Worst Seat in the House

[L Verge]

I am finally taking time to begin reading Caleb Stephens's new book on Henry Rathbone, and I was immediately struck by his Introduction. At least the first two pages should be distributed to every history teacher from Grade 4 through college level! It's well written and very easy to understand - and justifies the role that so many of us play in trying to preserve our history.

"Historical tapestry is composed largely of celebrated and appalling events that are cataloged, documented, and preserved, allowing future generations to look back on notable moments and to decipher the clues leading up to them. History provides people with the means to follow chain reactions of seemingly unrelated happenings and map them to a milestone in time. Experts and amateurs alike can trace inconsequential moments to major events in the historical timeline, many times finding that small details can create a domino effect, resulting in tragedy. Although these details typically are imperceptible in the moment, in hindsight they can be glaringly obvious.
" This illuminates the value of studying history. Relating what is learned from the past to the present. The signs, the mistakes, the lessons, and the outcomes. In applying those lessons to our current world, the past becomes a tool. Not just notes in a book or a boring story delivered by an old curmudgeon. The commonalities between the past and present can be stunning and all historical events give us opportunity to learn. ... History, for better or worse, rests largely in the hands of the person telling it."

Caleb goes on for a few more pages with such general analysis of history and historians before turning the subject to his thesis related to Henry Rathbone. Well done, Caleb!

[RJNorton]

Laurie, I loved this book. One of my favorite chapters is chapter 8 titled "Living With A Soldier's Heart." Caleb mentions eight criteria doctors now use to diagnose a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Caleb goes through all eight and shows that Rathbone seems to satisfy each and every one of them. He mentions there is a possibility that Rathbone did indeed see Booth approach Lincoln and, if true, may have had time to stop him. Given this scenario (if true, and that's a big "if" IMO) it made Rathbone's suffering all the worse. Wonderful book, Caleb!

[J. Beckert]

He mentions there is a possibility that Rathbone did indeed see Booth approach Lincoln and, if true, may have had time to stop him. Given this scenario (if true, and that's a big "if" IMO) it made Rathbone's suffering all the worse.

I think we have to put this story right next to was Keene in the box. In one account, Rathbone said he was "focused intently on the stage". In the newspaper interview you found from late April '65 Roger, Clara stated Booth appeared about an hour before, seemed to take a look at the occupant's locations and left. When he returned later, she said Rathbone arose to ask him his business.

[L Verge]

I have always taken into consideration Rathbone's peripheral vision and the fact that he might not have remembered seeing Booth "out of the corner of his eye," but that the subliminal message was burned into his brain. It was that message that did the damage in later years.

[calebj123]

Thanks so much everyone! My hope was to provide some enthusiasm to the study of history. It seems to be labeled as boring among many people, but it's all in the perception or angle you look at it.

As for the alternate theory of Rathbone seeing Booth, I agree Roger it's lower on the scale of possibilities, but my hope was to present all the evidence and let each person decide on their own. Having as much evidence as possible tells a bigger story. Although as we all know, some "evidence" from the assassination is a little suspect.

P.S. - don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions or updates. Eva has already contacted me with a few tweaks from her Hanover cemetery visit.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I second Laurie and Roger (and say "thanks" again, Caleb, I began and almost finished it at once on the return trip). I would like to add I also appreciate that it has so many pictures, I especially loved to see such as that of him at younger age, and of the stove exhibition. And I'm also fascinated with the question/theory of Rathbone "spotting Booth".

[L Verge]

The photo of Rathbone at a much younger age surprised me when it flashed on the screen during Caleb's presentation at the Surratt conference. I had never considered that a photo existed previous to the Civil War time period.

[Eva Elisabeth]

Same goes for me, and it's nice to have these photos now.

[LincolnToddFan]

A few months ago I read a work of historical fiction called "Henry and Clara" that I ordered on Amazon...can't remember the author's name but that is the premise of the book...that Rathbone did indeed see Booth approach Lincoln and didn't stop him. He secretly resented and blamed the president for the heavy war casualties. He was still shell-shocked from his nightmarish experience at the Battle of the Crater.

Was Rathbone even AT the Crater? I've never read that before.

Anyway, in "Henry and Clara" Rathbone locks eyes with Booth as he approaches Lincoln...then a split second too late he reacts to try and stop him. His guilt over his behavior in the Presidential Box at Ford's Theater on Apr 15th, 1865 set him on the road to madness, murder and attempted suicide.

Last summer I met one of Clara Harris's descendants online and she told me that there is a family tradition that Clara actually reached out and touched Booth's booted foot as he vaulted over the rail and onto the stage after the shooting.

[RickBeaver]

History has always fascinated me. The deep discussions here are great! I must study more on Rathbone. Thanks to all contributors.