Getting Organized

As of this posting, there are 162 posts here on BoothieBarn.  While the blog format of the site is beneficial in displaying posts in an easy to read fashion, I have been finding that it lacks proper organization.  Blog posts are inherently organized chronologically with the newest posts first while older posts are pushed down and then onto subsequent pages.  Currently there are 17 pages of posts, which is only going to grow as time goes on.  Also, since the themes of the posts vary widely from day to day, it is difficult, especially for new readers, to easily find older posts about a certain topic.  Therefore, over the last couple days, I have re-read all my posts, identified the major topics discussed in each, and created a poor man’s Index:Index picGranted, my Index is not organized alphabetically as most indexes.  However, I’m still hopeful that this index will make it easier for readers to find old posts about topics that interest them in a quick and convenient way.  You can access the Index by clicking the word “Index” at the very top of the webpage:

Index menu

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I have a Booth diary!

When I arrived home yesterday, I found a card in my mailbox stating that the mailman tried to deliver a package but, seeing as no one was home, he held on to it.  I knew exactly what the package was.  It was something that I had been anticipating since the first day I saw it online – my replica John Wilkes Booth diary!  I filled out the postal service card to give them permission to leave it on my stoop, and I rushed home today.  I knew from all the emails, pictures, and collaboration between Pasquale and I, that I was going to really like the diary.  Even though I had seen pictures of the diary throughout the entire process and helped Pasquale replicate the inside of the diary page by page, with the actual product in my hand, I am still completely amazed at the craftsmanship and detail in every stitch and every page. I’m extremely excited and it’s time to show off my John Wilkes Booth diary:

So, I’m on cloud nine right now. If you would like to join me, you can order your own diary for $400 + $25 shipping. I know it’s a sizeable amount of money, but trust me, it is absolutely worth it. Pasquale has made a very unique and very detailed replica that is second to none. I’d be happy to photograph any other part of the diary and post it here if it will help you make your decision. For those of you ready to take the plunge, email me at boothiebarn (at) gmail (dot) com and I’ll send you information on how to send money to Pasquale. Update: Pasquale is all out of John Wilkes Booth diaries and will not be making anymore.  Thank you to all who supported his hard work.

I have a Booth diary!!!!!!!!!

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Lincoln Assassination Books for Sale

Looking for a new book on the Lincoln assassination?  Then may I suggest the new book from the dynamic duo of Jim Garrett and Rich Smyth.  Their new book, which they debuted at the Surratt Conference, is entitled, The Lincoln Assassination: Where Are They Now? A Guide to the Burial Places of Individuals Connected to the Lincoln Assassination in Washington, DC.

The book contains the collective work of Jim and Rich, avid cemetery bushwhackers and extensive Lincoln assassination researchers.  This volume is the first of several highly anticipated books from the pair as they delve into not only more graves, but also the relics of the Lincoln assassination.  You could buy the book from Amazon, but why not support Jim and Rich’s favorite museum by purchasing your copy from the Surratt House Museum giftshop?  Call (301) 868-1121 during normal business hours to order your copy today. 

Looking for an old book on the Lincoln assassination? Richard and Kellie Gutman, the authors behind the impeccable book John Wilkes Booth Himself, have started a website offering up for sale several books from their collection.  Their selection of books is extensive and contains many lesser known titles.  Head on over to http://www.johnwilkesboothbooks.com and check out what they have for sale.  I purchased half a dozen books from them last week and Richard mailed them swiftly to my door.

And while not a book in the conventional sense, we already have one very happy purchaser of a replica John Wilkes Booth diary.  Mr. Marsella is still accepting orders if you’re interested in owning a completely handmade replica of Booth’s diary.  The low price of $400 + $25 shipping is exclusively for readers of this blog.  Just email me at boothiebarn (at) gmail (dot) com, if you want one of this unique pieces before they’re gone for good.

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A Trip to Gettysburg with Boothie Results

Today, I drove up to Gettysburg, PA.  While in Gettysburg, I spent some time looking at a few antique stores and a museum.

At one antique store, I found and purchased these two newspapers:

Harper's Weekly - Edwin Booth Sam and Mike - Philadelphia Inquirer

Another antique store had this stereoview card of the room in which Lincoln died, but it was a bit out of my price range:

Lincoln Deathroom

I then went to the Gettysburg Museum of History. Those of you who watch the History channel show, American Pickers, might remember one episode in which the pickers, Mike and Frank, are commissioned by the curator of the Gettysburg Museum of History to find some items for him. The museum is quite remarkable with a large and varied collection of items. In particular interest to me was this shelf of Lincoln and Lincoln assassination related materials:

Gettysburg Museum of History

John Wilkes Booth playbill

John Wilkes Booth playbill


Bells and Songbook - Gettysburg

Bells and songbook from Ford’s Theatre


Piece of towel that was placed around Lincoln's head to stop the bleeding next to one of the few authentic locks of Lincoln's hair.

Piece of towel that was placed around Lincoln’s head to stop the bleeding next to one of the few authentic locks of Lincoln’s hair.


A piece of Booth's splint

A piece of Booth’s splint

There are many other items in the collection worth seeing, including an entire room devoted to JFK and his assassination.  So, next time you’re in Gettysburg, check out the Gettysburg Museum of History.

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Epilogue: Booth Escape Route Tour

7:10 pm:
We are practically back to the Surratt House museum from which our journey began today. Even after recharging my phone twice during the trip, I’m back down to 15% battery life. For my first attempt at “live blogging” I’m quite happy with the result and I hope you enjoyed it.

The John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tour put on by the Surratt House Museum is without compare. My few pictures are nothing compared to the thorough narration and wonderful experience of visiting these places firsthand. I hope you all have the opportunity to take this phenomenal tour in the future. You won’t regret it.

9:00 pm:

I’m back home now, and I want to share a touching story from today. On the tour with us were three people, an older couple and their daughter. They told me that they had been on the tour three times before this with their son, Rick. Rick loved Civil War history and taking the Booth tour. Last September, the couple told me, their son Rick died of cancer at the age of 48. They were wearing shirts with his face on them and going on this Booth tour in memory of him and how much he loved history.

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I thought that it was such a nice and touching tribute, and I think the Surratt House should be very proud of the fond memories this family has of their late son because of their tour.

‘Til next time,

Dave Taylor
April 27, 2013

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Live Blogging: Booth Escape Route Tour Part 2

My phone doesn’t want to add more pictures to my first “live blog” post, so I’m starting this second post to continue the tour.

3:35 pm:

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Mathias Point, VA from the point where Booth and Herold set off from Maryland.

3:40 pm:

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Drive by of Huckleberry, the home of Thomas Jones.

3:55 pm:

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Crossing the bridge into Virginia.

4:05 pm:

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Mrs. Quesenberry’s house.

4:30 pm:

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Cleydael, the home of Dr. Richard Stuart, who denied Booth and Herold aid excepting a meal.

4:50 pm:

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The telephone pole here marks the approximate location of the William Lucas cabin. Booth and Herold evicted the Lucases when they were denied by Dr. Stuart.

5:09 pm:

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Drive by of where the ferry came into Port Royal, VA and the Peyton House where Booth and Herold attempted to find assistance.

5:20 pm:

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We made it. Booth’s last breath was taken here at Garrett’s farm 148 years ago yesterday.

5:45 pm:

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The last stop before we head back home to the Surratt House, Horne’s for ice cream and a bathroom break.

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Live Blogging: Booth Escape Route Tour

Today (4/27/13), I will be on the John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tour put on by the Surratt House museum. I’ve decided to try my hands at “live blogging” the tour, which essentially means I will be adding pictures to this post throughout the day as we visit the different places. If there are any particular things you would like a picture of, comment below and I’ll be happy to oblige. I’m hoping my phone won’t run out of battery with all the picture taking and uploading, but it might happen. So if the tour just ends for awhile, you’ll know why. Check back periodically today for updates!

Here we go:

6:22 am: I am on my way to Surratt House early to await and facilitate the tour participants’ check in.

6:31 am:

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Two of the large bookshelves that line an office at the Surratt House Museum. If you need a book on the assassination, odds are the Surratt House gift shop has it.

7:23 am:

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The bus has left Surratt House filled with the tour group and our esteemed tour guide, John Howard, sets the scene as we drive into DC.

8:00 am:

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We’re outside of Ford’s Theatre listening to Ranger Eric Martin give a speech about the history of the Theatre.

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8:15 am:

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Inside the Ford’s Theatre Museum.

8:45 am:

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In the theatre of Ford’s listening to Ranger Eric Martin give the account of the assassination and peering into the presidential box.

9:05 am:

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A quick walk through of Petersen House. I was helping some tour participants through so I didn’t take any pictures inside.

9:23 am:

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Drive bys of Baptist Alley, the route Booth took out of Ford’s, and the former site of the Herndon House, where Lewis Powell stayed.

9:27 am:

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Drive by of the Surratt boarding house in D.C.

9:35 am:

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Drive by of David Herold’s possible house in the Navy Yard and taking the bridge that runs parallel to the former Navy Yard bridge.

9:57 am:

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The approximate location of Sopher’s hill where Booth and Davy met up after fleeing DC separately.

10:10 am:

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At the Mary Surratt House Museum in Clinton, MD, the organizers of this and countless other BERTs.

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Surratt House employee Kyle Mongan about to give a tour. No pictures of the inside of the house because I’m spending our time at Surratt charging my phone battery in my car otherwise I won’t make it much past Mudd’s.

11:27 am:

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The small crossroad town of T.B. through which Booth and Herold rode through after leaving the Surratt Tavern.

11:46 am:

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Farm of George Gardiner, next door neighbor of Dr. Mudd’s, from whom Booth bought a horse blind in one eye.

11:50 am:

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The Dr. Mudd House Museum in Waldorf, MD.

1:03 pm:

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Drive by of Bryantown Tavern, where Dr. Mudd came and learned of Lincoln’s assassination on April 15th while Booth was at his home.

1:07 pm:

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Drive by of Mudd’s grave at St. Mary’s church, where Mudd met Booth in 1864.

1:23 pm:

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Drive by of Rich Hill, the home of Samuel Cox.

1:25 pm:

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Drive by of the pine thicket where Booth and Herold were hid by Thomas Jones.

1:34 pm:

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Time for lunch at Captain Billy’s. I’ll see you after.

3:15 pm:

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After a short delay due to a broken broiler at Captain Billy’s, we’ve made it to Loyola Retreat, the location of where Booth and Herold set across the Potomac.

End of part 1. See part 2: http://boothiebarn.com/2013/04/27/live-blogging-john-wilkes-booth-escape-route-tour-part-2/

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The Case Against Dr. Mudd

While I take a sympathetic and pragmatic approach to Dr. Mudd when it comes to his knowledge of the assassination of Lincoln, from time to time I think it’s important to point out the fallacy of the “simple, country doctor” mystique that has crept up around him.  The following is an excerpt from Dr. Edward Steers, Jr.’s wonderful book, His Name is Still Mudd.  It succinctly states the evidence demonstrating Dr. Mudd’s involvement in John Wilkes Booth’s initial plot to abduct President Lincoln.  What follows after is an account written by George Alfred Townsend, GATH, in which the meeting between Dr. Mudd, Booth and Thomas Harbin is described.

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Mudd’s knowledge of, and acquaintance with John Wilkes Booth:

      1.  The meeting in November 1864, in which Booth is first introduced to Mudd at St. Mary’s Church in Bryantown.
          2.  The meeting at the Bryantown Tavern in mid-December 1864, (December 17-21) where Dr. Mudd introduced Booth to Thomas Harbin [see account of this meeting below], and when Booth spent the night at Mudd’s house and later purchased the one-eyed horse from his neighbor, George Gardiner

3.  The December 23, 1864 trip to Washington where Mudd meets Booth at the National Hotel and introduces him to Confederate agent John H. Surratt, Jr.

Whether Mudd knew that Booth murdered Lincoln, and when he knew it:

          1. Samuel Mudd’s statement that he heard of the assassination while in Bryantown on Saturday afternoon (April 15th)
          2. Francis R. Farrell’s testimony in which he states that Mudd told both himself, and John F. Hardy on Saturday afternoon that a man named Booth had murdered Lincoln.
          3. Samuel Cox, Jr.’s statement that Mudd told him, in 1877, that while in Bryantown on Saturday afternoon, April 15th, Mudd had heard of the assassination of President Lincoln, and that John Wilkes Booth was the assassin.
          4. Samuel Cox, Jr.’s statement that Mudd told him that when he learned Booth was the assassin he returned home and ordered Booth out of his house.
          5. Captain George W. Dutton’s affidavit that Mudd told him on July 22, 1865, that he knew it was Booth whose leg he had set at his home on Saturday, April 15th.

Evidence linking Mudd to Booth’s conspiracy to capture President Lincoln:

        1. Mudd’s introduction of Thomas Harbin to Booth.
        2. Mudd’s introduction of John H. Surratt, Jr. to Booth.
        3. Samuel Cox, Jr.’s statement which quotes Mudd as saying that he went into Bryantown on Saturday, April 15th, to mail contraband letters which he had received earlier.
        4. George Atzerodt’s “lost confession” in which Atzerodt states that Booth had sent provisions to Dr. Mudd’s house to be used for their flight to Virginia.
        5. Dr. Richard Stuart’s deposition which states that Herold had told him that Dr. Mudd had referred Booth and Herold to Dr. Stuart, implying that Booth would receive medical assistance.
        6. William Bryant’s statement that the two fugitives were referred to Dr. Stuart for medical assistance.”

 – Dr. Edward Steers, Jr. in His Name is Still Mudd

Thomas Harbin

Thomas Harbin

“After church that day Booth went into Bryantown, a mile or two distant, and in plain sight, and was introduced by Dr. Mudd at the village hotel to Mr. Thomas Harbin, the Marylander, who was the principal signal officer or spy with the lower Maryland counties.

Toward the close of the war rigorous policing of the lower Maryland country was relaxed or dispensed with, as the enemy had been pushed south of the James River and seldom molested the Potomac paris.  Harbin, whom I talked to at great length just before he died, about 1885, gave me particulars concerning Booth, which would now be past discovering.  He told me that in Bryantown, at the tavern, Dr. Mudd introduced him to Booth, and said that Mr. Booth wanted some private conversation with Harbin; they took a room on the second floor, where Booth went through the thespian motions of pacing and watching the hallways and escapements.  He then outlined a scheme of seizing Abraham Lincoln and delivering him up the same evening in Virginia.  He said that he had come down to that country to invite co-operation and partners, and intimated that there was not only glory, but profit in the undertaking.

Harbin was a cool man who had seen many liars and rogues go to and fro on that illegal border and he sat down Booth as a crazy fellow, but at the same time said that he would give his co-operation.”

GATH dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, April 18th, 1892

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