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

[Gene C]

When Stanton heard the news that the president had been shot, Stanton, and other government officials hurried to where the president was. It was easier for Stanton to "take care of business" at the Petersen House, across the street from Ford's theater, because eye witnesses were still available, and the close proximate to the scene of the crime. Like many in the president's cabinet and who were close to him, they wanted to be near Mr. Lincoln when the end came.

According to some witnesses, Mrs Lincoln' grief was uncontrollable and very loud. The Peterson House was not a large home, and the rooms were on the small side. It didn't take long for the house to became very crowded.