An analysis of the role of the telegraph in the American Civil War reveals how Lincoln used telegraph technology as an e-mail-like military tool that enabled him to rally his generals and create a modern model for electronic leadership.

Electronic leadership -- Messages by lightning -- The telegraph creates a president -- Electronic breakout -- After the breakout -- New electronic challenges -- Commanding through the inbox -- Even with technology, it's all about people -- Building the modern leadership model -- The last lap -- "Now he belongs to the ages."