Daring and Suffering

by William Pittenger

During the evening of April 7, 1862, twenty-four men infiltrated the Confederate lines below Shelbyville, Tennessee. Their goal was to steal a train and head north, disrupting rail service between Chattanooga and Atlanta by burning bridges, tearing up track, and cutting telegraph wires. If successful, they would isolate Chattanooga and possibly facilitate its capture, enabling the city to serve as a base for Union raids into Alabama.

They failed. Three never made it. Seven were hanged as spies. Eight escaped. Six languished in a Southern stockade until they were paroled. Eighteen received the Medal of Honor.

Although little was gained militarily by the adventure, the story of the Great Locomotive Chase (also known as the Andrews raid) has fascinated generations of Americans with its many ironies and particularly the dogged persistence of one man; William Fuller, the conductor of the stolen train who relentlessly pursued the raiders. Fuller followed them on foot, by handcar, and by locomotive, even running an engine in reverse at speeds up to ninety miles an hour.

Among the raiders was Cpl. William Pittenger. Shortly after he was mustered out, he composed an account of the mission, which was enlarged over subsequent editions and supplemented to become the most well-known and best-regarded account of the adventure. This book is a reproduction of the 1887 edition. It has been duplicated exactly as it appeared at that time with the addition of a brief introduction by Col. James G. Bogle.

Genres: History, War, Civil War, Nonfiction, Trains, American History

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1863

About the author

1840-1904

Reviews

[Joel Manuel]

A first-hand account of "The Great Locomotive Chase," or Andrews' Raiders, who stole the engine "General" in Kennesaw, Georgia in 1862. It is a quick, enjoyable read, focuing mainly on author William Pittenger's experiences as a prisoner of war in Chattanooga, Atlanta, Knoxville, and Richmond. My edition is part of the "Collector's Library of the Civil War," a copy of the original edition. Highly recommended for those interested in the Chase.

[Debbie Zapata]

An amazing true experience from the Civil War. Worth reading.

[Kalman Buterbaugh]

Read this book because the movie that is based on it was one of my childhood favorites, and it did not at all disappoint. It was honestly an incredible experience to hear the tale firsthand and to hear commentary on the civil war from someone who lived through it himself. Pittenger also has an incredible gift with words.

[J R]

The great locomotive chase; a history of the Andrews railroad raid into Georgia in 1862. Friend mentioned this book to me back in February 17, so I was able to get it from UCLA library because I was not able to find it anywhere.

[Hugh Henry]

Daring and Suffering is the third edition of William Pittenger's account of the Great Locomotive Chase. The famous raid behind Confederate lines by Union spies from Ohio comes to life in this first-hand account in ponderous detail. After stealing a locomotive in civilian clothes, the soldiers attempted unsuccessfully to burn a bridge between Atlanta and Chattanooga as the train conductor and the railroad superintendent gave chase. The Confederates captured all of the raiders and hanged eight of them after a trial for spying. The story is exciting and Pittenger's research is thorough, including the accounts of several raiders after they escaped from Fulton County Prison and made their way back to Union lines. His prose is VERY TEDIOUS, so only dedicated readers will get through the whole book. This book is important because some raiders accused Pittenger of betraying some of their members upon his capture. Pittenger attempts to cover his tracks, but without very much success.

[Wes]

Well, I didn't love it. Maybe it is just because I was mislead by the title or maybe it had more to do with the writing style, but I just didn't really care for it. Fortunately it was a very quick and simple read.

Don't expect much about a railroad adventure. Expect a very short bit about a railroad adventure (if you can call it that) with the rest being about what it's was like is a Civil War Confederate Prison. Interesting for those really into the Civil War, but I don't think anyone else will really find anything all that special about it.

[Monte Lamb]

A very good first hand account from one of the Northern soldiers involved in the "Great Locomotive Chase". The only fault I can find is that it does not go into as much detail as I would have liked with the actual stealing of the locomotive and the chase. What it does do is give a very good portrait of the time spent after the chase, their imprisonment, and release. It gives a good representation of the emotional ups-and-downs throughout the time in prison.

[John]

First person account of the Great Train Race in 1862. The author was a participant along with 21 otheres. The book was published in 1863 during the war and gave Notherners a look at the event and the subsequent actions taken by the Confederate government. Some were executed, some escaped and some were exchanged. Very interesting.

[Avis Black]

A classic account of one of the most unusual stories coming out of the Civil War

[Roberto]

Interesting if you can get over the language. Great 19th century writers are a pleasure to read. Not-so-good 19th century writers, on the other hand...