Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

Laurie Verge · 08-23-2012, 03:41 PM

There was a stigma attached to Andrew Johnson from March 4, 1865, on because many thought that his behavior and speech at the Inauguration was a result of his being drunk. Some historians believe the man was actually ill that day. He was certainly a political pigeon on the ballot the past November - a man from Tennessee who remained loyal to the Union.

He was also an acquaintance of John Wilkes Booth as was his assistant. There is one recent theory that Johnson gave Booth the passes that were needed to cross the Navy Yard Bridge the night of the assassination (IMO doubtful, but worth consideration) without knowing the true purpose for those passes.

I am in agreement with Betty that we don't need to look at Lincoln's administration to try to find a culprit. I tell people to face South and investigate the Confederate administration. There are some others that have suggested that we look in New York City and other areas ripe with financiers and speculators. Miles to go, folks, before we sleep -- miles to go.

Jim Garrett · 08-23-2012, 04:43 PM

In agreement with Betty and Laurie.....look South. I also think that the most likely person pulling strings was Judah Benjamin. As prickly, stubborn, controlling, etc as Jefferson Davis was, I don't think he would approve or condone political assassination. I do think that Judah Benjamin would absolutely be involved without telling the commander in chief. I don't think he would have done this for self glorification, I think he would have kept Jefferson Davis in the dark for his (Davis) own good.

As for Andrew Johnson, if I remember correctly, he and the President did not see each other face to face after the inauguration. Johnson came to the Petersen house only for a brief few moments well after midnight. While in the death room, he was told that Mrs. Lincoln was coming back to see her husband, at which point he gracefully left.

An interesting antedote from Herb Collins...When Johnson died in July in Nashville, his coffin was packed in ice for the trip back to Greenville. Along the jourey, the coffin was dripping and people commented that Andy Johnson was melting away.

bob_summers · 08-23-2012, 10:20 PM

(08-22-2012 05:06 AM)RJNorton Wrote: Laurie mentioned Atzerodt. Atzerodt said, "I am certain Dr. Mudd knew all about it, as Booth sent (as he told me) liquors & provisions for the trip with the President to Richmond, about two weeks before the murder to Dr. Mudd's."

Seems to me this lends credence to the argument Booth planned on stopping at Mudd's no matter what the plan was - kidnapping or murder.

Roger, sending liquor & provisions to a Southern Maryland farmer is like sending ice cream to Ben & Jerry.

- Bob

RJNorton · (This post was last modified: 08-24-2012 06:07 AM by RJNorton.)

Bob and Laurie, it has been speculated that David Herold may have ridden into the country on a scouting mission April 12/13. Possibly, during this mission, he informed Dr. Mudd of what was about to take place? We know that David spent the night of April 13 at Laurie's great grandfather's house, Joseph Eli Hunt, because he was caught in a rainstorm on his return to Washington. While staying at the Huntt home in T.B., he left behind a nightshirt bearing the laundry mark of John Surratt.

Is that the sum of the evidence that he may also have stopped at Dr. Mudd's, too? Or is there more evidence? I am curious about this scouting mission as it would seem, if true, Herold was on assignment to alert the Confederate underground "to be ready." Is it a real stretch to think he may have stopped at Dr. Mudd's?

Laurie Verge · (This post was last modified: 08-24-2012 10:03 AM by Laurie Verge.)

Since one of Booth's letters of introduction in the fall of 1864 was addressed to Dr. Mudd - the other to Dr. Queeen - it would seem logical to me that Booth would still consider Mudd a point of contact for what was still an incomplete mission. I also contend that Mudd's house was the logical lay-over for the first night. Further evidence? I have none. I'm trying to present logical speculation.

There has always been a nagging question in my mind about the statement that, when the knock came at the Mudds' door about 4 am on April 15, the doctor asked his wife to go to the door. First, they knew that there was guerilla Boyle supposedly operating in the area; and second, proper ladies (even today) do not go to the door in their night clothes! Even if they were expecting Booth or anyone else, it just was not done. What was that statement all about?

Forgot to add about the provisions being sent ahead: In March and April of 1865, provisions were pretty low throughout most of the Southern Maryland farms and countryside. These people were wiped out from financially supporting the Confederacy, providing for their own needs, and having meat houses and pantries raided by Union forces.

Their main source of income had been tobacco production, which slowed down tremendously once the Maryland constitution of 1864 went into effect in November of that year and abolished slavery. That also slowed the production of food crops. IMO, Booth had to make sure that he could at least give Lincoln some sustenance as he was carried to Richmond - and we can assume that "two weeks prior" still meant the abduction was a possibility - not murder.