53 pages 1 hour read

James L. Swanson

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.

Chapters 12-14

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 12 Summary

While the troops prepared Booth’s body for transportation, Conger rode ahead: he was going to report the killing and capture, and he also hoped to stake a claim to the reward money.

Like Lincoln, Booth was autopsied, despite his obvious mode of death. Due to curiosity about the killer, it was necessary to hide his corpse from souvenir hunters. After some talk of a burial at sea, he was buried in an unmarked grave at the Old Arsenal Penitentiary.

Chapter 13 Summary

Out of all those imprisoned during the manhunt, those tried were Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, George Atzerodt, Samuel Arnold, Michael O’Laughlen, Edman Spangler, and Samuel Mudd. Of the people who aided Booth’s escape, only Mudd was convicted.

Meanwhile, scores of man hunters rushed to claim the $100,000. Swanson reports that Conger received $15,000, Doherty $5,250, Lafayette Baker $3,750, and Luther Baker $3,000. Corbett, Booth’s killer, received $1,653. A number of interrogators during the process received $500-$1,000. Garrett tried to sue over his barn, but was refused compensation. 

Related Titles

By James L. Swanson

Study Guide

logo

Chasing King's Killer

James L. Swanson

Chasing King's Killer: The Hunt for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Assassin

James L. Swanson

Study Guide

logo

Manhunt

James L. Swanson

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer

James L. Swanson

Study Guide

logo

The President Has Been Shot!

James L. Swanson

The President Has Been Shot!: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

James L. Swanson