The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1878-05-01
LlNCOLN's ASSASSINATION.
"REMINISCENCES OF THE GREAT TRACE
DY-EXTRACTs FROM BOOTHS DI
AIRY IN THE DEPARTMENT
OF JUSTICE, ETC.


WASHINGTON, April Is, 1878. The
night of the 18th and the morning
of the 10Th of April are dates which
can never be forgotten by any one
wlIo lived in Washington at the time
of the assassination of President
Lincoln. The country had gone
through so many years of violence
and strife, that it was difficult then
for the mind to fully comprehend all
Of the tragic incidents connected
with that awful calamity. 1t seemed
like the elimination of a tragedy of
many acts. The events which pre-
ceded the violent taking off of the
great central figure Of the history of
those years had all been of the most
exciting and important character.
For four years bitter sectional war
had been waged. Through plumbers
and mismanagement lives and treas
ure had been uselessly sacrificed.
There was much feeling Of gloom
and discouragement. Lincoln alone
seemed fitted to comprehend the
great questions which asitated the
country. He lowered head and
shoulders above his advisers in hu.
manity, and that which he SO terse-
ly expressed in his last inaugural.
His first term of four years had been
stormy and tempestuous. He had
only a few weeks before entered upon
the second term. One Union victory
followed so close upon another tina,
every one felt that war would soon
be over, and Mr.. Lincoln with the
glow and fervor of a patriot looked
forward to the process of healing
wounds and the restoration of peace
There had been a succession of illu.
limitations and rejoicings, through
the city of Washington; peace con.
ferences had been held and a plan
mapped out for reconstruction
Congress had adjourned and the pol
iticians were dispersed. On the
evening of the 14th, before Mr.. Lin
coin went to the theatre, Vice Presi
dent Colfax called to say goodbye
as he started that night overland te
California to write those interesting
letters in favor of the Northern Pa
cifc railroad which were published
in the Independent. The day was
Good Friday. 1t was mild spring
day. Vegetation was almost as fal
advanced as it is this season. There
was restless feeling of excitement
which untitled most persons fol
work. The streets were throns ee
with people, talking over the events
which were SO rapidly transpiring
The churches had mingled thanks
giving with the more solemn services
set apart for the day. The evening
was warm and cloudy. There wa
an illumination and procession
from the Navy yard with transpar
encies, banners and music. All dur
ing the week in the theatre adver
tisement mention was made that tn
President would occupy privat
box to see Laura Keene in "Ou
American Cousin" The play wa
very different tLen from what it no,
is, as performed by Sothern. MI
Lincoln enjoyed the relaxation fror
State affairs which the theater affol
ded. He was especially fond c
Hackett as Falstaff.
Mr.. Pendle, who was one Of til
ushers at the White House dMin
Mr.. Lincoln's life, is still there, an
not long ago he conversed with N
on the dreadful events. of that nigh
Mr.. Lincoln felt weary, and rattle
disinclined to attend the perform
ance, but if he staid at home
would be beseiged by visitors who.
position entitled them to an aud
!, ence at all times. The processio
too, would make a call, and demar
a speech. Mrs. Lincoln was fond
amusements, and had invited Il
daughter Of Senator Harris, Of Nc
York, and Major Rathborn, who
J. she afterward married, to accompal
a them to the theater. The novel
q Of the play, and the fact that &
i President was to be present, drew
d large crowd, although it was t
i night Of Good Friday Wilk
). Booth belonged to family celeb1
/ ted for dramatic ability. Who kno
but that his familiarity with min
assassiDations on the stage had r
< much to do with holding his mi
n, to the commission Of the foul de,
le Wilkes Booth was the least succe