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

[JMadonna]

(11-14-2012 06:05 PM)Laurie Verge Wrote:  Would Booth choose a weapon like the deringer for the kill because its report would be "quieter?"

Also, if men carried revolvers frequently in those days, did they always use a holster? For some reason, I have assumed that Easterners especially kept them in pockets when in civilian dress.


End of dumb blonde questions...

Quest 1. - No, you would use a derringer because it's concealable. You can smile, reach out like you're going to shake someone's hand and shoot him in the head without the victim ever know what hit him. - Can't do that with a revolver.

Quest 2. - No, but if you had a holster AND a gun - you would keep them together. In Booth's case he had both but the issue was when and where he got them. Since no one had seen either at the theater ....

Quest 3 - How long has it been since you were a blonde?

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(11-14-2012 06:40 PM)J. Beckert Wrote:  Could be Jerry and I see your point, also. As far as Booth holding his arm extended after the "click", I think he'd be a little faster going for the revolver, but who knows. It's all conjecture, but makes for good discussion.

If you're going to the conference, we'll discuss it over a beer with that crotchety ole mule shoer from Arizona.

Sounds good to me.

You know, thinking over Laurie' question I'll bet that's how Booth planned to shoot Lincoln. Extending his arm as if to shake his hand and shooting him point blank.

That was probably the reason he showed Forbes his card, hoping for an introduction but Forbes just waved him on. He certainly couldn't have known that Parker was AWOL.

Hmmm... better bring a pitcher of beer.