Louis Weichmann

[RJNorton]

(07-10-2015 09:46 PM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote:  Personally, I think both Weichmann and Mary knew more than what they let on (although I don't believe either had knowledge of the assassination). I prefer not to view either in black-and-white terms.

Hi Susan. I sure agree that both knew more than they let on. I also agree Weichmann was in the dark regarding the assassination plan. However, IMO, it's possible, if not likely, that Mary knew the plan had changed to assassination. (I should add that I did not feel this way prior to reading Kate Larson's book which changed my opinion on Mary's possible knowledge).

(07-10-2015 08:37 PM)Pamela Wrote:  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."

Hi Pam. I have wanted to respect and admire Weichmann like Floyd Risvold did, but I always find a few stumbling blocks. I have mentioned this before, but I cannot explain it if (1) Surratt was telling and the truth and (2) Weichmann was truly the ever-loyal Union man he claimed he was.

Did Surratt lie in his lecture?

"I proclaim it here and before the world that Louis J. Weichmann was a party to the plan to abduct President Lincoln. He had been told all about it, and was constantly importuning me to let him become an active member. I refused, for the simple reason that I told him that he could neither ride a horse nor shoot a pistol, which was a fact. These were two necessary accomplishments for us."

I am also curious if anyone might have an opinion on another thing. If Weichmann's sisters were telling the truth about bullets being fired at Louis, why did he not put this in his book? He talks a lot about himself in the book including the fact that he met President Lincoln. But no mention of shots being fired at him.