What did John Wilkes Booth Mean?

[RJNorton]

In his diary Booth wrote, "Though I have a greater desire and almost a mind to return to Washington, and in a measure clear my name - which I feel I can do."

What do you suppose he meant by that?

[Rsmyth]

He was being painted as a murderer by the papers and the people he met during his escape. I believe he felt if he had the chance he could prove the act was honorable commited during war in an attempt to rally the Confederate cause.

[L Verge]

We've never discussed this with each other, Rich, but I agree with you completely.

[Tom Turner]

In his diary Booth wrote, "Though I have a greater desire and almost a mind to return to Washington, and in a measure clear my name - which I feel I can do."

What do you suppose he meant by that?

I agree with both Rich and Laurie although this is obviously the type of quotation that has fueled conspiracy theorists over the years. Authors like Otto Eisenschiml or David Balsiger and Charles Sellier thought he could clear himself by turning in his northern co-conspirators who had assisted him.

Booth had a big enough ego that he thought he could explain his actions as justifiable against a tyrant who had destroyed the South. Note he doesn't say I can clear myself legally, he says I can clear my name which I think he used in the historical sense.

[LincolnMan]

In addition to what has already been said about Booth's statement (to which I also agree)-is there a part of Booth's thinking that he wants to leave a statement for the sake of history that he had the ability to clear his name. I'm sure there was a side of him that knew he was not going to be living long-even though he was on the run-and hoped it would be otherwise.

[Jim Garrett]

Completely agree with all of the above. He felt he had struck down tyranny. He was shocked that others couldn't see it.

[HerbS]

Jim,Bill,and Dr.Turner,I agree with your theories 100%.There is nothing like that"15 minutes of Fame".

[BettyO]

Jim,Bill,and Dr.Turner,I agree with your theories 100%.There is nothing like that"15 minutes of Fame".

I also definitely agree with all of the above - JWB had a huge ego.

[LincolnMan]

Concerning some of our modern "celebs"-sure seems like a looong 15 minutes!