Louis Weichmann

[L Verge]

(09-15-2015 08:46 PM)Pamela Wrote:  

(09-15-2015 07:14 PM)tom82baur Wrote:  As someone whose interest in the Civil War and the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy was restoked by the serendipitous discovery of Weichmann's book, I can't tell you how amazed and fascinated I have become with the information that continues to appear on a daily basis in this thread. I am in awe of the level of scholarship and the prodigious research that is involved in turning up such arcane ----- and relevant!---- information after 150 years. Every day! Simply phenomenal work. Don't stop! Please. And thank you. Wow.

I am myself of two minds on Weichmann. Wait. Make that three. He is a 'Union Man doing his duty'; he is a clumsy 'wannabe' Conspirator, never quite accepted by, but used by, the REAL conspirators as a kind of 'useful idiot' who can't ride or use a pistol, but DOES work in the Commissary of Prisoners Office with access to info they may be interested in (the exchange of prisoners is given, at least initially, as a primary reason for the Lincoln plot(s)) ; or he may be a counter-intelligence agent, keeping tabs on one of the innumerable plots that were rumored about in Washington City at the time. OK, let's make it FOUR minds: which would be some combination of the three above. Since no smoking gun has been discovered ----yet---- , the jury is still out. It is complicated. Great stuff. I know I am not the only person with an interest here, based on the remarkable number of views that this thread has generated.

Hi, Tom, I'm so glad you're enjoying this thread, me too. One element of the Weichmann story I don't think has been talked about, but I think was a very strong factor that affected Weichmann's life, is jealousy. I believe that most of the people involved in varying degrees in the assassination story, were very aware of the fact that it was a very historical event, and that many of their stories would become part of that history. Louis Weichmann was the star witness in the trial to achieve justice for Lincoln, and people being human, were bound to be jealous. For example, I wonder if John Ford resented Weichmann's status in the trial when he had to live with the shame, embarrassment and economic loss involving his theater, while this twerp Weichmann became the Union hero. And, to add insult to injury, Weichmann "performed" better than anyone could have hoped for. Of course, you know, I don't think of Weichmann that way at all. But jealousy is a powerful force in human affairs.

I can honestly say that I never would have thought to use the word "jealous" in describing how people felt about Weichmann! Likewise, I have a hard time thinking that anyone considered him a hero, especially after Mrs. Surratt died on the gallows.

The public then was just like the public now - they were against the lady while she was on trial, but changed their opinion once the feds actually carried through with her execution. She then got sympathy from many, and Weichmann became the cursed one - at least that has been my opinion for lo these many years.

When it became fairly certain that Weichmann was enjoying some support from Stanton and Holt, I suspect that other employees in the War Department began to warm up to him also (i.e. Gleason). What's good for the boss is good for you syndrome.

Tom, I'm still sticking with your explanation #2 as to Weichmann's role in history. I see him as one of those people in life who cannot cut a break, no matter what.