Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth

[Gene C]

Interesting point Wild Bill. How comfortable are you with the accuracy of Hamilton Gay Howard's statement? I know nothing about him or his writings. I have a difficult time picturing Johnson and Booth on friendly terms with their different political views and social backgrounds.

Laurie, I also found interesting the comment that Johnson wrote back to Booth's note; and Townsend's rendition of Booth's entry to the President's Box, especially that Booth entered it twice. (p7-8) Townsend also has Spangler holding Booth's horse (bottom of p9)

His comments at the end of the first chapter are telling regarding the public situation at the time, "The pursuit of the assassins has commenced: the town is full of wild and baseless rumors; much that is said is stirring, little is reliable. I tell it to you as I get it, but fancy is more prolific than truth: be patient!"