The Spur Question

[J. Beckert]

I think the best description of Booth's attire that night came from Joseph Hazelton. He also expressed shock at seeing Booth arrive wearing "heavy riding boots, spurs, a blue flannel shirt and an Army slouch hat" after having seen him earlier in the day "dressed in the height of fashion". He also wondered "what he was doing there on such a gala night dressed in such a garb".

Another report states he wore "an ordinary black business suit".

A spur was recovered from the stage and an engraving of it was posted in the papers along with Booth's hat. A small "semi-circular indentation" was found at the spot where the carpet was ripped by Booth's fall - suggesting it was made by the spur.

Another report stated that on the night of the assassination, the Treasury Guards flag was not on a staff, but displayed opened, beneath the box, displaying "it's large hand painted eagle". I don't see how grabbing a flag that was at best tacked on would assist Booth is slowing his descent.

April 14th was a cool and rainy night. Booth knew he was going to touch off a powder keg and once he got done, he'd be riding hard. He said himself he'd planned only for success. I think he was ready and dressed for riding, the weather and his usual attention to fashion would have been a hindrance.