The Assassination of President Lincoln

On April 12, 1865, Booth learned of Robert E. Lee's surrender and stated to his friend that he was done with his stage career and only wanted to perform Venice Preserv'd. Little did his friend know that Venice Preserv'd is about assassination. The day before, President Lincoln gave a speech saying that he supported giving former slaves the right to vote. Booth vowed that that would be the last speech he ever made. It was. Two days later, Booth received information that President Lincoln would be attending Ford's Theatre to see Our American Cousin, which coincidently Booth was premiering in. Booth immediatly set for Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Azterodt. He had Azterodt assigned to assassinate Vice President Andrew Jackson, Herold assigned to help with their escape, and Powell assigned to assassinate Secretary of State William H. Seward. Booth planned to leave the Union in a frenzy and to be confused and lost. At about 10:00pm, Booth slipped into the Presidential Box and shot President Lincoln in the back of the head with a .44 caliber Derringer. Rathbone, startled, lurched at Booth, only to be stabbed. First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln and Clara Harris were unhurt. Booth then leaped from the box and shouted, with the knife he used against Rathbone raised, "Sic Semper Tyrannis!" or "Thus Always to Tyrants!" Others say he also added "I have done it, the South is avenged!" Booth was the only one of three assigned assassinations to be carried out. Powell only managed to stab Mr. Seward, and Azterodt never even attempted to end Mr. Jackson's life. Instead, Azterodt spent the night heavily drinking.