Exhibits Concerning the Flight of Booth

The Museum is fortunate in having many objects used by Booth in his flight. One of the most interesting of these is the actor's diary containing his melodramatic account of the murder and his flight. Among the other items are Booth's boot showing the 10-inch slit made by Dr. Mudd in removing it from the assassin's leg, and Booth's compass, with the wax drippings from the candle used to read the instrument while crossing the Potomac. There are also two Colt revolvers, a Spencer carbine, a folding pocket knife, and keys, all taken from Booth's person after he was shot in Garrett's barn.

Exhibits Relating to the Other Conspirators, Their Trial and and Execution

Perhaps the most interesting object in the Museum collection related to the other conspirators is the Whitney Navy revolver carried by Paine in his attempt to assassinate Seward. The break which rendered the gun useless and forced Paine to attempt to stab Seward is plainly visible. There are also three knives belonging to the conspirators; Paine's pick and a coil of rope, used at the trial to implicate Spangler; and the keys to the cells at the Arsenal Penitentiary and at Fort Jefferson, Fla., where the conspirators were confined.