The Unspoken Preparations Behind Abraham Lincoln's Assassination

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was the target of numerous assassination attempts during his presidency. The complex web of events leading up to the infamous assassination by John Wilkes Booth includes preparations by powerful and influential figures that have largely been overlooked in historical accounts.

Political Climate and Martial Law

The Civil War period was marked by extreme measures, including the suspension of freedom of the press and speech. Maryland, a border state, was placed under martial law for the duration of the conflict. This suppressed public dissent and ensured stability within the Union.

These stringent measures were defended by Lincoln as necessary for maintaining the Union. However, they also created resentment among many citizens. Among those who felt the brunt of these policies was John Wilkes Booth, who lived in Maryland and faced the harsh realities of Union occupation.

Preparations for the Assassination

Although no direct attempts on Lincoln's life have been definitively substantiated, evidence suggests that preparations were underway, orchestrated by high-ranking officials and supported by various accomplices. Here are the details of these secret preparations:

A Potential Assassin

Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, sought out a man named James William Boyd who could pass as a Union sympathizer. Boyd was claimed to be capable of such an assassination. Stanton's involvement in this scheme indicates the depth of planning behind the attempted assassination.

Security Measures Removed

Ward Lamon, who was Lincoln's personal bodyguard, was sent to Appomattox Court House, leaving the White House vulnerable. This move provided an opportunity for the assassins to act without interference.

The Theater's Rearrangements

Arrangements were made to secure Fords Theater, the location of the assassination. A brace was created to keep any help from entering. Holes were drilled in the door to allow the assassin to see the president. Additionally, the door lock was loosened to facilitate an unobstructed entry. Arrangements were also made to turn off the gaslights, making it easier for the assassin to escape in the dark.

False Compromises and Deceptions

Lincoln invited General Grant to the play to increase security. However, David Bates overheard Stanton convincing Grant not to attend, ensuring that Grant's presence would not interfere with the assassination.

Security Personnel Reassignments

On the night of the assassination, several security personnel were relieved of their duties:

William H. Crook, a Whitehouse police officer, was given the night off.

Thomas Pendel, a competent guard, was also relieved of duty that night.

John Parker, an incompetent officer, was assigned as the new security guard.

Charles Forbes was instructed to invite John Parker to a saloon during the intermission, causing Parker to be absent from his security post.

Disrupting Communication

To provide the assassin with a head start, the telegraph lines were deliberately disrupted. Inside the War Department, two wires were crossed, rendering the telegraph inoperative.

A Last-Minute Change of Plans

Mobilizing Boyd became increasingly difficult, and he eventually disappeared. Unbeknownst to Stanton, this left the assassination preparation framework unfulfilled until Booth stepped in, benefiting from the groundwork already laid.

A Failed Attempt and the Success of Booth

Stanton's plans, though meticulously executed, ultimately failed to find the necessary assassin. In the end, John Wilkes Booth, who had also experienced the harsh realities of Maryland's Union occupation, managed to take advantage of these pre-existing arrangements and execute the assassination.

These well-orchestrated preparations highlight the complex nature of the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's assassination, revealing a web of influential figures and their motivations. While Booth's actions remain the most widely known, the behind-the-scenes preparations by Stanton and his team reveal a more intricate and unsettling side to this pivotal moment in American history.