Hint #2: The man's first name and middle name begin with the same letter. In the books I have that mention him, his first and middle names are not mentioned - only this letter than begins both names.
Excellent, Eva! Yes, it is C.C. Bangs. I also checked Jason Emerson's Robert Lincoln biography. In addition to Bangs, Jason also mentions the folks you and Joe previously cited, but he says Robert himself was unsure how he first found out about the shooting.
You win best wishes for a warm, delightful late July in Germany.
Thanks, Eva. I do not know if there is independent confirmation of Bangs' story. It may be a case where we simply rely on Bangs' reminiscence and just hope he didn't make it up.
At the time of the assassination three Congressmen had something in common. These men were William A. Newell (New Jersey), Andrew K. Hay (New Jersey), and John C. Breckinridge (Kentucky). At one time in their lives they had been members of the House of Representatives.
Did they board with Mrs. Spriggs? (I'm not sure how to read the timing - my answer would only apply if the common thing refers to their time in the House, not the very assassination day.)
Roger, that is a very logical guess, and I must admit I am not sure if you are right or not. What I am looking for, however, is something different. In other words, I put the question in the "assassination trivia" thread for a reason.
1. Did they board together (wherever) on the assassination day?
2. Were they anyhow together when the assassination took place? (Meeting, coincidentally on the same train, or similar)?
(Would I find the answer in Reck's "Last 24 Hrs?)
I found it (to guess the book was easy) - huh, I was so close - had I just worded my questions slightly different...(will wait for others' ideas first...)