write about. Everything is dull; that is, had been till last night. (The illumination) Everything was bright and splendid. More so in my eyes if it had been in a nobler cause. But so goes the world. Might makes right. I only drop you these few lines to let you know I am well, and to say I have not heard from you. Excuse brevity; am in haste. Had one from Rose. With best love to you all, I am your affectionate son ever "John." Booth after the illumination did not return to his quarters says Walter Burton, the clerk of the National Hotel.' ' 3 The President had been invited to attend the theatre and on the forenoon of the 14th, at 10:30 o'clock, a messenger came with the information of his acceptance. Mr. Lincoln had previously seen Miss Keene in the American Cousin. The business manager, James R. Ford, besides a Special Notice, had inserted in the Evening Star in the City Items: "Ford's Theater. 'Honor to our Soldiers.' A new and Patriotic Song and Chorus has been written by Mr. H. B. Phillips and will be sung this evening by the Entire Company to do honor to Lieutenant General Grant and President Lincoln and Lady, who visit the Theatre in compliment to Miss Laura Keene, whose benefit and 1 Rosalie Ann-maiden sister. 2 The Sunday Star, January 24, 1909: "Thursday night Washington was wild over Grant's coming. There were torchlight processions, bands, yelling, and singing and cheering and a general hurrah. "Most people stayed up very late-many were up all night; I guess Davy Herold hadn't been to bed at all, for Friday morning as I was going off duty I met him in the hall. 'Going to see Booth? I asked. He said he was. Well I don't believe he's in, I told him; he didn't come to the desk for his key. But I got a chambermaid to open the door of Booth's room-228-with a pass key. The bed was untouched. I never saw Booth again." 17, Movements of Booth, April 14, 1865, in New York Tribune, April 1865. February 9, 1864. Also in Sea of Ice. February 8, 1864. 'Quoted in Oldroyd's Assassination of Lincoln. last appearance is The music of the ab Withers, Jr." About half past Ford, the brother of Hi that the President wa noon as he approaches remark was made by the handsomest man in most lovable." "During the colloqu coming visit of the I he, in jest, to tease 1. for the South, also Jeff Davis and Bob | opposite box.' My fat less and boyish jest of action."" Booth's letters went forenoon he read the He remained there departed. Booth strolled back the afternoon. He sto sent a card to Vice delivered. "Don't wish to d Later he met his they talked Mathew fact that General Gr The day previous 1 Harry Chapman Ford Clark: Abraham Lincoln in the National Capital 97 1 the Grover's Theatre (now the National) while the manager, C. D. Hess, and the prompter were engaged in reading a manuscript. He took a seat and entered. into conversation. He led to the subject of the intended illumination and then asked "Are you going to invite the President?" The manager replied "Yes; that reminds me I must send that invitation." And for the evening of the 14th, as customary, he sent an invitation to Mrs. Lincoln.' He General Grant left the city early in the evening. Mrs. Lincoln was indisposed, Mr. Lincoln was reluctant to go; and he and she went because the newspapers had so announced and they wished to save the audience entire disappointment. Schuyler Colfax was at the Executive Mansion when Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln started. declined to accompany them. Maj. Rathbone with Miss Harris went to the Executive Mansion. The Presidential party-Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, Maj. Rathbone and Miss Harris went in the President's carriage. It arrived late. Upon appearance of the party in the box, the performance was arrested; the band played Hail to the Chief!; the audience rose and cheered; Mr. Lincoln heartily bowed in acknowledgment. Miss Clara H. Harris was the daughter of Hon. Ira Harris, U. S. Senator, N. Y. Senator Harris occupied the property, which he owned, at the corner of H and Fifteenth streets, where is the Woodward Building. Major Henry R. Rathbone married Miss Harris. Their son, the Hon. Henry R. Rathbone is at this writing a Representative at large for Illinois. It is remarkable how closely Booth was watched, out |