Lincoln's non pardon

[L Verge]

I would postulate along the same lines, Jerry, but I would guess that, at that point, Booth had been identified as the shooter, so all good Confederates were more than willing to let the blame lie with him and keep it off of anyone else.

What if Gen. Edwin Lee was telling both men that Booth was going to take care of Mr. Lincoln in revenge for his (Lee's) friend's hanging? So far as I know, no historian has found a blood relationship (or otherwise) between Booth and Beall. Of course, it's anyone's guess without a set of facts, but it makes for interesting speculation.

And yes, Betty, you are right about Beall's method of hanging. He was propelled upwards, and then a set of counter-weights brought him slamming downwards. I assume you save money on lumber with this type of execution?