Anna Surratt interview

[J. Beckert]

I know Coyle made that statement, but he also stated he was given a letter by Booth. At dinner with several others in Wormley's Restaurant, he recounted meeting Booth on the 14th. after they were told Lincoln had been shot by Booth.

"My God, gentlemen, this very day I met John Wilkes Booth in the market space. He was on a bay mare, and rode up to me and handed me a sealed envelope, saying, as he did so: "If you hear of me in 24 hours, publish this. If you do not hear of me in that time destroy this." and he rode away". He said it was then decided to burn the letter without opening it. He stated the doors were locked, the letter was burned in the fireplace and the ashes were collected and mixed with water.

I don't know much about Coyle, but I've heard it said his story is very suspect.