John Surratt's 1863 arrest

[Susan Higginbotham]

According to the June 1, 1863 Alexandria Gazette, a Surratt of Prince George's County, Maryland, was arrested on May 22, 1863, along with a J. H. Padgett and a Dr. Wyvill, for "aiding, entertaining, and assisting certain parties to run the blockade." Surratt was discharged on parole after a hearing. I'm surprise he got away, especially as his post office was being investigated around this time. Does anyone know anything about Padgett and Wyvill?


http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/s...nge&page=1

[L Verge]

Padgett is a good old name in the Surrattsville area. In earlier days, there was an intersection named for the family - Padgett's Corner - but I don't remember anything about Confederate duties related to them. However, most people in this area were Confederate supporters.

Dr. Edward Wyvill is another story. His plantation, Burton Hall, was about three miles from Surratt Tavern, and he was one of those always suspected, but never proven, to be part of the espionage line, maybe even the Doctor's Line. I was friends with his something great granddaughter through high school and up until about twenty years ago when we just drifted apart. I put James O. Hall and Gen. Tidwell in touch with her, and she shared family photos and papers with them. There is a diary or correspondence somewhere from Wyvill's children's nanny discussing various "visitors" during the war.

Rick Smith of this forum has stomped all over the grounds at Burton Hall trying to find remains of anything. The original home burned back in the 1800s (I think). The photo we have is of the second home. It is gone also, and there is nothing but overgrowth. The last I heard, the land was up for sale.