Dear Lincy,
Last night I attended the comedy �Our American Cousin� at Ford�s Theatre and the most dreadful thing happened: President Lincoln was shot! One of the actors, I believe his name is Mr. John Wilkes Booth, entered Lincoln�s box and shot Mr. President in the back of the head. It was dreadful! The madman then jumped from the box to the stage and yelled something similar to �Sic Semper Tyrannus,� which is Latin according to a friend. It means �As Always to Tyrants.� Mrs. Lincoln then screamed and the madman flashed his knife at us. He then ran to the door and left through the back door. The President did not stir after being shot, but it was said that he was still alive at the time. They carried Mr. President to the Petersen House across the street from the theatre, and I have even heard rumors that Mr. President died this morning, but I pray they are false. I will write immediately when I learn of Mr. President�s current health.
Yours Truly,
Kate J |
