David Herold - the Truth Told

[KateH.]

Saying Herold was a "half wit" was the only option Stone had to save him because, unlike the others on trial, he had been discovered along with Booth. You can see by reading through his monitor statement that, despite his condition, he knew how to successfully answer the interrogator's questions without incriminating himself or giving the Union new leads. Due to these factors, the tribunal didn't believe Stone's weak theory but it seems that many others have.

"Half witted fellows were not acting as drug clerks then or now." Thank the good Lord someone finally pointed that out. It only took 150 years but better late than never

Unfortunately, exaggeration in the press is still as common today as it was during the Civil War era. Extraordinary stories receive far more attention than the extra ordinary accounts of real life.

Amen, Kate!

In the case of Herold, how many people (including us) stop to consider that portraying the young man as "half-witted" was likely a defense ploy to save him from the death penalty?

Exaggeration and speculation are always in favor when the average person/reader/researcher wants to make a point, but can't find the legitimate facts to do so.