Episode 624: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Part IV - Madder than a Hatter

Podcast Summary: Last Podcast on the Left
Episode 624: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Part IV - Madder than a Hatter
Release Date: June 20, 2025

Introduction and Context

In the fourth installment of their comprehensive series on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, "Last Podcast on the Left" delves deep into the intricate web of events leading up to and following the tragic killing of the 16th President of the United States. This episode, aptly titled "Madder than a Hatter," focuses primarily on the enigmatic figure of Boston Corbett, the man who ultimately ended the life of John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin.

Boston Corbett's Background

Boston Corbett's Early Life and Apprenticeship

Boston Corbett, originally born Thomas Corbett in England in 1832, immigrated to New York City in 1840 with his family. Growing up in the notorious Five Points neighborhood, Corbett's early life was marked by the harsh realities of America's first slum. In the mid-1850s, Corbett began an apprenticeship with a hat maker—a profession fraught with danger due to the use of mercury in hat production. Prolonged exposure to mercury likely contributed to Corbett's later erratic behavior.

Self-Castration and Religious Zeal

In a dramatic turn of events, Corbett underwent self-castration, influenced by his distorted religious beliefs and mercury poisoning. This act was intended to tame his perceived uncontrollable sexual urges, leading him to adopt the name "Boston" after his religious conversion in Boston. His altered mental state set the stage for his future actions and involvement in the assassination plot.

Corbett's Path to Booth

Military Service and Personal Struggles

Corbett joined the Union Army's 12th Regiment in 1861, motivated by his staunch abolitionist stance. His military career was tumultuous, marked by repeated tours of duty and time spent in the infamous Andersonville Prison Camp. The harsh conditions and his ongoing battle with the aftereffects of mercury poisoning further deteriorated his mental health, making him increasingly paranoid and aggressive.

Encounter with John Wilkes Booth

As the Civil War drew to a close, Corbett found himself in Virginia, where intelligence gathered suggested Booth was in the area. This convergence of fate positioned Corbett to play a pivotal role in Booth's demise.

The Assassination at Garrett's Farm

The Night of the Hunt

On April 26, 1865, John Wilkes Booth, accompanied by David Herold and a group of Confederate sympathizers, sought refuge at Garrett's Farm in Virginia. Unbeknownst to them, Boston Corbett and his regiment were on Booth's trail. After a strategic pursuit, Corbett cornered Booth in a tobacco barn.

The Fatal Encounter

As tensions escalated, Corbett confronted Booth, who was armed and desperate. In a decisive moment, Corbett fired a single shot, striking Booth in the neck. Unlike Lincoln, who was rendered unconscious before his death, Booth remained conscious, suffering a slow and agonizing demise. Corbett's act effectively ended the immediate threat but left lingering questions about the broader conspiracy.

Aftermath and Legacy

Corbett's Continued Struggles

Despite his heroic act, Boston Corbett's life did not stabilize. His mental health continued to decline, exacerbated by societal rejection and ongoing paranoia. Corbett's interactions became increasingly volatile, leading to numerous altercations and eventual institutionalization in a state asylum in Topeka.

John Wilkes Booth's End

Booth's death marked the culmination of a tragic chapter in American history. His actions not only resulted in the loss of a beloved president but also set the stage for the tumultuous Reconstruction era that followed.

Historical Impact

Reconstruction and Its Challenges

Lincoln's assassination had profound implications for the Reconstruction process. His successor, Andrew Johnson, adopted lenient policies towards the South, which undermined efforts to integrate freed slaves into society fully. This leniency facilitated the rise of Jim Crow laws and institutionalized racial discrimination, outcomes Booth and his conspirators had hoped to perpetuate.

Long-Term Consequences

The episode underscores that while the immediate threat of Booth was neutralized, the systemic issues Booth aimed to exploit—racial tensions and societal divisions—persisted and evolved, shaping America's socio-political landscape for generations.

Notable Quotes

Henry Zebrowski at [05:19]: "There's no place to escape to."
Marcus Parks at [06:39]: "Corbett truly is one of America's finest weirdos."
Henry Zebrowski at [15:21]: "This is the origin of the phrase 'mad as a hatter.'"
Marcus Parks at [28:33]: "I’m gonna see. Is my foot the problem? No, my foot takes me to church."
Henry Zebrowski at [33:40]: "Boston Corbett was on the right side of history."
Marcus Parks at [74:10]: "So, Henry, you're totally Steven Seagal. Like everything you're doing looks just like Seagal, so awesome. Look at me. I love China."

Conclusion

Episode 624 of "Last Podcast on the Left" offers a meticulous exploration of the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's assassination, highlighting the complex character of Boston Corbett. Through engaging storytelling and detailed historical analysis, the hosts illuminate how individual actions can have enduring impacts on a nation's trajectory. This episode serves as a compelling narrative for listeners seeking to understand the multifaceted nature of one of America's most pivotal moments.