A Very Nice Performance

[L Verge]

My grandson and I were able to attend a First Friday program in historic Port Tobacco, Maryland, this evening. After a short meeting describing the progress that is being made on the restoration of Rich Hill, the ca. 1729 home of Col. Samuel Cox, who figures in the Booth escape, "Mr. John Wilkes Booth," himself, appeared and offered an in-depth presentation on the thoughts that raced through his head as he languished in the pine thicket near Rich Hill, awaiting the assistance of Thomas Jones to cross the Potomac.

Our own David Taylor gave a very dramatic performance as the fugitive Booth, complete with splinted broken leg and emotional outbursts related to his chagrin at finding that he is not being hailed as a national hero, but rather a villain. Opening and closing narratives were given by Kate Ramirez, also in period garb; and the closing sequence in which Dave transforms from Booth into a modern historian to show that Booth's deed only served to reinforce our country's creed that all men are created equal - the true accomplishment of which has yet to be fully attained.

Over 100 people crowded into the reconstructed colonial courthouse on Port Tobacco Square and gave "Mr. Booth" an enthusiastic thumbs-up. Great job, Dave and Kate. The Booth family would have approved of your thespian talents.

On April 7, we will return to Port Tobacco for a presentation by Kate as Mary Surratt and another gentleman who will take on the role of George Atzerodt.