History buffs, is there actually an answer to this question(s)?

Question

I'm stumped, and I don't know if its a trick question or not...

1. What future first lady, had she accompanied President and Mrs. Lincoln to Ford Theater, would have most likely prevented the assassination of President Lincoln?

2. Why didn't she go?

3. Why would it most likely have prevented his death?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

I can tell you the answer to 1 and 2, but pretty unsure of number 3.

First off, the future first lady was Julia Grant, wife of then General, eventual president Ulysses S. Grant.

The reason she didn't go, or her husband for that matter, is that Julia Grant felt that Mary Todd Lincoln was an insufferable woman. Literally, she could not stand being in her presence. (Although she wasn't exactly alone. Most higher-ups in Washington found the First Lady to be brash, and obnoxious to the point of not being able to endure her.)

As for the third part, I'm not entirely sure. Although you certainly have piqued my interest now.

Answer 2

I believe I have the answer to #3.  Both Ulysses and Julia Grant were expected to attend the play that night.  Had both couples been in the presidential box, Grant's military aides would have been on duty in addition to the guard who was there to protect Lincoln.  With more than one guard present, Booth would never have been able to get into the box.

One of the many Lincoln conspiracy theories says that Edwin Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War, was part of the plot and it was on his instructions that the Grants turned down the invitation.  I believe Stanton also had the Grants sent out of town that day.  I don't put much stock in the conspiracy theories, but they do make for fun reading and interesting movies.