Manhunt page 1

 Manhunt page 1 by ric gustafson

It was March 4 1865. The morning was an ugly gray sky. One block east of the Capitol Building, William M Smith was setting up a camera. The lawyer and part time photographer pointed his camera at a temporary wooden platform that had been quickly put up over the East Front steps. His objective was to take a historic photograph. The subject of this photograph was the completed Great Dome of the Capitol Building.

Closer to the Capitol Building was Alexander Gardner. His job was to photograph the actual ceremony. His large glass plate negatives gave an image of the President, Vice President, Chief Justice and other dignitaries. Gardner's camera also focused on hundreds of spectators who had crowded the East Front. 

One of the spectators was a young actor who was standing near an iron railing. His name was John Wilkes Booth. 

On this day in history, Abraham Lincoln was at the height of his power. The Civil War was nearly won. On this day, Abraham Lincoln did not know that his demise was watching him.

research help: ' Manhunt' by James L Swanson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric