CLK Chapter 9 Audio

Summary

In 'Chasing Lincoln's Killer,' Chapter Nine delves into John Wilkes Booth's escape and the challenges he faced, from his lack of preparation for an extended hideout to the growing public condemnation of his actions. As he and Harold hid in Maryland, Booth's appearance deteriorated, affecting his plans to receive a proper reception in Virginia. Meanwhile, the nation mourned Lincoln's death with a solemn funeral procession, while detectives pursued Booth's conspirators, leading to the arrest of George Atzerodt and Samuel Mudd, who had aided the assassins.

Takeaways

• 🎯 John Wilkes Booth planned the assassination but was unprepared for an extended escape, focusing on speed over camping gear.
• 👔 Booth's appearance, initially a key part of his disguise, deteriorated due to lack of change of clothes, making him look more like a fugitive.
• 📰 Booth was shocked by the unanimous condemnation in newspapers and the transformation of Lincoln into a martyr and hero after his death.
• 🔍 Samuel Mudd, who helped Booth, lied to protect him, sending the manhunters on a false lead and risking his own capture.
• 🚨 The manhunters were closing in, with a cavalry officer following up on a tip about strangers at Mudd's farm on the night of the assassination.
• 📖 Booth wrote in his diary to explain his reasons for assassinating Lincoln, but his letter was never published due to fear from the actor friend who was supposed to deliver it.
• 👥 John Surratt, another conspirator, was mistakenly identified as Seward's attacker in newspapers, even though he was not in Washington during the assassination.
• 🏠 The nation mourned Lincoln's death with a solemn funeral procession on Pennsylvania Avenue, marking a profoundly moving moment in U.S. history.
• 🚂 After the funeral, Lincoln's body was to be transported by a special train to Springfield, Illinois, his hometown.
• 💼 Detectives prepared to raid the Philadelphia home of Booth's sister, Asia Booth Clarke, searching for documents and evidence related to the assassination.
• 🏁 With the arrest of George Atzerodt, who confessed details about the plot, the War Department was making progress in capturing the inner circle of the conspiracy.

Q & A

What was John Wilkes Booth's primary concern during his escape after assassinating Lincoln?

John Wilkes Booth's primary concern during his escape was the need for speed, not camping in the forest of Maryland. He was unprepared for an extended stay outdoors and was fearful of being captured.

How did Booth's attire affect his escape plan?

Booth's attire, which was suitable for a modern-day business suit, was not ideal for camping out. His garments quickly became dirty, which could jeopardize his ability to receive a proper reception at the Virginia households he planned to visit.

What did Booth and Harold lack during their escape that made them look like fugitives?

Booth and Harold lacked a change of clothing, the ability to breathe or bathe, and the means to wash their clothes. They were unshaven, which made them look and smell like fugitives.

What did Thomas Jones risk by visiting Booth and Harold?

Thomas Jones risked capture, arrest, or worse by visiting Booth and Harold. Soldiers had visited and searched his farm, and his visits to the fugitives could have implicated him in their crimes.

How did the newspapers' portrayal of Lincoln's assassination affect Booth?

The newspapers condemned Booth for his heinous act and portrayed Lincoln as a martyr and hero. This change in perception and the vicious language used against Booth stunned and revolted him.

Why was Booth's letter to the National Intelligencer not published?

Booth's letter was not published because his actor friend, who was supposed to deliver it, was terrified of being connected to the assassination and never delivered the letter to the newspapers; instead, he burnt it.

What did Booth write in his small date book to explain his actions?

Booth wrote a letter to history in his small date book, explaining some of the reasons for assassinating Lincoln, his longing for the South as it was, and his deploration of the Union.

What mistake did John Surratt make that led to his identification as Seward's attacker?

John Surratt was mistakenly identified as Seward's attacker because of accounts that reported his involvement, even though he was not in Washington on the evening of the assassination and was part of the kidnapping plot, not the assassination.

What happened on April 19th in Washington that made it the most solemn day in the nation's history?

April 19th was the day of President Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession on Pennsylvania Avenue, which was a profoundly moving spectacle and the most solemn day in the nation's history.

Why did the soldiers decide to arrest Dr. Samuel Mudd after searching his farm?

The soldiers decided to arrest Dr. Samuel Mudd because they believed he was guilty of something, as he had given aid and comfort to Lincoln's killers and lied to protect them during their questioning.

What action did Stanton take following the arrest of George Atzerodt, and what was the significance of this action?

Following George Atzerodt's arrest, Stanton issued a new proclamation offering a reward of $100,000 for Lincoln's killers, an enormous sum. This action increased the pressure and urgency in capturing the conspirators and included photos of the most wanted men in the country.