Mr. Lincoln's T-Mails: The Untold Story of How Abraham Lincoln Used the Telegraph to Win the Civil War (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: route system, electronic breakout, electronic leadership, Abraham Lincoln, General Grant, White House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The Internet has sparked interest in its predecessor, the telegraph (Tom Standage's The Victorian Internet, 1998); here is a case study in the trend. Applying "early adopter" buzzwords to Lincoln, Wheeler's inquiry into his use of the telegraph has the spirit of a management consultant appraising a client's leadership style. The author relates that Lincoln personally sent out 1,000 telegrams during the Civil War, learning along the way what was or wasn't effective. Initially an intermittent user, Lincoln at times was so reliant on rapid communication that he spent nights at the War Department's telegraph office. Every Lincoln reader is familiar with this image, and Wheeler taps into this common memory by quoting Lincoln's telegraphic words on these occasions. They group most numerously around specific battles (e.g., 1862's Second Battle of Bull Run) and Lincoln's reprieves of condemned soldiers. Expanding on this footnote to history, Wheeler shows a Lincoln groping for a best-use of new technology and learning the limitations of the "killer app." Gilbert Taylor
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Review

". . . an original take on Lincoln’s presidency" -- Washington Post Book World

"A fascinating, succinct and original history of how a great President used cutting-edge technology to save his country." -- Michael Beschloss, presidential historian, author of The Conquerors

"Just when we might think nothing new can be written about Lincoln comes Wheeler’s captivating take on the Lincoln legacy." -- Harold Holzer, co-chairman, U.S. Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, author of Lincoln at Cooper Union

"Mr. Lincoln’s T-Mails is an accessible jaunt through this formative American event." -- USA Today

A lively account that crackles with revealing anecdotes and insights, offering new ways to appreciate Lincoln’s genius. -- Library Journal

The book thunders along, following the "messages of lightning" down the wires….The writing is focused and lean. -- Bloomberg News

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: HarperBusiness (October 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006112978X
• ISBN-13: 978-0061129780
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #133,782 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Long distance leadership over the wire, October 31, 2006

By	Andrew W. Johns "ResQgeek" (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This easy to read book shows how the telegraph's ability to provide high-speed communications shaped the course of the Civil War. As the author points out, the Union clearly had an advantage in its ability to utilize this technology. Was it as decisive in the Union's ultimate victory, as suggested by the subtitle? The author tries to make that argument, but it seems that it would be more accurate to say that the Telegraph enabled Lincoln to prevent his incompetent generals from losing the war until he finally find the men who could win the war. However, it is clear that Lincoln embraced a new technology and developed a new type of executive leadership to take advantage of it. In doing so, he layed the groundwork for the evolution of communications as a tool to project leadership and authority. Overall, this is an interesting book that is easy to read, and provides a fresh perspective on Lincoln's role in the Civil War.

[This review is based on a pre-publication Uncorrected Proof copy]

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lightning-fast leadership, November 24, 2006

By	B. D. Weimer "lex rex" (Minnesota, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A truly exciting book. It shows President Lincoln stretching his communication powers to the utmost, to prod timid generals and to support energetic commanders like Grant.

Lincoln refused to accept defeat. He was confident in the justice of the union cause, and confident that right would prevail ... if only they did not lose heart. He used the new technology of the telegraph to put iron in the backs of his commanders.

Some presidents (Carter and Johnson, in particular) have used modern communications to micromanage and undermine their subordinates. Lincoln, with his excellent judgment, somehow avoided this trap, using the telegraph to both guide and empower his generals.

Wheeler shows how Lincoln's use of the telegraph trickled down to his subordinates. General Grant used the telegraph to operate as General-In-Chief while traveling with the armies, rather than managing at a distance from Washington D.C. There is no doubt that this dramaticallly improved Grant's ability to quicky improvise, based upon changing battlefield conditions. And, in Wheeler's vivid language: "His decision to operate from the field would not have been possible but for the army's central nervous system running over telegraph wires."

Tom Wheeler is the perfect author for this trailblazing study of Lincoln's instant communications. He combines first-hand knowledge of modern communications and leadership with a contagious enthusiasm for President Lincoln and the Civil War.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Perspective, November 5, 2006

By	Peter Senese "A book is a free ticket to anyw... (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

'Mr. Lincoln's T-Mails: The Untold Story of How Abraham Lincoln Used the Telegraph to Win the Civil War' by Tom Wheeler provides an insightful perspective on how Lincoln's desire to be a hands on commander in chief led him to actively monitor the wires, including corresponding with his field generals and, reading up on the communications between his battle commanders. Making a point that the Federalist won the war due to the three reasons; the first two commonly accepted - the use of the rail system and the overabundance of men, it is in the third reason presented by author Tom Wheeler: Lincoln's use of the telegraph that adds new insight into the war and Lincoln himself.

What is true is the fact that Lincoln did spend a great, great deal of time in the Wire Room, to a point that he was obsessed with sending or reading communications to his commanders. In the ongoing frequency of Lincoln's visits to the telegraph room, the reader 'feels' the confinement the war had on Lincoln, as well as his ability as a hands-on president to become involved with his troops and the war itself on a real-time basis. Was the Telegraph one of the reasons why the Federalist were able to keep the Union in tact? It very well might have been.

Wheeler provides a very interesting perspective on Lincoln and the war. He also, cleverly brings the story 'current' by juxtaposing in content the use of today's email. The material presented was easy to read and very informative. Highly recommended.