File:Solomon W. Hagerty, Diary Entry, Page 2 of 9 (6106225040).jpg

"April 15th Wash, DC We received the particulars of the case in substance about one o'clock AM [?] that it had been announced publicly and was generally known yesterday and before, the President and lady, Vice Pres and Gen Grant would attend Ford's Theatre last evening. Abm Lincoln, and Wife went according to invitation and acceptance. They occupied a private box in 2nd tier and were much delighted with the performance of American Cousins the drama. Just as they were into the most interesting part of this play so admirably conducted by Miss Laura Keene and troope, the cry of murder at the instant a man jumped down on stage from Pres. box and tore with him the American Flag that was hanging there, reaching the stage he stumbled but instantly rising flourished his long dagger and repeated defiantly the following sentence in Latin Sic Semper Tyrannis and there made his exit by a back way through the Theatre and out. The dumb stricken audience could not summon their senses ere he had gone. The Pres was shot through the head near the ear. The tragical act was committed about 20 min past ten o'clock last night. At about the same time some villain entered Secy. Sewards house passing the Servts under false plea and made attempt to take Seward's life also after inflicting several severe blows upon the Secy and his Sons Major Seward and Frederic he managed to make his escape but not before the cry of alarm was shread."