A Threat To The Republic

[L Verge]

(02-22-2019 05:40 PM)JMadonna Wrote:  

(02-22-2019 02:18 PM)L Verge Wrote:  Gene - There are other historians who believe that General Order No. 5 had been rescinded or greatly reduced in enforcement shortly before the assassination since the war was nearly at an end. They also point out that, even during the war, the threat was always thought to come from forces outside the city entering Washington - not from those leaving the city. I don't remember that any mention is made anywhere that Booth or Herold presented passes or codes (i.e. T.B. Road). They just talked their way through.

There is no proof that the order was ever rescinded - none. Nor is there any proof that the order was greatly reduced in enforcement. Reread the order and tell me where the sentry has any discretion.

If the order was not in force it must not have been known to Stanton who sent out an APB after the assassination which did not include the Navy Yard Bridge. So either he believed the bridge was closed OR you have to believe Stanton was in on the plot and gave Booth a head start.

Don't shoot the messenger, Jerry. I am only reporting that other historians have a different opinion.

I don't remember what Mike Kauffman's take was on the bridge situation except that he used to say on our Booth tours that the fugitives were clearing the two forts outside of Uniontown (about two miles from the bridge) as the military telegraph reported to those outlying installations. Why not cut off communication with those forts too, if Stanton had deliberately left the so-called barn door open for the horses to escape?

Also, forces were in T.B., Piscataway, and other regions within 12 miles of the city before noon. They were at my family's door before great-grandpa went to open his store. If Stanton were aiding and abetting the felons, why not divert the forces in another direction.