September Suspense: Lincoln's Union in Peril

In 1862, the United States had been ripped apart by a civil war entering its 18th month. Until now, few have
understood how close this breach was to becoming a permanent fixture on the map of history.

It was the nation’s, and Mr. Lincoln’s, most trying month, as Gen. Robert E. Lee invaded Union soil, panicking entire cities, destroying fragile political alliances and causing all of the North to rethink the fight and question whether it was best to redouble its war efforts or give up and let...