November 1864 Classified Ad by JWB

[John Fazio]

Jerry and Steve:

It seems unlikely that this ad has anything to do with Mary Surratt's boardinghouse inasmuch as her husband John bought the 4-story townhouse in December, 1854. Anna and John, Jr. moved in on November 1, 1864, and Mary moved in on December 1. This move to the Washington boardinghouse may well have been related to her and John Jr.'s activities on behalf of the Confederacy rather than financial hardship (see Chamlee, p. 165; Larson, p. 39). In any case, the Confederacy already had its safe house in Washington (and doubtless others), so it seems unlikely that Booth's ad for a house could have been related to this need. What WAS it related to? I have no idea. Suggestions are welcome.

John