Johnson's Pardon

[RJNorton]

I agree. On p. 274 of American Brutus author Michael Kauffman writes, "According to Herold, Booth was horrified by the bloodbath at Seward’s, and he said he was 'very sorry for the sons' though he 'wished to God that Seward was killed.' He was especially pained to hear that he had caused so much trouble for Ford’s employee Ned Spangler." To me, anyway, Booth is saying Spangler had nothing to do with it. I also think that if Spangler had any foreknowledge of Booth's plans he would not have asked Peanut John to hold the horse. Spangler could have asked another Ford's employee to cover his stage duties. Spangler didn't see the identity of the man who ran across the stage, and I think this fact led to his unfortunate interaction with Jake Ritterspaugh.