Herold and Surratt

[John Fazio]

(11-08-2013 01:21 PM)L Verge Wrote:  All I can say is "show me the proof." Right now, I think you are speculating (as did Mike on a number of points - despite his tremendous research). I also think you are giving John Surratt too much credit in classifying him as "one of the Confederacy's top agents." Skilled courier, yes - agent, no.

Laurie:

I partially agree about Surratt's status as a "top agent". Still, he took over from his father as postmaster when the latter died, running, with his mother, the Confederate safe house in Surrattsville and, from November, 1864, the safe house in Washington. Further, he was a full-fledged agent from at least 1863, knew Herold for years and was a regular at Dr. Mudd's, where he became acquainted with other mail line operatives and truly "top agents", as the doctor's slaves attested to at the trial. Further, he met Benjamin on a fairly regular basis and, if we are to believe Weichmann, met Davis too. Further, he met with all the biggies in Canada, at least, and maybe in New York (at Belmont's mansion?) and was Booth's right hand. I would say, therefore, that if he was not a "top" agent, he wasn't far behind.

You asked for proof. I hope to present enough to persuade you.

John