Lincoln's Advocate: The Life of Judge Joseph Holt

by Susan B. Dyer

One of the state s highest-ranking national figures, the story of Judge Joseph Holt and his remarkable life has remained untold...until now. Susan Dyer has dove in with both hands, uncovering a brilliant legal mind who had been appointed cabinet posts under several presidents in such diverse positions as Commissioner of Patents, Postmaster General, Secretary of War, and finally, our nation s first-ever Judge Advocate General, where he had the tremendous responsibility of prosecuting the conspirators who had slain the very president who had appointed him to that office, President Abraham Lincoln. Similarly fascinating, this book tells the story of Holt Mansion, its many mysteries, legends and historic events and the immense project to acquire and restore it to its antebellum splendor that is underway today. No Kentucky s collection or library will be complete without this amazing account. When President Abraham Lincoln appointed fellow Kentuckian Joseph Holt as America s first-ever Judge Advocate General, he could never have imagined that this very talented gentleman s greatest role in their divided nation s history would be that crucial position which he would play in the prosecution of Lincoln s own assassins. Thus, America s Advocate became Lincoln s Advocate.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009