Interesting Observations from James O'Beirne's Diary

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(12-18-2014 06:28 PM)MaddieM Wrote:  

(12-18-2014 12:48 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  Regarding Atzerodt Theodore Roscoe writes, "Of all Booth's co-conspirators Atzerodt was probably the earthiest. And much of that earth seems to have been on his wrists, on the nape of his neck, in his ears, and in the pores of his nose. Still, by all accounts, he was a good-natured sort of clod - an amiable animal with the face of a dancing bear."

Fits him like a glove. That's just how I imagined him to be. I always thought Herold looked a bit greasy and unwashed too. Mind you, I guess you would having spent quite a bit in the clink.

And on the run for twelve days! I suspect that Davey was generally well-dressed and clean before his escapades since he came from a good family and a house full of women who would force him to keep up appearances. He also held reputable jobs as a pharmacist's assistant, which should have required some "polish."

There are also references from Herold's schoolmates suggesting that he had a good sense of humor and could be the class clown - even sometimes diffusing tense situations that could have resulted in a brawl. Remember also that he attended at least two very reputable educational institutions.

Gene - reference your comment about neighbors and their intentions. If you had friends who had assisted in the plots against Adolph Hitler in WWII, would you feel the same way? I would, in no way, put Lincoln in the same class as Hitler - but in 1865, I bet there were many people North and South who would equate the two in terms of war crimes.