On Friday, April 14th, President and Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Clara Harris and Maj. Henry R. Rathbone, entered Ford’s Theatre for the performance of “Our American Cousin” featuring Laura Keene. It was a popular comedy of its time. By all accounts, the President was in good spirits and ready for a night of relaxation.
Otto Eisenschiml wrote that the shots were fired at around 10:15 pm. (In the Shadow of Lincoln’s Death (New York: Funk, 1940).
Shortly after, the President was moved across the street to William Petersen's home. He was placed in a small room at the rear of hall on the first floor.
Mrs. Lincoln and the surgeons stayed with the President all night. VP Johnson dropped in for a visit around 2 am.
Dr. Charles S. Taft observed that the President stopped breathing “at 7:21 and 55 seconds in the morning of April 15th, and 7:22 and 10 seconds his pulse ceased to beat.” (Eisenschiml)
After some silence, Secretary Stanton said: “Now he belongs to the ages“.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.