After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Episode: Final Days of Abraham Lincoln
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling

In this compelling episode, historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling explore the intricate and dramatic final days of Abraham Lincoln, delving into the circumstances leading up to his assassination, the event itself, and its profound impact on American history.

Historical Context: Lincoln’s Presidency

The episode opens with a detailed backdrop of Lincoln's presidency during the closing stages of the American Civil War. Anthony Delaney sets the stage by discussing the strategic shifts as the Confederate states teetered on the brink of collapse.

Anthony Delaney [07:17]: "We are at the end of, or towards the end of, the Civil War... Union forces have captured Richmond, and Robert E. Lee has surrendered on April 9, 1865."

Maddy Pelling adds context about the economic and social upheavals, particularly the abolition of slavery and its ramifications on the U.S. economy.

Maddy Pelling [08:38]: "Isn't it? Because it's been based for many decades, if not centuries, on enslaved labor."

The hosts discuss Lincoln's 10% Plan, which aimed to offer amnesty to Confederate states pledging loyalty to the Union and recognizing the end of slavery.

The Path to Assassination

Anthony Delaney recounts key events leading up to Lincoln’s assassination, including Lincoln’s final public speech and the growing tensions among Confederate sympathizers.

Anthony Delaney [15:30]: "There's a lot of confusion, a lot of rhetoric, heated argument, debate... a fractious time and a confusing time for people on the ground."

The discussion highlights the brewing resentment and desperation among Confederate supporters, setting the stage for Booth's drastic actions.

The Assassination at Ford’s Theatre

The narrative intensifies as the hosts describe the assassination night with vivid detail. Anthony Delaney provides a minute-by-minute account of the events.

Anthony Delaney [22:14]: "This all happens now. This happens at 10:15 during Act Three, Scene Two."

John Wilkes Booth, an actor familiar with the theater’s layout, leverages his knowledge to execute the plan seamlessly.

Anthony Delaney [23:26]: "He uses a pivotal point in the show where there's a huge roar of laughter... to mask the sound of the gunshot."

Maddy Pelling reflects on the surreal nature of the event, juxtaposing the comedic atmosphere of the play with the sudden violence.

Maddy Pelling [28:40]: "This juxtaposition of the laughter and the screaming... it must have been so confusing."

Booth’s theatrical approach, including his dramatic leap onto the stage, underscores the calculated nature of the assassination.

Anthony Delaney [26:42]: "He understands the geography of theaters... he knows where he's going."

Immediate Aftermath and Lincoln’s Final Moments

Post-assassination, Lincoln is swiftly moved to William Peterson's house. The hosts provide an emotional recount of his deteriorating condition.

Anthony Delaney [02:52]: “At 6:40 AM his pulse could not be counted... At 7:20 AM he breathed his last and the spirit fled to God who gave it.”

A poignant moment is highlighted when Lincoln's Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, solemnly declares:

Edwin Stanton [02:52]: "Now he belongs to the ages."

The hosts discuss the immediate security concerns and the swift response to Booth’s attack, including Booth's escape and subsequent death.

Anthony Delaney [38:32]: "Eight of them were arrested and tried by military tribunal... Mary Surratt is the first woman executed by the US Federal government."

Lincoln’s Legacy and the Impact on Reconstruction

The assassination left a vacuum in leadership, with Vice President Andrew Johnson stepping in under vastly different ideologies. The hosts analyze how Johnson's approach hindered Lincoln's vision for Reconstruction.

Maddy Pelling [40:32]: "Lincoln was the glue holding it all together."

Anthony Delaney [41:38]: "Johnson... pardons thousands of Confederates and returns land to ex-slaveholders... he opposes certain protections that Lincoln would have offered."

This shift led to increased violence and confusion in the post-war South, derailing efforts to ensure equality and safety for freed enslaved individuals.

Reflections on Historical Assassinations

Towards the episode's conclusion, Delaney and Pelling delve into the broader fascination with historical assassinations, exploring their narrative power and the dramatic intersection of individual motives with national consequences.

Anthony Delaney [44:54]: "Assassinations... are calculated, deliberate, targeted... utterly fascinating."

Maddy Pelling emphasizes the storytelling allure of assassinations, highlighting the dramatic convergence of separate life paths into a pivotal historical moment.

Maddy Pelling [47:18]: "It's the meeting of two people in a place who otherwise wouldn't come into contact... so compelling."

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up by contemplating the fragility of historical trajectories, underscored by singular, violent acts that reshape nations. Lincoln's martyrdom not only secured his legacy but also left an indelible mark on the course of American history.

Anthony Delaney [47:27]: "One split second, one individual can upturn an entire nation."

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how Lincoln's untimely death altered the path of Reconstruction and the enduring legacy of his leadership.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and emotional nuances presented by Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, offering a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the episode.