The Life, Crime, and Capture of John Wilkes Booth

“Booth has simply carried out what ... secession politicians and journalists have been for years expressing in words ... who have denounced the President as a ‘tyrant,’ a ‘despot,’ a ‘usurper,’ hinted at, and virtually recommended.” —San Francisco Chronicle, 1865

The Life, Crime, and Capture of John Wilkes Booth (1865) is George Townsend’s description of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and his murderer. The following is a telling quote from his book:

“As (Booth) appeared at the door… Major Rathbone arose. “Are you aware, sir,” he said, courteously, “upon whom you are intruding. This is the President's box, and no one is admitted.” The intruder answered not a word. Fastening his eyes upon Mr. Lincoln, who had half turned his head to ascertain what caused the disturbance, he stepped quickly back without the door… He only cast one furtive glance upon the man he was to slay, and thrusting one hand in his bosom, another in his skirt pocket, drew forth simultaneously his deadly weapons. His right palm grasped a Derringer pistol, his left a dirk. Then, at a stride, he passed the threshold again, levelled his arm at the President and bent the trigger…”