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Richard Cordwell was standing on the train station platform scanning the crowd and looking for Allan Pinkerton. He was holding a warrant to arrest Allan Pinkerton for the crimes he committed in Scotland against the British Crown.
Meantime, a large crowd of waiting passengers began pushing and shoving to board the next train as it approached the station. Cordwell spotted Robert Lincoln on the station platform. He was being pushed by the crowd closer and closer to the edge of the tracks.
At that moment, Richard Cordwell heard a woman shriek and saw Robert Lincoln fall onto the tracks in the path of an oncoming train. He pushed through the crowd, but feared Robert Lincoln would be struck by the train before he could rescue him. A man reached down and grabbed Robert Lincoln by the collar and hauled him back up to the station platform to safety. Robert was visibly shaken but regained his composure quickly. As Richard Cordwell reached his side, Robert was shaking the man’s hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Booth!” Robert said excitedly and pumped his hand. He had recognized Edwin Booth, the famous stage actor. Robert had seen him perform on stage at the Winter Garden Theater in New York City.
Edwin Booth replied, “Not a problem” and turned to go back to his place in line while waiting for the next train.
Robert shook the dirt off his jacket and trousers and turned around. He was surprised to see Allan Pinkerton with two soldiers suddenly appearing by his side along with Richard Cordwell.
Pinkerton spoke up first. “I was sent here by your father. And I am going to make sure you arrive safely to Washington City. Now follow me!”
Allan Pinkerton and the two soldiers walked to the back of the station platform beckoning for Robert to follow them. Richard Cordwell chuckled and slapped the young man on the back.
“That was some escape! Give my regards to your father. I hope to meet with him when I arrive in Washington City.” He said to Robert.
Robert Lincoln smiled and picked up his suitcase and began following behind Allan Pinkerton and his soldier escorts. Richard Cordwell placed the arrest warrant for Allan Pinkerton back into his jacket pocket. It would have to wait for another day. He returned to the Treasury Building to ensure the Queen’s gold was returned to the vault.
