Our sixteenth President’s iron will not only ensured that “…government of the people, by the people, for the people…” did not perish from this earth, but in the process, he ended the evil of slavery in this country forever. His careful timing and shrewd political calculations were enhanced by some of the most eloquent prose any American President has put to paper. He declared his resolve to preserve and form a “more perfect Union” by appealing to “our better angels.” His legacy of liberty and equality remains unmatched by any other American President.