lincoln's barbers in Illinois and Washington, white house servants, waiters, doorkeepers and others, all meticulously researched and verified while retaining their original vigor and color. There is a large section devoted to Elizabeth Keckley, who was Mary Lincoln's seamstress and confidant. Dr. Washington's groundbreaking research on Mrs. Keckley, published herein, rescued her from historical obscurity. The book includes previously unpublished photographs and Lincoln letters, including the first full transcript of an 1855 letter to Hon. George Robertson of Kentucky in which Lincoln speaks at length about his feelings on the issue of slavery. Bound in dark blue cloth over boards with yellow topstain, spine and upper board titled in yellow. A few light scuffed spots on upper board. Near fine Full cloth. Octavo. 244 + appendix pages