The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-05-06

Ward II. Lamon Tells the Story OF the Presi-
dents Assassin alton.


Ward H. Lamon Tells the story OF the Presi-
dent's Assassin alton.
Ward II. Lsmon, writing Of Lincoln says that
TO . conssancy Of purpose and tenasity of will. OF
which conspicuous evidence had been presented
10 the final triumph Of the Union cause. be
united . conciliatory disposition and the gentle
ness. sensibiifty and simplicity of q child. So
foreign was the spirit Of assassination At that
time to the genius OF our eovsrnmsnt that little
danger was appreheuded, except on the part OF
very limited number OF his more intimate
friends, OF an outrage against society at large,
the recollection OF which even sufices 10
tinge with a blush OF shame the cheek of every
true American, whether or Northern or or
Southern birth.
Mr.. james Harrison, of the Arm Of Harrison
Vale, OF st. Louis was largely interested In
the cotton interest, and desired TO obtain q per-
nit 10 ship large quantity Of Southern cotton
through the Northern lines. A native Of Ken
lucky. he was personally acquainted with Gen.
Sterling Price and other leaders Of the trans
Mississippi confederate forces. He felt conh-
dent Of his ability 60 accomplish the transaction
through his personal relations with these OH
GERS In the event Of bis being able TO obtain the
peeessary authority from President Lincoln to
the passage Of the cotton through the blockade.
lie resolved 10 dwell not only rpon the ad-
vantage resulting To the operatives who were
out of employment. but TO emphasize the favor
able opportunity thar would be afforded for the
frank interchange of sentiments and opinions
that might lead indirectly to a suspension Of
hoxtiifies.
In the mouth of February, 1865, obtained an inn
mediate interview with Mr.. Lincoln, and laid
before him his project. aud made earnest
plea to the President in behalf OF his errsnc,
and his ,ndsavor TO arrest IL possible. further
bloodshed. Mr. Lincoln listened with manifest
interest entering at once into the spirit Of his
suggestions.
The President saddenly arose from his seat
and exclaiDeds Nov. Mr.. Harrison, will per-
NIT you 70 lay for the cotton in any way you
may pfe'sr--pay for IL in rifles and reviewers,
II you please but 60 down there at once and
hnd out what they want and what they pro-
pose Then come back 40 soon % you can and
renort tn me the result
sir. Harrison made the proposed trip, OBJ
pliped much desired inform alton, and fastened
directly to Washington in order to report to the
President the result of his mission. He arrived
IN that city on the morning of Good Friday, and
&C once repaired to shs Whits House TO see Mr..
Lincoln. The latter was manifestly delighted
10 see him. Mr.. HARRISON said he, IL cannot
tell you how glad am to meet you again. But
II IS now late IN the day, and / am busiiy en-
gagged Tor the moment. j beg you will call again
to morrow morniDe-come early and breakfast
win me- Tor am more anxious than can ex.
press 10 know tho result of your journey, and
wish to be alone with you before business crowds
IN upon me- Mr.. Harrison returned 30 his no.
tel. aud the President, on that fatal evening,
went TO the theater.
The President on that day had ordered the
draft 70 stop In New York. At some period Of
the performance of Our American Cousin
Sothern appeared on the stage. with Miss
hlefed,th, the heroine, on arm, and wrap
or shawl earelessly thrown over the other. The
latter seats herself upon garden lounge placed
on the stage nesr the box occupied By the Presi-
dent on this occasion. Lord Dundresry rstires
few PAGES distant from the rustic seat when
Miss Meredith. elancipg languidy ut ne lord
ship, exclaims me, lord, will you Kindly throw
my shawl over my shoulders-there appears ia
be draught here" Sothern at once complied
with her request, advancing with the mincing
step that immortalized him: and with q merry
twinkle of the eye, and Significant glance d.
rected at Mr. Lincoln. responded in the happy
impromptu: "You are mistaken, Miss Mary;
the draft has already been stopped by order of
the President" This sally caused Mr.. Lincoln
20 laugh rs few except himself could laugh, and
an outburst OF msrrment resounded from al
parts Of the house. Ii was Mr. Lircoln's last
laugh! An instant later the shot OF the assassin
| rang upon the air. the bullet entered the brain
Of the President. and the world was Mortified q,
the greatest of all modern crimes.