The January 12, 1864 Washington Evening Star reported on a performance of this “dashing comedy” to “a full and delighted house”

“Our American Cousin” is a three-act play by English playwright Tom Taylor. The comedy became renowned for its association with Abraham Lincoln, as it was the play he was watching at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in April 1865.

However, prior to this infamous event, “Our American Cousin” had been popular on both sides of the Atlantic, including in Washington where it was performed to a full and delighted house, as reported by the Washington Evening Star on January 12, 1864. The play’s witty dialogue, humorous setup, and endearing characters contributed to its appeal among audiences.