What Was The Role of David Herold

[JMadonna]

(02-02-2013 07:06 PM)wsanto Wrote:  I remember reading in "Manhunt" and/or "Blood on the Moon" that when Fletcher approached the Navy Yard Bridge in pursuit of Herold and his horse he was told by Cobb that he could cross into Maryland after Herold but would not be allowed back into Washington that night. Apparently he opted to stay in Washington and suspend his pursuit.

Certainly he did not have a pass that evening. If that is true, then that is fairly strong evidence that Cobb was allowing traffic across the bridge into Maryland if not back into Washington despite the special order.

The testimonies of Cobb and Fletcher don't match up exactly. Its possible that Cobb may have said 'If I pass you, you won't be able to return till morning' rather than 'you can pass but you won't be able to return till morning'. Its a matter of interpretation. The bottom line is Fletcher didn't cross.

But lets say that Fletcher was 100% correct. Why would he not be allowed to return till morning? Because even if he made an exception for Fletcher, Cobb knew that the guards at the other end of the bridge would enforce the rules of no pass, no entry. I see it as stronger evidence that the rules were being enforced.