Harold confession

[L Verge]

Roger is correct that those writings have never been found. I have often wondered whether they were really a confession, as some have thought, or Herold writing his thoughts about the trial -- or even composing poetry, which he was known to do.

I believe we have stated this before, but David Herold was not dim-witted, as many authors have portrayed him. This lone statement that we have rather skillfully tells the authorities what he wants them to know and carefully maneuvers around what he doesn't want them to know. This is especially true in regards to getting an accurate timeline and in identifying people, especially those who assisted in the escape. He invariably forgets to name those in the Maryland underground who assisted, but conveniently names those in Virginia who refused help (Dr. Stuart, Willie Jett).

I first read this statement back in the 1970s when James O. Hall asked me to transcribe all the accuseds' statements into book form so they could be sold at the Surratt House Museum. It was really a trip down memory's lane when Davey started rattling off all the people that he knew in Prince George's and Charles Counties. I knew where their houses were or had been and who some of their descendants were who were still around. I had picked strawberries as a child on the Griffin farm; Judge Parker's family had married into my family. I felt like I was in a time machine.