Dr.Richard Mudd

[L Verge]

I may have to read that book, Jerry. Are there characters in it that I would identify with?

As for the relationship between Dr. Richard and his first cousin, Louise Mudd Arehart, let's just say that they were both on the same page about their grandfather's innocence. However, on a personal, familial level, there was no love lost between the two.

The best example of their infighting was when Dr. Richard agreed to donate the famous sofa on which Booth's leg was examined back to the Dr. Mudd House Museum. The only thing that he asked was that the Mudd Society pay the shipping costs from Michigan to Maryland. Mrs. Arehart refused. After a good amount of dickering, I believe that it was Richard Sloan who stepped in and negotiated for donations to get the deal sealed.

I will say that Dr. Richard spent many hours and mucho dollars in gathering everything he could about his grandfather. His collection of papers are now in Georgetown University's Lauinger Library. He may have admitted once to having some doubt about Dr. Sam's guilt or innocence, but otherwise, he stood fast on the side of innocence.

I also have to say that, without Mrs. Arehart's drive and persistence (and annoying the heck out of some state and local politicians), the Mudd House likely would not have been restored and turned into a museum. She was abrasive in her tactics, but she loved that house dearly.