JWB still making news 148 yrs later

[J. Beckert]

I think you're right about Booth's anticipated reception of the Southern folks, Craig. He referred to himself as a slave, or a "favored" one, but Cox, Stuart, etc., had many more run ins with the Yankees, Old Capitol Prison and reality than Booth did. They were sick of it. I think he thought everyone he told his story to would have the sympathies that Thomas Jones had. When offered $100,000 for information about Booth, Jones just said - if money will get him, that ought to do it - and kept his mouth shut. Booth's statement that he could return to Washington and clear his name tells me he was out of touch with reality. I can't help but think his life of make believe on the stage had a part in his rationale.