Midnight on the Potomac page 5

 Midnight on the Potomac page 5 by ric gustafson

During the war, no actor captivated the country more than John Wilkes Booth. The promising young actor filled seats like no other from New England to the Mississippi River. From 1861 to 1865, theatre goers snatched up seats to see the young Shakespeare actor.

But there was a dark side to the young actor. Deep down, John Wilkes Booth was a Confederate. Even though he was born and raised in Maryland, Booth's family never owned slaves. Booth's brother Edwin was an outspoken Union man.

In July 1864, Booth traveled to Boston. He registered at the Parker House. On July 26 1864, Booth met four other men. The men talked about the condition of the Confederacy. They talked about how to end the war. Everyone gave a suggestion.

When it was Booth's turn, he suggested that he could kidnap President Lincoln. Booth knew that Lincoln went quite often to the Soldiers Home. Booth knew that Lincoln went there alone and unguarded. Booth's simple plan was to capture Lincoln at the Soldiers Home. Then he would carry the President to the Potomac River. Then he would take the President by boat across the river. Then Booth would take the President all the way to Richmond. 

The other men at the meeting loved the idea.

research help: ' Midnight on the Potomac' by Scott Ellsworth

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric