Presidential security

[Gene C]

In reading "Backstage With Booth" by Michael R Hurwitz, I am not sure how much liberty he takes in writing this book, as there are no footnotes. He wrote the following;

"Parker, the assigned guard, took his seat outside in the assigned corridor, but became engaged with the action on stage and left his post several times to view the play. Mrs. Lincoln had slipped him some money, so it wasn't long until Parker abandoned his duties and made off for Taltavul's Tavern for some refreshments. By nine-thirty, the Presidential party was alone and unguarded" (page 123)

I don't remember having ever read that Mrs. Lincoln slipped Parker some money. Has anyone ever heard of that before?