What did Lincoln have in his pocket when assassinated? This question has intrigued historians and the public alike for over a century. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was assassinated on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. His assassination marked the end of the American Civil War and the beginning of a national tragedy. The mystery surrounding what Lincoln had in his pocket on that fateful night has sparked numerous theories and speculations. This article delves into the available evidence and explores the possibilities surrounding this enigmatic question.
The night of Lincoln’s assassination, he attended a performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre. As the play progressed, John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, crept up behind the President and shot him in the back of the head. Lincoln was rushed to the nearby Petersen House, where he was pronounced dead the following morning. The immediate aftermath of the assassination led to a frantic search for any personal belongings that Lincoln might have been carrying.
One of the first pieces of evidence to emerge was a piece of paper that was found in Lincoln’s pocket. The paper contained a note that read, “This is a true copy of the last will and testament of Abraham Lincoln, written by himself, in the presence of witnesses.” This note was later authenticated, but the original will was never recovered. The presence of this note in Lincoln’s pocket has led some to believe that he was carrying it as a precautionary measure, in case he was unable to return to the White House after the play.
Another theory suggests that Lincoln may have been carrying a Bible in his pocket. This theory is based on the fact that Lincoln was a deeply religious man and often carried a Bible with him. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and the Bible is not listed among the items recovered from his pocket.
Some historians have also speculated that Lincoln may have been carrying a pocket watch or a pair of glasses in his pocket. These items are common accessories for men of the time, and it is possible that Lincoln had one or both of them with him. However, without physical evidence, these theories remain mere speculations.
The mystery of what Lincoln had in his pocket when assassinated has been a subject of debate for over a century. While the exact contents of his pocket may never be known, the question itself serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic circumstances surrounding Lincoln’s death. The enigmatic question of what Lincoln had in his pocket continues to captivate the imagination of historians and the public, offering a glimpse into the final moments of a man who shaped the course of American history.
