Backstage at the Lincoln Assassination

[RJNorton]

I agree, Jonathan. I, too, have felt Spangler was railroaded.

There was at least one thing in Tom's book regarding Spangler that was both new to me and surprised me. It's on p. 141 when John Selecman (assistant to James Maddox) approaches James Ferguson (Greenback saloon owner) and indicates he has "vital information" about the assassination. Selecman says he was in the alley when Booth first arrived on his horse. He goes on to say he heard Booth yell for Spangler and say, "Now, Ned, you will give me all the assistance you can." And Spangler replies, "Yes, I will, you can depend on that."

To me, the implication seems to be that Spanger was expected to help Booth. This, of course, is what Rittersbach said in his testimony.

But maybe there's another explanation for what Selecman says he overheard?