Memoirs by a Conspirator

[historybuff22]

I came across a book I had not seen before. It is Memoirs of a Conspirator - Samuel Bland Arnold - Edited by Michael W. Kuffman - 2008

The book originates from a diary written by Samuel Arnold. While most of the writings are of his experiences at Dry Tortugas and after his release, it does clear up some things in regards to the assassination itself. 151 pages are devoted to the writing by Arnold AND 22 pages of a bibliography!! Also, only primary source material was used. So many so-called history books rely on books written by other authors - 3rd or 4th generation sources - for their writings.

Hats off to Michael W. Kuffman for producing a history book the way it should be done.

Rick Brown'
HistoryBuff.com
A Nonprofit Organization

[Gene C]

I've read this about 2 years ago. It's a good book. Gives you a decent idea of his experiences in Old Capitol Prison, at trial, and then at Ft. Jefferson. I'd recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Lincoln-Co...onspirator

[RJNorton]

I think one of the most interesting things in the book is that Arnold denies there was any Confederate involvement in the plot. I know many experts do not agree with that claim.

[L Verge]

(10-29-2014 01:24 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  I think one of the most interesting things in the book is that Arnold denies there was any Confederate involvement in the plot. I know many experts do not agree with that claim.

I know Sam said that in his memoirs, but I sure would love for him to explain what he meant in that letter about seeing what "R-----d" would say. I think his memoirs are much like Thomas Jones book on his part in Booth's escape -- protect the cohorts and captains to the end.

[STS Lincolnite]

(10-29-2014 06:12 PM)L Verge Wrote:  

(10-29-2014 01:24 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  I think one of the most interesting things in the book is that Arnold denies there was any Confederate involvement in the plot. I know many experts do not agree with that claim.

I know Sam said that in his memoirs, but I sure would love for him to explain what he meant in that letter about seeing what "R-----d" would say. I think his memoirs are much like Thomas Jones book on his part in Booth's escape -- protect the cohorts and captains to the end.

I suspect that Arnold along with some of the other conspirators may not have known how deep the roots of the conspiracy truly went but it's hard to argue they knew nothing (and that there was nothing to know). Especially with such thinly veiled references as exemplified in Laurie's post.

[L Verge]

(10-28-2014 10:35 PM)historybuff22 Wrote:  I came across a book I had not seen before. It is Memoirs of a Conspirator - Samuel Bland Arnold - Edited by Michael W. Kuffman - 2008

The book originates from a diary written by Samuel Arnold. While most of the writings are of his experiences at Dry Tortugas and after his release, it does clear up some things in regards to the assassination itself. 151 pages are devoted to the writing by Arnold AND 22 pages of a bibliography!! Also, only primary source material was used. So many so-called history books rely on books written by other authors - 3rd or 4th generation sources - for their writings.

Hats off to Michael W. Kuffman for producing a history book the way it should be done.

Rick Brown'
HistoryBuff.com
A Nonprofit Organization

I meant to point this out earlier: This paperback version of Arnold's memoirs is a reprint of the original done by Mike Kauffman in 1995. It was the first book published by the author - nearly ten years before American Brutus.

[Gene C]

Are you sure R_____d isn't "Richard" instead of Richmond?

Like maybe Richard Smoot?
Just trying to muddy the water.

[L Verge]

(10-29-2014 08:12 PM)Gene C Wrote:  Are you sure R_____d isn't "Richard" instead of Richmond?

Like maybe Richard Smoot?
Just trying to muddy the water.

Gene, please don't play in that mud puddle; the waters surrounding the Lincoln assassination are already muddy enough.