What Was The Role of David Herold

[RJNorton]

At the conspiracy trial (and also at John Surratt's trial) Joseph M. Dye testified that he saw Booth with two other men standing in front of Ford's Theatre prior to the assassination. Assuming Dye was correct that it was Booth, who were the others? I believe the prosecution tried to show they were John Surratt and possibly Ned Spangler. Since Spangler was inside attending to his duties, could the other person be David Herold? Dye was questioned about this person:


Q. Can you give a more particular description of the ruffianly-looking man whom you saw? What was his size? And what was it that gave him such a ruffianly appearance. Was it is his dress?

A. He was not as well dressed as the rest of them.

Q. Was he shabbily dressed or dirtily dressed?

A. His clothes had been worn a considerable time; and he had a bloated appearance.

Q. Was he a stout man?

A. Yes, sir; and a rough face.


Dye was asked if he could identify the "ruffian" among the defendants, and he could not make a positive identification.

Is it known how David Herold was dressed the night of the assassination? Is Dye credible? Assuming Surratt was in Elmira, who was the third man with Booth? Is there any chance...any chance whatsoever.... that the "ruffian" was David Herold? Lots of questions regarding Dye's testimony. I do not have the answers.