Lincoln's Last Hours

"Lincoln's Last Hours" by Charles A. Leale, M. D. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the tragic events surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, focusing on the final hours of his life as experienced by Dr. Leale, who served as a surgeon. The narrative serves not only as a compelling recounting of the events of that fateful night but also as a personal reflection on the immense responsibility and emotional weight carried by those present during Lincoln's last moments. In this detailed account, Dr. Leale shares his experience at Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, when Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. Describing the chaos that ensued following the shooting, he details his immediate response as he rushed to assist the wounded president. Through his vivid recollections, readers gain insight into the medical efforts made to save Lincoln, the emotional turmoil experienced by those present, including Mary Todd Lincoln, and the historical significance of the moment. Ultimately, Leale's account is both a tribute to Lincoln's legacy and a somber reminder of the harrowing impact of his assassination on the nation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Augustus Leale was a surgeon in the Union Army during the American Civil War and the first doctor to arrive at the presidential box at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865, after John Wilkes Booth fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln in the head. His prompt treatment allowed Lincoln to live until the next morning. Leale continued to serve in the army until 1866, after which he returned to his home town of New York City where he established a successful private practice and became involved in charitable medical care. One of the last surviving witnesses to Lincoln's death, Leale died in 1932 at the age of 90.