Arrest of Atzerodt

[Laurie Verge]

I agree that money was the key factor. George was in dire straits once his brother left the carriage painting partnership, and the local clientele in Southern Maryland were so strapped for cash that maintaining the appearance of their "vehicles" was not high on their list of priorities. Also, Union raids had obsconded with much of the "horse power" needed to pull those vehicles.

His main source of income appears to have been payment for his nighttime trips across the Potomac and the hospitality of his housemate, Mrs. Wheeler.

As for his language barriers, I do think it was a problem; but his line of work did not require extensive English - and his role in the assassination until the very last moment only required him understanding that there was a good deal of money involved.