Louis Weichmann

[Pamela]

Well, I'm certainly not a scholar with any credentials whatsoever, but that assessment of the value of Weichmann's book is unfortunate. His book, I have noticed, is widely referenced by historians, as I'm sure you've noticed. Here's what Dr. Porter, as you know, the conspirators' doctor) wrote in a letter to Louis, in response to reviewing part of his manuscript, dated August 30, 1900, "I have read and reread with great interest the chapters of the new book, which you were so kind as to send to me. The charm and value of personal knowledge of important incidents and events give an actuality to the narratives of history which cannot be found in the compilation of books. The incident of the cavalry men on the road over the eastern Branch carried one back to the time where we originated Camp Stoneman with the regular Cavalry Brigade waiting there for recounts. I congratulate you upon the method, manner and style of the manuscript and the many men and important incidents described. Thanks for your courtesy, Your obd. sev., Geo. L. Porter. He added, "Please acknowledge the receipt of your manuscript and relieve me of my anxiety lest anything unfortunate might befall it."

Risvold had great respect and admiration for Weichmann, and concluded this in his introduction, "his (Risvold's) greatest debt, however, and a debt now shared by students of the assassination, is to Louis J. Weichmann, who in sorrow and agony of mind, wrote his narrative for posterity."

I was pleasantly surprised to find this handwritten note inside my book, " For Bill Bierbaum, May your time be well spent in reading this historical narrative, for you will be walking in the footsteps of Louis Weichmann through the pages of history, Floyd E. Risvold Feb 9, 1976