Bloody Times: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Manhunt for Jefferson Davis

Bloody Times chronicles two simultaneous journeys in the spring of 1865: Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession and Jefferson Davis's flight from Richmond. The parallel narratives track these leaders' final movements during a pivotal moment in American history. The book follows Lincoln's remains as they travel by train through multiple cities, documenting the unprecedented public mourning and funeral ceremonies along the way. At the same time, it traces Davis's path through the defeated South as he attempts to preserve the Confederate government. James Swanson draws from historical records, photographs, and first-hand accounts to reconstruct these concurrent journeys. The text includes maps, illustrations, and detailed descriptions of both the funeral preparations and the pursuit of Davis. The dual narratives serve as a lens through which to examine the Civil War's impact on American society and the stark contrasts between victory and defeat. Through these parallel stories, the book explores themes of leadership, loyalty, and the war's lasting effects on the nation.

Readers note this young adult adaptation maintains the parallel narrative structure of Swanson's adult book "Bloody Times," following both Lincoln's funeral train and Davis's flight south. Many reviewers appreciate how it makes Civil War history accessible to middle school students while including photographs and illustrations that enhance understanding. Likes: - Clear writing style suited for ages 12-16 - Historical photographs and maps - Focus on specific events rather than entire Civil War - Balanced portrayal of both Lincoln and Davis Dislikes: - Some found pacing slow in middle sections - A few readers wanted more detail about Davis's eventual fate - Several noted overlap with Swanson's adult version Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (279 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) One teacher reviewer on Amazon noted: "My 7th graders were engaged throughout - the photos especially helped them connect with the history." A Goodreads reviewer felt it "could have been condensed by 50 pages without losing impact."

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson This detailed account of John Wilkes Booth's escape follows the assassin's journey through Maryland and Virginia while federal troops pursue him.

Lincoln's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly and Dwight Jon Zimmerman The book chronicles the final weeks of Abraham Lincoln's life, the plot to assassinate him, and the aftermath of his death.

The President Is Dead! by Louis L. Picone This work examines the deaths, funerals, and legacies of American presidents who died in office, including Lincoln's funeral train journey.

American Brutus: John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies by Michael W. Kauffman The text presents new research and documentation about the Lincoln assassination conspiracy and the people involved.

The Last Lincolns: The Rise and Fall of a Great American Family by Charles Lachman This chronicle follows the Lincoln family after the president's death, including Mary Todd Lincoln's institutionalization and Robert Lincoln's life.

🎯 While pursuing John Wilkes Booth, Union soldiers carried a photograph of him - but it showed the wrong side of his face. Booth had only allowed photographers to capture his "good side," making identification more difficult. 🏛️ Abraham Lincoln's funeral train traveled 1,654 miles through seven states, with his body displayed in 11 different cities, allowing millions of Americans to pay their respects. ⚔️ Jefferson Davis carried $25,000 worth of Mexican gold coins during his escape attempt - worth over $400,000 in today's money - but was captured wearing his wife's overcoat while trying to flee through Georgia. 📚 Author James Swanson began collecting Lincoln memorabilia at age 10 and went on to amass one of the largest private collections of Civil War artifacts related to Lincoln's assassination. ⚰️ Lincoln's body was moved 17 times after his death and the coffin was opened five times. The final move occurred in 1901 when he was permanently laid to rest in a steel cage, buried under 10 feet of concrete at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.