Louis Weichmann

[Pamela]

(08-29-2015 10:26 AM)L Verge Wrote:  "Aren't you sorry you brought that up, Laurie?"

Not in the least. It confirmed something for me.

Moving on to Weichmann, I have wondered why he went from being a school teacher to an employee of the War Department in the Commissary General's office (that dealt with prisoners of war) at the time that Booth was coming on the scene in the Surratt household. I can make a logical leap on that answer, but I can't back up my theory until I find a smoking gun.

I have known the other material you have posted here about Louis for about thirty years - ever since the extensive research done by James O. Hall, Erich Ewald (who discovered his marriage), and John C. Brennan. However, the good fortune as to how he became a clerk in the War Department working with the prisoner records in 1864 has always intrigued me.

You also made strong statements about Augustus Howell. He is a man about whom very little is known, except that he was fairly low on the Secret Line and was used mainly as an escort through the lines. The only thing solid that we know is that he did a fine job of trying to confuse the court with his testimony -- funny, also. So far as I know, the only people who have made an effort in finding out about the "real" Augustus Howell are Rick Smith, Bill Richter, James O. Hall, and a few others who are experts on the Confederate underground in Southern Maryland.

The information about Weichmann's acquiring his position with the War Dept. is in his book, p25-26:
"A Mr. Grugan, who boarded in the same house with me, informed me of a vacant clerkship in the office in which he was employed, the commissary General of Prisoners, a Bureau of the war dept. I immediately made application for the same, accompanying my letter with the following testimonials:

'Washington, June 29, 1863

Mr. L.J. Weichmann having been a teacher at st. Mathews Institute of this city for the past six months, I take pleasure in stating that he gave general satisfaction in that capacity.

Chas. I White, D.D.
Pastor of Saint Mathew's Church'

'Head Quarters Military District of Washington
Washington D.C., January 8th, 1864

Col. Wm. Hoffman
Commissary General of Prisoners,

Colonel:

Although my acquaintance with Mr. Louis J. Weichmann commenced but a few weeks since, it has given me a most favorable impression of him and I cordially bear testimony to his high tone of character and personal worth. I consider him eminently qualified for the position he seeks in your office and entitled to your warmest confidence.

Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
E.Beatty,
Capt.& A.A.G.'"

He began employment shortly thereafter, in early January 1864, long before Booth made his unfortunate appearance on the scene.

I also have confirmation.

You never mentioned you were aware of my research when I posted it. If you have info I would love to see it. The file from the Lincoln Financial Collection linked by Gene in post#1 in this thread makes interesting reading. There is an article written by Ewald for the Courier included. Is that what you are referring to and is that the only information Ewald shared about Weichmann? That article contains biased, gossipy, unevenly and poorly researched information, for the most part.

Jenny, if you are interested, make sure you read the report by Pastor Conroy with his rather unique description of Weichmann's testimony in trial as speaking with "...the open flaming mouth of a hyena." What a hoot!