Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero

Robert Smalls, a slave living in Charleston, SC, commandeered a Confederate naval vessel in 1862, sailed past fortified Confederate strongholds, and delivered the ship and its guns to the Union Navy. Journalist Lineberry (The Secret Rescue) successfully charts Smalls's (1839–1915) epic and dangerous voyage, illuminating the many roles Smalls played in garnering freedom for enslaved African Americans. The author provides ample evidence to suggest that Smalls was instrumental in advancing the mind-set of many colonists concerning what enslaved people were willing to do to aid themselves and their families. Lineberry parallels Smalls's actions with other events occurring throughout the country, bringing to life the multiple moving parts and politics that went into furthering the cause for African American participation in the Union military—a strategy that eventually assisted in the Union victory.