The Attempted Assassination of William H. Seward: Analysis of His Nonfatal Head and Neck Injuries

On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington DC. Booth's actions were part of a conspiracy by Confederate sympathizers to disrupt the US Government. The conspiracy also targeted Secretary of State William H. Seward, who was attacked in his home on the same evening by Lewis Powell. Seward, who was recuperating from a violent carriage accident, was brutally stabbed several times in the face and neck but survived his wounds. This article will review the assassination attempt before focusing on the details of Seward's wounds and his subsequent medical care. We will also analyze how Powell managed not to kill Seward despite having the opportunity to stab the defenseless, recumbent Secretary 5 times.