Thomas A Jones

[Jim Page]

I'd be willing to bet that Thomas Jones covered up or chose not to mention a great deal in his little book.

For one thing, I don't believe his "Booth and Herold hiding in the pine thicket" story. I just can't see Booth doing that for five days with little more than he could carry in a saddlebag. I don't know what the weather was during the 12 days Booth and Herold were on the run, but I've lived through some cold and wet Aprils since I moved to this area.

My belief is that he and probably Herold were given shelter by someone and Jones didn't want to get that someone in trouble by spilling the beans. I got the sense from reading his book that he had a strong sense of loyalty and once he gave his word to keep something secret, he wouldn't violate that oath.

I've also spoken to folks who live in the part of Maryland where Booth and Herold were that hint at family histories/legends/tales suggesting more went on than was told in Jones' account.

Just my own belief and I don't expect anyone to agree!

--Jim