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+--- Thread: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? (/thread-208.html)
What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - RJNorton - 08-11-2012 12:40 PM
In his diary Booth wrote, "Though I have a greater desire and almost a mind to return to Washington, and in a measure clear my name - which I feel I can do."
What do you suppose he meant by that?
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - Rsmyth - 08-11-2012 01:17 PM
He was being painted as a murderer by the papers and the people he met during his escape. I believe he felt if he had the chance he could prove the act was honorable commited during war in an attempt to rally the Confederate cause.
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - L Verge - 08-11-2012 03:24 PM
We've never discussed this with each other, Rich, but I agree with you completely.
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - Tom Turner - 08-11-2012 03:38 PM
(08-11-2012 12:40 PM)RJNorton Wrote: In his diary Booth wrote, "Though I have a greater desire and almost a mind to return to Washington, and in a measure clear my name - which I feel I can do."
What do you suppose he meant by that?
I agree with both Rich and Laurie although this is obviously the type of quotation that has fueled conspiracy theorists over the years. Authors like Otto Eisenschiml or David Balsiger and Charles Sellier thought he could clear himself by turning in his northern co-conspirators who had assisted him.
Booth had a big enough ego that he thought he could explain his actions as justifiable against a tyrant who had destroyed the South. Note he doesn't say I can clear myself legally, he says I can clear my name which I think he used in the historical sense.
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - LincolnMan - 08-11-2012 04:56 PM
In addition to what has already been said about Booth's statement (to which I also agree)-is there a part of Booth's thinking that he wants to leave a statement for the sake of history that he had the ability to clear his name. I'm sure there was a side of him that knew he was not going to be living long-even though he was on the run-and hoped it would be otherwise.
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - Jim Garrett - 08-11-2012 05:47 PM
Completely agree with all of the above. He felt he had struck down tyranny. He was shocked that others couldn't see it.
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - HerbS - 08-12-2012 08:23 AM
Jim,Bill,and Dr.Turner,I agree with your theories 100%.There is nothing like that"15 minutes of Fame".
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - BettyO - 08-12-2012 09:13 AM
(08-12-2012 08:23 AM)HerbS Wrote: Jim,Bill,and Dr.Turner,I agree with your theories 100%.There is nothing like that"15 minutes of Fame".
I also definitely agree with all of the above - JWB had a huge ego.
RE: What did John Wilkes Booth Mean? - LincolnMan - 08-12-2012 10:04 AM
Concerning some of our modern "celebs"-sure seems like a looong 15 minutes!