1865 Dark

[John Stanton]

I recall reading a book on our Revolution once ("Washington's Crossing") where the subject of 18th century "dark" was discussed. The point being that we all, being used to modern lighting, cannot appreciate how truly dark it was at night back then.

My town (Florence, SC) is experiencing a half-city wide power outage tonight and I have a new appreciation for how dark it was when Booth and Herold were not only riding to Dr. Mudd's, but in the pine thicket those several nights. That's "dark"!

I am not questioning your description of "Dark", but I question if Booth was in the "Dark". When Booth was out on the river, he could see Two Lightships. One, with two lights at the top of the Mast
anchored at the Mouth of the Nanjemoy, and the other with one light at the top of the Mast, anchored at the Mouth of Gambo Creek. Also, the USS Juniper was at anchor off of Persimmom Point - with anchor light showing. Information available from the Log Books of the Gunboats, copies available from JOH Research Center. (They have them, because I sent them there.) JOHN PS. It was dark on their ride down to Dent,s Meadow.