Clara Harris's Bloody Dress

[wsanto]

(11-08-2013 10:06 AM)calebj123 Wrote:  Sorry to come late to this party, but here are my viewpoints.

First, it was discussed for a moment, so I'll touch on this. Henry Rathbone was in civilian clothes that night, there are a few sources that verify that. It was common for soldiers to do so during that time, in order to avoid the provost marshals in DC. The marshals patrolled DC and stopped soldiers in uniform attempt to curb public intoxication,gambling, fights, etc. Rathbone was also unarmed because of this.

I doubt Rathbone was worried about being stopped by the Provost Marshall while riding in the President's carriage and in the company of President and Mrs. Lincoln.

If I were an active-duty Army Major celebrating the end of the war and was asked to join the President socially for the evening I would surely be wearing my best dress uniform for the occasion.

In fact it was probably a very proud time to be seen in your uniform as the entire city is celebrating your victory. Free drinks and all.

Also Booth's diary comment on there being a "Colonol by his side" indicates Rathbone was in uniform. He got the rank wrong (or was exagerrating it) but Rathbone must have been in uniform for Booth to identify him as an Army officer.

Bill C