Food for Thought

[RJNorton]

William Keeler was aboard the ship that took Dr. Mudd to Ft. Jefferson. Keeler was a Navy Paymaster. He was concerned about the possibility of Mudd receiving a pardon, so he wrote his congressman, B.C. Cook. Does anyone know if Congressman Cook shared Keeler's letter with President Johnson? Does Mr. Prindle mention this letter?

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La Salle, Ill.
Jany 21, 1869

Hon. B.C. Cook

Dear Sir

I learned by yesterday’s Chicago Tribune that efforts are being made to procure the pardon of Dr. Mudd. The U.S. Steamer Florida, to which I was attached conveyed him and his associates from Hampton Roads to the Tortugas. In conversation with myself, & I think with others on our passage down he admitted what I believe the prosecution failed to prove at his trial - viz - that he knew who Booth was when he set his leg & of what crime he was guilty. I have thought it might be well to have these facts known if they are not.

Very truly yours

W.F. Keeler

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