Book excerpt: The arrest, conviction and exile of Dr. Mudd to a military prison for providing emergency medical care to an injured patient is first of all here viewed from a medical standpoint, taking into account privileged communication between doctor and patient. Circumstances surrounding Booth's unexpected middle of the night arrival at the doctor's home, in light of the political events at war's end, are also carefully examined. It was known at the time of his trial that Mudd was a Southern sympathizer, slaveowner, and Booth acquaintance. Mudd treated Booth for wounds--a broken leg and injured back--which no law required reporting.