Arrest of Atzerodt

[BettyO]

(08-22-2012 07:00 AM)Jim Garrett Wrote:  Remember, the Atzerodts originally settled in Germantown, Md. My guess is that they spoke German almost exclusively in the household and among neighbors and family. Germantown was a area settled by? So my guess is that the Atzerodts (with maybe John as an exception) did not integrate very quickly into American society.

George stopped at the home of Lucinda Metz in Georgetown. Her home was almost directly across the street from the stage coach stop. I bet she spoke German. She signed her testimony with her mark (X) which would indicate illetracy. Maybe she could not read English?

Good points, Jim! I have some Chinese friends. Very nice pleasant people, and I've noticed that when they are together they speak exclusively Chinese - no English. I would assume that you are right. Atzerodt more or less, with his family and friends would probably speak exclusively German. Although he spoke English - some of his friends and family may not have done so and speaking more German than English may have precluded him having limited communication skills.