The Union vs. Dr. Mudd

[L Verge]

I agree with you, Bill. We have copies of both Carter's and Reagan's letters to the Mudd family, and they do not imply anything regarding clearing his name. And no one could ever misunderstand the rulings of the Army about a decade ago.

As recently as last week, I have had visitors to Surratt House and people who contact us via our website ask what the Mudd family really wants. All I can do is shrug my shoulders and look perplexed. It has long been my understanding that the full and unconditional pardon that Mudd received from President Johnson in 1869 wiped out the crime as well as the sentence.

One person went so far as to suggest that the family wants reparations from the government. That's how confusing the whole issue has become. Dr. Richard Mudd was always very kind to Surratt House, and he was one of the best p.r. persons in getting the media's attention. There does not seem to be the same force driving succeeding generations.

P.S. I first decided to dislike now-VP Joe Biden when he joined the "Free Dr. Mudd" campaign in Congress about forty years ago! He even gave out information indicating that he didn't know his basic history. If you are going to support a cause, you should familiarize yourself with its history.