Garrett Farm

[L Verge]

I have not checked the printed version of Manhunt, but I have checked the authoritative works of both Kauffman and Steers trying to verify the statement that the Garretts offered to transport the fugitives somewhere. That is not mentioned in either book, nor do I ever remember James O. Hall, Mike Kauffman, Bob Allen, or John Howard (our bus tour narrators over the years) ever saying it.

As Rob stated above, the Garretts became very wary of the pair after their actions when the cavalry rode past the farm. Booth and Herold were told to move along, but won a brief stay outside of the house for the night. And we know what happened then.

I also question as to whether the Garretts even had a wagon to offer. When Booth's body needed transportation back to the John S. Ide, the cavalry commandeered a dilapidated wagon from Ned Freeman, a free black neighbor of the Garretts, and hired the man to drive it. If the Garretts had a wagon, why wouldn't the Feds just take it?