James L. Lucas Recollection

Full Title

The Burial of John Wilkes Booth and Trial of the Lincoln Conspirators

Description

This manuscript was typed by Paul S. Lucas from James Lucas' narration. In the manuscript, James Lucas describes the American political scene in the 1850's and the coming of the Civil War. He gives an eyewitness account of Washington in the war years, including a description of Lincoln in great detail. Lucas spent three years with the 12th Veteran Reserve Corps, who served as guards for the Old Capitol Prison, where the Lincoln conspirators were held. Lucas also served as a court messenger during the prisoners' trial, and he describes the conspirators as well as the trial itself. In addition, Lucas tells of guarding the body of John Wilkes Booth on the monitor "Montauk" and of the secret burial of the assassin's body in the Old Capitol prison.

Source

c.00086 - James L. Lucas Manuscript

Rights

Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Tags

• man

• soldier: Union

• body

• burial

• conspiracy theories

• denunciation: conspirators

• investigation

• motive

• police

• trial of conspirators

• untranscribed: printed

Cite this Item

As Told by James L. Lucas to Paul S. Lucas. "The Burial of John Wilkes Booth and Trial of the Lincoln Conspirators". Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed November 23, 2024. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/855

Item Type

Document

Creator

As Told by James L. Lucas to Paul S. Lucas

Publisher

Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections

Date

date unknown

Material

Typed on Paper

Dimensions

8" x 11"

Region

Union states