Dual Warning captures the critical days surrounding President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s journey to Washington, D.C. on February 21, amidst mounting threats to his safety. The news of an assassination plot against him had reached the ears of several key figures, with General Winfield Scott acting swiftly on the reports he received from Dorothea Dix, who was connected to the railroad executive Samuel Felton. The threat was deemed credible enough for Scott to call upon the expertise of John A. Kennedy, head of the New York City police, to investigate further. Kennedy, who was already in action, had sent detectives into Southern cities, particularly to Baltimore, where tensions were running high. To bolster their efforts, Scott enlisted Colonel Charles P. Stone, a newly appointed inspector for the District of Columbia Militia, to assist with the intelligence gathering, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

In the following days, Kennedy’s detectives went undercover in Southern cities, gathering critical information on the alleged plot against Lincoln. One of them, David S. Bookstaver, posed as a music agent in Baltimore and began hearing alarming discussions about the possible assassination. As news of the potential threat spread, the situation grew more urgent, especially with Lincoln’s scheduled arrival in Baltimore. Scott, concerned about the implications of such an act, had a crucial conversation with Secretary of State William Henry Seward. In response, Seward instructed his son, Frederick, to take immediate action and personally warn Lincoln. Frederick quickly made his way to Philadelphia, where Lincoln was staying at the Continental Hotel, while Lincoln’s aide, Norman Judd, met with renowned detective Allan Pinkerton. Pinkerton voiced his grave concerns regarding the plot and urged that Lincoln’s safety be prioritized.

Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Frederick met with Lincoln, and the two discussed the details of the conspiracy. Lincoln listened carefully to the reports and the potential danger posed to him, but he remained skeptical of the credibility of the intelligence. In a calm and collected manner, Lincoln questioned the details surrounding the threat and the people involved, reflecting his character as a leader who took time to assess information carefully before acting. Although his safety was at risk, Lincoln did not panic; instead, he continued to move forward with his schedule. His measured response to the warnings exemplified his leadership qualities, and he maintained control of his decisions, which was crucial as the country faced such political unrest. His approach illustrated a key trait of his presidency: the ability to stay grounded and focused, even when the stakes were as high as they were. The chapter concludes with Lincoln reflecting on his father’s advice, weighing the concerns about his safety, and deciding whether or not to adjust his travel plans for the next day.

This chapter emphasizes the intense political climate in which Lincoln was placed. The imminent danger surrounding his arrival, combined with the national unrest over the impending inauguration, created a tense atmosphere that could have easily led to rash decisions. Yet Lincoln’s ability to maintain his composure and remain thoughtful in his actions set him apart as a leader. The chapter also reflects the deeper fears surrounding his presidency, particularly regarding his ability to navigate threats, both external and internal, with a sense of duty. It also highlights the constant pressure Lincoln faced, with the nation teetering on the edge of civil war, and the sense of uncertainty and unease that permeated his early days in office. While his leadership was immediately tested, this event foreshadowed the types of difficult situations he would face throughout his presidency, requiring calm and deliberate decision-making. This episode of the attempted assassination furthered the sense of unease within the nation and showcased the numerous risks that were present in the early days of his leadership.