Killing Lincoln

Lincoln is a religious man, although he never attaches himself to any one denomination of Christianity. He rises on Good Friday and goes to the library to read his Bible and think. The White House is filled with petitioners hoping to ask him things, as the policy at the time was that the White House was open to any and all who sought entrance. The author notes that the White House’s open-door policy ends on this day. Lincoln reads the Bible, then goes over a few letters from out of the nearly 300 he receives each day. Lincoln can’t wait to go to breakfast because his son Robert is back from the war and was in the room when Lee surrendered. Lincoln wants to hear more about the surrender. He tells Robert at breakfast that he believes peace has finally arrived. Lincoln reminds Mary about their carriage ride later, and he tells Robert that it’s time for him to go to college. He then resumes his presidential duties. The author notes how Lincoln’s morning is akin to him putting his affairs in order. Moreover, many in Washington are speculating on his assassination. For them, it’s not a matter of if, but when.