Booth's Day on April 14

[Rob Wick]

Quote:I know we have discussed these wood shavings before but my memory as to a source is blank right now. I just checked Everton Conger's trial testimony, and he testified what was found on Booth's body at Garrett's, but I don't see any mention of wood shavings in the account Conger gives. My question is - does anyone know the original source for these wood shavings and handkerchief?

Roger,

I'm not sure of the original source, but Conger mentioned the wood shavings in his testimony during John Surratt's trial. He described in detail what he had taken off Booth's body and mentioned "He had some pine shavings, some daguerreotypes, some tobacco, a little Catholic medal, and a pin." (Vol. 1 Trial of John H. Surratt in the Criminal Court for the District of Columbia, Pg. 309)

As to why Conger might not have mentioned the shavings at the conspirator's trial, on cross-examination Conger was asked:

"On the trial before the military commission, to which you have referred once or twice, were you interrogated as to all the articles taken from Booth?"
"No sir."
"Were you not then asked what things were found upon him?"
"I think I was shown things, and asked to say whether they were found there, but I am not certain about it." (Ibid, Pg. 311)

Best
Rob