(04-16-2015, 03:45 PM)L Verge Wrote: I spent the day at work at Surratt House talking with lots of visitors, most of whom had attended the Ford's ceremonies. Then I went home to watch the C-Span version of yesterday's event.
Just an aside, but I was not happy with the actor that they chose for Dr. Leale -- and, do we know whether or not Leale was in uniform at the theater or civilian attire like Rathbone? The actor portraying Dr. Leale could have passed for Peanut John Burroughs, imo.
From Dr Leale,
"On the evening of April 14, 1865, after the completion of my daily hospital duties, I told my ward master that I would be absent for short time.. I changed to civilian’s dress and hurried to Ford’s Theatre, where I had been told President Lincoln, General Grant, and members of the Cabinet were to be present."
Dr Leale changed to civilian clothes because he was afraid that being in uniform he might be stopped and asked for a pass which he did not have. He so wanted to see Lincoln that he left nothing to chance.
As to a hat, "In my lonely walk I was aroused from my reveries by the cold drizzling rain dropping on my bare head; my hat I had left at my seat in the theatre"
