An American Presidential Passing - Too Sad To Describe ...

Did you remember a certain American anniversary today ? Well, did you? Did those you know?

Or, did you and/or they, ever even know ?

No matter. After all, it was 141 years ago. Which is way before even This Old Brit was born.

So here's something that should shed some light on the subject.

That subject being U.S. President Abraham Lincoln's fatal, Ford Theatre shooting -- for those still in the dark -- or for any in need of memory jogs.

Here's a header showing how said sad assassination story was summed up in Britain's Guardian, on 14th April -- way back when, in 1865.

Lincoln's death too sad to describe

Friday April 14, 1865

The Guardian

President Lincoln and wife, with other friends, this evening visited Ford's theatre, for the purpose of witnessing the "American Cousin".

The theatre was densely crowded, and everybody seemed delighted with the scene before them.

During the third set, and while there was a temporary pause for one of the actors to enter, a sharp report of a pistol was heard, which merely attracted attention, but suggesting nothing serious, until a man rushed to the front of the President's box, waving a long dagger in his right hand, and exclaiming, "Sic semper tyrannis" [thus perish all tyrants] ...

( substantial snip )

The President was in a state of syncope, totally insensible and breathing slowly; the blood oozed from the wound at the back of the head.

The surgeons exhausted every possible effort of medical skill, but all hope was gone.

The parting of his family with the dying President is too sad for description.

Read the full relevant report right here.