JPK Huson 1863
Brev. Brig. Gen'l
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2012
- Location
- Central Pennsylvania
Laura Keene's efforts to help Lincoln detailed here:
http://civilwar.gratzpa.org/2012/01/laura-keene-and-the-bloody-dress/
"Finally, it must be noted that not one identified eyewitness to the event gave a contemporaneous account that Laura Keene entered the state box and cradled Lincoln’s head in her lap. Of all the contemporaneous drawings and pictures of the state box and the assassination that have emerged – and there are many – not one, shows Laura Keene on the state box floor cradling Lincoln on her silk gown. There is not one contemporaneous account of Laura Keene‘s appearance in the blood-stained costume. No written testimony has been found from Laura Keene herself which admits to the act. And, only one supposed contemporaneous newspaper account – reported as a story told to him rather than one he himself eye-witnessed, tells the tale.
We do know that Laura Keene was allowed to leave Washington – with her entourage – and was arrested at Harrisburg along with two other assassination witnesses – John Dyott and Harry Hawk. Taken from tahe train also were her many trunks (and her piano) which always traveled with her – trunks that were to be transferred to the westward train as she journeyed toward Cincinnati..."
Whoa, did not know that, either! She seems to have been instrumental in keeping a riot from happening inside the theater- a clear voice in chaos. Thank you for posting that, and how awful! Cannot imagine how terrifying it was for Keene, being scooped up in that vicious net.
One newspaper account ( I think I have it ) says Keene's voice could be heard above the yells and screams, as the crowd rushed the stage. She was calm, and called for calm. Because her voice was well known and she was, too, it was helpful.