Attempted Assassination of Secretary Seward
DETAILS OF THE DREADFUL TRAGEDY
Official
War Department, Washington April 15, 1:30 AM. Maj. Gen. Dis. This evening at about 9:30 PM. at Ford’s Theatre, the President, while sitting in his private box with Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Hamis, and Major Rathburn was shot by an assassin, who suddenly entered the box and appeared behind the President. The assassin then. leaped upon the stage, brandishing a large dagger or knife, and made his escape in the rear of the theatre. The pistol ball entered the back of the President’s head and penetrated nearly through the head The wound is mortal The President has been insensible ever since it was inflicted, and is now dying.
The pretense of having a prescription, was shown to the Secretary’s sick chamber. The assassin immediately rushed to the bed, and inflicted two or three stabs on the throat and two on the face. It is hoped the wounds may not be mortal. My apprehension is that they will prove fatal.
The nurse alarmed Mr. Frederick Seward, who was in an adjoining room, and hastened to the door of his father’s room, when he met the assassin, who inflicted upon him one or more dangerous wounds. The recovery of Frederick Seward is doubtful.
It is not probable that the President will live throughout the night.
Gen. Grant and wife were advertised to be at the theatre this evening, but he started to Burlington at 6 o’clock this evening. At a Cabinet meeting at which Gen. Grant was present, the subject of the state of the country and the prospect of a speedy peace was discussed. The President was very cheerful and hopeful, and spoke very kindly of Gen. Lee and others of the Confederacy, and of the establishment of government in Virginia.
All the members of the Cabinet except Mr. Seward are now in attendance upon the President. I have seen Mr. Seward, but he and Frederick were both unconscious.
Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
The underlined word mortal means:
A.
Recuperative
B.
Painful
C.
Fatal
D.
Risky
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
C. Fatal
Explanation:
In the context of the report, the term “mortal” refers to the severity of the wounds inflicted during the attack on Secretary Seward. To understand why “mortal” means “fatal” in this case, let’s look at its definition and usage.
The term “mortal” generally means something that is related to death or can cause death. In medical and descriptive contexts, it is often used to describe wounds or injuries that are severe enough to lead to death if not treated effectively. This is evident from the phrasing of the report, which expresses grave concern about the wounds being potentially “fatal.”
Here’s a breakdown of the options and why “fatal” is the most appropriate choice:
- A. Recuperative: This means having the ability to recover or heal. If the wounds were described as “recuperative,” it would imply that there is a good chance of recovery, which is contrary to the context of the report suggesting a high risk of death.
- B. Painful: While the wounds are indeed likely to be painful, the term “mortal” specifically refers to the potential outcome of death, not just the experience of pain.
- C. Fatal: This term accurately captures the idea that the wounds are severe enough to potentially cause death. In the context of the report, “mortal” is used to indicate that the injuries could be life-threatening and might lead to death.
- D. Risky: Although the situation is certainly risky, the term “mortal” in the report is not merely describing a risk but rather the serious consequence of death that is feared.
Thus, in this context, “mortal” effectively conveys that the injuries inflicted are of such a nature that they might lead to death, making “fatal” the most precise synonym.