Where was John Surratt on April 14, 1865 ?

[RJNorton]

(03-08-2017 11:02 AM)Gene C Wrote:  Is it feasible to think that many people held John Surratt somewhat responsible for Mary's imprisonment and death sentence, as he seemed to show more concern for his own survival that that of his mother? Knowing that he was involved with Booth, his involvement as a confederate courier, Booth's visits to the boarding house the day of the assassination, cast a large and dark shadow on his mother.

Claims that John was seen in Washington on the day of the assassination ties him closer to Booth and his plot. Convinced of his guilt and involvement in Lincoln's assassination, whether it is true or not that John was in Washington, it maybe the only act of retribution Atzerodt (and others) can do to make things more difficult for John, and to ensure he is punished for the perceived greater sin of deserting his mother in her time of peril.

Gene, IMO what you say makes sense. Between 11:00 A.M. and noon on July 6th Atzerodt found out he was sentenced to be hanged. Later on July 6th he wrote his statement. He begins by writing that he had not seen Surratt "for about eight days before the murder. Booth told me a few days before the murder that he was in Washington." Later Atzerodt writes that Booth reported seeing Surratt in Washington on the day of the murder. It may have been his (Atzerodt's) way of attempting to make things more difficult for Surratt (as you say). Maybe Atzerodt purposely included some things Booth did not really say. Certainly a possibility IMO.