The Hour of Peril : The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War

Summary:

It is the beginning of 1861, and the country is in terrible turmoil. Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election in November, 1860 and the some of the states in the South have started to succeed from the Union.

During the time between the election and the inauguration, Lincoln stays in Springfield receiving a multitude of visitors. Some of the visitors are looking for a favor, some are looking to assist in the transition, but some are bringing information of what will happen if Lincoln tries to take office. None of the states in the South voted for Lincoln, and do not consider him a president. The Confederacy is being formed, and Jefferson Davis has been named their President.

This book explores this amazing time of transition that has far reaching repercussions. The Union is struggling to not split apart, but the process has already begun. For most of the book, Lincoln is on a train trip to “meet the people” of the Union before he takes office. The descriptions of the times, and about Abraham Lincoln are well written and easy to read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!