Just as a Federal flag was being raised over Ft. Sumter, birthplace of the war four years and three days ago, grim news has spread through the nation.
President Lincoln, architect of Union victory, was shot and killed while attending a play at Ford’s Theater in the capital last night.
The nefarious deed happened about 10:20 pm yesterday, during a performance of “Our American Cousin.” Lincoln was in the company of his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and a young couple, Major H.R. Rathbone and Miss Clara Harris.
The assassin appears to be none other than actor John Wilkes Booth, who fired one pistol shot at close range into Lincoln’s skill as the President viewed the play from his special box in the theater.
The Nation mourns the loss of its beloved President upon his death at 7:22 this morning.
3 of 4
Assassin Found in Barn, Killed By Federal Troops
April 26, 1865
4 of 4
Assassin Found in Barn, Killed By Federal Troops
April 26, 1865
John Wilkes Booth, alleged assassin of President Lincoln 12 days ago, was killed early today when Federal Troops surrounded a barn on Garrett Farm in Virginia. Booth was killed as he rushed from the burning structure.
The barn was set ablaze in an attempt to force the defiant Booth to come out. Booth fled the wooden building and was shot without orders by Sergeant Boston Corbett. Corbett, himself unstable, shot and killed the fugitive actor.
David Herold, a fellow conspirator, had left the barn before it was set on fire.
Booth’s last words before his death: “Tell mother that I died for my country.”