I Held Lincoln
A Union Sailor's Journey Home
by Richard E. Quest
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Pub Date 1 May 2018 | Archive Date 14 May 2018
University of Nebraska Press | Potomac Books
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Description
Covering almost a year of Loring’s service, I Held Lincoln describes the lieutenant’s command of the gunboat USS Wave, the Battle of Calcasieu Pass, the surrender of his ship, and his capture by the Confederates. He was incarcerated in Camp Groce, a deadly Confederate prison where he endured horrific conditions and abuse. Loring attempted to escape, evading capture for ten days behind enemy lines, only to be recaptured just a few miles from freedom. After an arduous second escape, he finally reached the safety of Union lines and gained his freedom.
On the night of April 14, 1865, Loring attended Ford’s Theater and witnessed one of the single most tragic events in American history: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. After the shot rang out, Loring climbed into the presidential box and assisted the dying president, helping to carry him across the street to the Peterson House. Using Loring’s recently discovered private journal, Richard E. Quest tells this astonishing now-recovered story, giving insight into a little-known Confederate prison camp during the last days of the Civil War and providing much-deserved recognition to a man whose journey was nearly lost to American history.
Advance Praise
“Gleaned from the actual documents of Lt. Benjamin Loring, I Held Lincoln tells the story of a Union sailor’s remarkable odyssey as he twice escapes from a Confederate prison, only to later find himself a player at Ford’s Theater at one of the most crucial events in American history. Richard Quest brings to life this extraordinary, fast-paced, and recently discovered story. I Held Lincoln could be The Conspirator’s prequel.”—Webster Stone, producer of The Conspirator
“A compelling account of capture, imprisonment, escape, ordeal, and survival, I Held Lincoln reads like quality fiction. The reader follows with intense interest the efforts of Union Navy Lieutenant Benjamin W. Loring to gain freedom from a Texas prison camp despite an array of daunting obstacles. Richard Quest’s ability to maintain the inherent drama and suspense of the story makes this book hard to put down.”—Edward G. Longacre, author of The Sharpshooters: A History of the Ninth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War
“Lt. Benjamin Loring was a naval combat veteran and POW who twice escaped his Confederate captors, enduring enormous hardships as he struggled to return to duty. Ironically, rather than being hailed as a hero, he found himself under attack for having surrendered his ship. Richard Quest’s book will finally correct the historical record, something Loring was not able to fully accomplish during his lifetime.”—Thomas R. Turner, professor of history emeritus at Bridgewater State University and editor of the journal Lincoln Herald
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781612349497 |
| PRICE | US$24.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 224 |
Links
Featured Reviews
Educator 317339
I enjoyed this book because it enhanced my knowledge of the Civil War (I knew very little about prison camps) and added a facet of knowledge about Lincoln's assassination.
Jean M, Reviewer
Sometimes it’s easy and almost automatic for me to say “Thank you for your service,” when I encounter a service person. I don’t really think about all the person may have endured in the line of duty. Author Quest’s book about Lt. Benjamin Loring changed all that for me. After reading about his harrowing and horrific ordeals, I will never take our military for granted.
The author describes him as an ordinary military person in the Civil War, but like all who serve, Lt. Loring was exceptional. He strongly supported the Union cause, was eager to serve in the Navy, he conducted himself well and his men respected him.
He and his men had to surrender their gunboat and were captured by the Confederates and incarcerated in a prisoner of war camp in Texas. Life in the camp was a daily grind of horrors. Lt. Loring did his best to care for his men. He tried to escape twice and the physical and mental agony he experienced will bring tears to your eyes. The ending too is amazing, partly for the irony of what happened to Loring when he returned to the Navy and also the story of his fateful moment with Pres. Lincoln.
The author writes in a clear way and doesn’t overwhelm with historical facts, but presents more of what Lt. Loring was thinking and what he experienced. This would make a great movie, it’s compelling and exciting. Thanks to Mr. Quest for his efforts to tell and preserve this piece of history and we should also be grateful to Mr. Loring’s descendants for their wonderful preservation of their hero’s story, through his letters and possessions. The Civil War may seem to be from long ago, but this personal story makes it so real.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Holly S, Reviewer
Really well written. A piece of history that may cross your mind but probably isn't delved into very often. It was first hand history and that is something I think we all need to experience.
Rebecca H, Reviewer
The Civil War is one of the most written about pieces in history, but this story brings a side to light that is not often seen. Lt. Loring was taken prisoner after he had to surrender his ship to Confederate forces. After several years, and two escape attempts, he finally makes it back to the Union forces.
The story that unfolds here is one that will not soon be forgotten, and the small act that he played in the aftermath of President Lincoln's shooting, can be hailed as heroic.
I really loved this book! It was amazing!
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