Lincoln Discussion Symposium

(10-02-2018 01:16 AM)David Lockmiller Wrote: [ -> ]Captain McCamley remained at the Peterson House all night, until Lincoln's death at 7:22 a.m., then escorted the body to the White House "at which time being relieved of duty he returned to his quarters and went to sleep, when he discovered he had the glasses"

Once again it appears to me that either McCamley or his family may be embellishing the story. Mike Kauffman writes in American Brutus (p. 240):

"It was not until after the Cabinet left that a detail of six men took charge of the remains, placed them in a rough wooden coffin and carrying them back out the narrow hallway and down the winding steps. An ambulance waited in front of the house. As the body was loaded into it, the crowd closed in for a final glimpse of their martyred leader. Then they embarked on a slow, mournful, rain-drenched procession to the White House."

In a footnote (#22) on p. 448, Kauffman lists the names of President Lincoln's escort back to the White House. The names are John C. Weaver, William Reith, Eli Morey, David Frantz, John Richardson, and Antonio Bregazzi. There is no mention of McCamley.

Captain McCamley sounds like the "Phantom of the Opera (Glasses)"

Which reminds me of a song,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A0CU8jgJzs

Here's the latest variation on history. Allegedly, the opera glasses fell in the presidential box at Ford's theater when Captain McCamly and others picked up Lincoln's body for transport to the Peterson house. Of course, the people writing this variation have a financial interest in making the authenticity case as strong as possible.

https://www.rauantiques.com/president-li...ra-glasses And, then go to the hyperlink on this page to "Get complete item description here."

I will make this my last post on the subject.

Just to add my thoughts ... the most likely possibility is that (if the glasses fell) they would fall out of the balcony down onto the seats and floor below. In other words, not into the balcony. Of course , they could fall in any direction if someone swished their clothing or crinoline-type dress. But the most likely direction I suggest (if they were placed on the balustrade, where you'd expect them to be) is for them to be knocked off and fall down out of the balcony.