An interesting trip to Surrattsville

[John Fazio]

(08-30-2016 09:52 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  I've been searching the Internet, and this may be what I recall reading previously. If I follow that article correctly I guess it's actually in a letter from Thomas Gourlay, not Jeannie.

"I know that Spangler was a kind-hearted, jovial fellow and liked by everyone. Nevertheless, I believe he was drawn into the conspiracy at the last moment and while under the influence of drink. His part, it was supposed, was to turn off the gas after the shot, but he was not able to get near enough to the box at the time on account of you and Mr. Withers standing near it conversing, while you were waiting to go on the stage again.

Now, to back up my suspicion of the above, will relate what was told to me by Brother Robert. After the first act, Robert and Williamson went out to get a drink. They went into the saloon adjoining the theatre and saw Booth and Spangler drinking brandy at the bar. Robert declared that Booth filled his tumbler to the brim and drank it down. I suppose Spangler did the same."

http://civilwar.gratzpa.org/2012/11/jean...never-was/

Roger:

Observe the substantial difference in the statements of Withers, per the June 3, 1881, article in the Bismarck newspaper, and Gourlay. Withers said (or is quoted as having said) that Spangler actually grabbed hold of the handle that was used to turn the gas off, before he, Withers, shooed him away and then sat on the box. But Gourlay said nothing about Spangler grabbing hold of the handle, saying, rather, that he, Spangler, wasn't able to get near enough to the box for his purpose because Withers and an unidentified person were standing near it conversing. This sharp inconsistency casts serious doubt on the entire episode

As for Booth and Spangler drinking at Taltavul's, this statement is worse than worthless as evidence; it is a distraction. Both men were known to drink together often. As for how much Spangler drank, which is meaningless anyway, all we have is "I suppose Spangler did the same". So what? Nothing is said as to what they were talking about. They could as easily have been talking about the sale of Booth's buggy, or the weather, as a conspiracy to do anything.

Tom, thanks for the compliment. Whoever tells you they don't care about recognition is a liar.

John