Includes bibliographical references (p. 553-584) and index.

Introduction -- "I was born in the Globe Tavern" -- "Is bicarb a swear word" -- "The most profitable [year] of my life" -- "Robert Lincoln has been dubbed the prince of rails!" -- "He is only Mr. Robert Lincoln, of Cambridge" -- "A very dreadful night" -- "I feel utterly without spirit or courage" -- "One of the most promising young men of the West" -- "I am likely to have a great deal of trouble" -- "I am in better shape than most" -- "I have done my duty as I best know" -- "I could have stopped this scheme with little trouble" -- "I don't want to be Minister to England or anywhere else" -- "How many hours of sorrow have I passed in this town" -- "The best Secretary of War since Jefferson Davis" -- "I am not a candidate" -- "I expect only the greatest satisfaction" -- "I don't want to be nobody nor nothink except a Chicago shyster" -- "As much a man of destiny as his lamented father" -- "Minister Lincoln was quietness personified" -- "What would his father say?" -- "I am now a Vermont farmer!" -- "My filial gratitude cannot find adequate expression" -- "I am now enjoying life" -- "He simply went to sleep" -- Epilogue: "His own place in the sun".