Has anyone done any research on Leonard T. Hogan?

[Gene C]

I'm slow to believe it too.

Was/is it the usual practice for a common courier to read the messages they were to deliver?
I would guess not, and that they were also in code, in case the messenger was captured.

That's a message I would guess to be more likely sent through Surratt, Slater, Augustus Howell (any known photo's of him?), or a more experienced courier.

Any corroborating evidence to Mr. Hogan's story?
John, you uncover some really interesting, puzzling pieces to this story. How did you come across this fellow?