12 Days on the Run: the Complete Chronological Manhunt That Ended John Wilkes Booth's Life
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
As the blaze intensified, Booth dropped his crutch and pivoted toward the door, carbine cocked. Through a gap in the wooden siding, Sergeant Boston Corbett had an unobstructed line of sight. Corbett, a deeply eccentric and religious soldier who had previously castrated himself to maintain spiritual purity, raised his Model 1860 Colt Army revolver and fired.
The .44-caliber lead ball entered the right side of Booth’s neck beneath the ear, perforated his cervical spinal cord, and exited the opposite side. The impact paralyzed Booth instantly, dropping him face down onto the burning straw. Cavalrymen dashed into the barn, dragged Booth out into the yard, and beat out the sparks burning his trousers.
Corbett’s actions triggered immediate outrage from Everton Conger and Lieutenant Doherty. Edwin Stanton had issued unambiguous instructions: John Wilkes Booth was to be taken alive so federal prosecutors could uncover the full scope of the Confederate conspiracy. When interrogated on why he disobeyed orders, Corbett saluted and proclaimed, "Providence directed me." Corbett was arrested and placed under guard, though public fervor and northern press coverage ultimately shielded him from court-martial.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
