You Are There 1947-12-14 Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln

Summary

Podcast Summary: "You Are There 1947-12-14 Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television when families gathered around the radio to listen to popular shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: You Are There 1947-12-14 Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln
• Release Date: June 26, 2025

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Introduction

The episode, "You Are There 1947-12-14 Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln", transports listeners back to a pivotal moment in American history—the tragic assassination of President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865. Through immersive storytelling and authentic dialogues, the podcast recreates the events leading up to and following the assassination, offering a vivid portrayal of that fateful night.

Setting the Scene

The episode begins with a robust portrayal of the environment surrounding Ford's Theatre on the evening of April 14, 1865. The narrator, John Daly, sets the stage:

“The damp and misty weather in Washington tonight has not dampened the ardor of the crowds who for far long days now have been wildly celebrating the surrender of General Lee to General Grant.” [01:58]

Listeners are immersed in the bustling atmosphere outside the theatre, capturing the excitement and anticipation as President Lincoln, alongside his party, prepares to attend a performance of Our American Cousin.

Key Characters and Audience Dynamics

Several characters are introduced, including members of President Lincoln’s entourage and theatre personnel:

• John Dyett and Mrs. Helen Muzzy: Cast members present at the theatre.
• Miss Jane Gowdy: A young actress in the play.
• John Wilkes Booth: The charismatic actor who would forever alter history with his actions that night.

The interaction between CBS reporters and theatre manager Mr. Harry Ford provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse:

“Tonight is a charity benefit. ... The orchestra is $1, the Breath Circle and the parquet, and the family circle is 25 cents.” [03:15]

This exchange highlights the significance of Lincoln’s attendance, marking it as a special occasion.

The Assassination Unfolds

As the performance progresses, the tension builds. John Daly narrates the arrival of President Lincoln and his party, capturing the subtle clues that hint at the impending tragedy:

“Mr. Lincoln has asked the Union band to play the Confederate song, and they've responded with a will. ... It's his policy of forgiveness and reconciliation with the south, of harmony for the nations.” [07:32]

During the play, an unexpected and violent interruption occurs:

“Major Rathbone is struggling with a man in Mr. Lincoln's body. A man who is stabbing wildly at him with a knife.” [11:45]

Chaos erupts as Booth makes his move. Daly describes the frantic scene:

“Someone has shot Mr. Lincoln. It was Booth. ... President Lincoln is being carried out of the theater.” [13:53]

Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction

The episode meticulously details the immediate response to the assassination. Soldiers and medical personnel rush to President Lincoln's aid amidst a panicked crowd:

“President Lincoln has not regained consciousness since Booth sent a single bullet, fired at close.” [20:11]

The narrative captures the collective grief and confusion as news spreads rapidly:

“Washington’s in a state of panic. This terrible night of April 14, 1865.” [17:16]

National and International Reactions

The podcast extends beyond the theatre, portraying the national mourning and international shock that followed Lincoln's assassination. Statements from key figures and citizens reflect the magnitude of the event:

• Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Wells, expresses sorrow and disbelief:

  “Assassination is not an American tradition. It never stuck in this country until tonight.” [21:22]

• International Perspectives: Messages from Queen Victoria, a French student, and Russian author Leo Tolstoy underscore Lincoln’s global impact:

  “In far places, over the earth, on every continent, the name of Lincoln will be worshiped.” [26:46]

  “The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is moonlight by the sun of Lincoln. His example is universal and will last thousands of years. Lincoln is humanity.” [27:04]

Final Moments and Legacy

As the morning of April 15, 1865, unfolds, the somber reality of Lincoln's death sinks in. The narration poignantly describes the nation's mourning:

“The President has made his last farewell and is seated in a back parlor. ... President Lincoln is dead. The victim of Booth disappear.” [30:02]

The episode concludes by reflecting on Lincoln’s enduring legacy and the unification he championed:

“For Abraham Lincoln will live on. In the Union he has saved. In the freedom he has given. In the dreams he has dreamed.” [29:50]

Notable Quotes

• John Daly on the Crowd’s Enthusiasm:

  “The people here are in high spirits gathered around Ford's theater...” [01:58]

• John Wilkes Booth’s Assassination Attempt:

  “Someone has shot Mr. Lincoln. It was Booth.” [13:53]

• Secretary Gideon Wells on the Act:

  “Assassination is not an American tradition. It never stuck in this country until tonight.” [21:22]

• Leo Tolstoy on Lincoln’s Legacy:

  “The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is moonlight by the sun of Lincoln...” [27:04]

Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully reconstructs the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's assassination with historical accuracy and compelling storytelling. Through detailed narration, authentic dialogues, and poignant reflections, listeners gain a profound understanding of the night that reshaped American history. The inclusion of notable quotes and precise timestamps enriches the narrative, making the tragedy both personal and universally significant for audiences uncovering this critical moment in time.

Transcript

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[John Daly]

Good evening. This is John Daly standing in front of Ford's theater in Washington D.C. this is indeed a red letter night in the history of Ford's Theater. April 14, 1865 because tonight President Abraham Lincoln and his party will attend a special charity performance of the celebrated English comedy Our American Cousin. Inside the theat the curtain has already gone up. Outside here in front of the theater, the crowd of curious spectators stand around April 14, 1865 place Washington, D.C. you are there Abraham Lincoln at Ford Theater. CBS takes you back to one of the great dramas in our nation's history. All things are as they were then.

[Historical Narrator]

Except for one thing.

[John Daly]

You Are there.

[Historical Narrator]

You Are There is based on authentic historical facts and quotations.

[John Daly]

And now Washington, April 14, 1865 and John Daly. The damp and misty weather in Washington tonight has not dampened the ardor of the crowds who for far long days now have been wildly celebrating the surrender of General Lee to General Grant. The people here are in high spirits gathered around Ford's theater, which is a three story redstone building, windows and entrances in gray. Cultival saloon is on the right, Ferguson saloon is on the left and both of them are jammed. The windows and doors of the houses along both sides of the street are open. People are hanging out of them for a look at the President. Although the curtain has gone up on the play, some members of the cast who are not on stage at the moment stand around in their costumes for a look at Mr. Lincoln. There's John Dyett and Mrs. Helen Muzzy. There's young Miss Jane Gowdy. And John Wilkes Booth, the handsome, dashing sh. Experience favorite. He is not in the performance tonight, by the way, I think I see over there. Oh, yes, there's Mr. Harry Ford, one of the three brothers who managed this theater. Now, if I can just get through to an. Excuse me, please. Oh, let me push through here. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but watch the cable or. Mr. Ford. Mr. Ford. Yes, sir. Say, Mr. Ford, this is CBS. You have a great crowd here tonight. Yes, the theater is sold out. And have you raised your prices for tonight? Tonight is a charity benefit. The orchestra is $1, the Breath Circle and the parquet, and the family circle is 25 cents. I see. Well, this is the second time President Lincoln has attended your theater, isn't it, Mr. Ford? Yes, and tonight he's going to sit in the same box. And I brought in that old rocker he likes. Oh, thanks very much, Mr. Not at all any. Thanks a lot. I think I see John F. Parker, the President's personal guard, arriving on foot. Evidently, he's come ahead of the President to be on hand when Mr. Lincoln and his party arrive. Now, if I can get through to him. Excuse me, please let me through. I'm sorry, but what's the cable? Mr. Parker. Oh, Mr. Parker. Say, Mr. Parker, this is CBS. Has the president's carriage left the White House? Is he on his way over here? Yes. He and Mrs. Lincoln left about 10 minutes ago to pick up Major Rathborne and Miss Harris. Were aunt. General Grant and Mrs. Grant in the party? No. They were supposed to come, but General Grant left on the evening train for Burlington. Oh, that's too bad. We kind of hoped we'd see the General as well as Mr. Lincoln. Say, by the way, who is Miss Harris? Well, that's Miss Clara Harris, daughter of.

[Historical Expert]

The Senate of the State of Maine.

[John Daly]

Oh, yes, of course. And Major Rathbone is an attache at the water department.

[Historical Expert]

That's right.

[John Daly]

Yes. The President's carriage is just coming down 10th street now. It has crossed F Street. It's going to pull up right here at the carriage platform. The President is smiling, bowing, doffing his high black silk hat to the crowd. And the band that's been waiting here for this moment is picking up its instruments and getting ready to play. Burns the coachman is drawing up the horses. Now the carriage is stopping at the platform, for the footman has jumped down to assist the party. As they get out, Mrs. Lincoln and Ms. Harris are getting out and now the President followed by Major Roscoe. The band wants to play a tune. They're asking the President what it is he wants to hear. But it'll probably be Yankee Doodle Marching Through Georgia or Rally Round the Flag. The President just said something to the band leader. But in all of this racket, I just can't hear what he's saying. Oh, do you hear that? It's sexy. Mr. Lincoln has asked the Union band to play the Confederate song, and they've responded with a will. Well, I hope you can hear me above all this dim. The crowd understands the meaning of Mr. Lincoln's request. It's his policy of forgiveness and reconciliation with the south, of harmony for the nations. The war is over. The United States of America is now one great nation. And Mr. Ford is leading the way into the theater, up the gray stone steps. Mr. Lincoln's just a few feet away. Oh, Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. This is CBS, sir. May I ask you a question? Fire away. Well, as you know, Mr. President, the newspapers and the part of the clergy have been opposed to your practice of attending the theater. And I'm sure that. Yes, I know some think I do wrong to go to the opera and the theater, but it rests me. I love to be alone and get.

[Historical Narrator]

To be with the people.

[John Daly]

I want to get this burden off to change the current of my thoughts. A hearty laugh relaxes me and I seem better able after it to bear my crop.

[Historical Narrator]

I understand, sir.

[John Daly]

Good night. Good night, Mr. Lincoln, and thank you. And now the presidential party has entered the door. A CBS microphone is inside the theater at the rear of the orchestra. President Lincoln will toss it in just a minute. And so into the theater and John Hollander. The audience doesn't yet know the President has arrived. The ladies might be interested, by the way, to know that Mrs. Lincoln is wearing a white silk crinoline under her cloak.

[Historical Narrator]

I'm trying to see here.

[John Daly]

It's an elaborate headdress of flowers and.

[Historical Narrator]

Combs over her curls. There's silk and mittens. And a shawl held together at her throat with a brooch.

[John Daly]

The President, well, he seems to have.

[Historical Narrator]

Lost a lot of weight, but, oh, he looks happy tonight. Very happy.

[John Daly]

And now the party is turning right.

[Historical Narrator]

And going upstairs to the boxes.

[John Daly]

The president should be there in just a minute. The audience has caught sight of the President. The play stops. The orchestra strikes up. Hail to the Chief. And now CBS has a booth directly across the theater from the President. President's box. And I see that John Daly's reached it. So over to John Daly. We're in the CBS box now. I can see the President entering his box across the theater. We have Columbia microphones on the stage and in the audience. I'm going to open them both and let you hear what's going on. The President is in his box now. The audience is standing. Mr. Lincoln is acknowledging the welco leaning. He nods his head and waves to the jam packed crowd. And now, motioning towards the stage and the interrupted play, Mr. Lincoln sits down. The ovation continues, but following the President's lead slowly, almost bisections, the audience resumes its seats and the play will resume in just a moment. Our American Cousin by Tom Taylor, by the way, is an eccentric comedy. As many of you probably know, it's a popular favorite, been performed at least a thousand times. The play revolves around a typical drawling Yankee in England who lights his cigar with an old will, burning the document to ashes and thereby throwing a fortune into the hands of an English cousin. And now the CBS microphones on the stage will take up some of the dialogue.

[Historical Narrator]

Lord Dundrary, a silly poppish Englishman, is being teased by Florence, the heroine played by the star, Ms. Laura Keane.

[John Daly]

Yes, but a lonely one. What sort of night had she. Oh, a very refreshing one, thanks to the draft I've described for her. What have you been prescribing for Dorothea, Lord Dunreary? Oh yes, yes, quite. You see, I gave her a draft that cured the effect of the draft and that draught. What was a draft that didn't pay the doctor's bill? Didn't that draft. Good gracious, what a number of drafts. You almost have a game of draughts. What's the matter? That was a joke, that was. Anyone can see the draft has been suspected. This team has very neatly injected a bit of the national celebration into the play. With Lord Dunbilly making so much of the word draft, Ms. Keane threw in the line. Anyone can see the draft has been suspended. And everyone in the audience knows that General Grant suspended the military draft this very morning.

[Historical Narrator]

That was quite keen of Ms. Keane, if I may be submitted.

[John Daly]

The fun.

[Historical Narrator]

Well, the President enjoyed that joke too. He's smiling broadly. The play continues and we'll take you again to the stage presently. But on this gala night, the audience is as interested in the presidential party as they are in the play. Although because of the angle at which the box is set, they can only see Ms. Harrison's Major Rathbone. The presidential party is occupying boxes number seven and eight. Partition between them having been removed to make it Roomier. The boxes are decorated with four flags. The President is seated in that old rocker that Mr. Ford told us about before. There's a chair at the door of the box in which John Parker, the God, is sitting. He can't see the stage, but he can hear the actors voices. Oh, evidently John Parker wants to see and hear, for he's now getting up from his chair and taking a seat in the dress circle with a clear view of the stage. Mrs. Lincoln is seated on the President's right, and from time to time she leans over on his arm and they exchange a few words. The President appears completely relaxed and perhaps his mind is on other things. Perhaps he is looking at his wife and thinking, we've had a hard time since we came to Washington, but the war is over. With God's blessing, we may hope for four years of peace and happiness and then we'll go back to Illinois and pass the rest of our lives in quiet. But then it's more likely that Mr. Lincoln is just plain enjoying himself tonight. For the President is listening with obvious pleasure to Mrs. Mount Kessington, an English lady in the cast, and Harry Hawk, who is playing Asa Trenchard, the American cousin. Now, once again, our microphones on the stage pick up the play.

[John Daly]

Well, Mr. Trent, John, you are not used to the manners of good society, and that alone will excuse the impertinence of which you have been guilty. Mrs. Mount Essington bounces off an aristocratic dudgeon, leaving the drawling Yankee alone on the stage. Don't know the manners of good society, eh? Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal, you sock dollogizing old man. Trapper, what was that? It sounded like a shot. But there's no shot in the play. One moment. Oh. Major Rathbone is struggling with a man in Mr. Lincoln's body. A man who is stabbing wildly at him with a knife. Major Rathbone's giving ground before that knife and now his attacker has left over the railing. He's on the stage. The man has risen. He's running across the stage. He's gone through the stage, acted directly under this box. That was Major Rathbone who shouted out, stop that man. Someone in the audience has leapt over the footlights after him. Something has happened. Something is terribly wrong. This is not part of the play. Blue smoke is coming from President Lincoln's box. I can't see him because Ms. Harris and the major and Mrs. Lincoln are surrounding him. President Lincoln has been trapped. That was Mrs. Lincoln who just cried out. He has stopped Mr. Lincoln. The man did it. The man who ran across the stage. The man who grappled with the major. John Hollenbeck is out there in the theater already fighting his way up to the President's box. So go ahead. Hollenbeck.

[Historical Expert]

John Hollenbeck.

[John Daly]

I guess we're on the air here. I'm trying to get through this crowd to find out what's going. I don't know what happened. I don't know what's happened. What is it? What's happened? Tell me what's happened. Someone has shot Mr. Lincoln. It was Booth. Who. One member of this Crowd has identified Mr. Lincoln protector. He says it was Booth, the actor. John Wil Booth. We'll try to get someone who was inordinate. Mr. Lincoln's box. Let me through, please. Let me through. Watch the cable, please. Watch it. Just a minute. Thank you very much. The whole theater's in an uproar. Everyone's standing, running up and down the aisles. Women are moaning and screaming. Ms. Keen is hanging water up to Mr. Lincoln's box. Watch that cable, please. Men are lifting up. An army sergeant, an army surgeon up on their shoulders. Let us save these four men of people. We'll get through to Mr. Lincoln's box now in just a second. Soldiers blocking the door. Bayonet toys. That soldier's crying. Tears are skinning in his eyes. There's an officer. Lieutenant. Lieutenant. Lieutenant Crawford, sir. Lieutenant Crawford, what happened? Well, I was sitting in the seat near the guard of Mr. Lincoln Fox. I saw the Booth go in. Just walk in. But where were the. Where were the guards? Well, I don't know. I. I heard a shot and I saw Booth leap over the rating. His spare caught in the flag as he jumped. It ripped the flag and broke his ball and maybe broke his leg. Oh, are you sure this. I swear it. What did you do? Didn't you get into the present spot? Well, I rat it. But the door was fired. Booth had fired it when he went in from the inside. We broke through. Major Apple and let the doctors through. Only the doctor. Doctor look anti quote close. Did he get away? Just a minute, Lieutenant. The door is opening. Four soldiers are carrying Mr. Lincoln out. Are you the president? No, no, that's to the White House. Doctor. Doctor. Saloon. Live good. Be the best. President Lincoln is being carried out of the theater. Now, I've just been informed that John Daly's out in the street again. So go ahead, Daly. That more like it has been done. Two more soldiers have joined the four who are carrying the present out here. Into 10th Street. The street is jammed with people who have heard the news. It's a wild, awed, panic stricken, swirling mosque. The guards are having a hard time breaking through the moss crossing the streets. The long roll you hear is the alert being sounded. There's a light in a house and the door is open. A man stand with a candle calling to the group carrying Mr. Lincoln. They're taking the present in there. The number is 453-453-10th Street. Anybody know who lives in that house? Peterson. It's a Peterson house. It's the only house available. The present White House guard is thundering into the streets. Perhaps you can hear the ring of their horses. Horse on the top of the. They're planting their sabers and tearing the fleet. President Lincoln has been shot. President Lincoln has been tough. There's been so much excitement. Only now the full horror of what has just happened at Ford's Theater is beginning to dawn. We will stay here in front of the Phant House and bring you immediately any reports on Mr. Lincoln's condition. But we have just been informed that something has happened elsewhere in Washington that we don't know out here on the scene. And so we return you now to our studio and I'll give you the bulletins as fast as they come in Quincy.

[Historical Expert]

As soon as we get it back from Daly down there on the street. Right. How much time have I got though? How long have we gone?

[John Daly]

Wait a minute.

[Historical Expert]

Go ahead.

[John Daly]

You're on the air.

[Historical Expert]

This is Quincy Howe. John Daly has just announced that an attempt has been made on the life of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater. Secretary of State Seward, I should say, has also. Just a second. Here's the board. Secretary of State Sewer has been attacked. A man entered the Seward House on Lafayette Square in Washington tonight. He overpowered all resistance, gained entrance to the secretary's bedroom and slashed at Mr. Seward with a knife. It's not known whether the attacker was John Wilkes Booth or an accomplice or whether the two attacks were connected. Now here's Ned Calmer with more bulletins. All Washington's in a state of panic. This terrible night of April 14, 1865. There are wild rumors the entire cabinet has been murdered.

[Historical Narrator]

Murdered?

[Historical Expert]

But General Grant has been assassinated. That the war is not yet over. There's no evidence as yet that these other wild rumors are true. I repeat, the other rumors are not true. So far as is known. Secretary of War Stanton has arrived at the house on 10th street where Mr. Lincoln has been taken. He's in Complete charge of the situation up to now. Now again, Quincy Howe. John Wilkes Booth has escaped. He left Ford's Theater by a rear door, leapt on a horse that was waiting for him and dashed off into the dark. Someone from the audience chased him. Just missed him a matter of inches. Booth left Washington by the Navy Yard Bridge, where a sentry challenged him and he gave his real name, John Wilkes Booth. The following is the fiend's description. Age 26. Lies in sinewy of body, having probably a broken leg. Intensive speech and behavior. Height, 5ft 8. Weight 160 pounds. Hair, black. Eyes black, heavy, dark eyebrows. Wears a large steel ring on little finger. When talking, moves his head forward, looks down. That is John Wilkes booth.

[John Daly]

Rewards totaling $100,000 have been offered for his capture.

[Historical Expert]

Armed pursuit groups are after him already. Booth must have had help. He just couldn't have committed this crime by himself or without. Lots of preparation. But who slashed Secretary Seward? Who crossed the Navy Yard Bridge a few moments after Booth? Why was it that Booth tried to see Vice President President Johnson this afternoon and then left his calling card when he failed? Who cut the telegraph wires out of Washington? And why? Where was the President's guard, John F. Parker? How could Booth have possibly gained entrance to the President's box without being challenged? These are some of the questions that the tragedy has raised here in this bewildered capital. How deep do the roots of this plot go? Does the trail perhaps lead right? Tough persons highly placed up in the government. A note has just been handed me. John Daly, in front of the Patterson House has news of President Lincoln's condition. So we take you now to the Peterson House.

[John Daly]

This is John Daly in front of the Peterson House, where President Lincoln was carried after he was shot in Ford's.

[Historical Narrator]

Theater across the street. The President is sinking swiftly.

[John Daly]

He has not regained consciousness since Booth sent a single bullet, fired at close.

[Historical Narrator]

Range into the area behind the President's ear. The surgeons are discussing now the question of removing that bullet. Mrs. Lincoln is in there at the bedside. So is the President's son, Captain Robert Lincoln.

[John Daly]

Tad, the President's younger son, is at the White House. He has been assured that his father.

[Historical Narrator]

Will live, but this was told the lad only to quiet him.

[John Daly]

Major Rathbone was thrashed about the arm.

[Historical Narrator]

And shoulder by Booth and fainted from.

[John Daly]

A loss of blood.

[Historical Narrator]

He has been taken home.

[John Daly]

In addition to Secretary of War Stanton.

[Historical Narrator]

Most of the cabinet members have arrived.

[John Daly]

And here comes the Secretary of the.

[Historical Narrator]

Navy, Mr. Gideon Wells. Mr. Wells. Oh, Mr. Wells, this is CBS. We know how great Your grief is at this moment, sir. But there are so many questions still to be answered about this frightful tragedy. Will you help us? Who is this amazing madman? John Wilkes Booth?

[John Daly]

This lunatic? This unspeakable? Judith, As a known secessionist who did not have the courage to don the uniform of his cause.

[Historical Narrator]

But what possible motive, sir, do you think he could have had in committing this hideous crime?

[John Daly]

Only a mind deranged could have given birth to such an act. It may be that he thought to kindle again the dead spark of rebellion. If so, he is as great a fool as he is a villain. The war is over. The Union will stand. Booth has done the Confederate cause more harm than he can imagine.

[Historical Narrator]

What about the south, sir? What will the south think of Boosac?

[John Daly]

I do not know the mind of the South. But I predict that when the men who fought with leave in uniform, under a flag and according to a clean code hear of this day, they will shrink with horror from this vile deed. Assassination is not an American tradition. It never stuck in this country until tonight.

[Historical Narrator]

Thank you, Mr. Wells. I know that as Mr. Lincoln's friend and Secretary of the Navy, you want to go in and see him. A note has just been handed me. It says, well, this is sad and tragic news. The President's pulse is still falling. His breathing becomes more labored. That's all the note says. As this night of unutterable gloom, gloom and sadness wears on, stern resolve melts. Great men weep openly. There's scarcely a dry eye in this crowd here. The door to the Peterson house is opening once again, and Mr. John Hay, President Lincoln's private secretary, is coming out. Mr. Hay.

[John Daly]

Mr. Hay, over this way, please.

[Historical Narrator]

Mr. Hay, you've been close to Mr. Lincoln. Did he have any fear that he might be struck down before his great work was finished?

[John Daly]

Our beloved President constantly received threatening letters, which he filed away in an envelope. In March last month, there were 80 letters in the envelope. It was marked assassination.

[Historical Narrator]

You mean letters from cranks and that sort?

[John Daly]

Yes. In 1860, in Springfield, Mr. Lincoln saw a double image of himself in a mirror. One face held the glow of life and breath. The other shone ghostly pale white portent.

[Historical Narrator]

Of a safe passage through the first turn and death before the end of the second. That was five years ago. Then that he had this omen.

[John Daly]

But only last week, the President dreamed that he was walking through the White House. Amid the sound of great sobbing in the East Room, he came upon a.

[Historical Narrator]

Coffin guarded by soldiers surrounded by a weeping throng.

[John Daly]

The President asked, who is dead in The White House. And the soldier replied the president, he was killed by an assassin.

[Historical Narrator]

Well, how did Mr. Lincoln feel about these presentiments?

[John Daly]

Perhaps he answered that question this afternoon. He was walking across the White House grounds and he passed some profane drunken men. Mr. Lincoln remarked to his guard, crook, you know, I believe there are men who want to take my life. And I have no doubt they will do it. I know no one could do it and escape alive. But if it is to be done.

[Historical Narrator]

It is impossible to prevent it. Thank you, Mr. Hay. The tragic news of the attack on President Lincoln has spread around the world. And now CBS takes you to important European capitals. First to Buckingham palace in London, England and the voice of her Britannic majesty, Queen Victoria.

[John Daly]

I speak to Mrs. Lincoln. No one can better appreciate than I, who am myself utterly broken hearted by the loss of my own beloved husband what your suffering must be. And I earnestly pray that you may be supported by him to whom alone the sorely stricken can look for comfort. And now to the French capital. This is. My name is Paris. I am a French student speaking for thousands of us in the Latin quarter, President Lincoln is a fellow citizen. There are no longer any countries shut up in narrow frontiers. Our country is everywhere. Where there are neither masters nor slaves. Where people live in liberty.

[Historical Narrator]

We take you now to the capital of Russia. This is St. Petersburg, Russia.

[John Daly]

I will read a message from Leo.

[Historical Narrator]

Tolstoy, our great Russian author, who has just been informed of the attempted assassination of President Lincoln. The message reads.

[John Daly]

In far places, over the earth, on every continent, the name of Lincoln will be worshiped.

[Historical Narrator]

And the personality of Lincoln will become.

[John Daly]

A world folk legend.

[Historical Narrator]

Many hardships and much experience brought him.

[John Daly]

To the realization that the greatest human achievement is love. The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is moonlight by the sun of Lincoln. His example is universal and will last thousands of years. Lincoln is humanity.

[Historical Narrator]

We return you now to the United States at State. This is John Daly in front of the P. Hall on Century. It is past 7:00 in the morning. April 15, 1865. President Lincoln was shot last night at 10:15. Doctors say there is no hope. The long vigil will soon be over. Here outside the Petersen house, a cold rain is falling. The sky is dully gray. The early morning mist is like a shroud. The hearts of men and women are overflowing with grief. Some are kneeling, some lifting their voices in the singing of spiritual. We are told that Mrs. Lincoln is not in the room. The President. She has made her last farewell and is seated in a back parlor. Captain Roberts, the President's son, is leaning on Secretary Stanton's arm. He has borne himself well. Only twice has he given way to his overwhelming grief. The Reverend Dr. Gurley has spoken a prayer for Abraham Lincoln. There will be black borders on the newspapers. Today anguished sermons are resurrected Sunday. Tomorrow there will be the lying in state, the lonely train, the slow journey, the final rest. There will be the end of the mortal, but the beginning of the immortal. For Abraham Lincoln will live on. In the Union he has saved. In the freedom he has given. In the dreams he has dreamed. In the vision he has seen. The vision under God of a new birth, of freedom, of government, of the people, by the people, for the people. Secretary of War Stanton is coming out of the Peterson house now. He pauses in the doorway and the crowd looking at his grief stricken face is suddenly silent. Mr. Stanton, how is Mr. Lincoln now? He belongs to the ages. The dread things we have awaited is come. President Lincoln is dead. The victim of booth disappear. Washington, April 14, 1865.

[John Daly]

Abraham Lincoln is assassinated at Ford Theater.