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Rick Smith · (This post was last modified: 08-07-2015 04:02 PM by Rick Smith.)

Rick:

You misread me. I do not desire Southerners, nor anyone else, to apologize for anything. I merely suggest that in discussions of the causes of the war, in forums such as this, or elsewhere, it should be acknowledged by everyone, irrespective of their region or ancestry, that slavery was the root cause of the war and that talk of states' rights, tariffs, cultural differences, etc., serves only to cloud the issue. The political, social, economic and cultural dimensions are all tied to the institution of slavery, without which there would have been no war, because nothing else was worth fighting about. The causes given by South Carolina and other states for seceding make this perfectly clear.

John

John,

My apologies for having misread you. I would certainly not want anything I say or write to be misread or mischaracterized and would not wish to do so to you.

Rick

(08-07-2015 03:11 PM)SSlater Wrote:
(08-07-2015 02:27 PM)L Verge Wrote: Rick Smith brought me lunch today (Southern gentleman that he is), and we were discussing Harney's mission and a report that Col. Edward Ripley made in his post-war memoirs about his experience on April 4 after setting headquarters in Richmond near the Confederate Torpedo Bureau. I believe that Ripley's unit was the first Union group to occupy the evacuated city.

According to Ripley, he interviewed a Confederate enlisted man who worked at the Torpedo Bureau and wanted to report a strange project at the Bureau. The man's name was William Snyder, and he said that a special mission had been dispatched by Gen. Rains that was aimed at the head of the Yankee government. Snyder wanted Lincoln warned, but could give no further information (names, etc.) because the mission was top secret. Ripley believed Snyder enough to arrange for him to visit Lincoln on board the Malvern in the James River. One hitch - Snyder had to write out his concerns and could not meet face-to-face with the President. Lincoln is said to have dismissed the warning

I believe that Harney's trip began on April 2, so Ripley's story would fit timelines perfectly. Hall, Tidwell, Gaddy, Steers, and others always wanted to find proof to link Harney, Rains, and Booth together. Steers covers this on pages 90-91 of Blood on the Moon. Come Retribution goes into more detail on Harney, Rains, and Snyder on pages 419-421.

Thanx, for these posts. I don't recall them from previous posts. They support my research. nicely. I'm trying to prove that the mission was other than a "Grand Plan". I wonder if there was a "plan" at all?

John,

Could it be, at this point, since Richmond had fallen, that operatives were working on their own initiative and thus, it does become a case of individual missions, as opposed to a grand, or concerted effort?

Rick

So that we are clear, I am asking this question of John Stanton.

(08-07-2015 03:35 PM)Rick Smith Wrote: Rick:

You misread me. I do not desire Southerners, nor anyone else, to apologize for anything. I merely suggest that in discussions of the causes of the war, in forums such as this, or elsewhere, it should be acknowledged by everyone, irrespective of their region or ancestry, that slavery was the root cause of the war and that talk of states' rights, tariffs, cultural differences, etc., serves only to cloud the issue. The political, social, economic and cultural dimensions are all tied to the institution of slavery, without which there would have been no war, because nothing else was worth fighting about. The causes given by South Carolina and other states for seceding make this perfectly clear.

John

John,

My apologies for having misread you. I would certainly not want anything I say or write to be misread or mischaracterized and would not wish to do so to you.

Rick

(08-07-2015 03:11 PM)SSlater Wrote:
(08-07-2015 02:27 PM)L Verge Wrote: Rick Smith brought me lunch today (Southern gentleman that he is), and we were discussing Harney's mission and a report that Col. Edward Ripley made in his post-war memoirs about his experience on April 4 after setting headquarters in Richmond near the Confederate Torpedo Bureau. I believe that Ripley's unit was the first Union group to occupy the evacuated city.

According to Ripley, he interviewed a Confederate enlisted man who worked at the Torpedo Bureau and wanted to report a strange project at the Bureau. The man's name was William Snyder, and he said that a special mission had been dispatched by Gen. Rains that was aimed at the head of the Yankee government. Snyder wanted Lincoln warned, but could give no further information (names, etc.) because the mission was top secret. Ripley believed Snyder enough to arrange for him to visit Lincoln on board the Malvern in the James River. One hitch - Snyder had to write out his concerns and could not meet face-to-face with the President. Lincoln is said to have dismissed the warning

I believe that Harney's trip began on April 2, so Ripley's story would fit timelines perfectly. Hall, Tidwell, Gaddy, Steers, and others always wanted to find proof to link Harney, Rains, and Booth together. Steers covers this on pages 90-91 of Blood on the Moon. Come Retribution goes into more detail on Harney, Rains, and Snyder on pages 419-421.

Thanx, for these posts. I don't recall them from previous posts. They support my research. nicely. I'm trying to prove that the mission was other than a "Grand Plan". I wonder if there was a "plan" at all?

John,

Could it be, at this point, since Richmond had fallen, that operatives were working on their own initiative and thus, it does become a case of individual missions, as opposed to a grand, or concerted effort?

Rick

So that we are clear, I am asking this question of John Stanton.

And the lunch was my pleasure, Miss Laurie.

L Verge · (This post was last modified: 08-07-2015 04:46 PM by L Verge.)

"...in this day and age displaying a Confederate flag raises questions about the racial beliefs of those who fly it."

I do not and never have displayed the Confederate flag, and Surratt House uses it on one sign in conjunction with the U.S. flag - both of which are furled to show that the war is over. However, having dealt with squabbles such as those that have arisen here, I know of many people who show the battle flag as a protest against the personal encroachments that our far-reaching government policies are making on individual liberties - with no meaning attached to slavery or racial divide at all. It is sort of a 21st-century version of the states' rights issue of the 1850s-60s with concern coming from a wide variety of U.S. races and ethnicities.

"I think Lincoln said something about having a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend."

U.S. Presidents state that in their Oath of Office, and the pledge ends with "...the Constitution of the United States," I believe. Am I correct that the Constitution made no mention of the slavery issue until Amendment 13 (and 14 & 15) were added? Lincoln's 1861 pledge was to uphold the Constitution that made no mention of slavery, as I understand the interpretation.

"Historian Mark Grimsley, Ohio State, said in one of his video talks that his ancestors are from the South and he would have been a Confederate soldier if he lived back then because he lacked modern-day perspective."

Mark was actually a speaker at the first Surratt conference back in 2000. He spoke on the secret societies that were in place before and during the Civil War. Very good speaker. The comment above reinforces my constant harping on the subject that we cannot judge our ancestors by modern standards/perspectives. He's learned the lesson; I wish more people would.

Now, can we get back on topics that actually teach us things instead of modern convictions being hurled back and forth from all sides?

Rick Smith · (This post was last modified: 08-08-2015 12:21 PM by Rick Smith.)

(08-08-2015 09:55 AM)Rosieo Wrote:
(08-07-2015 04:42 PM)L Verge Wrote: "I think Lincoln said something about having a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend."

U.S. Presidents state that in their Oath of Office, and the pledge ends with "...the Constitution of the United States," I believe. Am I correct that the Constitution made no mention of the slavery issue until Amendment 13 (and 14 & 15) were added? Lincoln's 1861 pledge was to uphold the Constitution that made no mention of slavery, as I understand the interpretation.

Forgive me Harney'ites .... (I did put bulk of reply in Other thread under Confederate flag....)

Laurie: I was responding to Rick as well as J. Beckert re previous posts in this thread.... Sorry to be unclear.

Rick Smith Wrote:
......I do believe that the South was manipulated into firing the first shot; all part of Mr. Lincoln's and the radical Republicans' plan to bring on the war.

I, Rosieo, wrote:
Since way-off topic is happening and responding here also to Rick:

** Lincoln did not want war. Neither did Davis. Davis was not tricked into firing the first shot. Davis was a big boy, not to mention an experienced statesman and politician. One has the power; one is responsible for how it is used. I think Lincoln said something about having a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend.

Rosieo,

It is highly debatable as regards Lincoln wanting the War or not.

Wild Bill Richter has written a very scholarly article addressing the topic. I will refer you to Bill for an education. If he would like to respond, that would be fine. If not, I'm done with this too, so you may have the pleasure of the last word.

Rick

My apologies to John Stanton, as we are off topic. I will not do that again.

John,

Have you considered the question to you from my earlier post regarding the individual operatives acting on their own initiative theory? Please take a look.

Thanks,

Rick

SSlater · (This post was last modified: 08-08-2015 10:07 PM by SSlater.)

(08-07-2015 03:35 PM)Rick Smith Wrote: Rick:

You misread me. I do not desire Southerners, nor anyone else, to apologize for anything. I merely suggest that in discussions of the causes of the war, in forums such as this, or elsewhere, it should be acknowledged by everyone, irrespective of their region or ancestry, that slavery was the root cause of the war and that talk of states' rights, tariffs, cultural differences, etc., serves only to cloud the issue. The political, social, economic and cultural dimensions are all tied to the institution of slavery, without which there would have been no war, because nothing else was worth fighting about. The causes given by South Carolina and other states for seceding make this perfectly clear.

RICK I missed your question completely. So Sorry!
Your question is perfectly in line. I have been studying that option. Obviously, I don't have an answer - - Yet!
I have been looking closely at what each participant said- very closely. Beginning with Snyder. He was very vague and uninformed. (Also, look at what he didn't say. He didn't say "Blow up the White House." ) Next, I looked at Atzerodt's statement. He said "They are going to Mine the White House." So, who shows up ? Harney. A guy who plants "Mines". That leads me to think, he was going to "Mine" the White House. WHat else? Harney never "Blew up a House'. He was an expert with MINES He was going to plant "subTerras" .The White House lawn was open to the public. The White House Hallways, were open to the public. Some "Favor seekers" slept in the in the hallways. So, Harney didn't have to sneak in through the sewer pipe,- just open the front door and walk in. (This accommodates the plan to go through the "Greenhouse".)
Was he going to "Mine" Lincoln's bedroom door? (That would "Get him Sure".)
The term "Blow up the White House" was generated long after the Civil War, probably in 1907 (+/-) when Ripley's published his book.

Consider, a Mine never blew the bow off a boat, it punches a hole in the side, and the boat sinks. Harney didn't want to blow a hole in the building. he wanted to blow a hole in Lincoln.
These are just ideas. I can defend my proposals easier, than I can be convinced that Harney and a helper or two, could demolish the White House. ( or even part of it.)
John

John,

My apologies for having misread you. I would certainly not want anything I say or write to be misread or mischaracterized and would not wish to do so to you.

Rick

(08-07-2015 03:11 PM)SSlater Wrote:
(08-07-2015 02:27 PM)L Verge Wrote: Rick Smith brought me lunch today (Southern gentleman that he is), and we were discussing Harney's mission and a report that Col. Edward Ripley made in his post-war memoirs about his experience on April 4 after setting headquarters in Richmond near the Confederate Torpedo Bureau. I believe that Ripley's unit was the first Union group to occupy the evacuated city.

According to Ripley, he interviewed a Confederate enlisted man who worked at the Torpedo Bureau and wanted to report a strange project at the Bureau. The man's name was William Snyder, and he said that a special mission had been dispatched by Gen. Rains that was aimed at the head of the Yankee government. Snyder wanted Lincoln warned, but could give no further information (names, etc.) because the mission was top secret. Ripley believed Snyder enough to arrange for him to visit Lincoln on board the Malvern in the James River. One hitch - Snyder had to write out his concerns and could not meet face-to-face with the President. Lincoln is said to have dismissed the warning

I believe that Harney's trip began on April 2, so Ripley's story would fit timelines perfectly. Hall, Tidwell, Gaddy, Steers, and others always wanted to find proof to link Harney, Rains, and Booth together. Steers covers this on pages 90-91 of Blood on the Moon. Come Retribution goes into more detail on Harney, Rains, and Snyder on pages 419-421.

Thanx, for these posts. I don't recall them from previous posts. They support my research. nicely. I'm trying to prove that the mission was other than a "Grand Plan". I wonder if there was a "plan" at all?

John,

Could it be, at this point, since Richmond had fallen, that operatives were working on their own initiative and thus, it does become a case of individual missions, as opposed to a grand, or concerted effort?

Rick

So that we are clear, I am asking this question of John Stanton.

(08-07-2015 03:35 PM)Rick Smith Wrote: Rick:

You misread me. I do not desire Southerners, nor anyone else, to apologize for anything. I merely suggest that in discussions of the causes of the war, in forums such as this, or elsewhere, it should be acknowledged by everyone, irrespective of their region or ancestry, that slavery was the root cause of the war and that talk of states' rights, tariffs, cultural differences, etc., serves only to cloud the issue. The political, social, economic and cultural dimensions are all tied to the institution of slavery, without which there would have been no war, because nothing else was worth fighting about. The causes given by South Carolina and other states for seceding make this perfectly clear.

John

John,

My apologies for having misread you. I would certainly not want anything I say or write to be misread or mischaracterized and would not wish to do so to you.

Rick

(08-07-2015 03:11 PM)SSlater Wrote:
(08-07-2015 02:27 PM)L Verge Wrote: Rick Smith brought me lunch today (Southern gentleman that he is), and we were discussing Harney's mission and a report that Col. Edward Ripley made in his post-war memoirs about his experience on April 4 after setting headquarters in Richmond near the Confederate Torpedo Bureau. I believe that Ripley's unit was the first Union group to occupy the evacuated city.

According to Ripley, he interviewed a Confederate enlisted man who worked at the Torpedo Bureau and wanted to report a strange project at the Bureau. The man's name was William Snyder, and he said that a special mission had been dispatched by Gen. Rains that was aimed at the head of the Yankee government. Snyder wanted Lincoln warned, but could give no further information (names, etc.) because the mission was top secret. Ripley believed Snyder enough to arrange for him to visit Lincoln on board the Malvern in the James River. One hitch - Snyder had to write out his concerns and could not meet face-to-face with the President. Lincoln is said to have dismissed the warning

I believe that Harney's trip began on April 2, so Ripley's story would fit timelines perfectly. Hall, Tidwell, Gaddy, Steers, and others always wanted to find proof to link Harney, Rains, and Booth together. Steers covers this on pages 90-91 of Blood on the Moon. Come Retribution goes into more detail on Harney, Rains, and Snyder on pages 419-421.

Thanx, for these posts. I don't recall them from previous posts. They support my research. nicely. I'm trying to prove that the mission was other than a "Grand Plan". I wonder if there was a "plan" at all?

John,

Could it be, at this point, since Richmond had fallen, that operatives were working on their own initiative and thus, it does become a case of individual missions, as opposed to a grand, or concerted effort?

Rick

So that we are clear, I am asking this question of John Stanton.

And the lunch was my pleasure, Miss Laurie.

Rick I have answered your question, but it was posted as part of Post #129. You would never have found it , in this messy thread.

Rick Smith · 08-09-2015, 06:04 AM

(08-08-2015 09:56 PM)SSlater Wrote:
(08-07-2015 03:35 PM)Rick Smith Wrote: Rick:

You misread me. I do not desire Southerners, nor anyone else, to apologize for anything. I merely suggest that in discussions of the causes of the war, in forums such as this, or elsewhere, it should be acknowledged by everyone, irrespective of their region or ancestry, that slavery was the root cause of the war and that talk of states' rights, tariffs, cultural differences, etc., serves only to cloud the issue. The political, social, economic and cultural dimensions are all tied to the institution of slavery, without which there would have been no war, because nothing else was worth fighting about. The causes given by South Carolina and other states for seceding make this perfectly clear.

RICK I missed your question completely. So Sorry!
Your question is perfectly in line. I have been studying that option. Obviously, I don't have an answer - - Yet!
I have been looking closely at what each participant said- very closely. Beginning with Snyder. He was very vague and uninformed. (Also, look at what he didn't say. He didn't say "Blow up the White House." ) Next, I looked at Atzerodt's statement. He said "They are going to Mine the White House." So, who shows up ? Harney. A guy who plants "Mines". That leads me to think, he was going to "Mine" the White House. WHat else? Harney never "Blew up a House'. He was an expert with MINES He was going to plant "subTerras" .The White House lawn was open to the public. The White House Hallways, were open to the public. Some "Favor seekers" slept in the in the hallways. So, Harney didn't have to sneak in through the sewer pipe,- just open the front door and walk in. (This accommodates the plan to go through the "Greenhouse".)
Was he going to "Mine" Lincoln's bedroom door? (That would "Get him Sure".)
The term "Blow up the White House" was generated long after the Civil War, probably in 1907 (+/-) when Ripley's published his book.

Consider, a Mine never blew the bow off a boat, it punches a hole in the side, and the boat sinks. Harney didn't want to blow a hole in the building. he wanted to blow a hole in Lincoln.
These are just ideas. I can defend my proposals easier, than I can be convinced that Harney and a helper or two, could demolish the White House. ( or even part of it.)
John

John,

My apologies for having misread you. I would certainly not want anything I say or write to be misread or mischaracterized and would not wish to do so to you.

Rick

(08-07-2015 03:11 PM)SSlater Wrote:
(08-07-2015 02:27 PM)L Verge Wrote: Rick Smith brought me lunch today (Southern gentleman that he is), and we were discussing Harney's mission and a report that Col. Edward Ripley made in his post-war memoirs about his experience on April 4 after setting headquarters in Richmond near the Confederate Torpedo Bureau. I believe that Ripley's unit was the first Union group to occupy the evacuated city.

According to Ripley, he interviewed a Confederate enlisted man who worked at the Torpedo Bureau and wanted to report a strange project at the Bureau. The man's name was William Snyder, and he said that a special mission had been dispatched by Gen. Rains that was aimed at the head of the Yankee government. Snyder wanted Lincoln warned, but could give no further information (names, etc.) because the mission was top secret. Ripley believed Snyder enough to arrange for him to visit Lincoln on board the Malvern in the James River. One hitch - Snyder had to write out his concerns and could not meet face-to-face with the President. Lincoln is said to have dismissed the warning

I believe that Harney's trip began on April 2, so Ripley's story would fit timelines perfectly. Hall, Tidwell, Gaddy, Steers, and others always wanted to find proof to link Harney, Rains, and Booth together. Steers covers this on pages 90-91 of Blood on the Moon. Come Retribution goes into more detail on Harney, Rains, and Snyder on pages 419-421.

Thanx, for these posts. I don't recall them from previous posts. They support my research. nicely. I'm trying to prove that the mission was other than a "Grand Plan". I wonder if there was a "plan" at all?

John,

Could it be, at this point, since Richmond had fallen, that operatives were working on their own initiative and thus, it does become a case of individual missions, as opposed to a grand, or concerted effort?

Rick

So that we are clear, I am asking this question of John Stanton.

(08-07-2015 03:35 PM)Rick Smith Wrote: Rick:

You misread me. I do not desire Southerners, nor anyone else, to apologize for anything. I merely suggest that in discussions of the causes of the war, in forums such as this, or elsewhere, it should be acknowledged by everyone, irrespective of their region or ancestry, that slavery was the root cause of the war and that talk of states' rights, tariffs, cultural differences, etc., serves only to cloud the issue. The political, social, economic and cultural dimensions are all tied to the institution of slavery, without which there would have been no war, because nothing else was worth fighting about. The causes given by South Carolina and other states for seceding make this perfectly clear.

John

John,

My apologies for having misread you. I would certainly not want anything I say or write to be misread or mischaracterized and would not wish to do so to you.

Rick

(08-07-2015 03:11 PM)SSlater Wrote:
(08-07-2015 02:27 PM)L Verge Wrote: Rick Smith brought me lunch today (Southern gentleman that he is), and we were discussing Harney's mission and a report that Col. Edward Ripley made in his post-war memoirs about his experience on April 4 after setting headquarters in Richmond near the Confederate Torpedo Bureau. I believe that Ripley's unit was the first Union group to occupy the evacuated city.

According to Ripley, he interviewed a Confederate enlisted man who worked at the Torpedo Bureau and wanted to report a strange project at the Bureau. The man's name was William Snyder, and he said that a special mission had been dispatched by Gen. Rains that was aimed at the head of the Yankee government. Snyder wanted Lincoln warned, but could give no further information (names, etc.) because the mission was top secret. Ripley believed Snyder enough to arrange for him to visit Lincoln on board the Malvern in the James River. One hitch - Snyder had to write out his concerns and could not meet face-to-face with the President. Lincoln is said to have dismissed the warning

I believe that Harney's trip began on April 2, so Ripley's story would fit timelines perfectly. Hall, Tidwell, Gaddy, Steers, and others always wanted to find proof to link Harney, Rains, and Booth together. Steers covers this on pages 90-91 of Blood on the Moon. Come Retribution goes into more detail on Harney, Rains, and Snyder on pages 419-421.

Thanx, for these posts. I don't recall them from previous posts. They support my research. nicely. I'm trying to prove that the mission was other than a "Grand Plan". I wonder if there was a "plan" at all?

John,

Could it be, at this point, since Richmond had fallen, that operatives were working on their own initiative and thus, it does become a case of individual missions, as opposed to a grand, or concerted effort?

Rick

So that we are clear, I am asking this question of John Stanton.

And the lunch was my pleasure, Miss Laurie.

Rick I have answered your question, but it was posted as part of Post #129. You would never have found it , in this messy thread.

John,

Thanks for that answer. Your point about using sub terra torpedoes is a good one; and that there was no need to slip through the sewer to enter the Executive Mansion; just walk right in. Harney was a member of the Torpedo Bureau, so you may be on the right track here. If he was planning on planting sub terra shells in different areas, it seems that his mission would have been ongoing and taken some time to complete. Harney's story has always fascinated me. Former Lt. in a Kentucky cavalry regiment, I think.

Rick

RJNorton · 08-09-2015, 07:35 AM

John, Rick, everybody...

Long ago I think(?) I read an article somewhere, and I cannot remember where! It had diagrams of how Harney's explosives would work, and how the floor above would cave in. If all went as planned, Lincoln and others in the room above the explosives would probably have been killed, maimed, etc. Does anyone remember such an article?

L Verge · 08-09-2015, 12:18 PM

(08-09-2015 07:35 AM)RJNorton Wrote: John, Rick, everybody...

Long ago I think(?) I read an article somewhere, and I cannot remember where! It had diagrams of how Harney's explosives would work, and how the floor above would cave in. If all went as planned, Lincoln and others in the room above the explosives would probably have been killed, maimed, etc. Does anyone remember such an article?

The exact same information was given in a documentary on TV about five years ago (as well as a discussion of using a sniper to get Lincoln). I want to say it was on Nat Geo? Maybe in an accompanying issue of their magazine?

Rick Smith · 08-09-2015, 12:46 PM

(08-09-2015 12:18 PM)L Verge Wrote:
(08-09-2015 07:35 AM)RJNorton Wrote: John, Rick, everybody...

Long ago I think(?) I read an article somewhere, and I cannot remember where! It had diagrams of how Harney's explosives would work, and how the floor above would cave in. If all went as planned, Lincoln and others in the room above the explosives would probably have been killed, maimed, etc. Does anyone remember such an article?

The exact same information was given in a documentary on TV about five years ago (as well as a discussion of using a sniper to get Lincoln). I want to say it was on Nat Geo? Maybe in an accompanying issue of their magazine?

Laurie,

As I remember, it may have been on The Discover Channel.

It was pretty good.

Rick

RJNorton · 08-09-2015, 12:46 PM

(08-09-2015 12:18 PM)L Verge Wrote:
(08-09-2015 07:35 AM)RJNorton Wrote: John, Rick, everybody...

Long ago I think(?) I read an article somewhere, and I cannot remember where! It had diagrams of how Harney's explosives would work, and how the floor above would cave in. If all went as planned, Lincoln and others in the room above the explosives would probably have been killed, maimed, etc. Does anyone remember such an article?

The exact same information was given in a documentary on TV about five years ago (as well as a discussion of using a sniper to get Lincoln). I want to say it was on Nat Geo? Maybe in an accompanying issue of their magazine?

Thanks, Laurie. Rick sent the following information:

Roger,

I saw your post regarding the diagram of the force and impact of an explosive charge being set off in the White House; I think under the room where Lincoln and his cabinet customarily would meet. I saw a program regarding this a couple of years ago on the discovery channel. The program was well done, and explained how charges could be set and detonated, and what the result would be. The program also explained that The operatives and explosives were captured before they could go into operation.

The program was very detailed and most interesting. It was amazing to me that someone had put this information together. I have known about it for quite a while, but figured that no one would be all that interested. I am glad that they were.

Rick Smith · 08-09-2015, 12:50 PM

(08-09-2015 12:46 PM)RJNorton Wrote:
(08-09-2015 12:18 PM)L Verge Wrote:
(08-09-2015 07:35 AM)RJNorton Wrote: John, Rick, everybody...

Long ago I think(?) I read an article somewhere, and I cannot remember where! It had diagrams of how Harney's explosives would work, and how the floor above would cave in. If all went as planned, Lincoln and others in the room above the explosives would probably have been killed, maimed, etc. Does anyone remember such an article?

The exact same information was given in a documentary on TV about five years ago (as well as a discussion of using a sniper to get Lincoln). I want to say it was on Nat Geo? Maybe in an accompanying issue of their magazine?

Thanks, Laurie. Rick is away from home and sent this post:

Roger,

I saw your post regarding the diagram of the force and impact of an explosive charge being set off in the White House; I think under the room where Lincoln and his cabinet customarily would meet. I saw a program regarding this a couple of years ago on the discovery channel. The program was well done, and explained how charges could be set and detonated, and what the result would be. The program also explained that The operatives and explosives were captured before they could go into operation.

The program was very detailed and most interesting. It was amazing to me that someone had put this information together. I have known about it for quite a while, but figured that no one would be all that interested. I am glad that they were.

Thanks, Roger.

It seemed to me at the time that someone connected to the Discovery Channel, headquartered in beautiful downtown Silver Spring, Md., had gotten ahold of a copy of the great ground breaking work; "Come Retribution."

Rick

RJNorton · 08-09-2015, 12:55 PM

Rick and Laurie, many thanks to both of you. It must have been the TV show I was thinking of, not a magazine article.

SSlater · 08-09-2015, 04:02 PM

Gene C.
If you want to see the vireo of "The Confederate Bomb Plot" See Roger's post #13. There is a small blue "here" in his text. Click on it. It is the story of the Bomb Plot. Good Luck with it - I can't make it play all the way through.
The speakers don't know the White House very well. They talk about the Southwest corned to sneak into but then show the Southeast corner. But the blast goes off about 1/3 of the south face -to the west- away from the location of Lincoln's office. Lincoln's Office was located on the 2nd floor, one room removed from the corner. That would be the 2nd and 3rd windows on the 2nd floor.
But we know that was done by non-historians.
I was in WWII, in the Navy. We messed with Mines and Depth Charges. 1st off, two men cannot lift a depth Charge. Mines were always handled with a crane, (And I am talking about special composition powder.) Harney didn't have dynamite, (That came along later.) He could not have blown up the two floors of the White House.
(Unless the Confederacy had an Atomic Bomb. A tiny one) SARAHA

wpbinzel · 08-14-2015, 08:32 PM

(06-12-2015 06:35 PM)L Verge Wrote: There's a side story that goes along with the Chinquapin Rangers. The citizens of Prince George's County, Maryland, (home to Surratt House) took up a collection during the Civil War to honor Gen. Robert E. Lee. They chose to gift him with a fine pair of golden spurs. How to get them to the General was another problem.

One mission that the Chinquapin Rangers undertook was to personally pick up and deliver the gold spurs. The spurs passed through to Miss Elizabeth Frobel, who brought the spurs to the William S. Reid farm on Franconia Road in Fairfax County, Virginia. With thousands of Union troops nearby, the gold spurs were picked up and transported by Chinquapin Rangers to General Lee, who received them while he was at a general review of his army near Culpeper Courthouse. Some sources claim that Lee wore the golden spurs at Appomattox as he arrived impeccably dressed for his surrender to Gen. Grant.

Laurie -

I am late to this thread and am just now reading through it and saw your reference to the William S. Reid Farm on Franconia Road in Fairfax County. I thought you would like to know that the house still stands and is for sale (or at least it was). Here is a link to photos of the house and a bit of its history: http://civilwarreidhouseforsale.webs.com/

HerbS · 08-15-2015, 06:43 AM

Cash buy only[joking!]?

L Verge · 08-15-2015, 11:03 AM

I can't say that I approve of that renowned architect's renovations to the house, but it also appears that he had a lot of add-ons over the years to work around. I'd love to see what the original house (Hill of Roses) looked like at the time of the war. Right now, a history-minded decorator could have a field day in sprucing it up. Thanks for sharing.

P.S. I also appreciated the style of the person who wrote the accompanying history of the farm - with tongue-in-cheek pokes at its Civil War experiences in a territory right outside the Union capital.