One man was to kill Secretary Seward, another to
make way with Andrew Johnson, at the same time that he murdered
the President. The final preparations were made with feverish
haste. It was only about noon of the fourteenth that Booth
learned that Mr. Lincoln meant to go to Ford's Theatre that night
to see the play "Our American Cousin." The President enjoyed the
theatre. It was one of his few means of recreation, and as the
town was then thronged with soldiers and officers all eager to
see him, he could, by appearing in public, gratify many whom he
could not personally meet.
Mrs. Lincoln asked General and Mrs. Grant to accompany her. They
accepted, and the announcement that they would be present was
made in the evening papers, but they changed their plans and went
north by an afternoon train. Mrs. Lincoln then invited in their
stead Miss Harris and Major Rathbone, daughter and stepson of
Senator Ira Harris. Being detained by visitors, the play had made
some progress when the President appeared.. The band struck up
"Hail to the Chief," the actors ceased playing, the audience rose
and cheered, the President bowed in acknowledgment, and the play
went on again.
From the moment he learned of the President's intention Booth's
actions were alert and energetic. He and his confederates were
seen in every part of the city. Booth was perfectly at home in
Ford's Theatre.
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