simpson became a trusted friend of president abraham lincoln, who considered his advice of great value. he attended the family at lincoln's death and gave the sermon at his funeral in springfield. during the war, bishop simpson delivered a number of speeches in behalf of the union. he was urged by the secretary of war to undertake the organization of the freedmen at the establishment of the freedman's bureau. after the war, bishop simpson was invited by president grant to go as a commissioner to san domingo but he declined both offers.