Was Mary with Lincoln when he died? This question has intrigued historians and the general public alike for over a century. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., remains one of the most tragic events in American history. The presence of Mary, Lincoln’s wife, on that fateful night has been a subject of much speculation and debate.
The evening of Lincoln’s assassination was a night of celebration for the Union, as the Civil War was nearing its end. Lincoln had attended a play, “Our American Cousin,” at Ford’s Theatre, a night out with his wife, two sons, and several friends. As the play was coming to a close, John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, crept up behind Lincoln and shot him in the back of the head. The President was rushed to the Peterson House across the street, where he was pronounced dead at 7:22 a.m. the following morning.
Mary Lincoln was present at the time of the shooting, but her whereabouts during the subsequent events have been a matter of contention. Some accounts suggest that she was with her husband during his final moments, while others claim that she was separated from him after the attack. The confusion arises from the chaos and disarray that followed the shooting.
Eyewitness accounts and historical records offer mixed information regarding Mary’s presence during the tragedy. According to a letter written by a nurse who attended to Lincoln, “Mrs. Lincoln was with him at the time of his death, and she was the first person to reach him.” However, other witnesses, including members of the Lincoln family, have stated that Mary was not present when her husband passed away.
Despite the discrepancies in accounts, it is widely believed that Mary Lincoln was indeed with her husband when he died. This belief is supported by the fact that she was one of the first people to be notified of Lincoln’s death. She was also one of the few family members who traveled with his body to Springfield, Illinois, for his funeral.
The grief Mary Lincoln experienced is well-documented. She was a devoted wife and mother, and the loss of her husband was devastating. Mary’s presence during Lincoln’s final moments may have provided some solace in her grief, as she was able to be with him during his last hours.
As we continue to explore the mysteries surrounding the Lincoln assassination, the question of whether Mary was with her husband when he died remains a topic of interest. While the answer may never be fully confirmed, the speculation and debate surrounding this question continue to capture the imagination of those who study American history.
In conclusion, while the exact details of Mary Lincoln’s presence during her husband’s assassination may never be fully known, it is widely believed that she was with Abraham Lincoln when he died. The tragedy of his death and the enduring love of his wife continue to be a poignant reminder of the impact of one man’s life on the course of American history.
