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Michael O'Laughlen is a historical figure connected to the conspiracy in the murder of President Abraham Lincoln.

Biography[]

On the evening of 14th April, 1865, John Wilkes Booth and Michael O'Laughlen went to Harbach Tavern to seek the assistance of Thomas Gates in deciphering the Playfair Cipher. Booth had to leave and Michael stayed with Thomas Gates to see the cipher finished. Thomas noticed the badge of Knights of the Golden Circle on Michael, and burned the solution to the cipher, which prompted Michael shooting him. Michael even shortly pondered shooting Thomas' son Charles Gates, but decided not to and escaped.

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