The Spur Question

[L Verge]

I think McGowan's statement is as exact as we are going to get - and it does not prove that Forbes ever received the card; he likely was just shown it. Forbes recognized Booth, or at least his name, had allowed at least one other gentleman in that night, Booth did not look like a villain and was allowed to pass.

Most people carried calling cards at that time, even women, and the imprint was mainly only the name or a brief "cute" message. The proper scenario in dealing with the President, I think, would have been for Forbes to take the card, enter the box, get permission to admit Booth, and then go get Booth and escort him in. Obviously, Forbes did not know the protocol, or did not think he needed to use it because Booth was "famous." I have a sneaking suspicion that Booth only showed the card and did not relinquish it.