Lincoln and the theater, and theater in Lincoln's days

[Eva Elisabeth]

Good question, Roger. As you said, the 11-12 feet distance is a fact, and I wouldn't call that close, too. Nevertheless, Booth might have pointed at Lincoln, and by hindsight in Ms. Clay's memory it seemed closer than in reality. However, it's a nice story, and sure (IMO) Mary B. Clay truly believed or felt that it happened exactly that way. The part that I would cast most doubts on is the dialogue, especially Lincoln's comment.