About the president's two secretaries, John Nicolay and John Hay. It describes their upbringing in Illinois and involvement in politics as young adults on the Illinois prairie. A lot more about their work for the president during the greatest national crisis.
They were the gatekeepers to Lincoln's office and their style was different. Nicolay was a brusk guy who would tell the office-seeker "No, get the hell out" or something like that. Hay was a charmer and nicer but the unwanted visitor would still end up out in the hall.
Decades after Lincoln's death their collaborative biography on Abe was published and became a best-seller. They didn't just cash in on their proximity to fame. Both served as diplomats abroad. Hay was Secretary of State to William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
Lincoln's Boys by Joshua Zeitz.
They were the gatekeepers to Lincoln's office and their style was different. Nicolay was a brusk guy who would tell the office-seeker "No, get the hell out" or something like that. Hay was a charmer and nicer but the unwanted visitor would still end up out in the hall.
Decades after Lincoln's death their collaborative biography on Abe was published and became a best-seller. They didn't just cash in on their proximity to fame. Both served as diplomats abroad. Hay was Secretary of State to William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
Lincoln's Boys by Joshua Zeitz.
