Booth in the Finger Lakes

[RJNorton]

(04-20-2014 02:27 PM)Anita Wrote:  Roger, the article in the above link re: Surratt states "On Saturday, April 15, he heard the news of Lincoln's assassination. He decided to leave quickly, but before he did, he sent a telegram to Booth, thinking he might have been in New York City. Just as the telegraph operator sent the message, Surratt heard more news. Four women in the hotel lobby were saying, "That actor Booth ... killed the President." Surratt panicked. He tried to cancel the telegram, but it had already moved across the wires.

Is there a record of this telegram?

Hi Anita. I do not know. If there were a record of this I would guess it would have been submitted by the defense in his 1867 civil trial. A good part of that trial dealt with Surratt's whereabouts - Elmira or Washington at the time of the assassination - and a telegram such as that would have been valuable to the defense IMO. It would show not only was Surratt not in Washington but also he was ignorant of Booth being the assassin (if he thought Booth might be in New York). Maybe someone else will know if this telegram was used as evidence in his trial.