The assassination of Abraham Lincoln : flight, pursuit, capture, and punishment of the conspirators

Front matter

OLDROYD

See Lincoln Book Notes

for 11 variants

Preface

Presidents, kings, and emperors have not unfrequently become the mnocent victims of private animosity, ambitious rivalry, treasonable conspiracy, and even ignorant, misguided patriotism. Dark, indeed, is the history of assassinations. But in its long and cruel records no crime has ever paralleled in atrocity the murder of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth, whose name will forever stand out conspicuously on the roll of infamy as that of the arch-assassin.

Rome mourned the tragic end of Caesar; France wept over the downfall, exile, and death of Napoleon; the Netherlands were inconsolable at the loss of the illustrious Prince of Orange; but no people of ancient or modern times ever felt a more profound sorrow over the death of their " foremost man," or ever paid to his memory a more sincere and universal tribute of veneration, love, and tears, than did the American nation on the occasion of the cruel, wanton assassination of their beloved President. Shocking to the civilized world as was his sudden taking ofT, the name of Abraham Lincoln has risen to shine as a star of the first magnitude in the galaxy of History's most influential characters, never to be eclipsed by the fame of a greater or a better man. William the Silent fell when his country could illy spare him, and his last words were, " Oh, my God, have mercy on this poor people! "

President Lincoln died in the hour of his country's iv PREFACE.

triumph, and could he have spoken after the assassin fired upon him, doubtless his kindly words would have been: " Forgive them, they know not what they do." It is but fair to state that men are not wanting who claim the assassination of President Lincoln was the result of a Roman Catholic conspiracy; or that the leaders of the Confederacy planned it. For one, I cannot believe that the Roman Catholic Church ever sanctioned that heinous crime. There were Roman Catholics among the conspirators, but it would be unjust to confound the innocent and the guilty; history cannot hold the Roman Catholic hierarchy responsible for this assassination. This is evident from the fact that the Pope hastened with imusual zeal to deliver up John H. Surratt, a fugitive in his dominions, the moment he heard that he was suspected of having participated in the crime. There was no extradition treaty with the Papal States at the time, but the crime with which Surratt was charged was so diabolical that the Pope and Cardinal Antonelli ordered the suspect's arrest without waiting for a formal demand from the Government of the United States. But whatever light the author of this book may be able or unable to throw upon this phase of the subject, he is confident that he is in possession of facts relating to the general subject that will be of interest to the reader.

During the last forty years I have made a very extensive collection of books, papers, medals, medallions, statuary, original photographs, autograph letters and documents, furniture from the old homestead in Springfield, 111., and numerous other valuable articles relating to Lincoln. To many persons who have visited this collection I have made the promise that I would some day compile for future reference an authentic his-

PREFACE. V

tory of the assassination of President Lincoln, and the flight, pursuit, capture, and punishment of the conspirators. In turning back the leaves of history to that page on which is recorded that awful incident of April 14, 1865, I simply wish to gi\e a faithful record of the plot, not only to destroy a noble human life, but the life of the nation and the life of liberty. Picture Mr. Lincoln, if you will, sitting in the private box of a theater, a victor. He is there in relaxation from the terrible strain that he had experienced in carrying the nation's burden for four long years. The very triumph that had come to him in the surrender of the Confederate army awakens no emotions in his heart save those of forgiveness and charity. The assassin's bullet pierced his brain at the moment when the South most needed his wise counsels. He would have been magnanimous to the foe. It would have pleased hini better to pardon than to punish. He would have overcome his and his country's enemies and transformed them into friends.

The many accounts of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln that have been written make me hesitate to ofifer still another; but having lived for ten years under the roof that once sheltered him in Springfield, 111., and eight years later in the house in which he died, and having met so many persons during the past thirty-six years who either assisted in the escape of the conspirators or took some official part in their capture, trial, and punishment, rare opportunities have been offered me for gathering much true and valuable historical data on this subject.

It is to be hoped that this work will answer the hundreds of questions that have been asked concerning the man and the accomplices of the man who destroyed the precious life of the good and great President, as many of the reports published at the time, and many of the stories vi PREFACE.

since told, have misled the people. As first impressions are the most lasting, the object of this book is to correct those first false impressions. The many questions that are asked by the younger generation who visit the " Oldrovd Lincoln ^Memorial Collection "" in the house in which the President died, convince me that they do not possess the true history of that sad event, though eager to gain a knowledge of the facts.

To satisfy that desire, I present this book to the public, with the hope fhat the work, which has been performed with faithfulness, care, and " malice toward none." will meet its approval. A careful investigation of all the facts and circumstances connected with the assassination, as given by competent authority, tends to show that all the persons who were tried were actually engaged in the conspiracy to kidnap or murder the President. Had the military court reached out a little farther in its investigations. I believe it would have implicated many persons holding positions of power and authority in the service of the Confederate Government.

Whether Booth was the hired agent of a movement organized in Canada to murder the President, and approved at Richmond, I am unable to say. but we do know that the representatives of the Southern Confederacv. who abused the privilege of hospitality while in Canada, made that neutral point a basis of operation against the United States, by organizing plots to burn Northern cities. ^Many went to Canada to sneakingly operate in the rear, too cowardly to stand in the front of the battle with the brave men they deserted.

There were many persons throughout the country who talked disloyalty, sympathized with the spirit of murder. expressed treasonable words, and said 'Sir. Lincoln ought to be killed, and thev would like to shoot him or furnish

PREFACE. vii

the means for his removal. While these persons did not actually perpetrate the deed, their language, spirit, and influence helped to a very great extent to swell the surging tide of conspiracy which culminated at Ford's Theater. They unquestionably shared the responsibility for the crime.

As authority for many statements regarding the evidence given at the trial, reference has been had to Pitman's report, and for valuable information freely given by ofBcers of the Government and others the author is deeply indebted.

OsBORx H. Oldroyd.

Washington, D. C,

October, igoi.

cw^^^w

Chapter I

REJOICING AT THF. CLOSE OF THE REBELLION, AND SCENES AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

Rejoicing of the loyal people, April 1865 — The restoration of the American flag upon Fort Sumter — Washington illuminated — Happiness and hopes of the President, Abraham Lincoln, April 14, 1865 — The immediate political restoration of the States involved in the slave-holders' rebellion resolved upon — "Warnings as to assassination — Personal message to the Western miners and prospectus to be carried by Schuyler Colfax— Invitation to attend the play at Ford's Theater- General Grant's unavoidable absence — Last familiar leaving of the White House — The President arrives at the theater at 8.30 p. m., and is received with a hearty welcome

CHAPTER n.

THE ASSASSINATION.

Ford's Theater, its history, location, and surroundings — Location of the President's box, with preparations and decorations for his occupancy that evening — Booth comes to Ford's Theater to obtain and read his mail as usual — Learns that Lincoln is to be there that evening— A desperate decision is evidently made by him to accomplish their purpose that night — Booth's doings during the day — Booth in the evening enters theater — Shoots the President — Scenes at the moment, and his escape — Statements of the actors and employees of the theater, and those present

X CONTENTS.

Chapter III. Death Of The President, And The Taking Of The Oath

OF OFFICE OF HIS SUCCESSOR.

PAGE

Calls for medical aid — Removal from the theater of the wounded President to a private house opposite — His condition during the night, and his death at 7.22 A. m., April 15 — Description of the house and room in which he died — The distinguished watchers who were present— Removal of the dead President to the White House — Arrangements for taking the oath of office by his successor — Andrew Johnson takes the oath at the Kirkwood House at 11 a. m., April 15 — The autopsy, . 29

Chapter IV. Other Attempts At Assassination Evening Of April 14, 1865

The assassination of President Lincoln only a part of a general scheme to destroy the entire executive branch of the Government — The attempt upon the life of Secretary Seward by Payne — The assassination of Vice- President Johnson assigned to Atzerodt, but who lacked the courage to carry it out — The doings of Herold — The part of O' Laughlin and Arnold, and their call at the reception given by Secretary Stanton, and other incidents — Edward Spangler and his preparations at Ford's Theater — Various plans as to abduction of the President, and other attempts — The arrest of Payne at Mrs. Surratt's, and Dr. JMudd at his home — The probable flight of John H. Surratt, . " . . . .42

Chapter V

THE FLIGHT AND CAPTURE OF BOOTH AND HEROI.D, AND CONFINE- MENT OF THEIR ASSOCIATES — BIOGRAPHIES AND STATEMENTS.

Major A. C. Richards, Superintendent of the Washington police, determined upon an immediate pursuit of Booth into lower Maryland, but was delayed — The pursuit by party under Major James R. O'Beirne, who traced the fugitives to vicinity of Port Royal, Va., and then returns for further orders — Colonel Lafayette C. Baker, with party, takes up the pursuit — The capture at Garrett's place, Virginia, and the death of Booth— The march to Belle Plain, and return by

CONTENTS. xi

PAGE

Steamer to Washington — Identification of the remains of Booth, and burial — The arrest of Mrs. Surratt — The confinement of Payne, Arnold, Atzerodt, and Spangler — The credit of the captures, and the division of the reward— Sketch of John Wilkes Booth and incidents of his career— Sergeant Boston Corbett— Thomas A. Jones, 66

Chapter XI. The Conspiracy And The Conspirators

The continuous scheme of the conspirators — Various plans and attempts from the date of his first inauguration —

Xli CONTENTS.

PAGE

Attempt at the second inauguration — Advertisement in the ZJ/'^/a/f/;, published at Sehna, Ala., December I, 1864 — The acts of conspirators in Canada — Visit of Booth to Canada, 212

Chapter XII

JOHN H. SURRATT, HIS FLIGHT, ARREST, TRIAL, AND ACQUITTAL.

Surratt leaves Washington, probably April 14, 1S65; arrives in Montreal, Can., April 18, 1865 — Remains in Canada until September 15, 1865, when he sailed for Liverpool — The United States Government notified of his arrival — Goes to Rome, Italy, and enlists in the Papal Zouaves — Arrested, and escapes from the guard, November 8, 1866 — Leaves Malta for Alexandria, Egypt, November 19, 1866, and arrested upon arrival — Delivered on board United States corvette Swatara, 21st of December, 1S66, and taken to Washington, D. C. — Trial — Attempted proof of alibi April 14, 1865 — Disagreement of the jury — Again arraigned for trial, but discharged by the court — His lectures and statements, . . . 224

Chapter XIII

NARRATIVE OF A WALK OF THE AUTHOR, MAY, IQOI, OVER THE ROUTE OF FLIGHT AND CAPTURE.

The start from the rear of Ford's Theater — Anacostia bridge — Good Hope Hill, Surrattsville or Clinton — T. B. — St. James' Roman Catholic Church, and grave of Spangler — Dr. Mudd's, Bryantown — St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church — Dentsville — Twenty-mile ride for Henry Woodland— Cox's Station (Bell Alton P. O.)— Visit Samuel Cox, and shown by him the location of thicket where Booth and Herold were secreted — Drive with Woodland to "Huckleberry," Pope's Creek, and Dent's Meadows— Cross the Potomac River in sailboat to home of James A. Arnold — Gambo Creek — Mrs. Quesenberrjf's and Bryan — Dr. Stuart — William Lucas — Edge Hill— Port Conway— William Rollins— Cross Rappahannock River to Port Royal — James Thornton— A chat with citizens — Arrive at Garrett's farm, 240

ILLUSTRATIONS.

The eighty-two half-tone illustrations are from original photographs and drawings in the '• Oldroyd Lincoln Memorial Collection," in the house where Lincoln died, Washington, D. C., and over half of them published for the first time.

PAGE

Abraham Lincoln (Steel Engraving), . . Fr07itispiece OsBORN H. Oldroyd, . . . Folloii.<2iig Preface

A.BRAHAM Lincoln Facing i

The White House, 2

Ford's Theater S

(From Photograph.) Laura Keene, ......... 9

(From a Photograph by Fredericks.) Play Bill Used at Ford's Theater on the Night of THE Assassination 10

(From the Original.) The Damask-back Rocking-Chair, .... 12

(From the Original.") Booth in the Act of Leaping out of the Box to the Stage, after Shooting the President, ... 18

(From a sketch by Berghaus in Frank Leslie's, May 6, 1865.) The Flag Draped in the President's Box, in Which Booth Caught his Spur, ig

(From the Original.) Booth Crossing the Stage after Leaping from the Box, 22

(From Frank Leslie's, May 20, 1865.) Spur Worn by Booth, 23

(From the Original.) Booth's Escape from the Rear of the Theater, . . 25

(From Frank Leslie's, May 13, 1865 ) The Assassin's Vision 28

(From a Sketch.)

The House in which Lincoln Died 30

(From a Photograph.) Deathbed of Lincoln 33

(From Harper's Weekly, May 6, 1865.) Diagram of the Second Story of the House in which Lincoln Died 3^

(Drawn by Gilbert Thompson.)

xiu xiv ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

William T. Clark, 39

(From a Photograph.) The Blaine House, 43

(From a Photograph by Leet Bros.) Mrs. Surratt's House, 63

(From a Photograph.) Home of Richard Henry Garrett 70

(From a Photograph.) Booth Standing in the Barn While it is Burning, . 74

(From Harper' s Weekly^ 1865.) The Officers and Soldiers Dragging Booth out of the Burning Barn after He was Shot, . • • • 75

(From Frank Leslie's, May 13, 1865.) Plan of Garrett's Place, 77

(Drawn by Gilbert Thompson.) Post-Mortem of Booth on the Monitor " Montauk," . 80

(From Harper's Weekly, 1865.) The Monitor " Saugus," 81

Reward Bill for the Apprehension of Booth, Surratt,

AND Herold, 85

(From the Original.) John Wilkes Booth 89

Play Bill, » . 90

(From the Original.) Boston Corbett , . „ . . 99

(From a Photograph.) Thomas A. Jones » . . 100

(From a Photograph.) Residence of Colonel Samuel Cox, loi

(From a Photograph.) The Fugitives' Retreat 103

(From a Photograph.) St. Charles Hotel, Port Tobacco 105

(From, a Photograph.) Allen's Fresh, 107

Huckleberry, the Home of Thomas A. Jones, . . 108

The Point from which the Fugitives Started to Cross the Potomac, ......... 109

(From a Photograph.) The Capitol at Washington, . . . , . .112

(From a Photograph.) The Temporary Vault, 114

(From a Photograph by Pittman.)

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Members of the Military Commission, . . . .117

Interior of the Court Room During the Trial, . . 121

(From Frank Leslie's, June 3, 1865.) Plan of the Court Room Occui'IEU by itie JNIilitary Commission, 123

(From a Wood-cut.) The Old Capitol Prison, 125

(From a Photograph.) Mrs. Mary E. Surratt, 130

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) George A. Atzekodi- i33

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) David E. Herold, 136

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) Lewis Payne, i39

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, 141

(From a Photograph by Dyer.)

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, . . . .143

(From a Photograph.) Samuel Arnold i47

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) Edward Spangler, 14S

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) Michael O'Laughlin, Mq

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas, Fi.a., . . . .151

(From the Scientific American.) Louis J. ^YE1CHMANN i54

(From a Photograph, 1865.) General John F. Hartranft and St.^ff, in Charge of the Execution of the Conspirators, 200

(From a Photograph.) View of the Scaffold while ihe Officers are Adjusting THE Nooses around the Necks of the Condemned, 203

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) View of the Scaffold after the Trap was Sprung, . 205

(From a Photograph by Gardner.) Booth Lot in Green Mount Cemetery, Baltimore, Md., 207

Letter from Superintendent of Green Mount Cemetery, 210

(From the Original.)

(Photograph by Brady.) John H. Surratt 233 xvi ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

Eastern Branch Bridge, 241

(From a Photograph by Brady.) Street in Surrattsville, 244

(From a Photograph.) Home of Mrs. Surratt, Surrattsville, Md., . . . 246

(From a Photograph.) T. B 248

(From a Photograph.) Gaie Leading from the Main Road to Dr. Mudd's House, 250

(From a Photograph.) Home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, ...... 252

(From a Photograph.) The Home of Dr. Mudd's Father, 254

(From a Photograph.) Bryantown Hotel, ... .... 257

(From a Photograph.) Street in Bryantown, Md., Looking North, . . .261

(From a Photograph.) Henry Woodland 264

(From a Photograph.) Dent's Meadow, ......... 272

fFrom a Photograph.) Pope's Creek, Md., 277

(From a Photograph.) Gambo Creek 2S0

(From a Photograph.) Bridge over Gambo Creek, 282

(From a Photograph.) Home of Mks. Quesenberry, 284

(From a Photograph.) Entrance to Dr. Stuart's Home, 2S6

Summer Home of Dr. Richard Stuart, .... 2S8

(From a Photograph.) The Home of William Lucas 290

(From a Photograph.) Port Conway, Va., 292

(From a Photograph.) House of William Rollins, Port Conway, . . . 294

(From a Photograph.) Port Royal, Va 296

(From a Photograph.) James Thornton, 302

(From a Photograph.) Map Showing Route of Flight of John Wilkes Booth-

(From a Drawing by Gilbert Thompson.)

Introduction

When the great soul of Abraham Lincoln took its flight on the morning of the 15th of April, 1865, his War Secretary, Edwin M. Stanton, who had sat by his bedside all the night with a heart almost bursting with grief, quietly arose and said, " Now he belongs to the ages."

Never was this more truly predicated of any man. Among all the great men of earth whose names are written on the imperishable rolls of fame none ever had a greater commission given him by his Creator, none a more important mission to the world, and so he was endowed by his Maker with all the great qualities of mind and heart that fitted him for his mighty task, and enabled him to bring it to a successful issue. His mission to the world has its only parallel in that of Moses. Abraham Lincoln belongs not only to his country, but to the world and to the ages. He was in the broadest sense a philanthropist. His story will never pall. Men will never tire of reading of Lincoln. From his humble birth in a log cabin in Kentucky, on to the end, his life is full of interest.

This book treats of his last days and of his sad taking ofif. Although it contains facts only, carefully gathered up, vet these facts are of so much interest, and of such a character, that it will have the interest of a novel, and insure it a great popularity. The very name of Lincoln, when pronounced in an audible voice, has a sweetness

xvii xviii INTRODUCTION.

to the ear, and the story of his last days on earth and of his death by the hand of a vile miscreant will always be read with the deepest interest. The facts recorded in this book have been gathered with the greatest care, and will be found both new and interesting.

T. M. Harris.

THE ASSASSINATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Chapter I

REJOICING AT THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION, AND SCENES AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

April 14, 1861, the American flag was hauled down, from Fort Sumter amid the rockings of the RebelHon, and, after four years of war on a scale of astonishing vastness, it was again hoisted over the cruml)led battlements, April 14, 1865, and throughout the land loyal hearts felt a thrill of exultation at the thought that righteousness had finally triumphed on the very spot where the first open onslaught upon the Union was made. That very day President Lincoln was full of life and hoi)e. laboring with a cheerful heart for the public welfare; and the dark clouds of rebellion, which during his whole administration had lowered above, were just beginning to lift and give assurance that the stars were shining beyond. In such an hour of hope and joy the fatal blow of the assassin was struck. The President had returned to Washington in the r^krr Queen the evening of April 9, in safety, from a trip to the front, which included a visit to Richmond, on the 4th of April, the day after its evacuation, with the full confidence that the blood of the nation would soon stop flowing, and that the remaining years of his Presidency would be years of comparative

ASSASSINATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

THE WHITE HOUSE.

quietude. The capital of the Southern Confederacy, fortified with the utmost care and skill, defended with an army equal in courage and skill to our own, fell. and. without pomp or military escort, the President entered it and walked the streets from which the Southern army had fled forever. Then came on the 9th the surrender of the Napoleon of the Southern army, and the breeze from the South land wafted to the North the first breath of returning peace, which brought forth great rejoicing. President Lincoln laid aside the sword of battle, and in return stretched out in his hand the olive branch, and his great heart went out in sympathy for the defeated.

General Grant arrived at Washington on the 13th, for the purpose of making proper arrangements for the disbanding of a portion of the immense army in the field. Robert T. Lincoln, who was on his stalif, accompanied him. In January, 1865, ^^^ ^^'^s attached to the staff of

REJOICING AT CLOSE OF REBELLION. 3

General Grant, with the rank of captain, at the special request of the President, and the appointment pleased Mr. Lincoln very much. Robert breakfasted at the White House on the morning of the 14th, and the President listened with much interest to the details of the campaign that had just terminated. The Cabinet held a meeting at eleven o'clock, at which General Grant was present. This was the last time the President met with his Cabinet, and it was a most important and satisfactory meeting. The restoration of that portion of country lately in rebellion was discussed, and with one voice it was agreed to restore them to their old place in the sisterhood of States. In the afternoon the President had a pleasant interview with Governor Richard Oglesby and Senator Richard Yates of Illinois, and other prominent persons. He wrote — probably his last letter — on this date to General James H. Van Alen of New York, who had asked Mr. Lincoln not to expose his life unnecessarily, as he had done at Richmond, and assuring him of the earnest desire of all of his countrymen to close the war he had so successfully conducted. " I intend," wrote Lincoln. " to adopt the advice of m\ friends, and use precaution. I thank you for the assurance you give me that I shall be supported by conservative men like yourself in the efforts I may make to restore the L^nion, so as to make it, to use your own language, a union of hearts and hands as well as of States." Hon. Schuyler Colfax was one of the early callers upon the President that day. He contemplated visiting the mining regions of the West. ]\Ir. Lincoln conversed with him for an hour, saying: " I want you to take a message from me to the miners whom you visit. I have very large ideas of the mineral wealth of our nation. 1 believe it practically inexhaustible. It exists all over the Western countrw from the

Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, and its development has scarcely commenced. During the war, when we were adding a couple of millions of dollars every day to our national debt, I did not care about encouraging the increase in the volume of our precious metal. We had the country to save first. But now that the rebellion is overthrown, and we know pretty nearly the amount of our national debt, the more gold and silver we mine makes the payment of that debt so much the easier. Now, I am going to encourage that in every possible way. We shall have hundreds of thousands of disbanded soldiers, and many have feared that their return home in such great numbers might paralyze industry by furnishing suddenly a greater supply of labor than there will be a demand for. I am going to try to attract them to the hidden wealth of our mountain ranges, where there is room enough for all. Immigration, which even the war has not stopped, will land upon our shores hundreds of thousands more per year from overcrowded Europe. I intend to point them to the gold and silver that waits for them in the West. Tell the miners, from me, that I shall promote their interests to the utmost of my ability, because their prosperity is the prosperity of the nation; and we shall prove, in a very few years, that we are, indeed, the treasury of the world."

During the afternoon the President and Mrs. Lincoln took quite an extended drive through the city, and during the time he was in a cheerful mood, talking of the troubles of the past and the long looked-for pleasures of the future, when they would be again settled at Springfield, 111. Mr. Lincoln was extremely happy in the events of the day which closed his mortal career.

President Lincoln and Mr. Colfax sat together in a room at the White House at 8 o'clock p. m., engaged

REJOICING AT CLOSE OF REBELLION. 5

in earnest conversation, when 'Sirs. Lincoln entered to remind the President that it was time to go to the theater. General and Mrs. Grant had left the city that evening; and Mrs. Lincoln, learning of their departure, extended an invitation to Major Henry R. Rathbone and Miss Clara Harris to accompany them, which was accepted.

Mr. Lincoln gave Mr. George Ashmun, who had called to see him just as he was leaving for the theater, a card to admit himself and friend early the next morning. This was the last bit of writing that the President's hand ever traced.

To ]\Ir. Colfax his last words were: "Do not forget to tell the people in the mining regions, as vou pass through them, what I told you this morning about the developments when peace comes, and I will telegraph you at San Francisco." It was ten minutes after eight o'clock when Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln entered their carriage, arriving at the residence of Senator Harris, corner of Fifteenth and H streets, the present site of the Columbian L'niversity, ten minutes later, calling for Major Rathbone and Miss Harris, and reaching the theater at half-past eight o'clock.

Through a great desire to see General Grant, who was advertised in the Ei'ciiing Star to attend the theater with the President, many persons purchased tickets for that occasion. The President was a familiar figure to many, consequently his presence did not create quite the desire to see him as did that of the man who caused the curtain to drop upon the closing scene of the great civil war drama. General and Mrs. Grant, however, left Washington for Burlington. X. J., at six o'clock on the evening of the 14th, to visit their children; but upon learning of the assassination of the President, General Grant returned to Washington, leaving Burlington at the same hour on the morning of the 15th. His sudden departure from the capital undoubtedly defeated one of the plans of the conspirators, and spared the country the horror of a double tragedy.

From the moment the President entered the theater he saw nothing to indicate that he was not as secure as any one of the audience around him, and no one in that vast assembly dreamed that there was any murderous agency lurking there. The brilliant lights shone upon the happy face of the President, and the sweet music and ringing cheers of the audience were the joyous evidences of a preserved Union and a new national life.

Lincoln, followed by the huzzas of the whole theater rising and cheering, stopped in the door of that fatal box, and returned the acclamations with his benignant bow and smile!

Chapter II. The Assassination

The night of April 14. 1865, was to witness the culmination of a conspiracy which had its inception at the time of the first inauguration of President Lincoln. John Wilkes Booth, an actor, was now its foremost local leader and figure. But, of all this, more anon.