Payne's Statement?

[RJNorton]

(07-14-2014 06:02 AM)BettyO Wrote:  Weichmann stated in his testimony that Mrs. Surratt remained in the Herndon House about 20 minutes and that they walked around the block....but then who really trusts Weichmann's testimony? He was and I do believe, trying to save his own neck!

Here is Weichmann's testimony about Mary's visit to the Herndon House. My question is - did Weichmann know who "Payne" was? I ask because he had used some aliases at the boardinghouse including Mr. Wood and Reverend Mr. Paine. Did he know Mary was going in to see the man who originally was known as Wood but later became Reverend Paine? I know Weichmann expressed his concerns to Captain Gleason, but I wonder if he could have done more. Could he not have insisted on seeing Stanton about his observations? I don't know, but it seems to me that Weichmann could have done more - I realize he saw himself as a hero, but I don't think I am seeing it exactly as he did.



Q. In going from any church ; I do not know the names of the churches
here?

A On Sundays she went to St. Aloysius. During Lent there were evening
services at St. Patrick's during week-days, and she went there.

Q. Did you go with her to church at any time, and returning, stop anywhere?
I do not remember the dates. You will give them.

A. Yes. sir. After the 27th, I do not remember the particular evening, Anna
Surratt, Miss Jenkins, Miss Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Surratt, and I, had been to St.
Patrick's church, on the corner of Tenth and F streets.

Q What occurred in returning?

A. On returning she stopped at the Hemdon House, at the comer of Ninth and
F streets. She went into the Hemdon House, and said that she was going in
there to see Payne.

Q. Mrs. Surratt said that?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Tell what occurred?

A. She did go, and she came out.

Q. How long was she in there?

A. Perhaps twenty minutes.

Q. Did you see her when she came out?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Where were you waiting?

A We walked down Ninth street to E— the party did — and down E to Tenth;
then returned to the comer of Ninth and F, and met Mrs. Surratt just as she
was coming out of the Hemdon House.

Q. Did she join you?

A. Yes, sir; and went home with us.