Shocking Political Assassinations: Most Sensational Murders of our Times

By Ram Das

In the fast moving world of today, a reader needs literature that not only entertains but also quenches his thirst for knowledge. In our publications our readers will get this unique confluence of knowledge and recreation. Tastefully and artistically made, our books are informative and gripping, designed to absorb our readers so that they do not keep down a book unless they finish it. 
Our Endeavour started a couple of years back with a view to making an average reader abreast of the international scene in the field of knowledge, and to assure an all-round development of his intellectual personality, is now firm on its feet. It would not be misplaced to call each of our books an illustrated mini encyclopedia in the field in which it deals. 
The present venture "Political Assassinations that Shocked the World" is a welcome addition to this chain. The 'Damocles' sword' is always hanging on the head of great leaders of the world. Their rivals are forever trying to dethrone them. But when they fail in their attempts to remove them, they have no alternative to make abortive attempts on their life to eliminate them. 
This work presents in a dramatized form the murder cases or cases of murderous assaults on leaders like Lincoln, John Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, M.K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King and others, containing images from the respective eras helping you read alone better and enriching your overall experience. 
The book is in your hands, dear reader, to assess. Could you write us a word how you liked our venture? We would be looking forward to your comments. 
Thanks. Hope you enjoy it. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Winchester Publications
• Release date: Sep 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386726807

Book preview

Lincoln- He had Dreamt of this Assassination

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, THE then President of the United States of America was one of those men who enjoy immense popularity and fame even during their life-time Indeed, it would be more appropriate to say that he became a living legend. More than a President, he was better known as an epoch-maker, particularly for two of his spectacular achievements.

His unabated efforts brought m a culmination of the long-standing Civil War, which marked the emergence of an America-strong and united. The unity and solidarity of the nation was maintained.

(Abraham Lincoln)

SECONDLY, HIS HISTORIC struggle to give equal rights with the whites to the Negroes, including the right to cast vote, brought him appreciation and anger, both. Those with humanitarian views applauded him, others who wanted to exploit and enslave the savages, were annoyed.

After this, Lincoln often received menacing letters, threatening either to kill him or to kidnap him. He was kept well-informed by his Intelligence Bureau of the conspiracies being hatched to end his life. But, did he order investigation? No, Not him. When his guards cautioned him to be alert during public meetings, he smiled sardonically Well, he said, Can anybody save me if I am destined to be killed thus?

(Booth, the Assassinator of Lincoln)

BOOTH WAS THE MOST impatient of them all. He, along with four of his companions, was eager to kill Lincoln, so that he could set free the Revolutionary States from the clutches of the Union. He had implanted his agents in the White House who gave him all information regarding the activities and engagements of Lincoln.

His detectives informed him that on Friday 14 April. 1965 the President was going, with the First Lady of America, Mary Lincoln, to the Ford theatre to see a play Our American Cousin. Booth decided to take this opportunity. He was well-acquainted with the theatre and it was a unique chance he could make use of, to implement his sinister designs.

Yes, he would kill that man who had the audacity to break and dishonor the centuries-old traditions of America by giving equality to the savages. He instructed his companions, I shall kill Lincoln myself. My next target would be General Grant under whose command the Union Forces had defeated the Revolutionary army of the South. If Lincoln’s other companions are present, they will be your responsibility.

On 14th April, the entire nation was celebrating Good Friday. But Booth and his companions were gearing up for the murder, planning all moves to the minutest details. He was sure to earn approbation of all those Whites who were in favour of slavery, he would probably be immortal, and history will honour him as a liberator.

The day dawned in its natural glory and cheer. 14th April was a beautiful day-bright and clear. For Mary Todd Lincoln it was simply heavenly because Lincoln was now free of the anxieties and tensions of the civil war. The couple had decided to go on along holiday to Europe after Lincoln’s term as President was over. Mary was looking forward to the time when Abraham would start his practice as a lawyer either in Chicago or Greenfield. Future appeared promising and fruitful; but presently she was happy to go to the theatre to see the play. It was after along time that they would be together, enjoying the theatre. The Civil War years had been bloody and full of tensions and uncertainties. Now that the storm was over, life seemed fresh and smooth.

Little did Mary know then, that it would be the most unlucky evening of her life.

For the President, it was a normal busy day. There were people thronging to compliment him for the success in civil-war. He had also taken important decisions, along with his advisers, regarding peaceful settlements and other welfare measures to be taken in the war-affected areas. By the evening, when Mary reminded him of the theatre, he was dead tired and would have preferred taking rest to going out, but for his concern of Mary’s happiness. He knew, Mary was eager to go and that she would be happy and relaxed if they went together. Despite his unwillingness, he readily accompanied her.

At the other end, Booth was ready with his horses-all harnessed and fast-moving. He had planned to ride, by the fastest means away from the jurisdiction of Washington DC, and to enter the Southern States. He knew he and his companions were sure to find a refuge in the South, here they and their likes still held the sway.

Abraham Lincoln and Mary were in a special ‘Box’. Mary took further precaution to let Lincoln sit in such an angle from where he could have a full view of the stage, but the public could not notice him. Yet a couple of artists entire stage spotted him, reorganized him and greeted him with due respect.

The couple were enjoying the play with its crisp conversation and humour. But when the third Act commenced, Mary noticed that Lincoln was shivering. She gave him his over-coat and sat close to him to warm him. Suddenly, the box reverberated with a thunderous roar as if a bomb had exploded. Terri lied. Mary first looked at her husband and was aghast to see him motionless with stony eyes and wooden body. She screamed.

The next moment Mary saw that an army Major Rothbone, who was with them, was struggling with a stranger with a knife. With a flash, Mary remembered that she had seen that stranger, somewhere, some times. But, when and where, she could not recollect.

The murderer jumped out of the box and ran out. Mary watched him go with tearful eyes.

This murderer was Booth, the actor who had reached the theatre an hour and a half before Lincoln's arrival. He knew exactly where the President would be sitting. He bored a hole in the door of the box from which he could keep a watch on the activities of the President and other: with him. He took further precautions in order to avoid any intrusion at the moment when he would be tiring; he removed two inches of plaster from the gallery wall and put a wooden plant there. Of the four bodyguards of Lincoln, Parker was at the entrance to the box. Unfortunately, Parker was irresponsible and alcoholic. A