Old Baldy Civil War Round Table of Philadelphia January 14, 2010, The One Hundred and Forty-Nineth Year of the Civil War “The Reports of the Lincolns’ Political Partnership Have Been Greatly Exaggerated” “The Reports of the Lincolns’ Political Partnership President's Message Have Been Greatly Exaggerated” by Michael Burkhimer Happy New Year and welcome to a new decade, the one in which we will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the War. Be sure to get your dues to Herb Kaufman. We are going to have some great programs and activities this year and you do not want to miss out on them. Be sure to invite someone you know to a future event so they can learn about our group and see the fi ne venture in which we gather. Want to welcome Steve Wright back from his vacation in Jeanes. The anticipation grows for the fi ne topics he is planning for us to discover and discuss this year. Due to a personal challenge Peter Cozzens will not be joining us on February 4th. Our meet- ing next month will be on the 11th and Jerry Carrier will be speaking. Dr. Kevin Weddle's presentation last month on Samuel Francis Du Pont was very informa- tive and enjoyed by all who attended. This month Mike Burkhimer will share “The Reports of the Lincolns’ Political Partner- Since the 1990s it has become axiomatic in Lincoln litera- ship Have Been Greatly Exaggerated”. ture to assert one of the most important aspects of the Look forward to hearing about your adventures over the Lincolns’ relationship was the political partnership between last month. Right after Christmas, visited the Eisenhower the spouses. This has appeared time and time again in Farm, the Cyclorama, Antietam and South Mountain. both popular and scholarly works. But what exactly does Articles will follow in future issues. This month spent a day the term “political partnership” mean? Did they share an at the Newseum in Washington. There is an exhibit there ambition for his advancement? Did Lincoln’s marriage on the Manhunt for Booth. Articles will follow in future further his political career? Did the Lincolns agree on poli- issues. Next time you are in Washington the museum is tics? Most importantly, did Lincoln follow Mary’s political worth a visit. (just go in warmer weather) Let Don know advice? This essay will attempt to clarify this important of any upcoming events you know of so he can get them in political aspect of the Mary Lincoln enigma. The conclu- the newsletter. We are open to your feedback of comments sion is that there was a political partnership between them, and suggestions to improve and grow our Round Table. but perhaps not to the extent as popularly believed. Hope to see you at the Union League on the 14th. Michael Burkhimer is an American History teacher in Dress warmly and travel safe. the Haverford Township School District in Pennsylvania. He is the author of two books on Abraham Lincoln. Rich Jankowski, President Continued on page 2 The Old Baldy CWRT will meet at the Union League of Philadelphia at 7:30 PM, the second Thursday of the month. Members go out to a local restaurant for dinner at 6:00 PM, Applebees on 15th Street between Walnut and Locust. You’re Welcome to Join Us! 1 Please bring your dues to the next meeting, or mail your Notice: Attire for Men at the Union League dues your dues payable to “OLD BALDY CWRT” to: Jacket and tie would be preferred; otherwise collared shirts, long pants and jacket are recommended. For men and Herb Kaufman, Treasurer, 2601 Bonnie Lane, Huntingdon women, the following attire is never acceptable on the first Valley, PA 19006. or second floors of the League: jeans, denim wear, tee shirts, athletic wear, tank, halter, or jogging tops, shorts, baseball All members and guests of the Old Baldy CWRT have caps, sneakers, extremely casual or beach footwear. Current received a warm welcome by the Union League. We have or historical military uniforms are appropriate. a great list of speakers and programs coming up. To at- tend a meeting just enter by the Sansom Street door and Parking... A $2 coupon (off of parking) is available at proceed to the 2nd fl oor library. the Union League front desk (through the side door on Sansom Street) We hope that everyone will come out to a meeting and join in the discussions. It’s a great night out with friends who share your interests and enthusiasm for this era. Continued from page 1 - "Du Pont" All the best, and hope to see you in January, 100 Essential Lincoln Books which was published by Herb Kaufman Cumberland House Publishing in 2003 and Lincoln’s Christianity which was published by Westholme Publishing in 2007. He is co-editor with Frank Williams on an upcom- Membership Report ing collection of essays on Mary Lincoln to be published by Southern Illinois University Press in 2011. Since 2007 he As we end the year of 2009, we are happy to report that has been the review editor for the Lincoln Herald, a schol- thirty-six of our members have agreed to receive their arly journal devoted to Lincoln and the Civil War published monthly newsletters by email. That is more than 75% of quarterly by LMU. His articles and reviews have appeared our total membership. Membership renewals are due in in such publications as Civil War Times Illustrated, Surratt January and we are looking for 100% in 2010. We are also Courier, Lincoln Herald, and the Journal of the Abraham hoping the remainder of our membership will get on board Lincoln Association. He has also spoken at a number of and agree to receive their newsletters by email and save Civil War and Lincoln Symposiums including the Civil War the round table more money. As we stated in the past, the Institute at Gettysburg. money we save goes to quality speakers and donations to battlefi eld and historic preservation. Join us at our next Old Baldy Civil War Round Table meeting as Michael Burkhimer takes us on an adventure We also have members that we have no email address at sea with his PowerPoint presentation on the trials and listed. Even if you want to receive your newsletter by USPS, tribulations of "Abe and Mary Todd". That’s Thursday, having your email address on in our system is good for January 14 starting at 7:30pm in the 2nd Floor Library notifi cations of meeting changes and situations that need of the Union League at Broad & Sansom Streets. As to be acted on right away. If you wish to receive your always, you are welcome to join us at 6:00 at Applebee’s newsletter by email or to add your email address to our list, for a bite to eat before the meeting. It’s just a block south contact Mike Cavanaugh at [email protected] or call of the Union League on 15th Street. 484.225.3150. Thank you for your support. Steve Wright, Program Chairman Schedule of Old Baldy CWRT From The Treasurer’s Desk Speakers and Activities for 2010 Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year to all the January 14, 2010 – Thursday members of the Old Baldy CWRT. Can you believe it, it The Reports of the Lincolns’ Political Partnership is 2010! Thanks to all members who are attending our Have Been Greatly Exaggerated monthly meetings. By Mike Burkhimer As you all know, the major mission of the Old Baldy CWRT February 11, 2010 is to provide fi nancial support to worthy organizations John Hay, Lincoln's Secretary in the fi eld of the preservation of our Civil War heritage. Jerry Carrier Therefore, this year, in the name of all of the members of A First Person conversation with Lincoln's Secretary, Old Baldy CWRT we have continued our support for Memo- John Hay rial Hall in New Orleans. We have also made substantial donations to the CWPT to preserve the Appomattox histor- March 11 – Thursday ic site, and to the Central Virginia Battlefi elds Trust to help TBD (No Doubt a Subject of Special Interest) them in their fi ght to preserve the remaining battlefi elds of From Dick Simpson the Wilderness, Chancellorsville and Spotsylvania. Thank A Life-Long Student of The War, Member of Two Dozen you so much for your membership and support of Old CWRTs And Other Volunteer Groups, and Lecturer Baldy CWRT. at Dozens More All meetings, unless otherwise noted, begin at 7:30 PM As we enter 2010, your annual dues are due. We have in the 2nd Floor Library of the UNION LEAGUE, some really great programs and discussions planned and Broad & Sansom Streets in Philadelphia. we hope that you will remain a member of our renowned Questions to Harry Jenkins at 856-428-8773 or round table. Dues are still only $25.00 ($35.00 for the [email protected] entire family). Please add a $10. donation if you desire to receive our outstanding newsletter by mail. Members go out to a local restaurant for dinner at 6:00 P.M. Applebees on 15th Street between WalnutContinued and on Locust page 3 You’re Welcome to Join Us! 2 Samuel Francis Du Pont Monuments and Graves in Delaware Article and Photos - William Brown As my home is in Delaware, I recently ventured over to both Rockford Park and the DuPont Family Cemetery. In Wilmington, at the entrance to Rockford Park, stands the bronze statue of Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont.