Clara Harris's Bloody Dress

[RJNorton]

(12-29-2013 07:34 AM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  I, too, still doubt she held Lincoln's head. It would be interesting to read that article from the "Clipper" to see if she stated such herself, and what exactly she reported.

Eva, I found this statement in The life of Laura Keene: Actress, Artist, Manager and Scholar by John Creahan. I do not know if this is the exact same statement as in the article from the "Clipper," but if it's true that she made only one statement after the assassination then I think it's the same.

LAURA KEENE'S STATEMENT. "Prominent among those mentioned in connection with the incidents of the late tragical death of our worthy President is the name of Miss Laura Keene, the actress. In order to place her right in the history the following facts will suffice: Miss Keene was behind the scenes at the precise time of the shooting, waiting to come on the stage. She was near the place theatrically known as the tormentor. She was on the northern side of the theatre, while the President's box was on the southern side. Miss Keene's position was near the prompter's desk; but as that official was absent calling some of the actors she placed herself near the point where she could more readily enter upon her part. She was at the time expecting to see the ingress of Mr. Spear, whose part was at hand, and prepared herself to break his fall as he entered in a drunken scene; but instead of receiving Mr. Spear, Mr. Booth pushed his way suddenly through the side scene, striking Miss Keene on the hand with his own, in which he held a dagger. She for a second looked at him and saw it was another person from the one she expected, and instantaneously she heard the cry that the President was shot. The cry was spontaneous among the audience, and many of them were making for the stage. She then knew something was occurring, as women were screaming, men hallooing and children crying, as if a fire panic had taken place.

Miss Keene went to the front of the stage, and, addressing the bewildered audience, said: ' For God's sake, have presence of mind and keep your places, and all will be well.' " Notwithstanding this appeal the audience were boisterous, and while all seemed willing to detect the perpetrator of the great crime, but one made a move to this end. Scarcely had the perpetrator of the crime jumped from the President's box to the stage, than he was followed by Mr. Stewart, one of the auditors. As Mr. Booth crossed the stage he met and struck at the carpenter with the dagger he held, and instantaneously made his exit to the rear of the theatre, where his horse was in readiness, and thence made his escape. Miss Keene, after momentarily arresting the panic and consternation in the audience. heard the cry of Miss Harris, saying. ' Miss Keene. bring some water! ' Miss Keene responded to the call, made her way. which was rather circuitous, through the dress circle to the President's box. and got there a few moments alter the occurrence.

There she saw Mrs. Lincoln, in the agony of a devoted wife, uttering the most piteous cries.

Miss Keene attempted to pacify her - at the same time offering the good offices in her power: but she was convinced from her observation that human help was in vain. Miss Keene remained with the President until he was taken from the theatre. "