This book recounts the story of President Abraham Lincoln's role in the Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864. This engagement stands apart in American history as the only time a sitting American president came under enemy fire while in office. In this new study of this overlooked moment in American history, Cooling poses a troubling question: What if Lincoln had been shot and killed during this short battle, nine months prior to his death by John Wilkes Booth's hand in Ford's Theater? A potential pivotal moment in the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Stevens could have changed - with Lincoln's demise - the course of American history.

Mr. Lincoln's capital as center of gravity -- Lincoln and the army come to the suburbs -- Abe's re-election, Old Jube and the moment of greatest danger -- Sigel/Weber and upper Potomac delays -- Monocacy, a secretary's son and the road to Washington -- Blindness or stupidity on a hot weekend -- First defenders to the front: Lincoln at Fort Stevens, July 11 -- The president is almost shot: July 12 -- Rebel recessional/yankee repercussions -- Lincoln, Fort Stevens and American memory.