Booth's visit to the Surratt Boarding House after the assassination

[JMadonna]

(11-14-2012 04:17 PM)J. Beckert Wrote:  My point (theory?) is that Booth was armed with more than a one shot pistol. .... Easily concealed and an excellent insurance policy.

I understand your point, but the reality is that there could be no insurance policy for Booth's plan.

When Booth pulled the trigger the derringer was at most 2 inches from Lincoln's ear. If the gun went 'click', how much time do you think Booth would have had to drop the derringer, put his hand in his pocket, grab his 'insurance policy' and re-aim it at Lincoln? A couple of seconds at least.

By that time, Lincoln would have had Booth's extended arm. I'm pretty sure that's how Booth saw it too, which is why his other hand held a dagger with which he could still deliver a blow at best or fend off Lincoln's retaliation and allow him to jump the rail.