July 2, 1881

A few minutes before 9:30 am, at the Baltimore and Potomac Train Station, Charles Guiteau shoots President Garfield twice. One bullet inflicts a flesh wound on the President's arm and the other bullet lodges in his back.



July 2, 1881

Guiteau is stopped by Patrick Kearney of the District of Columbia police, the ticket taker and the depot watchman. Officer Kearney escorts Charles Guiteau to the station house but the Police Captain quickly move Guiteau to the District Jail to await a hearing.



July 2, 1881

President Garfield is moved to the White House. It is presumed that he is dying of internal hemorrhaging and there seems little chance of his survival.



July 7, 1881

The District Attorney, Corkhill, announces that there would be no formal proceedings against Guiteau until the President either recovers or dies.



July 10, 1881

No effort is spared in helping the President fight for his life. Because of the heat wave in Washington, Navy engineers implement a plan for cooling the air in the President's sickroom. Over a half-million pounds of ice are delivered to the White House.



July 16, 1881

The president sits up and it is reported that his "ultimate recovery was beyond all reasonable doubt."



July 23, 1881

The President's condition suddenly grows worse.

