Musical chairs in the State Box?

[Jim Garrett]

The distance from muzzle to head is usually recounted as being around 18 inches. I think it was probably closer, just because of the size of the box. If Booth was standing near the wall, or against the wall, and had his arm partially extended, it would be very close indeed.

Jim,

Do you think Booth shot over the back of the rocker or from one side or the other?

If Lincoln was sitting back in the rocker would his entire head be above the back of the rocker?

I believe at least one account has AL leaning forward and looking down at the audience. This accounts for the location of the wound. I think I remember reaching across and holding AL in the chair, pushing him back in the seat.