36 Hours to Save the President

By Alan L Trock

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln is still one of the great tragedies of American history. Lincoln’s heroic life and untimely death has inspired many to dream of going back in time to save him from the assassin John Wilkes Booth.

For Alex Linwood this dream becomes reality. A lifelong admirer of President Lincoln, Alex deci

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alan Trock
• Release date: May 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9780997412918

Alan L Trock

Alan Trock is an attorney who lives with his wife in Southern California. He has been an admirer of Abraham Lincoln for over forty years, having read and traveled extensively in pursuit of his studies about Lincoln's life and times.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

A feeling of calm was beginning to descend over the White House. The Civil War had finally come to an end. Although Abraham Lincoln assuredly experienced a keen sense of relief in the knowledge that he no longer had to deal with the horrors of the war, the melancholy that was his constant companion since the death of his son, Willie, had not diminished. He also had to continually bolster his wife Mary’s spirits whenever her thoughts turned to their dearly departed son.

However, all was not downcast within the Executive Mansion. With the winning of the war, Lincoln was now at the pinnacle of his power and popularity with the citizens of the North. There was not only the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which he deemed his crowning achievement, but also the recent passage of the Thirteenth Amendment outlawing slavery throughout the land. Lincoln was so grateful and relieved that his hard work had led to its adoption, that he had taken the most unusual step of actually signing the amendment, something that was neither required nor customary. He could finally look forward to having the opportunity of being the president of all citizens of the United States.

His focus now turned to the people of the South and the monumental task of Reconstruction. The president wanted to assure the Southerners that he was worthy of their trust and that he intended to put into practice the words he had spoken at his second inauguration. It was his plan to exhibit no malice to the rebellious states and to welcome them back to the Union with charity so as to bind the nation’s wounds and achieve a just and lasting peace.

The conclusion of the war also had a profound effect upon Mary Lincoln. She delighted in the fact that she could finally act as the type of White House hostess she had always envisioned. Now she could arrange for the lavish dinners and levees befitting her position, without fear of continued criticism from the newspapers that she was foolishly spending money on soirées while the boys on the battlefields went without blankets.

But most of all, Abraham and Mary could now look forward to spending their remaining years in peace and tranquility, including making plans for life after the presidency. They often spoke of travelling to California, Europe and the Holy Land and it appeared that they could now actually consider such plans.

However, neither could possibly imagine what lay in store for the president in just a few short days. The nefarious plot being hatched by John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators would be the death knell to the Lincolns’ optimistic and longed-for goals. Now, only divine intervention or an inexplicable presence could alter the course of history and permit Abraham Lincoln to live through his second term.

AUNT ROSAMOND

It was Alex Linwood’s fourteenth birthday. He had been looking forward to this day, as he always looked forward to birthdays. Best of all, it was his choice to decide where the family would go out for dinner that night. Did he crave Italian food, or was his heart set on a Mexican burrito? Or would it be more grown-up to suggest the local steakhouse?

This year his birthday dinner was going to be even more special than usual. His Great-Aunt Rosamond, whom he had heard of often but never met, was coming into town. Ever since he could remember, Alex had received a birthday card from her, always with a check enclosed: money that he was allowed to use for whatever he wanted. He had used the money in the past to buy comic books, baseball cards and his favorite Mad magazine. Alex wondered with anticipation what she might give him this time.

The morning began as most school days did. His mother, Beth, had come into his room to wake him and his 12-year-old brother, Jack, with whom he shared a room. And, as always, Jack jumped right out of bed, while Alex stayed put with the covers pulled up to his neck. He had always slept with the covers drawn up tightly against his chin, whether it was a cold winter night or a warm summer evening. Several minutes later, Beth entered the room again and pulled the covers down to his knees.

Alex, we go through this every morning, she said with mock consternation. Get up now or you won’t have time for breakfast!

Alex grinned at her as he swung his feet out of bed and jumped onto the floor.

Come here, said his mother, as she threw her arms around his shoulders and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Happy birthday!

Oh, that’s right, said Jack mockingly. Today is your birthday. As if we didn’t know. You’ve only been talking about it for the past week.

Hurry up and get dressed and come down for breakfast, Beth called out as she made her way down to the kitchen. I’m making your favorite—French toast.

Did Dad leave for work already? asked Alex, as he sat down to breakfast. His big sister Sally joined his brother and him at the table.

Yes, replied Beth. He had an early meeting, but he’ll be home in time for your special dinner. And he will be bringing Aunt Rosamond with him. Have you decided where you want to go?

I want to go to Pasta di Roma and get angel hair pomodoro.

What a surprise, said Sally, and they all laughed.

Alex and Jack grabbed their books and lunch and headed for the bus stop. The school bus soon arrived and they climbed aboard. Alex sat next to his friend Scott, while Jack proceeded to the rear where a group of his classmates was seated.

Hey, Alex, said Scott. Happy birthday! Did you get any of your gifts yet?

No, not until tonight. Plus, I may be getting something special. My great-aunt is coming for dinner and it will be really cool to finally meet her.

You mean you’ve never met her before?

Nope. She lives almost across the country and is flying in to spend a week at our house. She’s a lawyer. And then he added wistfully, I wonder what she’s going to bring me.

Before long, the bus pulled up to the school, the doors opened and one by one the children exited to make the trek across the athletic field to their classrooms.

Normally, Alex enjoyed being at school. He liked his teachers and, for the most part, did very well in his classes. He was not usually a clock-watcher, but this was not a normal day for him. Today each class seemed to last longer than the one before. At lunchtime, Alex sat with a group of friends at their usual table. Conversation centered on last night’s TV shows and the upcoming baseball season. Alex was generally one of the more vocal participants, but today he simply ate his lunch in silence. No one really seemed to notice and that was fine with him. Soon the bell rang and it was off to PE.

Then, finally, sixth period came and all he had to endure was math class, where Mr. Morse was explaining some fine points in fractions. Several of his classmates had been called up to the blackboard to solve equations and he hoped that he would not be chosen today.

Alex looked again at the clock above the door: 2:45. All he had to do was lie low for another 15 minutes and the bell would release him from this interminable day. He turned his attention back to the students at the blackboard. Like everyone else, he was supposed to try to solve the written problems at his desk, but today he was just going through the motions.

He heard Mr. Morse tell the three students at the board that they had correctly solved the problems and could return to their seats. Three new equations appeared on the board and the teacher surveyed the class for the next three victims. Not me, not me, thought Alex as hard as he could, but the teacher called out, Next—Richard, Karen and Alex.

Oh, no! thought Alex, with a feeling of dread settling into the pit of his stomach. He rose slowly and made his way to the front of the classroom. Just as he was about to pick up the chalk, he heard the most wonderful sound imaginable: the 3 o’clock bell pealed loud and strong.

OK students, said Mr. Morse, That’s it for today. I will see you all on Monday. Have a nice weekend.

Alex walked as fast as he could out of the classroom and to his locker. He threw his books in, grabbed his jacket and slammed the door shut. Turning quickly, he almost ran into Mrs. Lefferts, his guidance counselor. Hey, slow down there Alex, she said with a mock stern face. I know it’s the weekend, but let’s watch where we’re going.

Sorry, Mrs. Lefferts. Alex walked slowly toward the door, but once outside, he hurried as fast as he could to where the school buses were lined up. He climbed aboard quickly and then realized that he had rushed there for nothing. The bus still had to wait for the other students and, even though it was Friday, many of them were not nearly as anxious as he was.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, the bus was full and the driver eased away from the curb and into traffic.

After about thirty minutes, the bus came to Alex’s stop. He, Jack and a few other students got off and Alex and Jack walked toward their house. As they got closer, they saw their father’s car in the driveway.

Hey, exclaimed Alex. Dad is home early. I wonder if Aunt Rosamond is here, too.

The two boys ran up to the front porch, leapt up the steps and threw open the front door. We’re home, Alex called.

I can see that, replied his father, Ralph. Happy birthday, son.

Thanks, Dad.

Boys, Ralph said to Alex and Jack. There is someone I want you to meet. This is your Great-Aunt Rosamond.

A medium-built woman with brown hair was seated upon the living room sofa. She wore black slacks, a white button-down blouse and a dark, waist-length jacket. She studied the boys with her deep brown eyes, but, as she rose to her feet, she smiled warmly. Hello, boys. I have been anxiously waiting to meet both of you. Here, come and give me a hug.

The boys slowly walked to her and each was affectionately embraced. Although this was indeed the first time they had ever laid eyes upon Aunt Rosamond, there was something strangely familiar about her.

Well, she said, looking at Alex. Today is a very special day, isn’t it? Happy birthday, dear.

Thank you, replied Alex. Did you bring me anything?

Jack laughed. Ralph merely shook his head. Alex! said his mother in her stern, no-nonsense voice. What kind of a thing is that to ask? Turning to the older woman she said, Oh, Aunt Rosamond, I am so sorry—and so embarrassed. Alex, she said in the most suggestive of voices possible, don’t you want to wait until we get back from dinner to see what Aunt Rosamond got for you? You can open your gift then.

Aw, Mom! This was the only response Alex could muster.

Turning to Beth, Aunt Rosamond said, I don’t mind giving Alex his gift now, if it’s all right with you.

Well, fine. Beth looked again at Alex. But I think you owe Aunt Rosamond an apology.

Aunt Rosamond laughed gently. No need to apologize. Nothing wrong with his being a little over-anxious. Alex, if you wait here a minute, I will be right back.

She disappeared into the guest bedroom and returned with a parcel wrapped in blue-and-white paper.

Here you are, dear. I hope you will thoroughly enjoy this and perhaps even be inspired by it.

Alex was not sure what she meant and was very curious to see what was hidden by the wrapping paper.

Read the card first, cautioned his mother.

He tore open the envelope and scanned the card as if to take in its words, although he did not fool anyone.

Very nice, Alex said, as he unwrapped the gift.

It was a book. A book by Carl Sandburg, entitled, Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie and War Years. Inside, it was inscribed, To Alex with love on his 14th birthday. Aunt Rosamond.

Just a book? His hopes of going to the store with cash in hand to buy whatever he wanted were dashed.

As Alex cradled the book and began thumbing through its 700 pages, he couldn’t hide his disappointment. Aunt Rosamond seemed to sense his discontent. Alex, his aunt said gently, Mr. Lincoln was not only our greatest president, but one of the greatest Americans who ever lived. And Carl Sandburg is one of the best authors of all time. It is my hope that this book will encourage you to want to know more about Lincoln and come to admire him, as I do.

Thank you, Aunt Rosamond, replied Alex, trying to muster as much sincerity as possible. I will begin reading it this weekend.

Unbeknownst to Alex, this gift would be only the first of many books on Abraham Lincoln to find its way into his personal library.

Soon the family was assembled and they set out for the restaurant.

ALEX LINWOOD

Over the years, Alex Linwood developed an appreciation, even a fondness, for Abraham Lincoln. The book given to him by his Aunt Rosamond began a quest to learn as much as he could about the president. There was always a book on his bedside table and, more often than not, Abraham Lincoln was the subject.

Alex had read several books about Lincoln’s political philosophies, but found these to be too dry for his taste. He much preferred stories about Lincoln’s life, which also included discussions about Lincoln’s political point of view.

At first, Alex enjoyed trips to the public library, but eventually he decided to build a collection of his own by browsing in local bookstores for paperbacks he could afford. Alex began his modest library with these soft-covered books, some of which he read several times.

He was interested in every facet of Lincoln’s life, including what little was known of his childhood. New Salem, Illinois, the small rural village where he spent his formative years, held great fascination for Alex. In the books that covered this period, Alex learned about Lincoln’s foray into the world of business as part-owner of a general store. He read with great interest about Lincoln’s first trip down the Mississippi River to deliver goods to New Orleans, culminating in his initial exposure to the horrors of slavery. Having personally witnessed black men and women being transported in chains, and hearing their anguished cries at a slave auction, Lincoln developed a deep hatred for what was often referred to as that peculiar institution. This trip began a lifelong desire to do what he could to put an end to slavery.

Alex admired Lincoln’s continual quest for knowledge and the fact that he could often be found sitting under a tree, reading—or re-reading—one of his few precious tomes. His father, Thomas Lincoln, frowned upon this activity, being of the opinion that farming was the way his son should be spending his time. This however, did not dissuade Lincoln from reading at every possible opportunity.

There was an incident in Lincoln’s early life that Alex found particularly interesting. During the Black Hawk War in 1832, Lincoln was one of many locals to volunteer for the Illinois militia. When the men were sworn in, the first order of business was the election of a company commander. Many of the men were friends