Louis Weichmann

[Gene C]

I like Weichmann. A reasonably intelligent young man, thrown into circumstances way beyond his control, living in a house with people he trusted, who he thought were his friends, but were involved in the crime of the century. I think he really liked Mrs. Surratt, a substitute mother figure. I don't remember his testimony having much to it that would convict her. It was always left to some one else's testimony. He might confirm it, might lead you down the path to her being guilty, but he never gives you quite enough to convict her. That's left for someone else.

We see movies and read books about people like this. People surrounded by sinister activities, who right at the end figure everything out and save the day. Weichmann didn't figure things out until it was to late.
But neither did Anna. She probably made the comment that was more damaging to her mother than anything Louis said.

He reminds me of the little brother or sister who wants to tag along and play with the older, more experienced kids. When it comes to picking sides to play a game, they can play, you just you don't them on your side. When your doing something you shouldn't, they want to join in with you, but you know they will turn around and tattle on you. He's a good kid, you just can't trust him with a big secret. And he's a bit naive. To me, that's Weichmann. I think I just described myself growing up with two older sisters.

He has an important role in history, and he probably with the help of others, looked upon himself as somewhat of a hero. History didn't quite treat him that way for very long.