President Lincoln walked into Richmond...alone?

[Mark MacKenzie]

Lincoln, of course, was completely aware of the risk of his assassination. Why would such an intelligent man walk into bombed out Richmond holding his dear son's hand where he would be the target of any Reb? What was he thinking? Was he tempting fate? Did he have a death wish? Did he want to be martyred? I would have to think that Lincoln thought a great deal about what his assassination would bring to the Union. Are there any books on this topic? Any theories, crackpot or otherwise?

Is it true he didn't carry a penknife for fear of suicide? Such a person ponders their mortality.

And to put himself and the country at such risk, why? For his selfish satisfaction of sitting at Jeff Davis' desk? For a symbolic show? I truly don't understand.