Where was John Surratt on April 14, 1865 ?

[RJNorton]

(03-15-2017 11:19 PM)SSlater Wrote:  Then continues to show that None of the witnesses appeared to have ever seen or met John Surratt, before they supposedly saw him in Washington on this occasion.

John, at least one of the government witnesses claimed to have seen John Surratt on previous occasions. His name was David C. Reed. When asked if he saw Surratt in Washington on the 14th he responded by saying, "I think I did." Here is a part of his testimony:

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David C. Reed sworn and examined.
By Mr. Pierrepont:

Q. In what city do you live?

A. In Washington city.

Q. How many years have you lived here?

A. About thirty years.

Q. Do you know the prisoner at the bar by sight ? (prisoner made to stand
up.)

A. I do.

Q. How long have you known him by sight?

A. Since quite a boy.

Q. Since you or he was quite a boy?

A. Since he was quite a boy.

Q. Were you in the city of Washington on the day of the murder of the President?

A. I was.

Q. Did you see the prisoner at the bar on that day in Washington?

A. I think I did.

Q. Where did you see him?

A. I saw him on Pennsylvania avenue just below the National Hotel. I
was standing as he passed just in front of where Mr. Steer keeps the sewing-machine store.

Q. Which way was he going?

A. From towards the Capitol.

Q. About what time of the day of the 14th was it?

A. It was about half past two, as near as I can recollect — between two and half past two.

Q. Had you had a nodding acquaintance with him at all?

A. I had; I knew him, and I suppose he knew me. There was no intimate acquaintance at all. I recognized him when I met him.

Q. As he passed did you recognize him, or he you?

(Question objected to by Mr. Bradley as leading.)

Q. As he passed, state what occurred.

A. There was a recognition; whether it was by him or me first, I am unable to say.

Q. State whether it was by both.

A. I could not state positively whether I nodded first or he did; we both nodded.