The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-05-04
"IApu LLNcOLN.
The Old Comedians "Reminiscences of That
Fatal Night in WRshiagton.

Fatal Night in WRshinyton.
A veteran and well-known comedian re-
Gently related strange sort OF a story to
small circle Of friends who had gathered
around him in the corridor OF an up
Broadway hotel. The New York World
violates no confidence" in repeating the
substance of it, withholding the name of
the narrator.
Il knew the Lincolns, and well remem-
Der that night OF the 18th OF April when
the president was shot. | was the leading
comedian OF combination that was play
ing a burlesque on Aladdin and His
Lamp at one of the Washington theaters
during the fatal week. Little Tad Lin
coin was a privileged character around the
stage, and every one connected with it.
from manager to cail-boy, liked him and
felt lonesome il he missed an evening
The property man and scene-painter had
made for him a miniature stage in the
white house, with correct small edition
of the stock sets of scenery and proper
ties
THE president did not try to discourage
the BOYS zeal for the drama, and il our
national history had been destined to tell
of brighter DAYS than 1t does for the Lin
coins, perhaps Tad would have been to-
day upon our stsge-doubtless PLAYING
comedy. for that was his delight. In him
the stage might have had recruit from
the ranks of genuine heart-and-brain roy
atty.
There was scene in our burlesque
where q property balloon made an ascen-
sion, and the comic servGnt--my own
character-got caught accidentally IN this
balloon and carried into the flies, suddenly
becoming loosened and falling or tumbling
headlong upon the stage. SO you see
athletic comedians were not originated
at our Casino.
swell, Tad thought this act very anus
ing, and he furnished much diversion be-
tween acts and during waits for the COM
pany and stage hands by rehearsing it
himself behind the scenes.
"He was on the stage the night his
father was shot, and was Watching me do
this very act, when a messenger rushed
upon the scene with paliid face and trem-
bling with terror. The boy did not look
at him, but was intent upon the pay.
the messenger spoke TO HIM in a fright
eDed whisper, asking him to follow him
instantly, that carriage was in waiting to
take him to his father, Who was waiting
for him.
But father is at the theater, to see
Miss heene.' returned Tad We were
all listening then, for we felt that some
thing serious had happened. The scene
stopped.
"'But, my poor boy, Mr.. Lincoln mas
been shot, gasped the miserable messen-
ger.
The young fellow glanced around at us
all for a mute instant, to see II he had
heard Alright, then dashed Oft like light
ming, and in a moment more the carriage
went laundering away to the presidents
improvissd quarters. More than one hon.
est tear was shed on that dismal stage and
the heartaches we're genuine and rs much
for little Tad as for the great loss to the
nation.
"Some one had whispered the news to
our audience and the performance, of
course, was not finished. A panic could
not have cleared the house moro prompt
ly.
1--WE did not open again for many weary
weeks Nobody had time or inclination
for the theater in these high-tension days.
Washington was one great, prolonged
tragedy-every phase OF its life was dra-
matte and tense"
The actor was wrought to a tension, too,
In relating his story, and after some signs
and cigar putfs concluded:
Yes, l knew John Booth-knew him
for years; Tarmest-hearted friend a man
ever had, but a fanatic.
Il met him few days before the shoot
ing on the street and we smoked a cigar
together and had a beer. He was the
same genial, hearty fellow that / had
known Tor Years-Wished everybody we'll,
but didn't like those who crossed him in
political opinions.
"My friend - was leader OF the or
chestra at Ford's. He had been under the
stage, and, hearing shots, started upstairs
to see what was wrong. Going upon the
stage ne bumped against Booth, who was
running away, after his crime. He recug-
nized him, and said: Hello John, What's
the natter Out of my way, - you,
returned Booth slashing at him with an
ugly knife, cutting his coat and vest al
most off him with the stroke, and inflict
ing an ugly flesh cut"