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RobertLC · (This post was last modified: 05-23-2014 06:01 PM by RobertLC.)

(05-23-2014 07:37 AM)Ed Steers Wrote:
(05-13-2014 07:49 PM)RobertLC Wrote: I am new to this forum, but am excited about being here. I would like to start with a couple of questions about the night of the assassination of the President. When Booth shot Abraham Lincoln, by which portal did he exit the State Box? I have attached a Brady photo of the theater that was taken just days after the shooting. Did Booth escape by portal I or portal II? I suspect portal II because portal I would have been a precarious jump and placed him very close to the front edge of the stage, but I have found no solid evidence to support my supposition. Moreover, we know that Dr. Charles Taft was lifted from the stage and thus climbed into the box. This is confirmed by his writings and other eyewitness accounts. Did he enter via portal I or portal II. Again, I suspect portal II because the President was just inside portal I and it would have been very awkward for Taft to enter via that route. I appreciate anyone who can elaborate and clarify these points for me.

Robert, There is a photograph of the box and stage taken presumably by Brady shortly after the assassination on Stanton's order. In this particular photograph you can clearly see a white circle drawn on the stage floor directly beneath your portal II. While there is no description accompanying the photograph I conclude it was taken with the circle to indicate where Booth landed on the stage - beneath portal II. Ed

Ed, Thanks so much for the info. I have seen some of Brady's pictures from the National Archives, but I have not seen the one that you mention in your note above. I would love to see it. Do you have a reference that I could use to see it? Thanks.

(05-23-2014 08:50 AM)davg2000 Wrote: For what it's worth, ALPM has Lincoln and Mary in their accepted places, but Clara Harris is seated close to the box's rail at the viewer's very left. Major Rathbone, in uniform, is seated behind Clara and to her left. Although you can't see down into the box, it certainly appears to me that both Clara and Henry are seated on chairs. There is no settee. (But that surely appears to be a settee in the picture posted by RobertLC.)

I am not familiar with your reference. Can you direct me to it so I can follow up? Thanks.