Laura Keene dress

[RJNorton]

(04-04-2022 03:59 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(04-04-2022 02:36 PM)Steve Wrote:  Roger, I've always guessed that the discrepancy was due to the fraility of memory over 40 years later. With Leale misremembering with more contemporary (1909) medical procedures.

I agree, Steve. But, if true, he's not the only one who did some embellishing (or worse). For example, in the many years following the assassination over 20 men claimed (or were given credit) to have helped carry the stricken President across the street from Ford's Theatre to the Petersen House. Lincoln was a tall man, but not that tall!

Once again, IMO Dr. Leale is a hero despite some likely "storytelling" in his 1909 address.

Many thanks to Steve for sending this article. Steve writes, "I have an article to post to the Forum. It's from page 26 of the 25 Nov. 1906 edition of the Indianapolis Star. Another man, named Andrew J. Smith, also claimed to help carry Lincoln to Petersen House. He also says that he was on the detail when they executed the conspirators.

Just to clarify something which isn't mentioned in the article. I looked up Smith's service and he was mustered out of F Co. 5th Kentucky Infantry on 14 Sept. 1864 and then enlisted in A Co. 4th US Veteran Volunteers."

I will add Andrew J. Smith to the list of the names I have collected. In the many years following the assassination, these men claimed (or were given credit) to have helped carry the stricken President across the street from Ford's Theatre to the Petersen House:

Dr. Charles Leale, Dr. Charles Taft, Dr. Albert King, Albert Daggett, Augustus Clark, Capt. Obadiah Jackson Downing, Capt. Edwin Bedee, Major Isaac Walker McClay, W.H. Flood, Frederick Johnstone, Jacob J. Soles, John Corey, Jacob Griffiths, William Sample, William McPeck, John Weaver, Joseph Hazelton, Capt. Owen, Capt. John Sears, Capt. John Busby, Capt. Oliver C. Gatch, George A. Clark, Thomas Gourlay, William Greer, and newly added Andrew J. Smith.