Surratt - "WHo" was he?

[RJNorton]

(07-29-2015 03:07 PM)SSlater Wrote:  This is all conjecture now. But let's see where it goes.
Surratt has always been a enigma, to me. I never felt sure that He was "INTO" this scheme. He was there- but he wasn't there.
I read Surratt as being a bit of a Coward. Maybe, Coward, is not the right word. He liked sneaking around, doing his own thing. He never carried a rifle. (Or a Smooth-bore, either.) He never faced the enemy.He seems to have worked alone, better than "in a team."
IMO he knew of the impending assassination, but I don't know his exact assignment, if he had one. It seems that his contribution, was to provide a place to eat, to sleep, and to meet, for the others, but no more. He was usually off to the side. He was an observer, or a provider, but not a participant.
I don't have any additional information on his Mother, or how much did she "really, "really" knew. However, I'll bet she was more involved than her son was. When she got caught, he believed she would get a "slap on the wrist" - they would never hang her. After all they have never Hanged a woman - ever. He got a surprise!
Surratt was not a SPY. He was the "Confederate- Ups" Company.
He delivered mail and escorted ladies (Or "Females" if you choose).
I can tell you where Sarah was everyday of her life, but Surratt, I know nothing , and he walked away, to live happily ever after.

John, IMO this is a fascinating, thoughtful post. Often I see John Surratt referred to as Booth's "second in command." If I am reading your post correctly you are saying he really was not "second in command." Did Booth have a "second in command?" If it were not Surratt, who was it? Was there one? Why is Surratt often cast as "second in command?"