John Parker

[Jim Garrett]

The protection of the President was a relatively new responsibility for the Metropolitan Police Dept. in 1865 and the duties were very vague. There has been some conjecture that John Parker's duty was to get Lincoln through the theatre and into the Presidential box. His responsibility would resume at the end of the play, escorting Lincoln out of the theatre to the carriage and then back to the White House.

In addition to the ambiguity of the duties, Lincoln was notoriously laxed in his own security. He seemed almost Calvinistic at best, fatalistic at worst as to the effectiveness of his security. Some believe that when he entered the box, he told Parker his services would not be needed until after the play.

Some accounts have Parker leaving the area next to the box to get a better view of the play. I personally doubt this. Right outside the box is a pretty good spot to watch the play from. Also it was a full house. I don't know where Parker would have found another seat.

Some other accounts place Parker with Francis (Ned) Burke, Lincoln's carriage driver. He has been placed with Burke in front of the theatre and also in the Starr Saloon. Burke had a reputation as a drinker, and Parker's performance in his duties may suggest an inclination to imbibe. The Star Saloon senerio certainly seems very possible.

In any case, if his duties did not entail standing guard at the entryway to the box, or if President Lincoln had relieved him of that function either that night or on prior occasions, it would be difficult to charge him with negligence.