The Lincoln Traveler

[Eva Elisabeth]

(06-05-2016 02:50 PM)L Verge Wrote:  It also stands to reason that Booth would have known about the gate well in advance, since he had a horse stored in that alley and was a frequent visitor to the theatre. If there were a gate, he would surely have secured it in the open position.

Most logical point IMO. Like he ensured to be able to lock the door of the box and have a fast horse ready to go, and everything else. He certainly wouldn't have planned to waste precious time on opening the gate if he could prevent.

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(06-03-2016 05:46 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  Here is part of John T. Ford's testimony at John Surratt's trial in 1867:

Mr. Bradley:

Q. Look at the stick, [the bar used on the night of the assassination to close the door, heretofore placed in evidence,] and state whether you have seen it; and if so, explain what you know about it.

A. I remember seeing this on the assassination trials, or the military trial.

Q. That is the stick exhibited there as the stick found in that place fastening the door.

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Now state whether there were any such sticks used in that box.

A. After my attention was called to this stick, I recognized its prior use at once before it was used for fastening the door. It is an upright of a music stand. If I may be permitted to state, on the 22d of February, the Treasury regiment — the regiment belonging to the Treasury Department, had a ball at the theater; and near that box in the dress circle the band was stationed for cotillion music. We found late in the afternoon that some music stands were needed, and some were hastily made. I believe this to be a part of one of those music stands.

Q. Can you tell of what material that is?

A. It is pine.

Q. What kind of pine?

A. I believe, white pine.

Q. You are certain it is not oak or North Carolina pine?

A. I am not much of a judge of wood, but I would venture an opinion upon that.

Q. You see that a portion of this has been sawed off. Explain how it was used?

A. A block eight or ten inches square was fastened at one end for the base, and on the bevel part of it, another board was fastened to hold the music.

The center "pillar" of a music stand looks perfect to me for the purpose:
   
I would think the legs of a piano bench too short, any other parts not suitable as for the shape.