Lincoln in the Telegraph Office on April 14, 1865

[RJNorton]

Bill, I agree that we must seriously question Bates' account. From your post:

"Very well,” Lincoln then said, “I shall have to ask Major Rathbone to go with us, because Stanton insists upon having some one to guard me, but I would rather have you, Major, since I know you can break a poker over your arm."

and

"It is far more likely that the invitation originated from Mary to her “dear friend” Clara."

Everything I have read over the years makes me believe the invitation came from Mary, and Lincoln would not have said he would ask Henry Rathbone on the morning of the 14th.

This statement alone throws doubt in my mind regarding Bates' story.

Bill, you say Lincoln and Rathbone were acquainted. I did not even realize they had previously met. Do you know when/where this took place? I think I have read that Clara Harris had previously gone to the theater with the Lincolns, but I do not recall reading that Henry Rathbone was with the group. I know Clara was at the White House on the night of April 11th, but I don't think Henry was with her.