Part 4: Chapters 56-62; Afterword; Epilogue Summary and Analysis

Chapter 56:

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1865 MARYLAND COUNTRYSIDE 4:00 A.M.

Unlike Herold and Booth, Atzerodt heads north. This may be a sign of genius on Atzerodt's part but it is unlikely. While the man could have hidden in plain sight, he simply wandered from town to town.

"But the increasingly unbalanced George Atzerodt is not a genius. His escape is not a premeditated act of egress but a random wandering from home to home, accepting sanctuary and comfort wherever he can find it. He dawdles when he should be making continuous progress. After four days on the run he makes a critical mistake, boldly supporting Lincoln's assassination while eating dinner with strangers. His statements quickly make their way to U.S. marshals." Chap. 56, p. 259

Atzerodt is arrested and three months later is hanged.

Chapter 57:

FRIDAY, APRIL...