Eyewitness to Lincoln's Assassination

Last week I received an email from Bill Toffey. His great-grandfather, John James Toffey, is one of the officers profiled in Union Faces. Bill surprised me with the information that fifty-five wartime letters written by his great-grandfather, including one in which he recounts his attendance at Ford's Theater on the night of the assassination of President Lincoln, and how he came across John Wilkes Booth's horse afterwards. The letter is referenced in American Brutus by Michael W. Kauffman. Here is a transcription:

Lincoln U.S. General Hospital
Washington, D.C. April 17th 1865
Dear Parents
I would have written home before but the excitement has been so great that I could think of writing. On Friday evening I understand that President Lincoln & Genl. Grant was going to attend Fords Theatre and I concluded that I would go, not to see the play particular, but to see those two great men. While sitting looking at the performance about ½ 10 of c a shot was fired, I took no notice of it neither did any of the audience, as it was thought to be part of the performance, till we saw a man leap from the Presidents Box and light on the stage, he lingered a second then shot off like an arrow every one was struck with astonishment until he had disappeared behind the scenes, when it was announced that the President was shot then the greatest excitement prevailed. I had a revolver with me and would to God I had presence of mind enough at the time the man jumped down to have shot him, several other officers had revolvers but the thing was done so quick that there was hardly time to draw them and shoot. The President was taken to a house opposite After waiting about the house for an hour or so I went up to the Hospital, and was telling the news to the Officer of the day when a horse galloped up saddled and bridled but no rider, a Guard and myself succeeded in stopping it: The sweat was pouring off of it I thought immediately that it had something to do with the Murder, about that time a squad of Cavalry came up to scout the country about there. I reported having taken the horse to the Officer in charge, he wanted to take it but I refused letting him have it, But went myself with it (it being then about ½ 1 o/c) to Maj. Gen. Augur Office and delivered it up. This horse was afterwards identified as the one Booth rode. The Genl o Adj. Genl thanked me and desired a Captain and myself and a guard should search the houses about the Hospital thinking he might have been thrown from his horse and be secreted in some place. We searched until morning without success. The next day I attended to my regular duties and that evening the Doctor called me to his room and said that he was afraid the soldiers would mob the rebel prisoners at our Hospital, as they (the soldiers) were very much aroused at the death of our President and desired me to take a guard and be around that night I put a guard over every ward and would not let a man out. So you see I was on duty for Forty (48) hours with out sleep Danl Worden is with me now. The report this morning is that we have caught the men who attempted the life of Sec. Seward The city here is all draped in morning. The night the President was murdered I done something that I have not done in a good while and that was to cry the tears showed themself before I knew it. We officers are to wear the badge of mourning for 6 months Last night I had a good rest and am feeling well. Write to me soon. I am going down tomorrow to see the Presidents remains as I understand it is to lay in state
Love to all
From your aff. Son
John James
David sends his love