The hole In the door

[L Verge]

(11-12-2015 06:10 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  IMO Booth made the hole, but I remain unconvinced that he made a dry run at c.9:30 P.M. I cannot understand why no one else claimed the dry run other than Clara Harris. As I understand the seating arrangement, Rathbone was sitting on the couch at somewhat of an angle - I would think he would be first to see someone peering in at the box. But I do not recall Rathbone claiming Booth made a prior trip. Also, we have many eyewitnesses to Booth approaching the box at c.10:15 P.M., but none other than Clara noticed the dry run? This does not make sense to me. At this point I think Clara was confused. Keep in mind that Clara also was adamant that Laura Keene was never in the box after President Lincoln was shot; this statement is also in conflict with other eyewitness accounts.

I'm with you on this one, Roger. And by "dry run," I suspect Jonathan (welcome back!) might mean that Booth's drilling the hole earlier was his assurance that he could peek into the box to make sure things were A-OK before entering.

John - "But there is no one saying that the assassin did not make a dry run." And, only Clara saying that he did. Forbes didn't mention seeing Booth twice and none of the audience members (who saw him just before the time of the crime) mentioned him.