Arrest of Atzerodt

[RJNorton]

I agree with Laurie. He was present at Booth's final meeting, and he knew the plans for the night. All of those who attended that meeting, with the exception of Booth (of course), were hanged. On June 21 Doster read a statement from Atzerodt to the court. In that statement, Atzerodt admitted he was at the final meeting (which he said took place at 8:00 P.M.), and while there he learned of Booth's plan to kill Lincoln that night. He also knew of the plans for Seward. He said he turned down Booth's request for him to kill Johnson. He did not go to the authorities during his "window of opportunity." I am not sure I understand Doster's reasoning in reading this statement of Atzerodt's to the court. I don't think it helped ol' George's chances.

In the statement Doster read to the court, Atzerodt said Booth told him that he would hang anyway, even if he didn't kill Johnson. Booth was right.