No sympathy for George

[SSlater]

I see all of this in a different light. I doubt that Bravery 0r Cowardliness had any part in it. Do you think that any of them believed that their plan was MURDER? I'll bet that Booth had them convinced that their plan was no worse than shooting the enemy, in Battle. Do it - and the South will pin a medal on you. I believe that Lee's surrender, changed their thinking - the South has lost, let's go home. Then the innocent , bailed out. The die-hards, wanted revenge - so, they killed him anyhow. Sort of, They won the war, but this guy won't enjoy it.

[My Name Is Kate]

Maybe. But Lee surrendered five days before the conspirators did their deed. So then why didn't George just make it known to the others that he didn't want to be a part of anything they were planning, instead of attending the conspiracy meeting on the 14th? Did he think the plot was still going to be kidnapping, and he would have been willing to go along with that, but not with killing?

[RJNorton]

(06-24-2013 12:09 AM)My Name Is Kate Wrote:  Did he think the plot was still going to be kidnapping, and he would have been willing to go along with that, but not with killing?

If he told the truth in his statement on July 6, 1865, the answer I think would be yes. His claim is he learned of the change of plan only a few hours before the assassination.

We have discussed the truthfulness (or lack of it) in Atzerodt's various statements before, but for what it's worth, here is what he wrote the day before his execution:

"Harold and I then went to the Herndon House, Mrs. Murray's, corner of Ninth and F streets. It was then about eight o'clock, and saw Booth, Wood and Payne in Wood's room. Here the proposed murder was first mentioned. I refused to take part in it, when Booth said, "Then we will do it, but what will become of you? You had better come along and get your horse." I then lelt them and went to the Oyster Bay on the avenue, and stayed some time; then to the stable and got my horse and went up D street. This was about ten o'clock. I called at the Rinnel House and got a drink. I saw none of the party after we separated."

Later, in the same statement, he writes, "Booth appointed me and Harold to kill Johnson; in going down the street I told Booth we could not do it. Booth said Harold had more courage, and he would do it. Harold and I were on Pennsylvania avenue together. I told him I would not do it, and should not go to my room for fear he would disturb Johnson."

As Betty has emphasized in other posts, the timing of the meeting at the Herndon House is highly questionable because Powell had checked out several hours earlier.

[My Name Is Kate]

So Lee's surrender probably didn't influence Atzerodt. He was willing to kidnap even though the war was virtually over, but not to kill.