Tells the story of how five ex-presidents--for and against Abraham Lincoln (but mostly against)--maneuvered, seceded, plotted, advised and aided during the Civil War while Lincoln navigated the minefield they created.

Prologue. In Jackson's time -- I met nullification at its threshold -- The freshmen -- The setting sun -- ... and Tyler, too -- War in Mexico! -- The 30th Congress -- A final settlement -- A hell of a storm -- The final election of the old America -- General Jackson is dead! -- The first and only choice of the Republicans of Illinois -- A startling tide of reckless fanaticism -- Five against Lincoln -- The gathering storm -- The tug has to come -- The last winter of peace -- That all will yet be well -- Home again -- Breakfast at Fort Sumter -- The meeting that never was -- The border states -- Twilight at Wheatland, dawn at Manassas -- To lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game -- Capture on the high seas -- The bottom is out of the tub -- Greenbacks and ironclads -- Any explanations which you may offer would be acceptable -- West and east -- The very vortex of hell -- Destroy the rebel army, if possible -- A continuation of war by other means -- A storm of lead -- If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act -- We are ruined -- The brave men, living and dead -- The Fourth of July -- A new birth of freedom -- Our old home -- Those not skinning can hold a leg -- Not unworthy to remain in my present position -- The last full measure -- Epilogue. Do not despair of the republic.