Garrett Farm

[RJNorton]

(03-31-2014 11:53 AM)richard petersen Wrote:  Starting with the 9th paragraph it says "Against Orders.....Corbett shot Booth"

Richard, I have felt that Corbett reacted to his fear that Booth was about to shoot Doherty or Baker or others. In his own mind he was doing the right thing; he didn't have time to think about it. Corbett stated, "My mind was upon him attentively to see that he did no harm, and when I became impressed that it was time I shot him. I took steady aim on my arm, and shot him through a large crack in the barn." Thus, given the circumstances that Corbett felt he was in, would any such orders (had they existed) really make much difference?

The opinion here reflects the traditional account of Booth not committing suicide. Although I still lean to the "Corbett shot Booth" story being the truth, I am more open-minded on it due to the arguments of several folks on the forum. In a way this is like where Booth broke his leg - both versions have good supporting arguments IMO.