Last Lincoln Conspirator by Andrew Jampoler

[Gene C]

This book was mentioned on another thread "John Surratt Jr as a teacher" Has any one read this? The reviews on Amazon are mixed, and I trust the members here on their opinions more than the Amazon comments.

[Rob Wick]

One of the many I have but have yet to find the time to read, so sorry Gene, I can't help you.

Best
Rob

[RJNorton]

Same here, Gene. I use it as a reference but have not read it cover to cover. I know the author spoke at a Surratt Conference in recent years.

[Gene C]

Thanks guys for that honest and insightful opinion

[RJNorton]

Thanks, Gene. The book design was done by a company named Alcorn Publication Design. Hope this helps.

[RJNorton]

Seriously, the one chapter I've spent the most time going through is the one on Surratt's 1867 trial. I think the author did an excellent job on that chapter; he really researched what went on in Judge George Fisher's court. Unlike most folks, I am not 100% convinced Surratt was in Elmira on April 14th, and I enjoy reading about the witnesses that place him in Washington. Although some of these witnesses are not credible, some seem legitimate (at least to me). Jampoler writes on p. 204 that Surratt's whereabouts on April 14 are still uncertain today although he states that the Elmira witnesses were more credible than the Washington ones.

[Gene C]

Herb, what did the Canadian National Archives have?

[LincolnMan]

What town was Surratt in when he was purchasing a shirt and was informed of Lincoln's assassination?

[BettyO]

Montreal?

[RJNorton]

Herb, do you possibly know if they ever found the missing ledger pages from the Brainard Hotel in Elmira in which Surratt allegedly stayed under the name John Harrison? Thanks. Personally I think that situation is suspicious. What do you think?

[HerbS]

No,They can't find the Ledger from the Brainard Hotel in Elmira or the Webster House in Canandaigua.I have his signature[John Harrison] on the ledger from the St.Lawrence Hotel-Montreal.4-18-1865.I tend to believe that he was in Elmira.He was spoted at St.Mary's Church on Easter Sunday in Canadaigua.He was on the ledger in Montreal as John Harrison.I had his hand writing examined from previous signatures.I checked for the Elmira and Canandaigua in the National Archives-No Luck!The Ontario County Historian[Canandaigua] did give me a photo[copy] of The Webster House of that era.It burned down in the 1960's

[RJNorton]

Thanks, Herb!

[Laurie Verge]

Gene,

I have read the book and have to admit that it was a little difficult to get through because of the high details and nitty-gritty that Andy threw in. However, it is an excellent resource. One thing to take into consideration is that Andy works with the Naval Institute Press as his publisher, and he is retired Navy. Therefore, the average reader gets more information than they probably ever wanted to know about the various ships that Surratt set foot on.

That said, only Fr. Alfred Isacsson and Andrew Jampoler have researched and written academically on John Surratt, Jr., and both traveled across The Pond to do their research. Depending on what you are looking for - extending a reference library or casual reading - should determine what you are looking for in a book about Johnny.

[LincolnMan]

I think Surratt was in Elmira when he was informed of the assassination. He was told bt a store clerk while shopping for a shirt. Correct?

[RJNorton]

Bill, I believe most all the books, articles, etc. place him in Elmira. In his public lecture that is where he said he was. I think Mr. James O. Hall once did a study of railroad schedules and concluded Surratt could not have been in Washington as 13 eyewitnesses (including a Washington barber who said he cut Surratt's hair on the 14th; the barber noted that Surratt said, "Give me a nice shave and clean me up nicely; I am going away in a day or two") testified at his 1867 trial. My personal opinion is that there is enough evidence to at least take a look at the Washington possibility. This evidence comes from a variety of sources including Mary Surratt herself who told Richard Smoot that John would likely be in town on the 14th. Could Surratt have been the "mystery man" at Stanton's that Jerry mentioned in another thread? Probably not, but I think it's interesting to look into where Surratt really was on assassination day. I grant the Elmira evidence is impressive, but this is a topic I enjoy "pestering" folks about. This is why I asked Herb about the missing pages from the Brainard Hotel (in Elmira) ledger - the pages which would indicate Surratt's presense in Elmira are mysterily "missing."