Abraham Lincoln

I am not a “wargamer,” so the Historicon event on 8-11 July, 2010, at King of Prussia, PA, was totally new to me, and I had no idea what to expect. I was surprised, pleased, amazed, and pretty much blown away. Apparently there are three of these wargaming events each year on the east coast: One I’m not quite sure about I believe called “Cold Wars” in the April timeframe, Historicon in July, and an event called Fall-In, October 29-31, 2010. The major focus of these events is on wargaming various military battles in history on large tables.

The dedicated participants use small figures of various sizes to depict companies of troops, regimental units, or even armies – depending on the battle. Very detailed and elaborate sets are constructed on which to fight – from Medieval castles, to Viking raids on villages, to desert warfare, and, yes, even the skies over Britain for the battle thereof – using model aircraft, flying and fighting at different altitudes no less. This is an over simplification, but combat movements, engagements, confrontations, and the like, are decided by a roll of the dice. These folks really take their work seriously, and one movement or confrontation might take an hour or more to accomplish while they move the various pieces measured distances around the table.

Wargaming Hall

Historicon this year was located at the Valley Forge Convention Center, and it needed the space. They filled two major hotels, and rooms were scarce throughout the entire area. There were three primary features to the event. The foremost was the wargaming activities not only in a huge room full of tables, but in smaller rooms, passageways, and even various hotel rooms. The second feature was an enormous vendor area, sectioned off, which included sellers of everything one might need to wargame from miniature soldiers, to tanks, to planes, to set construction materials, to military history books, and on and on. To my delight, this area hosted such fine historical military artists as Keith Rocco, and Peter Culos, as well as sculptors like Terry Jones. The third activity at Historicon was the “War College.” This was an on-going series of talks by military historians throughout each day of the event and into the evenings.

Notice the detail in this Viking ship

Actor and military consultant for the film and TV industry, Captain Dale Dye, USMC (Ret), was Guest of Honor speaker. The quest speakers included such notables as Rene´Chartrand, former Chief Curator, Parks Canada; Colonel David Glantz, renowned expert on combat studies; and Angus Konstam, former Senior Curator of Weapons, Royal Armouries, London. There were numerous other speakers – including your humble servant. I was asked to give a presentation on the Battle of Balaklava in the Crimean War. When I did so, I discovered, again to my delight, that the folks who enjoy wargaming are not only gaming enthusiasts, but extremely precise and accomplished historians in their particular historical period of interest. My audience asked some excellent questions, and their interest was intense.

All in all, Historicon was a first-rate experience, and I look forward to attending next year. The theme for next year is the American Civil War, and I have been asked to give possibly two talks. One on the impact of the Crimean War on the American Civil War, and the other on Lincoln’s personal security, comparing it to personal security provided modern leaders.

I should also mention that I’ll be busy at the wargaming event in October (Fall-In at Lancaster, PA). The theme there this year is the US Marine Corps, celebrating its 235th Birthday. The US Marine Corps Historical Company will be setting up a massive display to illustrate the theme with uniforms, equipment and weaponry from the Revolutionary Marines to the Marines fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq today. In addition, GySgt Tom Williams, Director, USMCHC, and I will present talks on the Marines at Harpers Ferry and the Marines at First Bull Run.

The Theme for this year's Historicon was 17th Century Warfare

Battle of Isandlwana - January 1879

Keith Rocco - Historical Artist and good friend.

Tate Farm - Today

I was on my way early Thursday morning to ride “Sunny” at my stable in Hunterstown, looking forward to a cool morning’s horse ride.  I passed the Tate Farm, at the old square in Hunterstown, and saw that there was an encampment and lecture tent set up in the yard.  I had forgotten about this neat program.  Last year The Gettysburg Conspiracy was not published in July, and I missed out on this event.  I decided to try to set up an impromptu book signing, because the Battle of Hunterstown figures prominently in the novel. The folks there from the Hunterstown Historical Society welcomed me, and my riding went by the wayside.

Friday through Sunday is the annual Gettysburg Reenactment of the major battle, and folks here tend to forget that there were engagements outside the town of importance (Ref my blog:  http://willhutchison.com/blog/2010/01/24/custers-unknown-and-ill-fated-charge-in-the-gettysburg-campaign-2-july-1863-part-ii/ ).  It was a beautiful sunny, yet coolish day, and quite enjoyable meeting and talking to folks about the battle.

Beautiful Horse (Root Beer) and a good authentic cavalryman

Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center

During the week and on the second weekend of the Gettysburg Fringe Festival I was busy signing more books and talking to folks about history and Gettysburg.  By far the highlight of this time was several hours spent signing books at the Museum Book Store in the new Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) Visitor Center.  It wasn’t easy to arrange. The Park has a very high quality control vetting process for books they place on their shelves, and they do not ordinarily take fiction, even Civil War historical fiction.

I had my work cut out for me to become accepted.  If so, I would be in very high company.  Their fiction shelf contains such stalwarts as Jeff Shaara, Newt Gingrich, Margaret Mitchell, and Stephen Crane – and not many others.  I had to gain the approval of the National Park Service staff, the Museum Book Store, and an outside organization, Event Network, who buy the books for the Museum Book Store – and they are in California. They all had to read and approve the work.  Of course, the book had to be about the town of Gettysburg, the battle, or at least the American Civil War.  Therefore, my two Crimean War books would not qualify.

After many months of paperwork, numerous phone calls and emails, and being bounced about between these entities a bit, I received word that The Gettysburg Conspiracy, my recent novel about a fictional attempt to assassinate Abraham Lincoln during his Gettysburg Address, had made the grade. I must say, it was well worth the time and trouble. Acceptance meant that the book would also be available at the David Wills House on the square in Gettysburg (which figures prominently in the plot of the story), as well as in the Park Museum Book Store.  Between the Park and the Wills House, the annual visitation is over one and a half million.

I spent my time at the Visitor Center Book Store this weekend amazed at the quality and quantity of historical books, staggered by the amount of traffic, and delighted at the intense interest in anything “Civil War.”   The book store staff were kind and helpful, and it is always fun talking to folks and answering questions about my favorite subject.

It was among the elegant pages of Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage where I discovered my profound interest in history and especially the Civil War.  I am looking forward to my next book signing session at the Museum Book Store, and to walking into the store to see my novel on that shelf with my childhood icon, Stephen Crane.

As for the Gettysburg Fringe Festival, which prompted all my activities over the past ten days, I am pleased to say it was a total success from my point of view.  Next year should be even better!

The first weekend of the Gettysburg Fringe Festival, at least from my standpoint, was a great success.  My book signings went well, and I was able to meet many nice folks and chat about the Crimean War, the Civil War, Lincoln’s personal security, and many other topics.  I also saw the Quantico Marine Band, and especially the Dixieland Ensemble.  I knew many of the Marine musicians from when they came to our Marine Corps Historical Company program at Harpers Ferry last October.  We also managed to grab a few beers together at the Garryowen Irish Pub later Friday night.

Dixieland! What a treat.

One of the most interesting book signings was at the David Wills House on the square in Gettysburg.  This is, of course, where Lincoln stayed while he was in town, and figures prominently in my novel, The Gettysburg Conspiracy.  It’s almost mystical being surrounded by the floors, stairs, windows, furnishings, and bedroom where Lincoln resided, and is reported to have worked on the final draft of his famous address.

I’m still trying to get a complete handle on the Twitter, Facebook, Facepage thing, but I’m learning more every day, and my new iPhone is now a permanent part of my anatomy.  I am even contemplating buying the new iPhone 4G – better battery and camera among other things. I tried this past weekend to use social media to let folks know where I was signing books and try to get them to come down and chat.  Believe it or not, it worked.  Several of those I spoke to said they saw my facebook or twitter updates and knew where to come to talk history … so we did!

Five Guys - Five Gettysburg Area Artists Exhibiting

John Paul Strain painting, with gallery owner, Paul Selmer, looking on. An amazing artist

Signing books surrounded by wonderful Civil War art at Paul Selmer's Gettysburg Frame Shop and Gallery

Paul's dog watching the counter while Paul is away

Signing at the American History Bookstore. A store filled with historical books. Don't let the outside fool you - they have a large and complete inventory from Regimentals to an in-depth Lincoln selection.

While I was in England, I was delighted to find out that the two books I published in 2009 were the recipients of awards here in the States. Although good reviews and comments are always welcome and important to me, it is always gratifying to realize that others out there feel your work deserves an award.

The historical photographic chronicle, Crimean Memories: Artefacts of the Crimean War, photographed by me and written with my co-authors (Michael Vice and B.J. Small), received a 2010 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Silver Award for best reference book.

My most recent novel, The Gettysburg Conspiracy, received a 2010 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Bronze Award for best regional fiction.   In addition, The Gettysburg Conspiracy was selected as a finalist in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award (BOTYA) for historical fiction.

IPPY Awards –         http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=1362&urltitle=Announcing%20the%20Results%20of%20the%202010%20Independent%20Publisher%20Book%20Awards

BOYTA Award Finalists –         http://www.bookoftheyearawards.com/finalists/2009/category/fiction-historical/

OK.  Call it outrageous self-promotion, but I don’t care this time.  What a great day. First I found out that my latest release in the Ian Carlyle Series, The Gettysburg Conspiracy, was accepted for sale in National Park bookstores.  This opens a whole new world of promotional opportunities.

Then late this afternoon I discovered that The Gettysburg Conspiracy was selected as a finalist in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards for best historical fiction. I was surprised and pleased. It’s always good to know someone recognizes your work.  In fact, it’s good to know someone is actually reading it

The 2010 calendar is rapidly filling up.  I have over the past month or so been gathering dates for various lectures and author events.  The entire list will be posted on my web site soon, but it isn’t complete yet.

The year is filled with exciting events, including book signings, book fairs, talks at various collectors groups and Civil War Round Tables, a photography project at the Gettysburg National Park, a book tour in the United Kingdom (May 1 – 16), and taking part in the Gettysburg Festival (June 18-27).  In addition, Civil War Round Tables have asked that I present my most recent talk, “Relax Men, It’s Only the President! – Lincoln’s Approach to Personal Security,” on several dates in 2011.

Follow Me to Glory - The Crimean War

The Gettysburg Conspiracy - The American Civil War and Abraham Lincoln

Crimean Memories: Artefacts of the Crimean War

I’m looking forward to two full years of book promotion, rich with opportunities to talk to folks about the Crimean War, the American Civil War, Gettysburg, and Abraham Lincoln.  It appears the most difficult part will be finding the time to research and write the third novel in the Ian Carlyle Series, “The Ear Collector,” and work on publishing an extraordinary diary of a Crimean War Scots Fusilier Guards soldier – a project long overdue.

The Baltimore Plot by Michael Kline

I wrote a few days ago about a plot to kill Lincoln in Baltimore in February 1861.  What I failed to mention is a fine book on the subject entitled, oddly enough, “The Baltimore Plot,” by Michael Kline. It was most compelling to me because Kline is an attorney, and approaches the alleged plot from an investigative/intelligence perspective, which you do not see much in history books.

I found the book fascinating and exactly what Michael Kline said it was – - an in-depth investigative look at circumstantial evidence surrounding the possibility of a plot. As a former investigator myself, I found Kline’s methodology, analysis, and information gathering both interesting and thorough.

He admits that his analysis is rather circumstantial, as there are no witnesses to interview, there are no confessions, and written documents differ and contradict.  What Kline did was very much like what is done in the intelligence community today when analyzing bits and pieces of unsubstantiated data from sources of varying reliability.  Kline does a masterful job of pulling those bits and pieces together to make reasonable inferences and conclusions.

Other than going back in time, as I’m certain Kline (and I) would love to do, his analysis is as good as it gets. I personally agree that there is a high probability of a plot having existed, and who the perpetrators were

I recommend the book to anyone interested in Lincoln, the causes and political machinations of the Civil War, or anyone who wants to view an excellent word picture of those turbulent times.

Allan Pinkerton with his detectives (Seated on right)

So now Pinkerton, armed with the information his operatives developed, could piece together the plan of the subversive group to assassinate Lincoln in Baltimore on 23 February 1861.  It revealed itself something like this:

First they would excite the citizens of Baltimore to a fever pitch against Lincoln, which wouldn’t take much doing.  By the time Pinkerton heard the details of the plot, this part of the plan was already a success.

The conspirators had to decide if they would attack at Calvert Street Station when Lincoln arrived, during the trip from Calvert Street to the Washington Station where he would board the train for Washington, or at the Washington Station itself.  The decision was to assassinate Lincoln upon his arrival in Baltimore.

Crowd waiting for Lincoln at Calvert Street Station, Baltimore

They would salt the crowd waiting for the President Elect at Calvert Street Station with a large number of unruly secessionists.  It was reported that Colonel Kane, the Chief of Police of Baltimore, was either in on the plot or tacitly approved of it.  In any event, he was to assign only a small detachment of police to escort Lincoln, and make a path for him through the crowd.

The conspirators would create a diversion on the fringe of the crowd.  The police would respond to the diversion, leaving Lincoln at the mercy of the angry crowd.  Within the crowd would be the assassin, who would then kill Lincoln.  The weapon was to be left to the assassin to choose – knife or gun.

The assassin would be selected by a secret drawing of ballots.  The conspirator who drew a “red ballot” would do the deed, but his identity would only be known to himself, because the drawing would take place in a darkened room.

Apparently, however, there were concerns over this plan among the leadership of the conspirators.  What if the would-be assassin had second thoughts?  They would lose their chance to kill Lincoln.  In the event, eight red ballots were included, rather than one.  The thought being, one must presume, that with eight conspirators drawing a red ballot, each thinking he was the only one, at least one of them would succeed in the assassination.

There was to be a ship anchored in Chesapeake Bay waiting to whisk the assassin, or assassins, away.  It was not a bad plan, and might well have succeeded, had it been executed.

Pinkerton acted quickly once he had confirmed the threat.  He sent Kate Warne to arrange a meeting with Lincoln through Norman Judd, a Lincoln confidant, who was travelling with him.  Pinkerton, Judd, Lincoln and Warne met in Philadelphia on 21 February 1865.  Pinkerton and Judd presented the evidence to Lincoln, who was initially unconvinced.  He declined to alter his schedule.

However, independent of the investigation of Pinkerton, William H. Seward, the Secretary of State, had developed information about a plot to assassinate Lincoln in Baltimore, which seemed to corroborate Pinkerton’s evidence.  He sent his son, Frederick, to report this evidence to Lincoln.

With this corroborating evidence, Lincoln agreed to alter his schedule, but insisted that he meet his commitments in Harrisburg before he would place himself in Pinkerton’s hands.  On 22 February 1865, Lincoln left a dinner in Harrisburg early and boarded a special train to Washington by way of Baltimore.  This would allow Lincoln to pass through Baltimore at night, the day before Lincoln’s scheduled arrival.

To further disguise Lincoln, Pinkerton had him wear a soft cap and carry a shawl over his arm as though he were an invalid.  In addition, Kate Warne acted publically as though she was Lincoln’s sister.  Pinkerton had his men at stations along the train route.  As the train approached they would signal with a lantern that all was well.

Pinkerton pulled it off.  The conspirators slept as Lincoln journeyed through Baltimore without incident, arriving in Washington safe and sound.

On the other hand, when the story came out, especially in Harper’s Weekly, Lincoln was roundly criticized for “slinking” into Washington for his inauguration, wearing a disguise.

Lincoln allegedly "slinking" into Washington

Cartoon version of Lincoln's soft cap and shawl