Who's to blame?

[Dave Taylor]

While I don't have the account in front of me to quote from, Lucinda Holloway put the blame for Booth's capture solely on Willie Jett. Ms. Holloway had a strong hatred from Mr. Jett due to the grief he caused to her family by bringing Booth to the Garrett's. According to one of her later accounts, after dropping Booth off at the Garrett's, Jett separated from Ruggles, Bainbridge, and Herold, made his way to the nearest telegraph office and telegraphed the War department telling them where Booth was. According to her, the whole "arrest" thing was a set up and that Jett actually met up with the calvary and led them right to Booth in hopes of getting some reward money.

I tend to agree with Laurie, though. Bettie Rollins' knowledge of local gossip is what got Booth caught. If only Jett and Ms. Gouldman were more discrete, Booth may have escaped.