Dave Taylor / Davey Herold Question

[RJNorton]

(02-14-2014 03:46 PM)KateH. Wrote:  So why was Atzerodt asking strange questions about Johnson to the bartender?

(02-14-2014 04:39 PM)JMadonna Wrote:  Kate - The bartender questions occurred before Booth gave the assassination order.

Kate and Jerry, I have always been curious as to the original source for all these questions. The bartender, Michael Henry, did not testify at the trial. Did he give a statement about exactly what Atzerodt was asking? Are the specific questions really known?

Jim Bishop writes on p. 137:

"Atzerodt spent most of his time drinking at the bar and trying to be disarming. He asked so many questions of the bartender and the few customers that he excited suspicion. Where exactly, he wanted to know, is the Vice-President's room? Does he have a guard? Could any citizen knock on the door and have a chat with him? A man in his position doesn't carry firearms, does he? How about the n.....r who stands behind him when he eats - where does he go when Johnson goes back to his quarters? Does the Vice-President stay home at night or does he go-out? Would you say that he was a brave man or a coward? Ever see any soldiers around him?"

Is this another example of Bishop "creating" or "embellishing?" Or is there an original source for these questions? Anyone know?