The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

by Erik Larson

“But when commerce, manufacturers, the mechanic arts disturbed this condition of things, and amassed wealth that could pretend to more lavish luxury than planting, then came in, I fear, this demon of unrest which has been the utmost sole disturber of the land for years past.”

In the liturgy of honor, such precision was important: A gentleman was punctual.

At one point during the day Lincoln said that elections in America were like “ ‘big boils’—they caused a great deal of pain before they came to a head, but after the trouble was over the body was in better health than before.”

“When men come under the influence of fanaticism, there is no telling where their impulses or passions may drive them.”

“It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance.” Another round of cheering. “This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence. “Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon that basis? If it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world if I can help to save it. If it can’t be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful. But, if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle”—he slapped a hand against his knee—“I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender it.”