The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer: Uncover the Gripping Story Behind the Manhunt for John Wilkes Booth

On April 14, 1865, tragedy struck the United States as Abraham Lincoln, the beloved president who had guided the nation through the Civil War, was assassinated at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. The assassin, John Wilkes Booth, fled the scene and embarked on a desperate 12-day chase that captivated the nation.

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer (P.S.)

by James L. Swanson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	469 pages

FREE

The Manhunt Begins

As news of Lincoln's assassination spread, a massive manhunt was launched by the Union government. Led by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, the hunt for Booth involved over 10,000 soldiers, detectives, and civilians.

The pursuit team faced numerous challenges. Booth was well-disguised and had a loyal network of supporters who provided him with food, shelter, and transportation. The dense forests of Virginia and Maryland also hindered the manhunt.

The Trail Leads to Herndon and Surrattville

On April 16, Booth and his accomplice, David Herold, crossed the Potomac River into Virginia. They sought refuge at the farm of Richard H. Garrett, a tobacco planter who was unaware of Booth's identity.

On April 17, a Union cavalry unit surrounded the Garrett farm. After a brief shootout, Booth was cornered in a tobacco barn. When he refused to surrender, Sergeant Boston Corbett shot and killed him. Herold was captured nearby.

The Aftermath

With Booth's death, the manhunt came to an end. However, the investigation into the conspiracy continued. Several suspects, including Lewis Powell and Mary Surratt, were arrested and charged with helping Booth.

In June 1865, a military tribunal convicted Powell, Herold, Surratt, and two other conspirators of conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln. All four were executed on July 7, 1865.

The Legacy of the Manhunt

The 12-day chase to catch Lincoln's killer was a pivotal event in American history. It demonstrated the determination of the Union government to bring the assassins to justice and showed the nation's collective grief over the loss of its iconic leader.

The manhunt for John Wilkes Booth remains a captivating story for historians and true crime enthusiasts alike. It is a tale of vengeance, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of a tragic event.

The Book: The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer

For an in-depth account of the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth, read "The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson. This gripping narrative provides a detailed look at the events leading up to and following Lincoln's assassination, the investigation into the conspiracy, and the pursuit and capture of Booth.

"The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer" is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, true crime, or the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer (P.S.)

by James L. Swanson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	469 pages

FREE