Lincoln Discussion Symposium

He was called Dan

Brilliant, Bill! That's it. Weichmann mentioned Dan during his trial testimony. I really thought this question would last longer than a few hours.

I cannot think of a prize for this question, so I just send very best wishes to you for a wonderful day!

I'll take the good wishes!

In A True History, Weichmann refers to Dan as "a half-witted mulatto who did chores around the place." (p. 101)

Was this Dan ever interviewed regarding the happenings at the Surratt House?

(09-01-2015 08:16 PM)Anita Wrote: [ -> ]Was this Dan ever interviewed regarding the happenings at the Surratt House?

I don't remember that he was. If he was, indeed, as Weichmann described him, perhaps the authorities ignored him as having no reliable information?

I have always thought that Dan was a lot smarter than he let on. He always exasperated Wichmann, but he did not pull such stuff on Mary Surratt. Enslaved blacks often refer to this talent "as putting on ole Massa." I have seen this still in practice today. It is often referred to in literature on slavery plus in a more modern study, John Dollard's Caste and Class in a Southern Town.

One of my black history courses in my Master's program was entitled "Puttin' On Ole Massa." It was excellent, and I found that I recognized some of it from the elderly, local African Americans that I had grown up around in my uncle's store and as friends.

The practice was still used by some of the 8th and 9th graders that I was teaching at that time. They were shocked to find out that I was onto them, and it became sort of a game with us. I believe there is a book by that name.

On the night of April 14th, when William Petersen first became aware of unusual activity across the street at Ford's, he was in the midst of doing something. What was he doing?

He was out celebrating the end of the War with his wife, Anna.

I've got Kathy Canavan's great book right beside me, so I am going to refrain from answering!

OK, Laurie.

Thomas, that is an excellent guess, but he was at home when President Lincoln was shot. The activity he was doing was interrupted by cries and shouts in the street.

Ok, I can safely rule out watching TV...well, what other activities are there at that late hour? Some other activity involving his wife? Fulfilling conjugal duties?

Nope, that's not it, Eva.

Hint#1: Vicki and I live in a senior community, and this activity is a popular thing in our clubhouse.

Roger, wasn't Petersen playing billiards at that time? I may be confusing his activity with someone else's.

--Jim