Last Podcast On The Left Episode 624: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Part IV - Madder than a Hatter
Jun 20, 2025
Discover the chaotic aftermath of Lincoln's assassination as John Wilkes Booth goes on the run. Delve into the mad world of hat-making and the quirky history of mercury poisoning, revealing the link to the phrase 'mad as a hatter.' Explore Boston Corbett's eccentric and tragic life, including his misguided self-castration and his relentless manhunt for Booth. This blend of humor, history, and bizarre anecdotes gives insight into 19th-century America and the peculiarities of its characters.
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Boston Corbett's Self-Castration
- Boston Corbett self-castrated at age 26 to suppress sexual urges and devote himself to God.
- He made this extreme choice believing it was a biblical command to control his passions.
Mercury Poisoning in Hat Makers
- Hat making in the 19th century exposed workers to mercury, causing insanity known as "mad as a hatter".
- Boston Corbett likely suffered heavy mercury poisoning, influencing his erratic behavior.
Boston Corbett's POW Survival
- Boston Corbett survived horrific imprisonment at Andersonville prison camp, enduring starvation and disease.
- His faith and resilience helped him survive one of the Civil War's worst POW camps.