The Lincoln Traveler

[RJNorton]

Here is part of John T. Ford's testimony at John Surratt's trial in 1867:

Mr. Bradley:

Q. Look at the stick, [the bar used on the night of the assassination to close the door, heretofore placed in evidence,] and state whether you have seen it; and if so, explain what you know about it.

A. I remember seeing this on the assassination trials, or the military trial.

Q. That is the stick exhibited there as the stick found in that place fastening the door.

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Now state whether there were any such sticks used in that box.

A. After my attention was called to this stick, I recognized its prior use at once before it was used for fastening the door. It is an upright of a music stand. If I may be permitted to state, on the 22d of February, the Treasury regiment — the regiment belonging to the Treasury Department, had a ball at the theater; and near that box in the dress circle the band was stationed for cotillion music. We found late in the afternoon that some music stands were needed, and some were hastily made. I believe this to be a part of one of those music stands.

Q. Can you tell of what material that is?

A. It is pine.

Q. What kind of pine?

A. I believe, white pine.

Q. You are certain it is not oak or North Carolina pine?

A. I am not much of a judge of wood, but I would venture an opinion upon that.

Q. You see that a portion of this has been sawed off. Explain how it was used?

A. A block eight or ten inches square was fastened at one end for the base, and on the bevel part of it, another board was fastened to hold the music.