Mary Lincoln's presence at Abraham's death-bed

[Gene C]

It was a very stressful night for all, a terrible tragedy, everyone was tired, and none of the political leadership was sure about their own safety and the security of the city. Stanton may not have shown the compassion that he should have, but he was under an enormous pressure to find the assassins and to prepare against a sudden southern military and terroristic insurgence.

Unfortunately, Mary's reaction and response to what had happened (her loud crying and expressions of grief) probably increased the tension in the Peterson's house.