Booth's visit to the Surratt Boarding House after the assassination

[J. Beckert]

Laurie and Gene - Hazleton's description of Booth in the theater states he was surprised to see Booth dressed as he was on such a gala night - wearing a dark felt slouch hat and high riding boots. That leads me to believe the boots were pulled over his pants - just as they would have to be for riding.

I think all these theories are plausible (that's the word of the day, I think) but I favor Booth being armed with everything and ready to go. If you carry a gun and intend to use it, you should always carry two. A misfire, malfunction, jam, etc. all have to be considered if you get into a shootout. If that Deringer went "click", Booth would be in quite a mess. I think he was familiar enough with firearms to realize that.

Don't feel bad if folks question your theory, Bill. It is indeed a possibility. (I just realized you have 4 college degrees and I have a High School diploma - and we both get our tails handed to us on this forum every so often!)