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Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero
"A stunning tale of a little-known figure in history. Robert Smalls' astounding heroism during the Civil War helped convince Lincoln and the country that African Americans were extraordinarily capable of fighting for their freedom. Lineberry has produced a triumph in this heroic story that illuminates our country's ongoing struggles with race." ―Henry Louis Gates, Jr, Professor in American History Harvard University and Executive Producer of Finding Your Roots
“Be Free or Die makes you want to stand up and cheer. Cate Lineberry has done us all a great service by telling this incredibly moving, thrilling, and important story about an American hero who deserves to be remembered, and admired.” ―Candice Millard, author of Hero of the Empire
Facing death rather than enslavement―a story of one man's triumphant choice and ultimate rise to national hero
It was a mild May morning in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1862, the second year of the Civil War, when a twenty-three-year-old slave named Robert Smalls did the unthinkable and boldly seized a Confederate steamer. With his wife and two young children hidden on board, Smalls and a small crew ran a gauntlet of heavily armed fortifications in Charleston Harbor and delivered the valuable vessel and the massive guns it carried to nearby Union forces. To be unsuccessful was a death sentence for all. Smalls’ courageous and ingenious act freed him and his family from slavery and immediately made him a Union hero while simultaneously challenging much of the country’s view of what African Americans were willing to do to gain their freedom.
After his escape, Smalls served in numerous naval campaigns off Charleston as a civilian boat pilot and eventually became the first black captain of an Army ship. In a particularly poignant moment Smalls even bought the home that he and his mother had once served in as house slaves.
Be Free or Die is a compelling narrative that illuminates Robert Smalls’ amazing journey from slave to Union hero and ultimately United States Congressman. This captivating tale of a valuable figure in American history gives fascinating insight into the country's first efforts to help newly freed slaves while also illustrating the many struggles and achievements of African Americans during the Civil War.
“Be Free or Die makes you want to stand up and cheer. Cate Lineberry has done us all a great service by telling this incredibly moving, thrilling, and important story about an American hero who deserves to be remembered, and admired.” ―Candice Millard, author of Hero of the Empire
Facing death rather than enslavement―a story of one man's triumphant choice and ultimate rise to national hero
It was a mild May morning in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1862, the second year of the Civil War, when a twenty-three-year-old slave named Robert Smalls did the unthinkable and boldly seized a Confederate steamer. With his wife and two young children hidden on board, Smalls and a small crew ran a gauntlet of heavily armed fortifications in Charleston Harbor and delivered the valuable vessel and the massive guns it carried to nearby Union forces. To be unsuccessful was a death sentence for all. Smalls’ courageous and ingenious act freed him and his family from slavery and immediately made him a Union hero while simultaneously challenging much of the country’s view of what African Americans were willing to do to gain their freedom.
After his escape, Smalls served in numerous naval campaigns off Charleston as a civilian boat pilot and eventually became the first black captain of an Army ship. In a particularly poignant moment Smalls even bought the home that he and his mother had once served in as house slaves.
Be Free or Die is a compelling narrative that illuminates Robert Smalls’ amazing journey from slave to Union hero and ultimately United States Congressman. This captivating tale of a valuable figure in American history gives fascinating insight into the country's first efforts to help newly freed slaves while also illustrating the many struggles and achievements of African Americans during the Civil War.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
251 people are currently reading
3208 people want to read
About the author
Cate Lineberry
2 books44 followersCATE LINEBERRY is the author of "Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero" (coming June 20, 2017). She is also the author of "The Secret Rescue: An Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines," a #1 Wall Street Journal e-book bestseller and a finalist for the Edgar and Anthony Awards. Lineberry was previously a staff writer and editor for National Geographic Magazine and the web editor for Smithsonian Magazine. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times. Lineberry lives in Raleigh, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
September 5, 2017
3.5 stars
This non-fiction book started out really well, a story about a real life event, told in a good format. However by the time I was a quarter of the way into the book it started reading more like a history book. The story telling element was almost gone and the facts were overwhelming the novel. In addition, I felt that it tended to repeat itself - and more than once. The same material was being told time and again. Granted each time it had a bit of a twist, and although relevant material, it still became a bit of a nuisance. Informative book, just did not succeed in an easy story-telling way.
Robert Smalls, a South Carolina slave in 1862, along with a small band of other slaves, stole a Confederate steamer in the middle of the night and steered it out onto open water directly to a large Union vessel, where they surrendered the ship, their guns and all the information that Smalls knew about the Confederacy. This act freed him, his family and the other slaves aboard the streamer, Planter. Thanks to Cmdre. Samuel DuPont, of the Union Navy, Smalls was made the boat pilot of the Planter and paid for his duty. Throughout the next 4 years of the Civil War Smalls' fame became larger - however not without some difficulty and threats of assassination. This novel takes Smalls from slave to Union hero to United States Congressman. He was one of the first black men to be elected to the House of Representatives, by South Carolina, and served 5 terms, all the while hiring tutors to teach him to read and write. In 2007 a U S Army vessel was name after him, the Major General Robert Smalls, the first Army vessel names for an African American man.
Robert Smalls born in 1839; died Feb 27, 1915, a free man.
This non-fiction book started out really well, a story about a real life event, told in a good format. However by the time I was a quarter of the way into the book it started reading more like a history book. The story telling element was almost gone and the facts were overwhelming the novel. In addition, I felt that it tended to repeat itself - and more than once. The same material was being told time and again. Granted each time it had a bit of a twist, and although relevant material, it still became a bit of a nuisance. Informative book, just did not succeed in an easy story-telling way.
Robert Smalls, a South Carolina slave in 1862, along with a small band of other slaves, stole a Confederate steamer in the middle of the night and steered it out onto open water directly to a large Union vessel, where they surrendered the ship, their guns and all the information that Smalls knew about the Confederacy. This act freed him, his family and the other slaves aboard the streamer, Planter. Thanks to Cmdre. Samuel DuPont, of the Union Navy, Smalls was made the boat pilot of the Planter and paid for his duty. Throughout the next 4 years of the Civil War Smalls' fame became larger - however not without some difficulty and threats of assassination. This novel takes Smalls from slave to Union hero to United States Congressman. He was one of the first black men to be elected to the House of Representatives, by South Carolina, and served 5 terms, all the while hiring tutors to teach him to read and write. In 2007 a U S Army vessel was name after him, the Major General Robert Smalls, the first Army vessel names for an African American man.
Robert Smalls born in 1839; died Feb 27, 1915, a free man.
February 7, 2025
”Although born a slave, I always felt that I was a man, and ought to be free, and I would be free or die.”
Robert Smalls
Robert Smalls lived an extraordinary life. Be Free or Die is most definitely not an extraordinary book.
Born into slavery, Smalls burst onto history’s stage in 1862, when he stole a Confederate general’s steam ship and piloted it through Charleston harbor, under the noses of the Confederates, and delivered it to the Union blockade outside the harbor. With this audacious feet, he freed himself, the rest of the enslaved crew, and his family who were aboard. He joined and served boldly in the United States Navy, and after the war became a United States Congressman during Reconstruction. His life is blockbuster movie material. Every American should be familiar with it.
Unfortunately, Cate Lineberry just wasn’t the author to tell Smalls’ story. She took a remarkable life and wrote a pedestrian book about it. Smalls’ life is five star material. This book is a two star recounting of it. I split the difference and gave it three stars.
Robert Smalls
Robert Smalls lived an extraordinary life. Be Free or Die is most definitely not an extraordinary book.
Born into slavery, Smalls burst onto history’s stage in 1862, when he stole a Confederate general’s steam ship and piloted it through Charleston harbor, under the noses of the Confederates, and delivered it to the Union blockade outside the harbor. With this audacious feet, he freed himself, the rest of the enslaved crew, and his family who were aboard. He joined and served boldly in the United States Navy, and after the war became a United States Congressman during Reconstruction. His life is blockbuster movie material. Every American should be familiar with it.
Unfortunately, Cate Lineberry just wasn’t the author to tell Smalls’ story. She took a remarkable life and wrote a pedestrian book about it. Smalls’ life is five star material. This book is a two star recounting of it. I split the difference and gave it three stars.
July 12, 2017
So when I read these kinds of history / non-fiction / biography books, I generally have three criteria by which to judge them:
1) Choice of subject. Is this a story worth telling? I like to read about people who are interesting or heroic or villainous or otherwise noteworthy but about whom I don't know much. Or, if a book is about someone who's a household name already, does the author have some new insight or a new way of looking about the subject that will cause me to reevaluate what I think I know about it?
2) Storytelling prowess. There are lots of biographies of interesting people that are completely dull. You're telling a story - make it interesting!
3) Portrayal of the subject. I like to read about great people who are human. Don't lionize the subject, don't paper over his or her flaws or biases or hypocrisies or failures. I find it more inspiring when I see people who are able to overcome their imperfections to achieve great things.
Judging by these three criteria, BE FREE OR DIE is a success. The story of Robert Smalls is compelling, heroic, and definitely worthy of being better known. Cate Lineberry gets in, tells the story with a minimum of fluff and opinionating, and wraps it up. Having lived in South Carolina (my profile picture here on Goodreads was taken in Charleston...can you tell where?) I was familiar with the layout of the harbor, Fort Sumter, the rivers, etc., but there's a couple of small maps at the beginning of the book to help you visualize Smalls' daring theft of a Confederate steam ship and his dangerous and terrifying journey out of the harbor to freedom.
The book is short and sweet. You should read it!
1) Choice of subject. Is this a story worth telling? I like to read about people who are interesting or heroic or villainous or otherwise noteworthy but about whom I don't know much. Or, if a book is about someone who's a household name already, does the author have some new insight or a new way of looking about the subject that will cause me to reevaluate what I think I know about it?
2) Storytelling prowess. There are lots of biographies of interesting people that are completely dull. You're telling a story - make it interesting!
3) Portrayal of the subject. I like to read about great people who are human. Don't lionize the subject, don't paper over his or her flaws or biases or hypocrisies or failures. I find it more inspiring when I see people who are able to overcome their imperfections to achieve great things.
Judging by these three criteria, BE FREE OR DIE is a success. The story of Robert Smalls is compelling, heroic, and definitely worthy of being better known. Cate Lineberry gets in, tells the story with a minimum of fluff and opinionating, and wraps it up. Having lived in South Carolina (my profile picture here on Goodreads was taken in Charleston...can you tell where?) I was familiar with the layout of the harbor, Fort Sumter, the rivers, etc., but there's a couple of small maps at the beginning of the book to help you visualize Smalls' daring theft of a Confederate steam ship and his dangerous and terrifying journey out of the harbor to freedom.
The book is short and sweet. You should read it!
July 5, 2017
I'd come across references to Robert Smalls in quite a few books on the American Civil War in the past, so I was familiar with the bare outlines of his story and keen to learn more. When I came across this book I jumped at the chance to read it, since by and large historians of the period have been content to focus on the bigger picture and more famous names, and passing references to Smalls are often all one can find.
And what a remarkable story it is - born into slavery, he freed himself, his wife and children and a number of other slaves by stealing a steamship and sailing it right out of Charleston Harbour under the gaze of sentries and the batteries on Forts Sumter and Moultrie, before delivering it straight to the Union ships blockading the harbour. He and the other slaves were awarded the prize money from the sale of the ship, and Smalls joined the Navy, becoming pilot and later captain of that self-same ship. The prize money gave him a start in life and he prospered during the war, ending up buying the very house in which he and his mother had been enslaved and later even giving shelter to the mother of the man who had owned him! He became a politician and served as one of the very first African-American congressmen, for South Carolina.
So it's a hell of a tale, and it's well told in this book, for the most part. But it left me wanting more, as it only deals with Smalls' life during the four years of the Civil War. The years before Smalls' remarkable escape and the years after the Civil War are dealt with in little more than a chapter, and in order to fill a book there is a certain amount of repetition and needless 'padding'. I appreciate that the title of the book pretty much spells this out: the 'escape from slavery to Union hero' but I hadn't expected that to be literally all this book is concerned with. It seems such a wasted opportunity, when his exploits during the war were only a part of what made Smalls such a remarkable man.
I believe this is currently the only book dedicated to Smalls still in print, other than a few children's books, and that's a travesty and a shame - and only exacerbates my disappointment in this book, which I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed. A man like this deserves a full-length biography, deserves a host of them. Historians, take note!
And what a remarkable story it is - born into slavery, he freed himself, his wife and children and a number of other slaves by stealing a steamship and sailing it right out of Charleston Harbour under the gaze of sentries and the batteries on Forts Sumter and Moultrie, before delivering it straight to the Union ships blockading the harbour. He and the other slaves were awarded the prize money from the sale of the ship, and Smalls joined the Navy, becoming pilot and later captain of that self-same ship. The prize money gave him a start in life and he prospered during the war, ending up buying the very house in which he and his mother had been enslaved and later even giving shelter to the mother of the man who had owned him! He became a politician and served as one of the very first African-American congressmen, for South Carolina.
So it's a hell of a tale, and it's well told in this book, for the most part. But it left me wanting more, as it only deals with Smalls' life during the four years of the Civil War. The years before Smalls' remarkable escape and the years after the Civil War are dealt with in little more than a chapter, and in order to fill a book there is a certain amount of repetition and needless 'padding'. I appreciate that the title of the book pretty much spells this out: the 'escape from slavery to Union hero' but I hadn't expected that to be literally all this book is concerned with. It seems such a wasted opportunity, when his exploits during the war were only a part of what made Smalls such a remarkable man.
I believe this is currently the only book dedicated to Smalls still in print, other than a few children's books, and that's a travesty and a shame - and only exacerbates my disappointment in this book, which I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed. A man like this deserves a full-length biography, deserves a host of them. Historians, take note!
April 21, 2025
WE ALL WISH WE COULD BE AS AWESOME AS ROBERT SMALLS.
Storyline: 4.0
This novel tells the true story of Robert Small's as frees himself and his family from slavery and fights with the Union Army against the South during the Civil War. This book not only tell the story of Smalls' heroism, but also provides a lot of background information regarding the various aspects of life and the war during the same time period.
Readability: 4.0
The story itself is an easy read, well written and well researched. However, at times the story feels too fact-heavy, and I felt a bit bogged down in the various names, positions, and maneuvers in the book. There were a few points where I either re-read a passage for clarity or skipped short sections so I could be sure to focus on Smalls' story directly. Barring those to issues, I found this book was easy to read and appropriate for anyone school aged or older.
Engagement: 4.0
This is a truly amazing story and it is a damn shame that more stories like these are not taught in schools or highlighted in Civil War documentaries, movies, shows, novels, or textbooks. Smalls' story is so compelling I was able to finish the book in just a few days. I also learned so many things about the Civil War and reconstruction that I never learned about in school or previously read in books. I would reccommend this book to...everyone. Robert Small's is a hero and should be remembered by all.
Storyline: 4.0
This novel tells the true story of Robert Small's as frees himself and his family from slavery and fights with the Union Army against the South during the Civil War. This book not only tell the story of Smalls' heroism, but also provides a lot of background information regarding the various aspects of life and the war during the same time period.
Readability: 4.0
The story itself is an easy read, well written and well researched. However, at times the story feels too fact-heavy, and I felt a bit bogged down in the various names, positions, and maneuvers in the book. There were a few points where I either re-read a passage for clarity or skipped short sections so I could be sure to focus on Smalls' story directly. Barring those to issues, I found this book was easy to read and appropriate for anyone school aged or older.
Engagement: 4.0
This is a truly amazing story and it is a damn shame that more stories like these are not taught in schools or highlighted in Civil War documentaries, movies, shows, novels, or textbooks. Smalls' story is so compelling I was able to finish the book in just a few days. I also learned so many things about the Civil War and reconstruction that I never learned about in school or previously read in books. I would reccommend this book to...everyone. Robert Small's is a hero and should be remembered by all.
April 30, 2022
This is a fantastic story which, unfortunately, the book does not live up to.
Lineberry certainly does not waste time. She immediately starts with the pilfering of the ship and the heading out to sea before adding some background. The first portion of this book is well-told, well-paced, and then really peters out. It is somewhat inexplicable because Smalls had a lot of life to live after this, but much of the very interesting times of his life post grand theft boat are banished to a short epilogue.
Lineberry tries to explain the other people in the story and provide an understanding of the Civil War at that time but she goes too far. You will find yourself thrilled by the opening chapters and then feel very much let down by the pacing and focus of the book thereafter. She doesn’t go deep enough into the time period for history buffs but spends too much time explaining things for a lay reader.
Robert Smalls had a gigantic life including being a long-time member of the House of Representatives. The narrative needed better focus on him.
Lineberry certainly does not waste time. She immediately starts with the pilfering of the ship and the heading out to sea before adding some background. The first portion of this book is well-told, well-paced, and then really peters out. It is somewhat inexplicable because Smalls had a lot of life to live after this, but much of the very interesting times of his life post grand theft boat are banished to a short epilogue.
Lineberry tries to explain the other people in the story and provide an understanding of the Civil War at that time but she goes too far. You will find yourself thrilled by the opening chapters and then feel very much let down by the pacing and focus of the book thereafter. She doesn’t go deep enough into the time period for history buffs but spends too much time explaining things for a lay reader.
Robert Smalls had a gigantic life including being a long-time member of the House of Representatives. The narrative needed better focus on him.
Want to read
March 23, 2025Going to Start this Really Soon.
I got both the Book and the Audio from Libby (No asking how many accounts I have)
Anyhow, I can never get enough books. On Friday, I went to Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh to hear Patti Callahan Henry speak. This was incredibly fun. Met many nice people. Co-Hosting the Event, was Cate Lineberry. She works for National Geographic and Other Publications. So, I asked her about the books she has written. This one and
The Secret Rescue: An Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines both liked. My library has The Secret Rescue, so I’m all Set.
Thanks, Cate for all your information. Can’t wait to get Reading and Listening 😊 📚
I got both the Book and the Audio from Libby (No asking how many accounts I have)
Anyhow, I can never get enough books. On Friday, I went to Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh to hear Patti Callahan Henry speak. This was incredibly fun. Met many nice people. Co-Hosting the Event, was Cate Lineberry. She works for National Geographic and Other Publications. So, I asked her about the books she has written. This one and
The Secret Rescue: An Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines both liked. My library has The Secret Rescue, so I’m all Set. Thanks, Cate for all your information. Can’t wait to get Reading and Listening 😊 📚
June 26, 2020
This story deserved to be better written. Perhaps it would have worked better as a complete biography of Smalls but never came together.
May 1, 2018
I recently took a guided history walking tour in Beaufort, South Carolina. During the tour the guide discussed Robert Smalls. Robert Smalls was an enslaved man that fought for his freedom, was a Union hero, captain of an army ship, and later became United States Congressman. We walked by his house on Prince Street, which was previously owned by his master. Lt. Henry McKee He later invited the widow of his master and some of her children to live with his family because the McKee's were financially in ruin.
I had to know more about Robert Small after the tour. I highly recommend this book. I wish it was required reading in all High Schools around the country. I wish we had more leaders throughout the world with his moral charter, resiliency, intellect etc. What a better world this would be if we did.
I had to know more about Robert Small after the tour. I highly recommend this book. I wish it was required reading in all High Schools around the country. I wish we had more leaders throughout the world with his moral charter, resiliency, intellect etc. What a better world this would be if we did.
June 15, 2020
I have wanted to read more about the black men and women who were important leaders in the transition of African-American people from slavery to freedom.
This is a biography of South Carolinian Robert Smalls, born a slave, who piloted a Confederate vessel while pretending to be the white captain. He drove the vessel to safety ( and freedom for the men and women on board, including his wife and children) and turned it over to Union forces. That's just the beginning of the story. His daring and dangerous act puts him at the center of Union efforts to defeat the Confederacy in South Carolina as well as Union efforts to help the freedmen once slavery is abolished. Eventually, Robert Smalls becomes a successful businessman in Beaufort, South Carolina and one of the first black men elected to Congress during Reconstruction. His life story should be more widely known.
This is a biography of South Carolinian Robert Smalls, born a slave, who piloted a Confederate vessel while pretending to be the white captain. He drove the vessel to safety ( and freedom for the men and women on board, including his wife and children) and turned it over to Union forces. That's just the beginning of the story. His daring and dangerous act puts him at the center of Union efforts to defeat the Confederacy in South Carolina as well as Union efforts to help the freedmen once slavery is abolished. Eventually, Robert Smalls becomes a successful businessman in Beaufort, South Carolina and one of the first black men elected to Congress during Reconstruction. His life story should be more widely known.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2018
Excellent book about one of the lesser known heroes of the Civil War. I'm pretty sure I didn't learn about Robert Smalls in history classes so I'm glad I took the time to read his story now. This is a compelling read, one that is hard to put down. Saying it reads like a novel is a compliment although it borders on trivializing the authors work. I don't mean to. But Cate Lineberry has told Robert Smalls' story with a smooth, flowing narrative, bringing the slaves, slaveholders, generals, ministers and everyone touched by Smalls to life. I am so glad I read this book. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time.
August 13, 2018
This is a hard to put down, epic tale of a true bad ass. Robert Smalls, born a slave, performed an amazing escape, and continued fighting for freedom for himself, his family,friends, and every other person. He served as a scout, spy, a recruiter, find raiser, piloted an ironclad, and was made a captain of an Army ship! He constantly fought to better himself and others, learned to read, became a congressman, did not back down to prejudice, and even forgave his former master's family. This is worth the time, check it out.
February 14, 2023
Absolutely fantastic book about an inspiring American hero. I found out about Robert Smalls after visiting Beaufort, South Carolina where Smalls lived. His actions were incredibly brave and should serve as an example of courage and strength for all. He possessed a steadiness of character that makes him stand out as one of history's most outstanding characters.
March 19, 2017
A must Read.
September 14, 2019
This is truly an incredible life story of Robert Smalls. Well written. I loved it. Should be included in US history syllabi.
July 25, 2020
Robert Smalls. A standout. A hero. His name needs to be known. What an incredible man. I want to write a movie of his life.
February 5, 2022
Absolutely amazing - Smalls story should be required reading.
May 1, 2021
This is the true but little-known story of a Union, and indeed, American hero. Robert Smalls was an enslaved man in South Carolina who became a wheelman on a Confederate military transport. At the age of 23, he was married with three children. The only way to protect his family from being separated by being sold was to escape. So he hatched a plan with his fellow enslaved crew members to take control of the Planter and deliver it to the Union forces. When the white officers left the ship for the evening, Smalls seized his chance. He was about the same size and build as the ship's captain who owned a large, distinctive hat which he often left in his quarters. Smalls put on the captain's uniform and his hat, and steered the ship past five Confederate harbors, giving the correct signals. He managed to get to the Union Navy fleet, replacing the rebel flags with white sheets of surrender.
It's a terrific story and should be made into a movie starring Chiwetel Ejiofor. But the book is not only about Smalls and his life, before and after the daring escape. It's also about slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the fight for rights. One of the more poignant stories is about callous indifference of many Union generals to the plight of enslaved people who had escaped and sought the protection of the Union army. One general, Jeff C. Davis (no relation to the Confederate president) ordered his troops to cross a swollen creek using pontoon bridges. Following behind were about 650 Blacks, who were held back while the soldiers crossed. When the troops and wagons had crossed, Davis ordered the pontoon bridges removed, leaving the people stranded and facing a Confederate cavalry corps. Terrified of facing the Confederates, many of the Blacks tried to cross the creek. Hundreds, mostly women, children and the elderly, drowned. Those who didn't make it across were likely killed or re-enslaved by the Confederates.
Other tidbits include the reason why John Wilkes Booth was motivated to assassinate Lincoln. The original plan was to kidnap Lincoln and ransom him for Confederate prisoners of war, and this remained the plan, although the timing channged. Then Booth heard Lincoln give a speech at the White House after Lee's surrender, in which Lincoln made news by coming out in favor of Black suffrage (for men). It was the first time Lincoln had publicly declared his support for the right of Blacks to vote. "When Booth heard Lincoln say those words, he turned to fellow conspirator Lewis Powell and said, 'That means n***** citizenship. Now, by God, I'll put him through. That is the last speech he will ever make.'" (Lineberry uses the word, by the way.)
It's a terrific story and should be made into a movie starring Chiwetel Ejiofor. But the book is not only about Smalls and his life, before and after the daring escape. It's also about slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the fight for rights. One of the more poignant stories is about callous indifference of many Union generals to the plight of enslaved people who had escaped and sought the protection of the Union army. One general, Jeff C. Davis (no relation to the Confederate president) ordered his troops to cross a swollen creek using pontoon bridges. Following behind were about 650 Blacks, who were held back while the soldiers crossed. When the troops and wagons had crossed, Davis ordered the pontoon bridges removed, leaving the people stranded and facing a Confederate cavalry corps. Terrified of facing the Confederates, many of the Blacks tried to cross the creek. Hundreds, mostly women, children and the elderly, drowned. Those who didn't make it across were likely killed or re-enslaved by the Confederates.
Other tidbits include the reason why John Wilkes Booth was motivated to assassinate Lincoln. The original plan was to kidnap Lincoln and ransom him for Confederate prisoners of war, and this remained the plan, although the timing channged. Then Booth heard Lincoln give a speech at the White House after Lee's surrender, in which Lincoln made news by coming out in favor of Black suffrage (for men). It was the first time Lincoln had publicly declared his support for the right of Blacks to vote. "When Booth heard Lincoln say those words, he turned to fellow conspirator Lewis Powell and said, 'That means n***** citizenship. Now, by God, I'll put him through. That is the last speech he will ever make.'" (Lineberry uses the word, by the way.)
November 29, 2019
A great book about an unsung hero.
It starts with Robert Smalls' escape from slavery, told with the suspense that matches any novel. Smalls was "rented out" to the owner of the Planter, one of the fastest coastal steamers in the area and relied on by the Confederacy to transport personnel, weapons and supplies around the Charleston harbor. Smalls impressed with his navigation skills and eventually became a pilot for the ship. Smalls wanted freedom for his family as well as himself and recruited the other slaves on the Planter to plan a daring escape of taking the Planter out of the heavily guarded harbor to the Atlantic and the Union navy. The book describes the detailed planning of taking the ship and the logistics of the difficult escape including fooling different Confederates that they had to pass by dressing and acting like the Planter's white captain who was left behind. Smalls and his fellow slaves also anticipated the initial Union reaction of seeing a Confederate ship sailing toward them, their planning and quick thinking avoided being sunk by Union ships and instead being treated as heroes for delivering a prized ship with prized weapons to the Union cause.
The biography then goes back and recounts Small's upbringing, his life as a slave. It also discusses the strategic and symbolic importance of Charleston and Ft Sumter for both the Union and Rebels and why Smalls' bravery caused him to be so loved in the North and so hated by the White South. It continues with a narrative of the Civil War and Smalls continued bravery; during the war he often went South despite the certain torture and death if captured. Smalls also became a symbol for the North; he met President Lincoln and helped rally support for the cause. He also earned good money, was shrewd in his investments and became wealthy and successful in post war South Carolina. The post Civil War chapters move briskly but do include his political successes and setbacks in the context of the post reconstruction reversion of segregation and stripping of constitutional rights. But one thing remained unchanged during his time; the strength of character, kindness, bravery, and love of the Union that ended slavery.
Great people in our history deserve great books to describe their contributions. Be Free or Die does that
It starts with Robert Smalls' escape from slavery, told with the suspense that matches any novel. Smalls was "rented out" to the owner of the Planter, one of the fastest coastal steamers in the area and relied on by the Confederacy to transport personnel, weapons and supplies around the Charleston harbor. Smalls impressed with his navigation skills and eventually became a pilot for the ship. Smalls wanted freedom for his family as well as himself and recruited the other slaves on the Planter to plan a daring escape of taking the Planter out of the heavily guarded harbor to the Atlantic and the Union navy. The book describes the detailed planning of taking the ship and the logistics of the difficult escape including fooling different Confederates that they had to pass by dressing and acting like the Planter's white captain who was left behind. Smalls and his fellow slaves also anticipated the initial Union reaction of seeing a Confederate ship sailing toward them, their planning and quick thinking avoided being sunk by Union ships and instead being treated as heroes for delivering a prized ship with prized weapons to the Union cause.
The biography then goes back and recounts Small's upbringing, his life as a slave. It also discusses the strategic and symbolic importance of Charleston and Ft Sumter for both the Union and Rebels and why Smalls' bravery caused him to be so loved in the North and so hated by the White South. It continues with a narrative of the Civil War and Smalls continued bravery; during the war he often went South despite the certain torture and death if captured. Smalls also became a symbol for the North; he met President Lincoln and helped rally support for the cause. He also earned good money, was shrewd in his investments and became wealthy and successful in post war South Carolina. The post Civil War chapters move briskly but do include his political successes and setbacks in the context of the post reconstruction reversion of segregation and stripping of constitutional rights. But one thing remained unchanged during his time; the strength of character, kindness, bravery, and love of the Union that ended slavery.
Great people in our history deserve great books to describe their contributions. Be Free or Die does that
June 10, 2018
The life of Robert Smalls might make an interesting book (or maybe magazine article) but this book tried to cover a lot more than that. Smalls was barely in the book after the two beginning chapters. I wasn't looking for a general book about the Civil War and I gave up at around the 25% point.
November 26, 2022
I first learned about Robert Smalls from a video on my favorite History YouTube Channel. I wanted to learn more about this fantastic man and picked up this book so I could. I wasn’t disappointed. Robert Smalls is the most impressive historical figure from the Civil War era that you have never heard of. The man was born a slave, stole a Confederate ship, escaped Charleston Harbor with some friends and family, and turned that ship over to the Union. He eventually became the first African American man to captain a ship for the Army. He went on to become a successful businessman and served five terms in Congress. Perhaps the most amazing and grace-filled aspect of his life was when he bought the house of his former master and allowed the widow of his former master to live in the house. At times, the author waxes speculatively about what some of the people in this story were thinking but overall it is a well-written book that is well worth your time. The book spends the bulk of time spent on the Civil War part of his life but it gives a great overview of the life that many considered the most well-known African-American man after Fredrick Douglass.
May 1, 2022
The first chapter of this book is the most nail-bitingly exciting intro to a nonfiction book that I have read in recent memory; and although the rest of the book proceeds at a more sedate pace, it is still a rewarding reading experience because it attempts to rescue a remarkable African American hero from obscurity. Suffice it to say that Robert Smalls deserves all the attention this author can focus on his stunning list of accomplishments. Born in slavery, he rose to serve in the halls of Congress and was invited to speak privately with Abraham Lincoln. Every U.S. citizen today should read about his bravery and patriotism, especially in the current atmosphere of problematic race relations.
February 3, 2024
Robert Smalls seemed like a pretty awesome "forgotten hero" of the American Civil War (I hadn't heard of him at all until I found this book at the library), and the first chapter is pretty riveting. Unfortunately, it is downhill from there.
The book got rather tedious and boring (I say this as someone who loves history in general and this era of history in particular) quickly. It felt rather disorganized, like the author couldn't decide what the book should be. A biography on Smalls? A local history of Beaufort, South Carolina? A broader history of the American Civil War? It failed on all three fronts and tended to ramble.
The book got rather tedious and boring (I say this as someone who loves history in general and this era of history in particular) quickly. It felt rather disorganized, like the author couldn't decide what the book should be. A biography on Smalls? A local history of Beaufort, South Carolina? A broader history of the American Civil War? It failed on all three fronts and tended to ramble.
April 29, 2020
This is a very readable biography of Smalls' life, mostly focused on the Civil War years. It does delve into his childhood and adult life before his heroic escape from slavery, but it doesn't spend a lot of time on his life after the war.
March 25, 2023
Robert Smalls was certainly a bold one in his day, just his contributions during the Civil War was amazing, but he had an amazing political and business career as well.This book does a reasonable job of dealing with his service time, but skimps on what follows afterwards. A decent read.
July 18, 2023
I really don’t know why we didn’t learn about this man in APUSH. He’s a straight up unit. He manages to seize an entire steamboat and get it past Fort Sumter! The first third of the book is my favorite because that’s the explanation of the cool mission. The rest is filling in the details!
February 13, 2023
An amazing story of Robert Smalls escape from slavery to become a union hero. I have never heard about this hero..... the book was highly recommended.
April 5, 2024
Another excellent example of history that I didn't know about
January 21, 2025
Perseverance is what is needed in every person. This exemplifies what perseverance looks like.
March 14, 2025
Great read on an under appreciated figure in American history
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