A Threat To The Republic

[JMadonna]

(02-22-2019 09:52 PM)L Verge Wrote:  

(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(02-22-2019 02:18 PM)L Verge Wrote:  Gene - There are other historians who believe that General Order No. 5 had been rescinded or greatly reduced in enforcement shortly before the assassination since the war was nearly at an end.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There is no proof that the order was ever rescinded - none.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.

Not shooting at anyone but what is pure speculation on the part of others.

General Order No. 5 was actually rescinded that afternoon but since it was Good Friday, Stanton gave the war department the afternoon off for religious observation (which was why Weichman was free to give Mrs. Surratt her ride to Surrattsville) so the order was delayed until Saturday morning.

All we know about what happened on the bridge is from the testimony from the trial. All Army records from the unit guarding the bridge mysteriously disappeared so any opinion that they were not doing their job that night is pure speculation.