Herold and Surratt

[JMadonna]

(11-11-2013 12:09 PM)Thomas Thorne Wrote:  Yet we have no evidence that the conspirators ever targeted Lafayette Foster,President Pro Tempore of the US Senate. Foster was the only person in the presidential succession if both Lincoln and Johnson were killed. Does anyone know where Foster was that nite?

Another person the conspirators did not target was William Hunter, the chief clerk of the Department of State on 4/14/65. Several months ago the State Department had an article-since removed - by its official historian giving a brief biography of Hunter- asserting that by law he became acting secretary of state with the full legal powers of secretary of state upon the disability of both Sewards. I have seen documents of his performing the legal ministerial functions of the Secretary of State such as officially informing the diplomatic corps of the death of Lincoln and the accession of Johnson to the presidency.

Tom,

It's hard to find a good hit-man when you need one.

Nobody cared about Lafayette Foster. He made a career out of offending no one which is why he was President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He'd have tried to appease all sides and make no decisions on reconstruction. A perfect stooge for the south.

Secondly, it didn't matter who became 'acting secretary of state'. The constitution is the highest law and it specifically says secretary of state. There would have definitely been a political fight on the issue giving the south more time.