Chasing Lincoln's Killer

How does the chase conclude

Chapter 11

how does the chase of John Wilkes booth conclude?

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One of the officers sent Richard Garrett's son, John, into the barn to talk to Booth. Booth threatened to kill him and John ran out without accomplishing anything. Herold decided he would give himself up. Booth called him a coward but Herold left the barn and was taken into custody. Officers decided to burn the barn in an effort to force Booth out. They made the Garretts pile kindling by the barn but Booth threatened them and they ran back out of pistol range. The soldiers then set the barn on fire.

The soldiers could see inside the barn and they watched Booth. He was still determined that he wouldn't be captured alive. The soldiers expected Booth to rush out but he remained inside. One of the soldiers was named Boston Corbett. He was at the side of the barn, watching Booth through cracks in the wall. He put his gun through the slat and fired, striking Booth in the neck. Booth was paralyzed and dying.

The soldiers rushed inside and pulled Booth out of the burning building. They eventually moved him to the Garrett's porch and called for a doctor who confirmed that there was nothing that could save Booth's life. Herold was tied a short distance away and watched the entire scene. Booth was in terrible pain and asked the soldiers to kill him. One of the officers took all the possessions from Booth's pockets, including a diary, money, keys, compass, knife, and tobacco.