Lincoln and His Admirals

Archival Summary & Scope

Naval historian Craig L. Symonds' *Lincoln and His Admirals* unveils a previously unexamined dimension of Abraham Lincoln's presidency: his pivotal role as commander-in-chief of the Union Navy. Despite admitting he knew "but little of ships," Lincoln ultimately presided over the largest national armada until World War I.

Symonds traces Lincoln's remarkable evolution from an inexperienced leader, evidenced by the Fort Sumter resupply attempt, to a decisive naval strategist. Acting as de facto commander of joint operations, Lincoln skillfully managed diverse naval personalities—including Secretary Gideon Welles, David G. Farragut, and David Dixon Porter—and even personally directed the successful amphibious assault on Norfolk. This account reveals how Lincoln's growing strategic acumen and management of the Union Navy profoundly affected the course of the Civil War.

Co-winner of the 2009 Lincoln Prize, Barondess/Lincoln Prize, John Lyman Award, Daniel and Marilyn Laney Prize, and Nevins-Freeman Prize.