The Spur Question

[L Verge]

AussieMick - Love you, m'dear, but as an old-time believer in the original version of Booth breaking his leg in his leap over the balustrade at Ford's, my hackles (whatever they are?) arise whenever the subject comes up. We have covered this subject ad nauseum on this forum, and I hope that Roger can point you to the numerous comments made over the past five years. They should explain the delay in the surprised audience's reaction, the true severity of Booth's injury, and how he could mount that horse

From my perspective, I have dealt with the controversy for over 25 years, ever since Mike Kauffman started mentioning his theory while narrating the Surratt Society's Booth escape route tours. To me, it is a subject that will never have a conclusive answer and. as I have frequently told visitors to the museum, - including busloads of Smithsonian tours each year - where and how Booth broke his leg is really not germane to the story of the assassination. The murderous deed was done, and we can prove that. That deed is what had a lasting effect on American history.

Besides Booth (and maybe Herold who chose to stick with his pal), only Dr. Mudd was perhaps affected by the broken leg. People who know me also know that I think the fugitives were heading to Mudd's house anyhow - having alerted the doctor the day before that the strike was coming very soon and to prepare the underground forces. Mudd's house was to be a layover during daylight hours on April 15, whether Booth broke his leg or not. That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it just like Mike and others stick to their theory on the broken leg.