James Tanner

[RJNorton]

I have a question about Tanner's role in the assassination aftermath. Do we we have primary source corroboration of both Tanner's participation as shorthand reporter for Stanton and the DC judges and his presence in the bedroom when Lincoln died?
Tom

Hi Tom. All I have on this are Tanner's own words as contained in While Lincoln Lay Dying published by the Union League of Philadelphia (1968). Tanner says that he was the shorthand reporter for Stanton at the Petersen House, and also that he was present in the room when Lincoln passed away. Is there good reason to doubt? (The book contains not only Tanner's shorthand but also a transcription of it.)

[L Verge]

I don't think that Tanner's disability would be a factor since his amputations took place in 1862, and when he recuperated enough, he was sent home for further rehabilitation and artificial limbs. Due to his close proximity to Petersen House and his training in a New York business school, it would seem logical that he would have been brought to the Petersen House immediately and that he would remain there as long as it took.

I'm not aware that anyone else has questioned his presence over the years, and his claim that his pencil broke just as he prepared to take down the final prayer has never been questioned, has it? I skimmed the book before inviting Dr. James Marten to speak at last year's conference, and I don't recall any questions in the book or after the speech.

[RJNorton]

Regarding Tom's question about Tanner's presence in the room when Lincoln died...Tanner wrote:

"The Reverend Dr. Gurley stepped forward and lifting his hands began "Our Father and our God" and I snatched pencil and notebook from my pocket, but my haste defeated my purpose. My pencil point (I had but one) caught in my coat and broke, and the world lost the prayer, a prayer that was only interrupted by the sobs of Stanton as he buried his face in the bedclothes. As "Thy will be done, Amen" in subdued and tremulous tones floated through the little chamber, Mr. Stanton raised his head, the tears streaming down his face. A more agonized expression I never saw on a human countenance as he sobbed out the words: "He belongs to the angels now."

I also think I recall John Hay, who was present at the deathbed, verified Tanner's presense in the 1890 biography titled Abraham Lincoln: A History.

[Gene C]

A more agonized expression I never saw on a human countenance as he sobbed out the words: "He belongs to the angels now."

"Angels" I knew it!

http://rogerjnorton.com/LincolnDiscussio...light=ages

[RJNorton]

That is what it says here.

Yet Hay, who was in the same room, heard it as "ages."

[jonathan]

Tanner is another one of those people that I'm so fascinated by. The regular people who found themselves in the middle of such an enormous moment in history. Of course there are quite a few of them in this assassination story, and Tanner is right in there with them. Just minding his own business and ends up right in the middle of this incredible event. Can you imagine what it must have been like in that room, what Tanner must have been thinking, during and after? It's fascinating.