Was Stanton a murder target?

[PaigeBooth]

(10-24-2016 07:54 PM)brtmchl Wrote:  

(10-17-2016 12:15 PM)PaigeBooth Wrote:  I do agree that this is one of the many mysteries surrounding Lincoln's murder that we many never fully understand.
I agree with Mr. Fazio in that the intruder was most likely O'Laughlen. I am satisfied with the evidence proving that O'Laughlen was identified as the man at Stanton's home on April 13th.
Most notably, at the trial, Major Knox was asked if he saw any of the prisoners at Stanton's home. Knox said "Yes" and (seemingly without hesitation) pointed to O'Laughlen and identified him as the man who came to Stanton's home. Knox was in his early twenties at the time and, therefore, of sharp memory to positively identify O'Laughlen.

I was always under the impression that O'Laughlen was stalking Grant the night of the 13th.

I have always believed that Grant was his assignment, although I have never believed he had the nerve to go through with it.

I also believe that Kauffman hinted the O'Laughlen may have been aboard Grant's train the day of the assassination.

This is the first I have read about a stranger at Stanton's door the night of the assassination. If O'Laughlin WAS on Grant's train, who was at Stanton's door step?

Arnold? Atzerodt in a drunken stupor?

Great questions! There were so many rumors going around after Lincoln's murder that it was probably difficult (if not impossible) for people to know what was true, and what was false. Many of these rumors said that Grant had been killed on his train. Although this was false, many were in fear for Grant's life the night Lincoln was shot, and Grant was advised to keep a look out for anyone who so much as came near him on his way back to Washington. When news came of Lincoln's murder, O'Laughlen was drinking at a saloon in Washington.
As far as who the person was at Stanton's home the night of April 13th, I strongly believe it was O'Laughlen. O'Laughlen, who was present at Stanton's home that evening, spoke with Major Knox, who was a guest that evening. Knox later testified to his encounter with O'Laughlen at the trial; making his testimony very reliable.
When Knox took the stand at the trial, he was asked if he saw among the prisoners any person he saw the night of April 13th at Stanton's home. Knox replied yes, and pointed directly at O'Laughlen.