Tide Turns Case 7

When a Booth Saved a Lincoln

John Wilkes Booth is particularly known for assassinating Abraham Lincoln, but before April 14, 1865, he was just a member of America’s most famous acting family. His father Junius was perhaps the leading actor of his day and John’s brother Edwin was highly respected and well known. The family had even crossed paths with the Lincolns before.

At some point during the Civil War, Robert Todd Lincoln was on a train platform. Due to a large crowd, he became pressed against a parked train car which started to move. Robert slipped and began to fall off the platform, which could have resulted in him being fatally crushed. However, he soon felt a hand on his collar that pulled him to safety. Robert immediately recognized the famous face of Edwin Booth. In this letter, a much older and retired Robert shares the ironic story of how a member of the Booth family saved his life.

MS-1909.02.06

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