Existing comment:
The Care
At the Petersen House, Leale was joined by Lincoln's family physician Dr. Robert K. Stone, members of the president's cabinet, and Mrs. Lincoln's pastor, Reverend Dr. Phineas Gurley.
At 10:15 pm, Dr. Stone probed the wound with his finger and determined that the president's death was imminent. To ease his breathing, the doctors positioned Lincoln's head so the wound would discharge freely and keep the site free of clots. He was kept warm with artificial heat and mustard plasters, but received no additional medications.
Before 11 pm, Army Surgeon General Joseph K. Barnes and Assistant Surgeon Charles H. Crane arrived to assess the president's condition. The wound was left open by means of a silver probe and the head was supported in its position by Drs. Crane and Taft relieving each other.
About 2 am, Barnes made an examination with a Nélaton's probe. After probing the wound site and locating the bullet, nothing further was done with the wound except to keep it free from coagula.
At 7:21 am Lincoln's breathing ceased.
At 7:22 am his pulse stopped. |