Identification of Booth's body

[L Verge]

In American Brutus, Mike Kauffman mentions that Booth's photo was used to identify him at Garrett's, but that the body and been laying facedown since then, with blood pooling under the skin and giving it a haggard appearance. The examiners on the Montauk had to have more positive identification, and this is where Dr. May comes in. The tattoo on the back of the hand was also found, and Willie Jett would later say that he noticed them at Port Conway; Jack Garrett also attested to seeing them on Booth at the farm.

Mike also addresses the issue of modern researchers assuming that the inquest was conducted in secrecy since it was on a heavily guarded ship. However, hundreds watched from shore; reporters gave such details that they must have been closer (small boats drawn up to the monitor?). Naval officers and guards from the Navy Yard Bridge were allowed to bring friends - some taking away souvenirs - and there was quite a contingent of "officials." When Stanton found out about the crowds, he questioned the lax security until he was reminded by the Montauk's commander that no one from the War Department had offered any guidance. He called the episode "a most informal and unmilitary proceeding." With so many in attendance, how can we buy Mr. Griffith's version of a clandestine and falsified inquest?

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Please cite me a reliable book chapter, page, and verse that confirms your statements about Booth/Boyd being in a Confederate uniform (and please remember that not all Confederates wore gray). Also, I don't believe that you have ever responded to the fact that Booth's stick pin, engraved as a gift from his friend Dan Bryant, was found on his undergarments. What silly retort can you offer for that?

A little help here, folks. Using the military records of James W. Boyd, please see if you can determine the color and style of his Confederate uniform.