Those Booth Horses Again -

[Rick Smith]

(04-18-2014 08:37 PM)wsanto Wrote:  

(04-18-2014 07:30 AM)Rick Smith Wrote:  Bill C,

You mention the following in a previous post:

"I never said Thomas Jones stated that Mudd admitted the horse fall was a lie but that in his (Jones') book he gives his opinion the horse-fall story was a lie concocted by Mudd for cover."

I cannot find anywhere in Jones' book where he gives his opinion that the horse fall story was a lie concocted by Dr. Mudd. The following is all that I can find regarding the horse fall:

"Booth knew the doctor, having met him and had visited at his house when in the country about eighteen months before the assassination. The statement he made to the doctor was that his horse had fallen and hurt him. Both he and Herold entered the house and the doctor, assisted by his kind-hearted wife, who had arisen for the purpose, proceeded to examine and dress the fracture. The fugitives remained there until the following evening. How much they told Dr. Mudd beyond the fact that they wished to cross the river to Virginia is not known."

Although there is no question in my mind that Jones wrote his book in such a way as to protect others, there is nothing here to indicate that Jones is giving his opinion that Mudd concocted a story, only a statement recorded by Jones.

Possibly I am missing something.[/i]

Rick,

I briefly reviewed Jones' book and I believe you are correct. My characterization of Mudd is incorrect. Jones does not give an opinion of Mudd with regard to the horse fall. Jones does state as a matter of fact that Booth broke his leg at Ford's and later states Herold and Booth told Mudd Booth broke his leg in a horse fall. I guess I was reading between the lines that Jones felt this was a lie concocted for cover.

Jones goes on to state that Booth told Cox how he broke his leg but doesn't say what Booth told him. Again I infer that Jones believes that Booth told Cox he broke his leg in the leap since this was what Jones mentions earlier, as a matter of fact.

Why Jones thought the matter of the broken leg was settled as matter of fact is debatable. Dave Taylor commented on this in another thread and dismissed it as Jones just relating the common held belief in the 1890s that Booth broke his leg at Ford's.

My belief is Jones knew from his interaction with Booth where the injury occurred or, at least, what Booth was telling those he trusted what occurred.

Harbin is also on record I believe stating Booth told him he broke his leg at Ford's. Of course this was after Booth made his diary entry and, if lying there, would probably continue the lie to Harbin

Bill,

No worries. All the little details are fascinating & I think, important.

Jones & Harbin are particular favorites of mine.

You are right in believing that Jones may have inferred certain things between the lines in his book. His book, I believe, is a masterpiece of truths, half truths and misleading statements.

He was still doing his job as Chief Confederate Signal Officer when he wrote of his experiences and part of that job was to say little or nothing of real details and to protect those he worked with and who were under his control.

He was good at his job. I think he was just great.

Happy Easter,

Rick