Broken Fibula - Again!

[Ed Steers]

(08-10-2012 10:53 AM)Laurie Verge Wrote:  Thank you, Ed, for bringing up a modern example of what we old-timers in the field have been preaching for years -- it was possible for Booth to exit the stage, mount a horse, and ride for miles with a broken leg, especially since he had adrenalin and the fear-factor (good point, Herb) assisting him, not to mention the knee-high boots that served as a form of support or brace.

While the theory that Booth's leg was broken when his horse fell on him is interesting is a good one, my feelings here in the arguments between the two is that the matter is rather moot. I doubt that we will ever prove conclusively how he broke his leg and it really makes no difference in the grand scheme. The leg was broken.

Some have rudely told me that the consequence was that Booth had to change his plans and head to Dr. Mudd. To which I have responded that he passed at least two doctors en route to Dr. Mudd (including Dr. Mudd's brother-in-law who lived right on the route and only about two miles south of Surrattsville). My personal opinion is that he intended to go to Dr. Mudd for his first layover anyhow and that that is why Herold was in Southern Maryland at least one day before the assassination.

Dr. Mudd's farm was off the beaten path, isolated, a known safehouse for Confederates during the war, and about half way to the Potomac River. The horses would need a rest after having been ridden hard for about five hours -- heading another 15-20 miles to the Potomac River would be really pushing them.

Also, I think the fugitives would have been aware that the Union patrol boars on the Potomac would be alerted to expect a night passage. Look how long Jones had to wait to find an opportunity to get Booth and Herold across the river. Again, an IMO, but it just makes sense.