50 PTS Entering Ford’s theatre, President Lincoln took one of the arm-chairs and seated himself in the front of the box, in the angle nearest the audience. Here he was partially screened from observation, and he had the best view of what was happening on the stage. Mrs. Lincoln sat next to him, and Miss Harris in the opposite angle nearest the stage. Major Rathbone sat just behind Mrs. Lincoln and Miss Harris. These four were the only persons in the box.
The play, “Our American Cousin,” began. But it was considered a very dull play since Mr. Sothern, the famous actor, was not starring in the show. However, the audience at Ford's, including Mrs. Lincoln, seemed to enjoy it very much. The worthy wife of the President leaned forward, her hand upon her husband's knee, watching every scene in the drama with amused attention. Occasionally, a smile could be seen on the President’s face, robbing it of its habitual sadness.
About the beginning of the second act, the mare, standing in the stable in the rear of the theater, was disturbed in the midst of her meal by the entrance of the young man who had left her earlier that afternoon. It is presumed that the actor, Mr. Booth, had then saddled and bridled her with exquisite care.
Having completed these preparations, Mr. Booth entered the theater by the stage door. He summoned one of the scene shifters, Mr. John Spangler, who emerged through the same door Booth had just entered. Booth left the mare in Spangler’s care until he (Booth) should return. Booth who was even more fashionably and richly dressed than usual, walked around to the front of the theater and went in. He stood on the first level for a while gazing around upon the audience and the stage in his usual graceful manner.
Booth was soon observed by Mr. Ford, the proprietor of the theater, to be slowly elbowing his way through the crowd that packed the rear of the first level toward the right side, very near the box where Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln and their companions were seated. Mr. Ford casually noticed this as unusual behavior on the part of an actor so familiar with the routine of the theater and the play.
The curtain had arisen on the third act. Mrs. Mountchessington and Asa Trenchard were exchanging vivacious stupidities on stage, when a young man resembling J. Wilkes Booth appeared before the open door of the President's box and prepared to enter.
The servant who attended Mr. Lincoln said politely, "This is the President's box, sir. No one is permitted to enter."
"I am a senator," responded the person. "Mr. Lincoln has sent for me." The attendant gave way, and the young man passed into the box.
As he appeared at the door, taking a quick, comprehensive glance at the interior, Major Rathbone arose. "Are you aware, sir," he said, courteously, "upon whom you are intruding? This is the President's box, and no one is admitted."
The intruder answered not a word. Fastening his eyes upon Mr. Lincoln, who had half turned his head to ascertain what caused the disturbance, he stepped quickly back through the door. Without this door there was an eyehole, bored it is presumed on the afternoon of the crime, while the theater was deserted by all save a few mechanics. Glancing through this hole John Wilkes Booth saw in a moment the precise position of the President. He wore upon his wrinkling face the pleasant beginning of an honest smile.
The cheerful interior was lost to J. Wilkes Booth. He did not catch the spirit of the delighted audience, of the flaming lamps flinging illumination upon the domestic foreground and the gaily set stage. He only cast one furtive glance upon the man he was to slay, and thrusting one hand in his bosom, another in his shirt pocket, drew forth simultaneously his deadly weapons. His right palm grasped a Derringer pistol, his left a dirk.
Then, at a stride, he passed the threshold again, levelled his arm at the President and pulled the trigger. A keen quick report and a puff of white smoke, -- a close smell of powder and the rush of a dark, imperfectly outlined figure,—and the President's head dropped upon his shoulders: the ball was in his brain.

1. Describe how Booth prepared his mare for his escape after he assassinated the president.

2. Why was Booth dressed the way he was?

3. What had Booth done earlier that day that allowed him to view the President?

4. Why was Booth able to get close enough to President Lincoln in order to assassination him?