Lincoln and the Border States: Preserving the Union
"After reading Harris's account, it is impossible not to sympathize with Lincoln's comment that the turmoil in Missouri had 'tormented' him 'beyond endurance.'  Harris distinguishes his work with sound judgment, thorough research, and a readable style. Though he finds fault with Lincoln's course of action in some instances--after rioting in Baltimore, for example, Harris asserts the new president was not careful enough to distinguish states' rights supporters from secessionists--all in all Harris regards Lincoln's border state policies as impressively successful. It is hard to disagree."--Indiana Magazine of History