Harney, and his Story

[SSlater]

Laurie. I can't remember ever hearing about the "3 horsemen", so I can't comment on that, but history confirms your gut feeling that the Leadership of the Confederacy was "at the heart of the matter". I believe as you do. We just can't read anything that would "Prove it".
How about this? (C.R. pg. 410) 28 Feb. 1864. DAVIS called Stringfellow into his office and gave him an assignment that took him into Washington. Stringfellow left R'mond March 1. '64. Stringfellow reported that "he had been in constant communication with an Officer occupying an important position about Lincoln" ( Would this have anything to do with The Navy Yard? with Train schedules? etc. NO! It had to do with Lincoln's activities every day. If they could pin down Lincoln's habits, they could develop a plan.
Stringfellow left Washington April 1, aided by "a person linked to the history of "these days". Booth? Who else? I'm citing this info to confirm that the leadership of the Confederacy was Totally involved.
Note: Stringfellow was in Washington on March 17th when Boothe attempted to grab Lincoln, and failed. I bet that Davis learned of this sooner than you think.
Stringfellow was arrested during his trip home, but escaped. He didn't get back to R'mond until after the assassination. (He crossed the Potomac with the aid of Thomas Jones, on the same night that Booth did.
Doesn't all this show "Overall supervision from the "Top"?
Geez! I'm getting wordy - but I want to share. Someone else can add to this.