Definitive Sources

[Dennis Urban]

Having not read The Trial, but it being on my list to do so, it is difficult for me to comment. However, Mr. Steers is an excellent historian who also used other experts to "explain testimony...expose perjuries...and clarify events" (synopsis by Good Reads) thus adding immensely to the understanding of all of the events associated with the assassination.

Herold was to be the guide for Powell (as you mentioned) since Powell did not know Washington City nor southern MD and would have great difficulty escaping on his own. Note how Powell got lost when Herold frightfully deserted him at Seward's. Herold knew these areas very well over the course of many years. I believe Booth wanted to make it relatively easy for Powell to leave the city and join with him in the escape. Powell could also supply the "muscle" Booth might need during the escape. On the other hand, George Atzerodt was left to his own to escape; but them he knew the city and Montgomery County to the north.