Page "Abraham Lincoln" Paragraph 55

To learn technical military terms, Lincoln borrowed and studied Henry Halleck's book, Elements of Military Art and Science from the Library of Congress.

Lincoln painstakingly monitored the telegraphic reports coming in to the War Department in Washington, D. C.

He kept close tabs on all phases of the military effort, consulted with governors, and selected generals based on their past success ( as well as their state and party ).

In January 1862, after many complaints of inefficiency and profiteering in the War Department, Lincoln replaced Simon Cameron with Edwin Stanton as War Secretary.

Stanton was one of many conservative Democrats ( he supported Breckenridge in the 1860 election ) who became anti-slavery Republicans under Lincoln's leadership.

In terms of war strategy, Lincoln articulated two priorities: to ensure that Washington was well-defended, and to conduct an aggressive war effort that would satisfy the demand in the North for prompt, decisive victory ; major Northern newspaper editors expected victory within 90 days.

Twice a week, Lincoln would meet with his cabinet in the afternoon, and occasionally Mary Lincoln would force him to take a carriage ride because she was concerned he was working too hard.

Lincoln learned from his chief of staff General Henry Halleck, a student of the European strategist Jomini, of the critical need to control strategic points, such as the Mississippi River ; he also knew well the importance of Vicksburg and understood the necessity of defeating the enemy's army, rather than simply capturing territory.