Harney, and his Story

[SSlater]

I think that "Harney" is a complete change to the thinking of Tidwell. et.al.
The biggest surprise I got was the "Hogan" guy who claims that he delivered a message to Booth, from the confederate higher-ups (?) not to shoot Lincoln.
That demonstrates - clearly - that the Confederate Government knew exactly what Booth was up to. With that notice, Booth was removed from the plans yet to be developed. Booth did met with a delegation from New York and assisted in developing the plan to "Mine the White House". If Harney had not been captured, we would never have heard of Booth.
This is a complete change from what Booth planned. there was no need for an "escape route". The "protective troops", along the escape route were sent home. The Agents were called to Richmond -April 1 +/- (Jones claimed the trip was to collect back wages) They were relieved of "Assisting" Booth, so, Booth was left to his own resources.
I believe that the "abduction" was cancelled after the Mar 17th Capture attempt failed. Stringfellow was sent up to Washington to see what could be done, and the new "Mine the White House" resulted.
Mosby was totally involved and that was not easy for him. He had received new orders to "Patrol from the middle of Virginia to beyond the Blue Ridge". He couldn't spare men to escort Harney - but he did.
If you think this a valid approach, I will write it up, including footnotes and more details. From all that I can read, the South did not anticipate Richmond falling. They planned to fight on. Mosby got his chiefs together and was riding off to join Johnson. If Harney was successful, Mosby would "blow his whistle" and that whole Battalion would have been back together, etc. etc. etc.
PS. Did I ever tell you that my step-son is a direct descendent of a Mosby Ranger. The Ranger was Thomas B. Gayle I. My step-son is Thomas B. Gayle V. He married recently, maybe there will be a T.B.G. VI
PS Thanks for your replies. It's nice to know your thoughts.