Book Club

[Oznell]

Every aspect of President Abraham Lincoln is fascinating.  The first, thankfully failed, assassination attempt that occurred just before his first inauguration is the subject of Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch's book:

"The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th Presidant--  and Why It Failed"

Allan Pinkerton, the Scottish barrel-maker turned American detective, is the driving force behind successfully foiling the attempt to stop Lincoln's anti-slavery presidency before it even started. 

Have always been interested in the Pinkerton detective agency, and its founder.  Once the scheme to kill Lincoln-- during his winding inaugural train trip from Illinois to Washington-- was known,  Pinkerton sprang into action himself.   He also galvanized several key operatives to both infiltrate the various Baltimore plotters against Lincoln, and also to secretly and in disguise, shadow Lincoln during the trip.

The book is filled with colorful detail, including Abe Lincoln's growing sense of foreboding upon being elected, but his determination to persevere.  His profound personality can be endlessly plumbed.

We also learn about one of Pinkerton's most esteemed operatives, the first female detective in the U.S.,  Kate Warne.  Among other crucial roles, she assumed a "social butterfly" identity to infiltrate women's groups in Baltimore associated with anti-Lincoln activities.

One of the many things I learned in passing, that has stuck with me most, is that during the Civil War,  casualties averaged at 3500 soldiers per week.  3500 dying per week. 

That is a staggering number of sacrificed American lives.  Know that, and you begin to understand why the war weighed so heavily on Lincoln, every minute of his action-filled, monumental tenure.

That's what's neat about the book-- it's not just a literal account of foiled assassination, exciting as that is. This is a detail-filled and insightful treatment of a crucial chapter in American history.        

[Harpa]

You really like history, don't you, @Oznell !

In lieu of Lincoln, you might want to check out (even just the wiki page) of Charles Chiniquy, whom Lincoln defended before he became president. 

eta: Lincoln, of course, won the case. But afterward Father Chiniquy was in tears. A.L. said, "Father, why are you crying? You've won!" Chiniquy responded, "I'm crying for you! You don't know now that you've gained a fierce enemy."

[bmorechick]

@Oznell   Yes, fascinating!  Will put this on my must read list.  Thanks!  

[cindyNC]

@Oznell  There is a Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in the area where I grew up.  Obituaries of civil war soldiers are posted daily to the group.  

It's just staggering how many died....both northern and southern soldiers.  I'm also amazed at how many older men......in their mid-40s enlisted. 

I live in the south now and sometimes hear about the cruelty of northern soldiers on the Confederate soldiers or locals.  

Makes me realize what a tragety any civil war is and also the cruelty of slavery at that time in history. 

[Oznell]

@Harpa ,  and I really like your surpassing knowledge of history!  Now you've got me very curious-- will look up the case!

@cindyNC ,  Fascinating that they are still posting obits of Civil War soldiers to that group.  And you are so right-- history teaches us so much, if we let it....