Thomas F. Harney

[SSlater]

There seems to be some confusion as to why each person, in this drama, was where they were, and why they were there, and what they did. So, here's a brief record of Slater - Surratt- Booth, from mid-March to mid-April. (At least I will try to be "brief."
Sarah was in Montreal, with Thompson. Surratt was in Washington. Surratt gets a wire that asks him to meet Sarah in NYC. (She can travel from Montreal to NYC, unescorted, because it is a Through-train0. But, in NYC she has to detrain, pass through town, cross the Hudson, and get to Jersey City, to catch the Washington train.) In those days , young ladies did not lug their baggage and proceed unaccompanied, to the next State - even if she is dressed as a Widow.

However, Surratt couldn't make it. So, it just happens that Booth is in New York. Here, it is IMPLIED that he brought her to D.C.

Anyhow ,she gets to H Street and is met by Surratt. He takes her to the Potomac. At this point another guy was to escort her to Richmond. (I think his name was Barry) But he wasn't there. So, Surratt took her to Richmond. They are there April 28/29.

Before I proceed, do you, feel some reluctance by Surratt, to participate in the mission? Either he didn't want to be with Sarah, or he didn't want to leave D.C. I conclude that he was more loyal to his assignments issued by Richmond, than to a request from "someone" else.

Now, the two of them are in Richmond. They finish their work here and set out for Canada. They spend a little time in D.C. and leave for Canada, arriving April 6+/-.

B.G. Edwin G. Lee has been assigned to Canada. A story has been concocted, that he is to replace Thompson. We later learn that Lee is to raise an Army of Escaped Prisoners, and fight R. E. Lee from the North.

E. G. Lee gives Surratt an assignment to go to Elmira and "Case" the Prison there. (IMO Sarah had nothing to do, so she tagged along with Surratt to Elmira). (They had to be "holding hands" by now) .They hang-out in Elmira, until they hear of Lincoln's Assassination. Up to this point Surratt did not want to be seen. Now, he wants to be seen.. So, he prances around Elmira in his silly Garibaldi Suit, and lets certain people know he it there, - all the town knew he was there ,but not the authorities.

When it is established that He is in Elmira, he plans his return to Canada, with his report on the prison. It's Saturday or Sunday by now. He heads NORTH to Cananiauga (Spelling???) where he can catch a train going EAST, toward Albany. - but trains did not run on Sundays, at that time, in New York. When he did get on a train, off they go. You can read about the rest of the trip in Baker's "History of the U, S. Secret Service."

Roger, does this answer your confusion about why and when Surratt acted as he did?
Tell me what you think. PLEEZE!

---

E. G. Lee didn't "Fight Lee", OOPS! He fought Grant. SORRY