Be Free or Die Audiobook By Cate Lineberry cover art

Be Free or Die

The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero

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Be Free or Die

By: Cate Lineberry
Narrated by: J. D. Jackson
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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 23-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.

©2017 Cate Lineberry (P)2018 Tantor American Civil War Americas Black & African American Engineering Historical Military Politicians Politics & Activism Ships & Shipbuilding State & Local Transportation United States Wars & Conflicts Civil War War Heartfelt Inspiring

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On June 19, 1865, Union general Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 to announce the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to the residents of the state of Texas—finally freeing all remaining enslaved people, nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln’s original proclamation. Juneteenth is an opportunity for the African American community to honor their history, achievements, and important contributions to America. Here are outstanding Juneteenth audiobooks in recognition of our newest federal holiday.

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Extraordinary Heroism • Untold History • Excellent Reader • Unsung Hero • Compelling Narrative • Historical Significance
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I live in Beaufort so I'm partial to stories about our history. And no man of Beaufort was as great of a mam as the Honorable Robert Smalls. This book should be adapted into a screenplay and made into a movie.

Great Book about a Great man

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Not sure if this is crazy or sad; we didn’t learn about this in school growing up!

History!!

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Great to read about an unsung hero. I do t understand why a big production movie has not been made about him yet.

Great Listen

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I liked the whole story how it finished the entire arc following his life

Amazing man of amazing character, this should be made into a blockbuster movie!

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This book not only does an excellent job of recounting Robert Smalls extraordinary life, pursuit of freedom and contributions to this country, it also gives the reader a feel for the complex climate of the times by examining the political policies and players involved that lead to and followed the failed rebellious coup of the Confederacy.

Extremely well done!

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In telling Smalls' story, Cate Lineberry has dignified African-Americans with their God-given right to life, liberty and property!
I have come to know a compassionate and kind people, the Gullah and their culture. As an avid reader of history, I have thoroughly enjoyed the historical role of South Carolina's Charleston, Beaufort & the Sea Isalnds. What a treassure trove of historical gems!
But a pity, the whites could not rise to the gracious perspective, generous spirit and neighborly love exemplified by Robert Smalls with what the Scriptures taught.

Thank you for this history!

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We should know this name, Robert Smalls.The courage of Smalls and others at such a volatile.

The courage of Smalls and others at such a volatile.

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The book describes a well written story of true events in an interesting manner. It shows the importance of individual courage, determination and strength to promote what is good and right and fair, in the face of danger or personal loss.

This is a true story of our history, which I have never heard of before!

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outstanding take on history about a person who lived the true meaning of free man and dedication to service of his country

very good book

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I searched this out after hearing a podcast that summed up Smalls' life in 20 minutes (and wanting more). This is genuinely an American Story that deserves to be heard, and needs to be told...
While listening, I was at first put off a bit by the narrators' "imitations" of historic characters' quotations - I felt it was distracting and a bit hokey at first... the more I listened, the more I realized that the way this is executed is actually the best possible way to handle the numerous quotes.
This mans' story should absolutely be conveyed in the medium of film. What an epic life Smalls led, and what an impact he had.
I genuinely enjoyed learning about this inspiring man and the lives that intertwined with him. An awesome book, and well read. So grateful to Cate Lineberry for telling this tale, and illuminating me.

A Story That Needs To Be Heard...

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