Lincoln Aging in Office

[diane]

When Shields challenged him to a duel Lincoln picked long swords as weapons. Lincoln demonstrated how well he could yeld the massived blades in the tree limbs above their heads. After Lincolns demonstration of strength Shields became much more agreeable to discussing alternatives. I've always enjoyed that story.

When he visited the AoP in their camps, he did some wood chopping just to see if he still could. He could, and some of the men chopped more. Then Lincoln took the axe by the end and held it out straight at his side...for a while. The men tried it - none of them could do it, not as long as he had! If he was dying, he was sure making Death take the long way around.

 

[War Horse]

This comparison set was so striking to me I thought I would post it. On the left is Lincoln in 1861. The right is the final photo of him - 1865. Four years in office.

This is how I love to remember him. Strong!

 

[Sons of Liberty]

 

[War Horse]

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Now that's my Abe. Unless you study him, most people have no idea what a powerful man he was. Not the feeble lanky awkward man portrayed to most of us as children in school. Great post!

 

[FarawayFriend]

When Shields challenged him to a duel Lincoln picked long swords as weapons. Lincoln demonstrated how well he could yeld the massived blades in the tree limbs above their heads. After Lincolns demonstration of strength Shields became much more agreeable to discussing alternatives. I've always enjoyed that story.

When he visited the AoP in their camps, he did some wood chopping just to see if he still could. He could, and some of the men chopped more. Then Lincoln took the axe by the end and held it out straight at his side...for a while. The men tried it - none of them could do it, not as long as he had! If he was dying, he was sure making Death take the long way around.

Now that's my Abe. Unless you study him, most people have no idea what a powerful man he was. Not the feeble lanky awkward man portrayed to most of us as children in school. Great post!

Very interesting thread and very interesting posts.
And isn't it strange that even nowadays (which includes the CW era in this case) people love to see physical strength in their leaders? The times where chiefs fought out in hand to hand combat who is to lead the flock of people gathered around their campfires is long gone, but strength still seems to play a vital role. I recently have watched a series of lectures given by Gary Gallagher who pointed out that Jefferson Davis was in many aspects the better president but he was by far not loved as much by the people as Lincoln was. Davis was ailing, Lincoln was strong.
We had a Secretary of Defense, a pretty handsome guy in the eyes of many, who did not have a lot say but won the heart of the masses because he had a film team portraying him in combat gear while visiting troops. So in the end, it is maybe still true: people might appreciate a beautiful mind or a brilliant wit, but will love the one who combines that with physical strength. Not the best of aspects for lady politicians ... but at least it is no longer physical strength alone that counts.