Introduction
Although many criminals believe they can be safe and run away from justice, it is rarely the case. “Chasing Lincoln’s Killer” by James L. Swanson is an account of the events that followed the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. During this time, a significant search occurred, and John Wilkes Booth was the most wanted man, with the price of his head exceeding $100,000. While the murderer Booth believed that his plan would save him and he could escape being prosecuted, he failed. Thus, the captivating story narrated by Swanson shows miscalculations of Booth, including the Union learning about Booth’s hideout and being locked in the barn, which led to the subsequent death of the murderer.
The Discovery of Booth’s Hideout
The first significant event described in the book is the discovery of Booth’s hideout at Garrett’s farm. At first, readers see the delight of John Wilkes Booth, who says, “I’m safe in glorious old Virginia, thank God!” (Swanson 185). However, at the same time, detectives were finding more information that helped them come closer to the murder. The detectives learned that Booth crossed the river and was accompanied by three Confederate soldiers (Swanson 191).
At this time, it is evident that finding the treacherous soldiers would help locate the wanted criminal. One of the soldiers, Willie Jett, agreed to share the location and show it (Swanson 195). This is important because if the soldier did not confess, Booth would leave in the morning, with the detectives losing fugitives again. The most stressful moment was the Union approaching the farm. Detectives knew that Booth was on the farm, and “Doherty seized John Garrett and put a revolver to his head” to make the owner confess (Swanson 197). This is when the reader can understand that Booth and his accomplice would have no chance to escape, and this was the end.
Locked in the Barn and Surrounded by the Union
Another vital part for the reader to observe is Booth’s death and realization of the final loss. Although in the beginning, the criminals were not ready to give up and prepared for the fight, in the end, they knew that they were outnumbered and surrounded. Toward the end, the readers are exposed to the scene where Booth experienced the fatal shot and suffered pain even when he moved. After hearing Booth begging the soldiers, saying, “Kill me,” one might think the pain was unbearable (Swanson 206).
However, this scene is essential to understand that the fugitive feared what would follow. By the morning, it was evident that Booth was dying and nothing could be done, and his final desire was to look at his hands (Swanson 207). Lying on the ground, taking his last breaths, Booth “saw the hands, now helpless, that had slain Abraham Lincoln” (Swanson 207). As a result, this scene showed the restoration of justice and the consequences of the criminal’s actions.
Conclusion
Hence, Swanson’s engaging narration captures the breathtaking scenes of the Union discovering Booth’s hiding place and the murderer’s eventual death, which are made alive by portraying the character’s feelings and thoughts. Overall, these moments are insightful for the readers and show that justice will eventually reach the criminal regardless of efforts to escape. Booth and his accomplice were constantly moving, and they were still caught. It additionally shows Booth’s miscalculations since, despite his trust in the people who helped him, they still chose to abide by the law and confess.
Work Cited
Swanson, James L. Chasing Lincoln’s Killer. Scholastic Incorporated, 2012.