Edwin Booth to Jervis McEntee

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Title

Edwin Booth to Jervis McEntee

Description

Edwin Booth writes to Jervis McEntee regarding an attempt on his life by a lunatic (Mark Gray) just a few days previous, while he was on stage portraying Richard III. Booth confesses that this was a life changing event which he will never forget.

Creator

Booth, Edwin

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

1879-04-27

Format

pdf

Language

en

Identifier

300404
T1879.04.27-MISC

Transcription

8 p. 260 Ruggles Booth shot at

Chicago April 27th/79

Dear Jervy

For some time I have been trying to write to you but failed for want of matter, now I have something to tell---but already the papers have informed you of all that I do know concerning my wonderful escape, and I can but assure you of our safety and good health after such a shock as you may well imagine ours to have been. We were all terribly ‘shook’


but thank God! no further bad results have ensued. Mary is all right again, & I am only occassionally scared, when I recall the horrible scene. It was really horrible! Imagine me---made up ghostly white---as the dying Richard, contemplating the miseries of life; in a dark dungeon; waiting the death which came so frightfully near reality. I tell you Jervy, none of my


many escapes from violent death (I think I’ve had a dozen!) ever impressed me so keenly with the sense of life’s uncertainty & the great goodness of Almighty God! Painful as the experience has been I hope I may never lose remembrance of it, but retain it as a check and guide through the rest of my journey.

I sent you a paper a day or two after the occurrence, it contained all the knowledge that


can be extorted from the lunatic. The case will be up this week and I sincerely hope that he will be put out of reach of harm to others or himself.

I have a great many letters to write---all on this topic, and therefore you will not be mad at this unsatisfactory and hasty scrawl. I hope to see you in three weeks, when I will give you all I shall then have gleaned of this affair. Our loves to you & yours

Edwin

Status

Complete

Percent Completed

100

Weight

20

Original Format

paper and ink
4 p
20 x 13 cm

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