The hole In the door

[Rick Smith]

(09-18-2015 10:18 PM)Gene C Wrote:  I'm in unfamiliar territory here. How far would Newport put them from where Jones had his boat stored?

Herb, you are most welcome.

Gene, These are close estimates as regards distance: From the Pine Thicket to Newport is about 7 miles going on a route that passes through Bryantown. From Newport to Thomas Jones' place by the shortest route is about the same distance. This distance could easily be travelled by horseback in an hour or even a bit less. From the Pine Thicket to Jones' place is a little less than 5 miles.

I believe that the federals were bringing a lot of pressure to bear and Jones felt it best to move Booth & Herold. Jones had surely done this kind of thing before in his capacity as a signal officer and it was good practice to keep people moving while waiting for an opportunity to cross the river. My feeling is that he tasked Sam Cox, Jr. with leading the fugitives to Newport and the tavern there operated by Austin Adams, whose hired man, James Owens, saw them ride into the village on Thursday evening, April 20. They were put in Adams' charge until Friday evening, when the "white boy" appeared again to lead Booth & Herold towards Pope's Creek. I wrote an article on the event for the Surratt Courier in 2008, but forget what month and issue it appeared in. Laurie would be able to say, as she has her finger on the pulse of all things over that way.