I Held Lincoln

I Held Lincoln is well worth a read by anyone with the slightest interest in the Civil War, throwing light on service in the Navy and the death of Lincoln, but most of all as a rousing tale of escape and evasion. --A. A. Nofi, Strategy Page 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-- (9/16/2017 12:00:00 AM) 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-- (9/16/2017 12:00:00 AM) This book is an opportunity for readers to reacquaint themselves with the men and women who felt our nation was worth preserving. --J. Kemper Campbell, Lincoln Journal Star-- (5/30/2021 12:00:00 AM) 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-- (9/16/2017 12:00:00 AM)