The life, crime, and capture of John Wilkes Booth,: with a full sketch of the conspiracy of which he was the leader, and the pursuit, trial and execution of his accomplices./ By George Alfred Townsend.

8 -.f'e, Crime and Captur. of! Joh Wilk, Bo,tA.
dent's box, sir, no one is permitted to enter." "I am a senator," respond
ed the person, "Mr. Lincoln has sent for me;" The attendant gave way,
and the young man passed into the box.
As he appeared at the door, taking a quick, comprehensive glance at the
interior, Major Rathbone arose. "Are you aware, sir," he said, courteous
ly, " upon whom you are intruding? This is the President's box, and no
one is admitted." The intruder answered not a word. Fastening his eyes
upon Mr. Lincoln, who had half turned his head to ascertain what caused
the disturbance, he stepped quickly back without the door.
With)ut this door there was an eyehole, bored it is presumed on the
afternoon of the crime, while the theater was deserted by all save a few
mechanics. Glancing through this orifice, John Wilkes Booth espied in a
moment the precise osition of the President; he wore upon his wrinkling
face the pleasant embryo of an honest smile, forgetting in the mimic scene
the splendid successes of our arms for which he was responsible, and the
history he had filled so well.
The cheerful interior was lost to 3J. Wilkes Booth. He did not catch
the spirit of the delighted audience, of the flaming lamps flinging illumination upon the domestic foreground and the gaily set stage. He only cast
one furtive glance upon the man he was to slay, and thrusting one hand
in his bosom, another in his skirt pocket, drew forth simultaneously his
deadly weapons. His right palm grasped a Derringer pistol, his left a dirk.
Then, at a stride, he passed the threshold again, levelled his arm at the
President and bent the trigger.
A keen quick report and a puff of white smoke,-a close smell of
powder and the rush of a dark, imperfectly outlined figure,-and the
President's head dropped upon his shoulders: the ball was in his brain.
The movements of the assassin were from henceforth quick as the light
The Theatre and its SurrouidLngs.
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A PtlJge fehool B Herndon House. a Only vaant lot communieating with the
Alley. D Only alley outlet to F street. R Bank. X Resta ura. a Tewspa,}
Office. if Model House. I House to which the President was taken. K Acey
throng},tnick the Murderer esoaped.
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