Just For Fun...

[L Verge]

I guess one should never post "Just For Fun..." on a thread related to the Lincoln assassination, but I wanted to share with you a Christmas card that Surratt House received today (after it was delayed in the U.S. mail). It was sent by one of the leading scholars in the assassination field, but I won't reveal his name. He's in the habit of sending things like this as well as introducing himself as JWB when he calls me.

The following handwritten note was inside a standard Christmas card:

Dear Mrs. Surratt,

My recent illness has given me time to pause and consider the many kindnesses done me by your late husband. In view of that, and in consideration of the long friendship which existed between us, I have decided to forgo payment of any and all amounts due me from his estate (I have enough money anyway).

Therefore there is no reason to come to the country and attend this. No need at all to come out here. Just stay in town and enjoy the nice Spring weather.

With respect,
George Calvert

April 10, 1865

This comes under the category of things that one (especially Mary Surratt) should wish would happen. George Calvert, of course, was the wealthy gentleman to whom the Surratts still owed payment for the lands that they had purchased from him in 1852. It was his letter "gently" reminding Mrs. Surratt that payment was due that supposedly sent the widow lady to Surrattsville on April 11 and April 14. The rest is history.