President Abraham Lincoln's 'Our American Cousin'

Over 150 years ago, on April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union, effectively ending the American Civil War. The streets were lined with celebration for days, even though the war had not officially ended. Union supporters were rejoicing, and Confederate supporters were mourning. But one man decided he had enough of this. “While attending a special performance of the comedy, ‘Our American Cousin,’ President Abraham Lincoln was shot,” (Government) leading the nation on a 12 day manhunt that would change the course of American History.
John Wilkes Booth had learned of Lincoln’s plan to attend “Our American Cousin,” and came up with a plan to murder President Abraham Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson, and Secretary of State
The laughter had covered the sound so well, some people did not hear it, and some thought it was all part of the play. Major Henry Rathbone heard the gunshot and saw Booth standing behind Lincoln’s drooped, but not dead, body. Rathbone grabbed Booth, but he broke free and attacked. He raised his knife and swung, but Rathbone raised his arm to protect himself, and the knife caused a deep wound. Booth knew he had to escape, and tried to jump over the balcony, but got caught on one of the flags. “He freed himself, and landed off-balance, feeling something wrong near his left ankle.” (Swanson, 43) He went to the center of the stage, and shouted, “Sic semper tyrannis!” The phrase he shouted means, “This always to tyrants!” Booth then pushed his way backstage. Only one man tried to stop him, Army Major Joseph Stewart. He was being chased by Stewart until Booth ran outside behind the theater, got onto his horse, and galloped
Seward was recovering from a carriage accident. He was stuck in bed until he had recovered. Lewis Powell and David Herold were watching the house from outside. There were no guards in sight. Because Seward was bedridden, this was the perfect time to strike. They were to kill him with pistol fire and a knife if needed. But there were problems: First he had to get into the house. For this, he came up with a plan: To pretend he was a doctor delivering medicine. Second, how would he find the Secretary? He would have to find Seward in a three-story mansion without knowing what the interior looked like. Third, he had absolutely no idea how many people were in the house, maybe even a dozen. Also, David Herold did not want to go in the house. He would only wait outside holding their horses, not wanting to kill anybody. As they watched, all the doctors left, and the lights went dim. Powell approached the