This unflattering description of co-conspirator George Atzerodt appeared in the newspapers following the assassination. His name was also misspelled:

“Atzeroth is a German by birth, but, having come to this country when quite a child, he speaks English with as much fluency as a native. He is about five feet seven or eight inches high, with a well-knit and compact frame, and about 29 years of age. His complexion is dark and swarthy, with black, crisp hair and mustache; eyes dark gray, deep set and piercing. His forehead is low, and the general contour of his features stamp him as a man of low character, who would stoop to any action, no matter how vile, for money.”