What was Booth wearing?

[Rick Smith]

(12-11-2013 09:45 PM)Dave Taylor Wrote:  Greetings fellow Symposiumites,

I'm trying to determine, to the best of our ability, what clothing John Wilkes Booth was wearing when he assassinated Lincoln and then escaped for 12 days. I'm hoping you guys might provide me with a sense of direction as to where to look for this information. I understand that there may be differing accounts as to his apparel, but any and all ideas or sources that you might know of would be appreciated. Some day in the near future I am hoping to get myself a set of Civil War era clothing and, if I'm already going to be spending the $$$ for the clothes, I'd like them to at least resemble the clothing of the assassin. This would come especially in handy come April when I'm hoping to recreate his time in the pine thicket.

Also, for the 19th century fashionistas on the forum, could you give me a basic education on what a gentleman like Booth would be likely to have been wearing underneath his "top layer" of clothes? What were the undergarments of the day that I will need to have for authenticity and warmth?

Dave, Looks like you have your answers to the clothing question. By the time you are spending the nights in the pine thicket, remember, you will only be wearing one boot. You should have a shoe with the end cut out on your left. The one boot should be a mid thigh riding boot which was for the purpose of giving you the ability to grip the saddle and provide a secure seat. The under garments should not be of a fitted or knitted variety that you see on western movies. Underclothes for men were usually made of cotton osnaberg, muslin or flannel in various weights. The under drawers buttoned in front and tied in the back. The undershirt usually had one button at the top. Remember that Booth's undershirt neck was fastened with a gold stick pin he had been given by Dan Bryant. The button must have been lost at some point. Email me, I can direct you to all the best places to get your gear.

Rick