Relics

[RJNorton]

(06-18-2023 03:07 PM)Anita Wrote:  Was this evidence in the trial of the conspirators?

Anita -

Henry Rathbone testified, "On reaching the outer door of the passage way, I found it barred by a heavy piece of plank, one end of which was secured in the wall, and the other resting against the door. It had been so securely fastened that it required considerable force to remove it. This wedge or bar was about four feet from the floor. Persons upon the outside were beating against the door for the purpose of entering. I removed the bar, and the door was opened." (from Benn Pitman's trial transcript.)

Isaac Jacquette testified, "I was present at Ford’s Theater on the night of the assassination. Soon after the President was carried out, I went to the box with several others.

[A wooden bar, about two inches square and three feet long, was handed to the witness.]

This wooden bar was lying on the floor inside of the first door going into the box. I picked it up and took it home with me. There was an officer stopping at my boarding house, and he wanted a piece of it, which I sawed off for him, but he concluded afterward not to take it. It is nearly covered with spots of blood which were fresh at the time when I found it."

[The bar was offered in evidence.]

(from Benn Pitman's trial transcript.)



There may be other instances where the bar was mentioned in the trial. These are just two.