Booth's Revolvers

[RJNorton]

(12-28-2014 02:00 AM)wpbinzel Wrote:  (I have even read one theory that he stopped and picked them at the Surratt Boarding House on H Street on his way to the Navy Yard Bridge -- but seems unworthy of even momentary consideration.)

Within the Symposium, is there is a consensus, some research or collection of theories on how Booth and the revolvers came to be found together at Garrett's farm.

Hi Bill B. Actually we discussed this possibility "in depth" here. I was one of those who agreed with the idea Bill R. proposed. My opinion was based on Mary Surratt's unusual behavior after returning to the boardinghouse from Surrattsville on the 14th. This is described in detail in Weichmann's book. My interpretation was that she was extremely nervous and possibly waiting for someone (Booth?) to come by (to pick up the pistols and extra hat?). She asked Weichman to pray for her intentions and then shooed everyone to their rooms. I also think Booth stopped at the boardinghouse at about 9:00 P.M. on his way to Ford's, and this c.10:30 P.M. stop may have been pre-arranged at that time. I am one of those who feel Mary may well have known Booth's plot had changed from kidnapping to assassination. I believe with everyone safely in their rooms, and Mary being alone (which she wanted), she could even have been waiting outside with Booth's stuff so he didn't even have to dismount.

We have discussed the possible identity of the 9:00 P.M. visitor in past threads. IMO the visitor was Booth. I feel this way because Weichmann writes that when the detectives left the Surratt boardinghouse on the morning of the 15th Anna Surratt cried out, "Oh, Ma! Mr. Weichmann is right; just think of that man (John W. Booth) having been here an hour before the assassination. I am afraid it will bring suspicion upon us." I also think it's logical to think Booth would have checked with Mary to see if her "errand" to Surrattsville were successfully completed.