Yellow Fever Plot to Kill Lincoln

[connecticut yankee]

In the summer of 1864, Dr. Luke P. Blackburn, a Kentucky-born physician turned Confederate agent, allegedly instituted a bioterrorism plot against United States cities and President Abraham Lincoln. Blackburn's goal was to "release" Yellow Fever through the distribution of infected clothing, with specific articles being sent directly to Lincoln.

http://www.civilwarprofiles.com/yellow-fever-plot-of-1864-targeted-lincoln-u-s-cities/

 

[ErnieMac]

He became governor of Kentucky after the War.

 

[Patrick H]

It's a very interesting article, and it's alarming to think that this guy tried to wage biological warfare. If he'd used a different biological agent, think of the innocents who might have died.

 

[ErnieMac]

Another article.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2001/nov/10/20011110-031019-5285r/

 

[John Hartwell]

The newspapers were, of course, full of this story. Attached at the bottom is a report of Blackburn's trial in Toronto in May 1865, including Hyams' testimony.

In October 1867, "Yellow Fever Blackburn" returned to Tennessee:

 

[19thGeorgia]

The newspapers were, of course, full of this story. Attached at the bottom is a report of Blackburn's trial in Toronto in May 1865, including Hyams' testimony.

Hyams received immunity from prosecution and was paid for his testimony.

 

[ErnieMac]

That's the earliest publication in which I've seen the expression 'crime against humanity' used.

 

[USS ALASKA]

We've had a few threads and posts on the 'good' Doctor...

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/the-wicked-dr-blackburn.91092/

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[John Hartwell]

That's the earliest publication in which I've seen the expression 'crime against humanity' used.

Both British and American antislavery advocates used the phrase with some frequency (at least as early as 1807) to describe the "peculiar institution." It was said of the kidnapping of free black children into slavery (Delaware, 1817). In Jan. 1860, a British M.P. spoke in defense of John Brown because his willingness to risk his life to combat "a crime against humanity." A Montreal, Canada mass meeting held in May 1865, condemned the Assassination of President Lincoln as "a crime against humanity."

The phrase was, of course, also used for other, non-slavery-related acts of extreme cruelty and depravity.

The category in international law of defined "Crimes against Humanity," I believe, is largely a 20th century development.

 

[JOHN42768]

I guess he missed the line in his oath " First do no harm"

 

[jackt62]

Not heard of this plot before.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Whoa. Hadn't come across the story, either. That's crazy. And of course the President of the United States will wear random clothing that shows up through the mail.