Lincoln Discussion Symposium

A short time ago, there was a conversation about how Booth carried two pistols , etc. While looking for any mention of Wardell, by Baker in "The History of the U. S. Secret Service" I ran across Baker's version of Conger's report on the death of Booth. (Pg 540). Baker said that Conger reported to him and gave him the articles found on Booth's body. - "two pistols, his BELT, knife and compass, also his pipe and diary". That answers one of our doubts. (Plus: I never knew that Booth smoked a pipe.)
Throughout this chapter, Baker never mentions any effort to take pictures.
P.S There was no mention of Wardell. He did have a Woodall. Was his spelling correct? He usually refers to his agents as "Mr._______." or by Initials.

A belt? That's interesting. I think men wore suspenders in that era.

(06-30-2013 10:22 PM)SSlater Wrote: [ -> ]I never knew that Booth smoked a pipe."

We once discussed his meerschaum pipe:
http://rogerjnorton.com/LincolnDiscussio...meerschaum

As for the belt, at least the uniforms had belts. BTW, Mark Twain received a patent for "Adjustable and Detachable Straps for Garments" (=suspenders) in 1871.

Belts were mostly utilitarian. Gents wore suspenders. Belts were not worn to hold up trousers; there were gun belts to hold holsters, pistol cartridge/cap containers, sabers, etc. for the military. Even westerners wore gun belts; all men wore suspenders as a part of their "undergarments!" They usually were not allowed to be shown and were covered with their vest (waistcoat) and/or coat.

Eva and Betty: thanks for the clarification. That's what i was thinking. So Booth had a gun belt perhaps.

Booth's holsters have slots on the back to slip a belt through. Only way to carry such heavy (nearly 2 pounds each) revolvers.

I do believe that the reference to a belt does refer to a gunbelt. Hence the reference to a "brace" of revolvers. The guns secured in holsters on a gunbelt.......I think.