Borne by Loving Hands

[Rsmyth]

At least 25 people claimed to have had a hand in assisting with the removal from the theater to the Petersen house including Thomas Gourlay, although he did not make the claim, his family did. One claimant said that the President was transported sitting upright in the chair in which he had been shot.

All the "claims" came much later after the event, even Dr. Leale's who around that time said he also performed CPR on Lincoln.

Based on the evidence or lack there of, I would grant Mr. Downing's claim equal weight.