…. Who Found Himself Centre Stage During One of America's Most Tragic Moments.
"ON APRIL 14, 1865 Union Navy Lt. Benjamin W. Loring limped down the street to Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C.
After purchasing a ticket, he sat in the orchestra level directly across from the presidential box so he could have an unobstructed view of the "Great Emancipator" himself.
As the orchestra struck up Hail to the Chief, Loring directed his attention to the presidential box and saw Mrs. Lincoln, the President, and another couple whom he did not recognize enter the box and seat themselves. Loring found himself glancing at the President often. Soon he found himself enjoying the raucous comedy on stage. Shortly before 10:30 p.m., the crack of a gunshot stole his attention and his head snapped toward the sound as he stared directly at the presidential box. A man leaped from the balcony to the stage and exited out the back of the playhouse.
Loring reacted immediately and rushed to the stage running toward the box. Climbing into the box he realized he was only the second man to reach the President. A man of action, Loring pointed and ordered the first man, Lt. William Flood of the USS Primrose to help him slide the President out of a rocking chair to the floor…."
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