Surratt Courier

[L Verge]

My tour coordinator since 1977, Joan Chaconas, has been in frequent contact with the authorities at A.P. Hill ever since we were informed of this a month ago. The answer to your first two questions is Yes, the area is blocked off as is the pull-off. The government archaeologists are sincere in their plans to conduct legitimate digs within the median strip and currently plan to turn over any artifacts and relics to the new, little museum in Port Royal. There are numerous signs warning the public also, and we believe that the site is being monitored.

The police gave our tour bus an escort to the site on April 26, but without the care that Rick Smith of this forum has always given the path and site of the house, it is a treacherous trek right now. We will be taking our buses past the site, but will make no attempt to stop for the present time. We have also shared some of the information that we have collected over the years from researchers - including infra-red photography that was done by an assassination enthusiast back in the 1970s.

In the end, I think something good could come out of this - if nothing more than having our curiosity answered as to whether or not there is something of interest still left there. I just hope that the general public doesn't do anything to upset the apple cart.