“The country is grieving the loss of a great man, and I suspect that justice may never be fully served.  It was at the request of our Secretary of War, and although wrong, I feel that his actions will save us from further war.  On the night that the policeman shot John Wilkes Booth, a sigh of relief swept through the nation.  Justice was swift.  However, it has been discovered that the man shot dead was, in fact, not the famous actor.  His brother verified this, however the mortician explained to him that the human body looks different in death.  Enough doubt was placed in him that he agreed to what he was told.  The body belonged to one of John Wilkes Booth’s co-conspirators.  The quick action after our leader’s assassination showed the South that we are strong.  If it is discovered that Booth got away with the assassination, it might embolden them to revolt once more.  There is so much resentment and uncertainty as we begin to build our country once again.  The truth behind this matter will not benefit the country in any way.  The bastard was seen in Richmond a few months back and again in Florida days before I write this.  I suspect the man is smart enough to leave this country and never return.  I hope he is not recognized again.  May he find an ill fate wherever he flees.

-Andrew Johnson 1865″     

I’ve always heard about conspiracy theories involving JFK’s assassination. But I never considered that their were conspiracy theories behind Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. It seemed like it was an obvious shut and closed case. John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in the back as Lincoln watched a performance from the balcony. Booth then leapt down onto the stage shattering his leg. He stood up and shouted “Sic Semper Tyrannis!” before fleeing. He was a famous actor at the time so it would have been difficult for him to escape people’s notice. Supposedly this is also where “Break a leg!” comes from when wishing someone luck.

-Veritas