Page:Abraham Lincoln -- his life.djvu/45

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THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN


Death

On the evening of April 14, the President, accompanied by his family, attended a performance at Ford's Theatre. Seated in an upper box, enjoying the humor of the play, he little knew of the danger that was lurking nearby.

John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor, had quietly crept into the box, pistol in one hand and a dagger in the other. Suddenly a report rang out. And one of the noblest men that ever lived was lain low.

Abraham Lincoln was carried to a house across the street, surgeons were summoned, but to no avail. At dawn, April 15, his soul passed to the great beyond.

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