Louis Weichmann

[L Verge]

I don't think anyone who has posted here in response to Pamela can be judged as either liking or disliking Weichmann. I can agree with you, Gene, that I have compared him many times to the child who is ignored at recess. That personality trait, however, should not be what we judge his actions on related to the assassination. His flip-flopping as related by others is what confuses the issue, in my mind. I am always reminded of a statement that I saw given by William Wood of the Old Capitol. Wood was certainly no angel, but he was clever and cunning and outspoken -- and he certainly spent enough time around Louis to make a judgment call. His description of Louis Weichmann was, "He is a lying son-of-a-*****."

Pamela - We do have the copies of the Abel interview ready as well as the paper by Fr. Isacsson. As I stated earlier, our new librarian has only been on duty for three weeks and is part-time, but she was able to find the material quickly. We charge 25-cents per page for copies to non-members of the Surratt Society, and the two papers total twenty-two pages. With $2.00 postage added, your total copy fee will be $7.50. You may either phone in your credit card information (301-868-1121) or send check or money order to the museum at 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD 20735, and we will send the packet right away.

I believe you will find the Joseph Abel interview disappointing because it is 99% a rehashing of the Lincoln assassination story. Fr.. Isacsson's work is more interesting, albeit more analytical that judgmental. I did remember being interested in some questionable history about why Weichmann did not go any further in seeking a priesthood. Many records at St. Charles College were destroyed in a 1911 fire; however, another old-time friend and researcher, Pep Martin, was able to get the Sulpician Fathers to say that "Weichmann's conduct was classified as not being totally satisfactory." Perhaps his departure from the seminary (right at the time that John Surratt left) was not completely voluntary?

Mention is also made of Weichmann writing to Father John B. Menu at St. Charles, probably to inquire about readmission. Menu did write to the regional superior of the Sulpicians in September of 1863, mildly recommending Louis for readmission. He stated that Weichmann had considerable talents, but that his conduct was not satisfactory, especially near the end of his term at St. Charles. He also stated that the president of St. Charles did not recommend Weichmann. There is even a hint that Louis might "turn to something bad" if rejected. He was being reconsidered when the assassination came. His testimony at the trial and some reference to material concerning his life style that had been revealed at the trial evidently did him in as far as the ecclesiastical leaders were concerned.

Isacsson brings forth citations and credits work done by Martin, John T. Ford, Lloyd Lewis (who interviewed Weichmann's sisters), Victor Mason, Esther Dittlinger (Anderson native), Joseph Abel, Mary Lanell, Father John Costello, and of course, Msgrs. Mulcahey and Conroy. Brophy's indictment points are mentioned, as are GATH's interview with Weichmann and Oldroyd's allowing Weichmann to write his own chapter in Oldroyd's classic. Lincoln scholar Richard Sloan discovered this and has incorporated it into a scenario of Weichmann meeting Oldroyd, which has been performed at a Surratt Society conference as well as other venues over the years.

Isacsson also credits the well-balanced articles produced by Dr. Joseph George and the discovery of Louis's marriage in an Episcopal Church in 1870 - and what appears to be his desertion of said wife within ten years, leaving her to take in boarders. It is suggested that his marrying outside of his denomination and then his separation or abandonment speak to his likely problems with his faith. Coupled with his church rejecting him for further study to become a priest, and the accusations launched by Catholics and others about his treatment of Mary Surratt may account for his complete rejection of the Church until on his deathbed (even when his brother was the parish priest). Talk about a tormented life.

If any members of this forum would like a copy of Isacsson's work, please contact me. Members pay 15-cents per page for copies (total would be $4.75) - see above for costs for non-members.

I am going to sign-off of the Weichmann topic for awhile by recommending further reading by Pamela and others who find Weichmann worthy of further study. Start with American Brutus and continue with Blood on the Moon, and An American Tragedy. I believe that you will find a common pattern emerge based on years of research. I do not wish to continue with one person's bashing of reputable historians based solely on personal interpretation.