Did Lincoln not want to attend the theater that night?

[Dr. Todd Descendant]

The Lincoln's seemed to have been in a good mood, so I am a little surprised to hear someone state that the president didn't want to attend the play, although I'm sure being tired is a good enough reason. Why the belief in Abe's hesitancy to attend?

Hi BJ and welcome to the forum. I believe one of the sources for this is William H. Crook. Crook wrote that Lincoln said, "It has been advertised that we will be there, and I cannot disappoint the people. Otherwise I would not go. I do not want to go." This is on p. 67 of Crook's book entitled Through Five Administrations.

I must add, however, that several highly respected historians do not regard Crook as a reliable source. Among these folks are Ed Steers and William Hanchett. Crook's reminisces have been studied and are regarded as not trustworthy.

Thank you for that information. Unfortunately, the same is found in the realm of genealogy. Rather than simply stating facts and truth, many feel the need to embellish or mislead.