Payne's Statement?

[BettyO]

I don't know how much Weichmann knew about what was going on; but it has always been my impression that he knew a lot more than he told. A WHOLE lot more! I think he possibly wanted to be a part of the goings on but as Surratt later stated, "He [Weichmann] could not ride a horse nor could he shoot...." So it is my impression that Mr. Weichmann felt somewhat left out from the doings of the other boys. In his book, Weichmann stated that Powell came one night in February (and Maggie Branson backed that up with her testimony that he was "away for one night in February.") At that time, Powell was dressed in black and only spent the night. He arrived under the name of "Mr. Wood", was given supper on a tray in Weichmann's room and then turned in for the night, catching an early train back to Baltmore the next morning. A few weeks later, Powell arrived at Mrs. Surratt's house under the guise of "Reverend Paine", dressed in a new gray frock coat, vest and black trousers. It was at this time that he played cards and requested Annie Surratt play the piano for him. He also later wore Weichmann's military cape to Ford's the night of the "theatre party" and all night session at Gautier's. This visit of Powell's was right after he was released from the Provost Marshal Jail in Baltimore after the altercation with the Branson's maid.

Did Weichmann know what Powell and the rest were up to? I think so.... but was too scared to squeal at that time.