The Potomac River Crossing (VIDEO)

[asobbingfilm]

Though many of you have read about Booth and Herold's Potomac crossing, I thought you might enjoy seeing the spot where Thomas Jones put them across. That's Mathias Point in the background. I was stuck by the fact that the Potomac River is so wide at that point, around two miles or so. I can only imagine what the fleeing assassins faced as the tried to cross by candlelight. It's no wonder their first attempt failed. Anyway, just wanted to share this as it was a real treat to get permission from Loyola to go down and visit the spot. Truly one of the greatest highlights from all my Lincoln assassination travels.

[SSlater]

(04-22-2015 09:41 AM)asobbingfilm Wrote:  Though many of you have read about Booth and Herold's Potomac crossing, I thought you might enjoy seeing the spot where Thomas Jones put them across. That's Mathias Point in the background. I was stuck by the fact that the Potomac River is so wide at that point, around two miles or so. I can only imagine what the fleeing assassins faced as the tried to cross by candlelight. It's no wonder their first attempt failed. Anyway, just wanted to share this as it was a real treat to get permission from Loyola to go down and visit the spot. Truly one of the greatest highlights from all my Lincoln assassination travels.

I have a completely different opinion of Booth's crossing. I think he knew exactly where he was, and knew exactly what he was doing. He was never "Lost", or out of control. I'll try to explain "in ten words or less", but it won't be easy.
When he pushed off, there were two LIGHTSHIPS at anchor on the river. One was at the mouth of the Nanjemoy, called the UPPER CEDAR POINT LIGHTSHIP. It was distinguishable by its one Light at the top of the Mast. The other was at the mouth of Gambo, called the LOWER CEDAR POINT LIGHTSHIP. And was distinguishable by its two lights at the top of the Mast. He should have been able to see both Ships, when he got out on the river.
Harold gave two statements after his arrest, about the crossing. When asked "On which night did you cross?" He answered "that he couldn't remember, but it was foggy." So, the first try was a failure.
He then said, "we came out of the Nanjemoy at sundown, passed within 300 yards of a gunboat, and landed on Mathias Point." That was not a GUNBOAT, it was the UPPER CEDAR POINT LIGHTSHIP.
The spot he landed , on Mathias Point, was Cawood's Camp, but Cawood was not there, he was in Richmond visiting his new wife.
So, they got back in the boat and headed down-river, toward the Gambo. Just around Mathias Point, the USS Jupiter was at anchor. Now that's a GUNBOAT. They slipped around her, and made Gambo. I have copies of parts of the Logbooks of the Gunboats that were out there that night. (Also available from Laurie's crew). Their Logs confirmed that it was foggy, only on thursday night.
Some of this is shown inCome retribution pg.456. Also look on Pg 466.
Note there is an error on the 466 map. Conrad's Camp was not at "Fairview". That was the home of Emma Ball, who he married ( at the home of Mortimer Ruggles , "Freidland",-lwest edge of Map.) after the war - and had 10 kids or more. From "Fairview" move east along the "Ridge Road" (Rt. 218) to "Hampstead". Conrad's Camp was between Hampstead and the river. That area is now the CALEDON STATE PARK.
The details of Booth's "thinking" would take to long to explain.
If you get time, on your next visit to this area, Come-On-By, and we will give you "Cawood's no-escape route tour". (See if you can get Laurie to join you.) I live on the west edge of Mathias Point. See Cawood's Camp.

[asobbingfilm]

Interesting POV. I still believe though that the video marks the spot where Jones left them for attempt number one. I base it on the location of the small creek in between the two cliffs on either side. Im not as well versed on the second attempt. I do thank you for your insight and as always the chance to learn more. I hope to come next year so I'll take you up on the other tour.