What Was The Role of David Herold

[John E.]

Hi John,

I believe there was a kidnapping plot at one time. However, I think Booth abandoned that idea much earlier than he let on to the others.

Killing Lincoln didn't require that much help. If Booth wanted to accomplish that feat, he could have done so and probably gotten away with it. Why muddy the waters by getting so many others involved?

I haven't read your other work just yet, but do you also believe Booth intended to have Seward and Johnson killed as well ? Was Grant in the mix too? If so, perhaps that's why Booth tried to recruit others.

Kidnapping Lincoln may have had positive rewards at one time. An exchange for more troops or a favorable end to the war.

*Killing Lincoln alone was an end game with nothing to gain but revenge and the Union's wrath.

*Killing Lincoln, Seward and Johnson may have provided some tactical and strategic gains, but it was a hail-Mary attempt.