What Was The Role of David Herold

[BettyO]

Nothing documented other than a statement from General William H. Payne (confirmed by General Bradley C. Johnson) that Mosby asked for five men to go on a "mission into Maryland." Whether or not he initially stated what this mission was, was not clear. Powell and four others stepped forward. The other four later backed down leading me to believe that there was some clarification (kidnapping Lincoln) as to what was going to be accomplished. Powell did not refuse the mission and continued on to the "expedition into Maryland" on or around January 1, 1865, going through the lines to Baltimore to meet with other operatives. Powell told as much to fellow Company B comrade W. Ben Palmer, as well as notifying his Captain, Robert S. Walker. This was clarified by both more than 30 years later.