Food for Thought

[mike86002000]

The same picture of the Zouave outfit is used on the internet as an example of the uniform worn by the Papal Zouaves. Other pictures show the same outfit, but with a "kepi" style hat. It's mostly blue, with a red sash worn under a belt. Your explanation of the photo's origin makes a lot of sense. It explains why it is so widely circulated, too. Surratt undoubtedly wore that uniform in Italy. He was a member of the Papal Zouaves, an international mercenary group, employed to fight Garibaldi. Like the French Foreign Legion, it was a good place for someone "on the lamm" to get lost. He may have passed through Rome, but was stationed elsewhere. Colorful Zouave style outfits were popular during the Civil War. Some were worn by Union units made up of volunteer firemen! Surratt's was an authentic Italian uniform, (well maybe not the fez).
The lady who collected Booth's writings appeared on panels discussing the assassination. I think she gave a talk at a Surratt Society conference, but that would have been 20 years ago. I'll put together what information I have, with Mr. Prindle's reference, and post it. I sure would like to read that speech.
Mike