Laurie and the Ghost of Mary Surratt

[Joe Di Cola]

Ah, yes - I remember that well... Not one of my favorite videos because it contains factual errors from the very first. I was also surprised when I first saw it that they had David Robertson doing much of the narration. He was the author of a terrible book entitled "Booth," which was really all about John Surratt in a fictionalized tale. The insistence of bringing the sexual theme of Mary's involvement with her priest and Booth also irritated me - especially when they edited out some of my explanations. The photos of Surratt House and Quarters 20 (now Grant Hall) are pretty good, however.

Laurie,

I watched the clip. What gets me is, instead of providing you with more air time on Mary Surratt, they turn to persons who have little or no connection with the Surratt story as you do. All-too-often the programs on History and other channels do the same, and I am compelled to ask myself: "Who are these people?!"

Joe

[L Verge]

Agreed. I have found that most of these productions have a slant that they want to prove, and the historical facts get in the way. I have a terrible tendency to give facts whenever I can. Mr. Robertson was (and may still be) one of the best self-promoters that I have ever encountered. He appeared on the scene with that awful "Booth" book and then disappeared - at least from the assassination field. I received numerous phone calls and letters from him and his friends praising the book, and they could not understand why we would not sell it or promote it at Surratt House.

The "historian" Steve Foreman was another one who appeared quickly and departed quickly. His information was accurate, but he certainly was not known in our field.

Elizabeth Trindal is a friend and the author of An American Tragedy, a very sympathetic bio of Mary Surratt. She did a tremendous amount of work researching Mrs. Surratt and made contacts with descendants, who have ignored us at the museum, because of her sympathetic approach. Her take on the ghost angle was exactly what the producers needed - the poor widow lady looking for companionship who made friends with the wrong person and is doomed to haunt the halls of history.

BTW: I have never claimed to have seen or heard anything at Surratt House resembling a woman. The footsteps that I cannot explain are definitely those of a man in heavy boots. As I have said before, until he touches or talks to me, he can walk all he wants. I need my paycheck!

I would also recommend that our posters read both An American Tragedy by Betty Trindal and Assassin's Accomplice by Kate Clifford Larson (a member here). Kate takes the opposite approach on Mary Surratt's guilt -- and, IMO, comes closer to reaching the conclusion that facts and assumptions tend to lead towards.

[BettyO]

In lieu of Mary Surratt ghost stories, a friend who is definitely in the know told me the other day that they are currently planning on giving "Ghost Tours" at Fort McNair - Oh, say it ain't so, please!

Just what is needed, "Haunted Tennis Court Tours!"

[MaddieM]

In lieu of Mary Surratt ghost stories, a friend who is definitely in the know told me the other day that they are currently planning on giving "Ghost Tours" at Fort McNair - Oh, say it ain't so, please!

Just what is needed, "Haunted Tennis Court Tours!"

Dang! I rather fancy that. Too bad it's 5,000 miles away (or more)

[Jenny]

In lieu of Mary Surratt ghost stories, a friend who is definitely in the know told me the other day that they are currently planning on giving "Ghost Tours" at Fort McNair - Oh, say it ain't so, please!

Just what is needed, "Haunted Tennis Court Tours!"

That makes me rather sad.

[BettyO]

Me, too..... I think it's a tad bit disrespectful; I don't know - maybe it's just me....

[Jim Garrett]

Gettysburg has dozens of ghost tours, that tell score upon score of ghost stories related to the town and battle. A friend is at least a third generation Gettysburg resident (Gettysburgian or Gettysburgite???). He grew up there and lived most of his life there. He is very tuned into the towns history, culture and events. Until the plethera of these ghost tours, henever heard of any Gettysburg ghost stories.

[wsanto]

It was interesting reading the Lincoln ghost stories from the NatGeo website for "Killing Lincoln". Especially Winston Churchill's account of walking naked from the bath into the Lincoln bedroom and making eye to eye contact with Lincoln's ghost as he was leaning against the mantle.

[Hess1865]

and I wonder how much the Prime Minister had to drink that night........