Who Had The Worst Job?

[Jim Garrett]

(04-15-2013 04:07 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(04-14-2013 10:22 AM)My Name Is Kate Wrote:  In the Lincoln movie, no one had to tell Tad. He heard it being announced at Grover's(?) theater. Maybe that's not the way it really happened.

Yes, I should have also put the defense lawyers in the list.

Kate, the books I have vary on this. Over the years I have read at least four versions of what happened at Grover's Theatre:

1. Someone rushed up the aisle, whispered what happened into Alphonso Donn's ear, and Tad was rushed out of the theater before a general announcement was made to the audience.

2. A man rushed into the theater from outside and yelled the tragic news to the entire audience with Tad still present.

3. An actor or manager went on stage and announced to the crowd that Lincoln had been shot with Tad still present.

4. A combination of 2 and 3.

There was also an account that Thomas Pendel broke the news to Tad. I believe he did not hear the news until returning to the White House.

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Maybe the person who had the toughest job was the man who took, or cut the rope away from around Mary Surratt's neck. Lawyers know thwy will lose cases, the clergy know they will have people who pay the ultimate consequence. Soldiers know they will have to deal with death, but not necessarily this kind of situation. The account of Mary's tender flesh being stuck to the rope!!! Also the spiritual advisor, sorry its 6:45am, I'm not going to dig out the name, Wiget, Walters, etc., who attended to Anna. Truely a heartbreaking moment.

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BTW, Kate, this is a great post. I love the posts that make you put yourself back in time and think about the personal side of this event.