Booth's Revolvers

[wpbinzel]

When John Wilkes Booth was captured and killed, he had in his possession two revolvers. That much seems to be settled history. What seems not to be settled is how those pistols came to be in Booth's possession in the course of his escape. Were they in his saddle bags as he rode away from Ford's Theater? Or David Herold's? Did he acquire them at Surratt's Tavern? At the home of Dr. Mudd? (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.

[Wild Bill]

It seems that we discussed all this ad nauseum in another thread some time ago. Thanks for dismissing my theory as unworthy of even momentary consideration. Roger asked me to put it on the forum. It engendered some 170 replies, if I remember. OK, genius, (you all can forgive me for asking, I should know better) where do you think Booth got his revolvers?

[RJNorton]

(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.

[Jim Garrett]

If the Lincoln Assassination occurred today, here would be the scenario. Since it is illegal to carry a handgun in the District of Columbia, Booth probably would have stabbed the President. He would have thrown down the dagger and given Rathbone a good throttling (a la 3 Stooges). He would have escaped into Maryland, where at the Surratt Tavern, John Lloyd would have to do a criminal background check. If there was any question as to Booth's residency, Lloyd would have to call Gov. Martin O'Malley. The answer from O'Malley would have been no. Booth would cross over into Virginia where under the pending Legislation, he would only be able to buy one gun every 30 days. Davey Herold would have bought the second Colt revolver from Catlett's Gun Emporium in Port Royal.

[Gene C]

Here's my scenario, had the assassination occurred today. After the one vehicle accident where Booth wrecks his car and breaks his leg, Booth manages to drive his damaged vehicle to the nearest emergency room, where he is currently waiting to see Dr. Mudd. Hospital security alert the police, where Booth is first taken into custody for leaving the scene of an accident, DUI and having an unregistered gun.

Davey, sitting in the waiting room with Booth, tries to defend him stating they were just going hunting. Unfortunately, Davey's tags on his pickup truck have expired and his auto insurance has lapsed. Plus Booth isn't wearing camo hunting clothes. Upon searching his truck and finding Bill Richter's book on tape "The Last Confederate Heroes", Davey story falls apart, he get's arrested too.

[wpbinzel]

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Thank you, Roger, for the direction and the link. I will withhold further fire until I have had the benefit of thoughts, research and considered opinions of the 2012-13 posts, including those of which I may have been imprudently dismissive. I posted my inquiry in an effort to further education (at very least, mine), as I relish the role of student and am open to learn.

[Jenny]

Here's my scenario, had the assassination occurred today. After the one vehicle accident where Booth wrecks his car and breaks his leg, Booth manages to drive his damaged vehicle to the nearest emergency room, where he is currently waiting to see Dr. Mudd. Hospital security alert the police, where Booth is first taken into custody for leaving the scene of an accident, DUI and having an unregistered gun.

Davey, sitting in the waiting room with Booth, tries to defend him stating they were just going hunting. Unfortunately, Davey's tags on his pickup truck have expired and his auto insurance has lapsed. Plus Booth isn't wearing camo hunting clothes. Upon searching his truck and finding Bill Richter's book on tape "The Last Confederate Heroes", Davey story falls apart, he get's arrested too.

Gene, I nearly choked on my drink reading that! Clever!

[J. Beckert]

I think this is one of those questions that has several viable answers and Bill Richter's theory is as good as any other. My personal belief - which was wildly unpopular - is that Booth had them on his person when he walked into Ford's.

[Rick Smith]

I think this is one of those questions that has several viable answers and Bill Richter's theory is as good as any other. My personal belief - which was wildly unpopular - is that Booth had them on his person when he walked into Ford's.

Joe,

Do not discredit your theory either. The handgun issue is one of great interest and is {and probably always will be} unsettled.

Wild Bill's theory of Booth stopping quickly at Mrs. Surratt's to pick up a hat and the Colt's revolvers is very plausible. We are literally talking of seconds here; about a minute's worth of time to make the stop, remount and move on.

Read Wild Bill's,The last Confederate Heroes, a masterpiece of Lincoln assassination history, and you can "watch" as the theory is played out.

Rick

[wpbinzel]

Well, then, the answer to my inquiry seems to be that there is no consensus on how or when John Wilkes Booth came to be in possession of the two revolvers found on him at Garrett's farm.

My apologies to you seasoned veterans of the Symposium. It certainly was not my intention to rehash the 14 pages and nearly 200 posts on this topic from 2012-13. While I did a couple of key word searches of the Symposium threads on the subject, I failed to make the connection to the one entitled "Booth's Visit to the Surratt Boarding House After the Assassination." For those of you, like me, who may be relative newbies to the Symposium, put on a pot of coffee (or open a really good bottle of bourbon) and click on the link in Roger's reply (#3) above. It will take you to a most interesting and extensive thread. I congratulate all who participated and contributed to it. And I thank you, Wild Bill, for launching it. (Also, Mr. Richter, I thank you for reminding me in your gentle subtle way not to dismiss a theory without understanding it or considering it. I stand duly chastised and will endeavor not to make that mistake again.)

The wealth of information, the exchange of ideas and the extensive research and thought that went into them, in that one thread typifies the great value of this Symposium. Well done! And a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year to all!

[Eva Elisabeth]

My apologies to you seasoned veterans of the Forum. It certainly was not my intention to rehash the 14 pages and nearly 200 posts on this topic from 2012-13.

Bill and Roger, thanks for bringing up the question and link, this was an interesting discussion and read for me and unknown to me, too!

And a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year to all!

I wish the same to all!!!

[Wild Bill]

wpbinzel I accept your apology. I especially appreciate that you think me gentle and subtle. Most see me as rude and brutally frank. I fear that they are correct. My wife claims that I treat dogs, horses, and mules with more sympathy than people.

[BettyO]

Bill - You are the consummate Southern gentleman! Perhaps what you say about dogs, horses and mules is true, because generally they have far more sense than most people nowadays! At least they are never vindictive.....

[Gene C]

My wife claims that I treat dogs, horses, and mules with more sympathy than people.

Wild Bill, I just knew there was something about you that I liked
BettyO, what a keen and intuitive mind you have, excuse me, here comes that annoying cat again....grrrrr

- Fido