The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer: Uncovering the True Story

On the fateful night of April 14, 1865, the nation was plunged into mourning as President Abraham Lincoln fell victim to the assassination plot orchestrated by John Wilkes Booth. As darkness descended upon the capital, Booth fled the scene at Ford's Theatre, triggering a relentless 12-day pursuit that captivated the nation.

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer (P.S.)

by James L. Swanson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	469 pages

FREE

The Trail of the Assassin

With the weight of a nation's grief upon their shoulders, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton assembled a formidable team of detectives, soldiers, and bloodhounds to track down Booth. The pursuit began in earnest, as the authorities followed a circuitous trail through Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Booth's accomplices, including David Herold and Lewis Powell, played key roles in his escape. Herold, Booth's trusted friend, provided him with a horse and aided in his flight. Powell, an unhinged Confederate sympathizer, attempted to assassinate Secretary of State William Seward the same night.

The Hunt Intensifies

As the chase progressed, the pursuers closed in on Booth's hideout at a farm in Virginia. On April 26, 1865, Union cavalry surrounded the Garrett family's barn, where Booth had taken refuge. A tense standoff ensued, ending with Booth being shot and killed by Sergeant Boston Corbett.

Herold was captured the same day, while Powell and George Atzerodt, another accomplice, were apprehended shortly thereafter. Mary Surratt, the owner of the boarding house where the conspiracy was planned, was tried and hanged as a co-conspirator.

Unveiling the Motive

Booth's assassination of Lincoln was motivated by a deep-seated hatred for the Union and its policies. As a Confederate sympathizer, he believed that Lincoln's victory in the Civil War would lead to the demise of the South.

Booth's actions were not only a personal act of vengeance but also a symbol of the bitter divisions that had torn the nation apart during the war. His assassination served as a tragic reminder of the violence and hatred that had consumed the country.

The Legacy of the Chase

The 12-day chase to catch Lincoln's killer remains a compelling chapter in American history. It is a story of relentless pursuit, betrayal, and the triumph of justice over darkness. The aftermath of the assassination left an enduring legacy on the nation.

Booth's assassination forever altered the course of American history. It led to the creation of the Secret Service, tasked with protecting the president. It also contributed to the post-war Reconstruction era, as the nation grappled with the challenges of reuniting the country and healing the wounds of the Civil War.

The True Story Unraveled

The upcoming book "The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer" delves into the gripping details of this historical manhunt. It draws upon extensive research, firsthand accounts, and previously unpublished materials to provide a comprehensive and engaging narrative.

Through its pages, readers will embark on the same treacherous journey as the pursuers, unraveling the true story behind one of the most pivotal events in American history. This book sheds new light on the motives, the chase, and the enduring legacy of the Lincoln assassination.

Whether you are a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, or simply seeking a captivating read, "The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer" is a must-have addition to your library. It is a testament to the resilience of a nation and a reminder of the consequences of hatred and division.

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer (P.S.)

by James L. Swanson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	469 pages

FREE