"The Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth," written by George Alfred Townsend in 1865, is a comprehensive account of the notorious assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. This book provides a detailed narrative of Booth's life, his radical views, and his role in the assassination plot. Townsend delves into Booth’s background as a well-known actor and his descent into conspiracy and violence.

The book chronicles Booth’s meticulously planned assassination of Lincoln, which he executed on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre. Townsend covers Booth’s subsequent escape from Washington, D.C., his interactions with co-conspirators, and his flight through the Southern states. The narrative details the manhunt that followed, highlighting the efforts of Union soldiers and detectives to capture Booth.

In the final chapters, Townsend describes Booth’s dramatic capture at Garrett’s farm in Virginia and his subsequent death on April 26, 1865. The book offers insights into Booth’s motivations, the impact of his actions on the nation, and the broader implications for American society. Townsend's work stands as a crucial historical document, providing a vivid portrayal of one of the most infamous figures in American history.

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