Decapitation of the Union

[John Fazio]

(11-13-2015 03:33 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  John, the Clara letter was a letter to Weichmann allegedly written by a woman named Clara. I believe Mike Kauffman thinks it was a plant, actually written by Sarah Slater (at the request of Booth or J. Surratt) in an attempt to embarrass Weichmann. I will post what I have, but in the actual letter some words were underlined which won't show here. Although addressed to Weichmann the letter was found with Booth's belongings. My best guess is that Weichmann never read it if the theory that it was a plant is correct. I think the letter implies Weichmann's bisexuality (or at least possible to interpret it as such), and that is the probable basis for what Mike says in AB.

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NY Feby 15, 1865

Yr hurried note Mr. Weichmann just before your return ^ from Philada ^ to W City ^ Jany 7th^ gave promise of one of your ever welcome “lengthy” letters which has not as yet reached me. I hope you could not possibly have been offended by any part of my reply on Jany 9th, which I suppose our mutual friend Mr. S --- tt found in same envelop with his little note. How sorry I should be to have anything disturb the disinterested friendship existing between us. Mr. Weichmann -- I regretted to hear of any annoyances to you that gave so little leisure & caused yr trip to Philda. Is it all “sunshine” again with you, & how did you enjoy yr trip to Baltimore end of Jany? Will you please write to me directly & explain why Mr. S has not been to NY or if he is still at Home. I have often thought of you lately, and sincerely hope yr prospects are fair for gaining the heart you seemed to covet. You see I understood your affectionate remark about Mr. S --- tt & the conclusion, “I love him, indeed I do, & his _____ too.” Now I hope you wont mind telling me if your suit is favored. I will promise to keep it a profound secret, so ‘do tell.’ You know none would rejoice more sincerely than I over any event you desired. Allow me to congratulate you on yr apointment abroad. Do you pass through Philda or N Y ^ in July^ to embark? Will you oblige me by an immediate reply to this, especially about Mr. S --- tt, for I shall bid adieu to N Y on the 21st inst. & desire yr reply on 20th if possible. Now before you read the next page promise yrself not to tell anyone. [next p.] I expect to pass through W. City n the 23rd or 24th, ^P.M> ^ & if you will ony write in reply to all my questions the hour this reaches you, I promise to send you a line on arrival to inform you where to find me. The Dr. & Mrs. R dont know yet if we shall be at Willard’s or elsewhere, or I would tell you now; however you can find out even if yr letter dont come, but I should prefer the answer requested. I shall probably leave again on 25th & dont wish a word of this spoken of. Will you oblige me by sending information of the health of my Uncle & his family. I have not written him of my visit, but shall arrange to see him if ‘all’s well.’ We will talk over :surprising” him. I hope you will bring dear Miss S --- tt with you to call on me. I could love her for yr sake & her brother’s; two of my best kindest, and most sincere W. City friends.
Watch the papers for name of R in “arrivals” on 23rd. I hope our friendly relation obviates the necessity of apology for addressing you without an unanswered letter to reply to. The distance that will separate us after our possible interview on the 23rd or 24th will be far greater than ever before, we shall no longer be able to correspond, though the ties of friendship will ever remain unchanged, I hope & feel it will be so if you are willing.
May yr future be all you wish. I know & feel Miss S --- tt is worthy of you, & they are all favorably disposed towards you I believe. Give my kindest regards to all friends. Love to Cousin L & Mrs. D & Mrs. M----r’s family.
The early reply I ask will be esteemed a great favor. Hoping your health is improving, I am as ever
Most sincerely yr Friend
Clara

Roger:

Thanks. I do not believe I ever read it before.

Why would Booth and Surratt want to embarrass Weichmann? The evidence indicates that they did not respect him very much ("he could neither ride nor shoot") and did not trust him (he was "nosy"). And they had no idea, obviously, that he would one day testify against Mrs. Surratt, though it must be said that it was not his testimony, so much, as Lloyds's, that sent Mary to the gallows.

John