Page "Andrew Johnson" Paragraph 48

On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, who conspired to coordinate assassinations of others, including Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant and Secretary of State William H. Seward that same night.

Seward narrowly survived his wounds, while Johnson escaped attack as his would-be assassin, George Atzerodt, failed to go through with the plan.

Leonard J. Farwell, a fellow boarder at the Kirkwood House, awoke Johnson with news of Lincoln's having been shot at Ford's Theater ; Johnson rushed to the President's deathbed for a brief time, commenting, " They shall suffer for this.

They shall suffer for this.

" Lincoln died around 7: 00 A. M .; Johnson's swearing in occurred at 11: 00 that morning with Chief Justice Salmon Chase presiding in the presence of most of the cabinet.

Johnson's demeanor was described as " solemn and dignified " and " his bearing produced a most gratifying impression upon those who participated.

" At noon, Johnson conducted his first cabinet meeting in the Treasury Secretary's office, asked all members to remain in their positions, and directed the appropriate members to initiate Lincoln's funeral arrangements.

William Hunter was appointed acting Secretary of State for the wounded Seward.