What Was The Role of David Herold

[BettyO]

I have seen the reference that Powell "didn't know Washington well" as far back as Jim Bishop's book (more of a novel than a historical work; i.e. no notes; references, etc.) There is no insinuation in Doster's argument nor in GATH's interpretation (Life Crime and Capture of JWB) (pp. 46-47). I do know that a mention of Powell being "unfamiliar" with Washington comes up in Weichmann's work which, however, was not published until 1975....

The canard about Powell having a "Union skull for an ashtray" comes from Doster's argument - and this is a general statement; not given to Powell specifically. Likewise, the story about Powell meeting JWB for the first time at the Old Richmond Theatre also rings untrue - as JWB was not playing in Richmond in 1861. He may have met Booth in Richmond, but it was not while attending a Booth play. These are Doster's assumptions for a logical argument.

In truth, Powell was afraid to go abroad in the city in daylight due to his previous arrest in Baltimore in March of 1865 by which he could be re-arrested (if recognized) and sent to prison again. He did know his way about sufficiently to find his way to the Surratt House (at least 2 times, once after the kidnapping attempt and then including upon his arrest). A person matching his description shows up at the Canterbury Music Hall on the evening of the assassination about 5 PM in conversation with a group of men one of whom was identified as looking like Booth. Powell subsequently had a calling card in his pocket for a Mary J. Gardner with her hotel room number inscribed on it. Gardner was a dance hall girl/probable prostitute, who was playing at the Canterbury at the time. Powell was headed towards Bennings Bridge which had been closed. He supposedly had no knowledge of this, however, he appeared to be riding North in the direction of Baltimore - perhaps to the Branson House.

Powell was not fond of Herold - referring to him as a "little blab."