Crook, do you know I believe there are men who want to take my life?...I know no one could do it and escape alive. But if it is to be done, it is impossible to prevent it.
--Abraham Lincoln to his bodyguard, April 14, 1865

His name is John Wilkes Booth an actor & who has frequently played in this theater & conversant with the different places of egress from it. He had not until last night ever succeeded in attaining any reputation in his profession as an actor but now he has acquired a reputation in tragedy which will render him famous & infamous in history in all time.
--Letter from Edwin Bates to his parents, April 15, 1865