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The True Story of Boston Corbett: The Man Who Assassinated John Wilkes Booth

Melvin Blair

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The True Story of Boston Corbett

by Norman Spinrad

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Language	:	English
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The story of Boston Corbett, the man who assassinated John Wilkes Booth, is a tale of intrigue, suspense, and tragedy. Corbett was a Union soldier who had been captured by Confederate forces and imprisoned in Andersonville prison. After the war, he was hired by the US government to track down Booth, who had assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.

Corbett found Booth in a barn in Virginia and shot him in the back of the head. Booth was unarmed at the time, and his death has been the subject of much controversy. Some historians believe that Corbett was justified in killing Booth, while others believe that it was an act of murder.

Whatever the truth of the matter, there is no doubt that Boston Corbett played a significant role in American history. He was the man who brought John Wilkes Booth to justice, and his actions helped to close a dark chapter in the nation's history.

Early Life and Military Service

Boston Corbett was born in Vermont in 1832. He was the son of a farmer, and he grew up in a small town. Corbett received a basic education, and he worked on his father's farm until he was 18 years old.

In 1852, Corbett joined the US Army. He served in the infantry, and he fought in the Seminole Wars in Florida. Corbett was a skilled soldier, and he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He served in the Army for five years, and he was honorably discharged in 1857.

After his discharge from the Army, Corbett returned to Vermont. He worked on his father's farm, and he also worked as a carpenter. In 1861, the Civil War broke out, and Corbett enlisted in the Union Army.

Corbett served in the infantry, and he fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Gettysburg. Corbett was a brave soldier, and he was wounded several times during the war. In 1864, he was captured by Confederate forces and imprisoned in Andersonville prison.

Andersonville prison was a notorious prison camp, and conditions were extremely harsh. Corbett was held prisoner for eight months, and he suffered from dysentery and other diseases. He was also subjected to torture and beatings by his captors.

In 1865, Corbett was released from prison after the Confederate Army surrendered. He returned to Vermont, and he was hailed as a hero. Corbett was given a medal of honor for his bravery in the Civil War.

The Assassination of John Wilkes Booth

After the Civil War, Corbett was hired by the US government to track down John Wilkes Booth, who had assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Booth had fled to Virginia, and Corbett was tasked with finding him and bringing him to justice.

Corbett tracked Booth to a barn in Virginia. Booth was hiding in the barn with his accomplice, David Herold. Corbett entered the barn and ordered Booth to surrender. Booth refused, and Corbett shot him in the back of the head.

Booth died instantly. Corbett then arrested Herold and turned him over to the authorities. Herold was later convicted of conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln, and he was hanged.

The assassination of John Wilkes Booth was a major event in American history. Booth was a notorious criminal, and his assassination brought a sense of closure to the nation. Corbett was hailed as a hero for his role in bringing Booth to justice.

Legacy

Boston Corbett's legacy is a complex one. He was a brave soldier who fought for his country in the Civil War. He was also the man who assassinated John Wilkes Booth, a notorious criminal who had assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.

Some historians believe that Corbett was justified in killing Booth, while others believe that it was an act of murder. Whatever the truth of the matter, there is no doubt that Corbett played a significant role in American history.

Corbett died in 1928 at the age of 96. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.