Frazer Walton Jr.’s A Hidden Indictment offers a deeply insightful and long-overdue perspective on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Walton delves into one of the most crucial yet underexplored aspects of this historical event: the role and knowledge of slaves and freedmen during this tumultuous period. The book serves as both a historical narrative and a fresh examination of the Lincoln assassination through the eyes of those whose stories have been largely overlooked by mainstream history.
Marl Noble Book Review
Title: A Hidden Indictment: What the Slaves and Freedmen Knew About the Lincoln Assassination
Author: Frazer Walton Jr
Publisher: Mill City Press, Inc (February 20, 2020)
ISBN-13: 978-1545675120
Pages: 270 pages
Genre: U.S. Civil War History, History, Americas
Reviewer: Hailey Copeland | Marl Noble Book Review
Central to Walton’s book is the story of Mary Simms, an enslaved African-American woman who testified as a key witness in the trial of Lincoln’s conspirators. Her involvement in the case is astonishing, not only because of her direct participation in the trial but also because of the implications of her testimony. Walton, believed to be a distant relative of Simms, weaves this personal connection into the fabric of his work, giving readers an intimate and authoritative look at the slave woman whose insights could have potentially broadened the scope of the investigation into Lincoln’s assassination.
Walton’s research is meticulous, with a focus on bringing to light forgotten or ignored voices from the Civil War era. His investigation into old records and his reevaluation of historical events provide readers with a thought-provoking alternative to the commonly accepted narrative. The book is more than just a recounting of the assassination; it is a window into the shadowy world of spies, conspiracies, and power struggles that surrounded the death of Lincoln. Walton’s portrayal of this world is rich and compelling, making for a fascinating read.
What makes A Hidden Indictment stand out is how Walton blends historical fact with speculative insight. While proving his theories about the involvement of slaves and freedmen may be impossible after 150 years, Walton’s careful reconstruction of the era, combined with his thorough research into neglected testimonies, presents an intriguing argument for reevaluating the evidence. He doesn’t claim to have definitive answers, but he encourages readers to ask new questions and consider how much more could have been known had Mary Simms’ testimony and other clues been given proper attention.
In addition to the assassination itself, Walton also provides a broader context, detailing major Civil War battles and the societal conditions that gave rise to the events surrounding Lincoln’s death. This context enriches the narrative and underscores the importance of understanding the roles that slaves and freedmen played during this transformative period in American history.
Ultimately, "A Hidden Indictment: What the Slaves and Freedmen Knew About the Lincoln Assassination" is an essential read for those interested in the Lincoln assassination, Civil War history, or the untold stories of enslaved African Americans. Walton’s compelling writing, thorough research, and unique perspective make this book a valuable contribution to the ongoing exploration of one of the most iconic moments in American history.
Comentarios