Maybe he
borrowed one of Wiechmann's uniforms. Either way, based on this testimony, I think we might agree that Booth and Surratt were there for the inauguration.
Testimony of Louis Wiechmann;
Q. Can you tell what occurred on the 3rd of March, 1865, whether you saw Surratt or Booth?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Where?
A. I went down the street with Surratt in the evening that day. At that time there was a good deal of serenading around town on account of the proposed inauguration for the President on the following day. After a while Surratt left me, and I went to hear the music.
Q. Whom did you first go out with?
A. John Surratt.
Q. Did anybody join you?
Q. Was there anybody else with you when you first went out?
A. No, sir.
Q. You came back together?
A. No, sir; we did not come back together; Surratt left me.
Q. Wher did he leave you?
A. On Penn. Ave., near Eighth street.
Q. Then what occurred?
A. When I returned to the house of Mrs. Surratt I saw John Wilkes Booth and John Surratt in the parlor talking together.
Q. About what time did you return?
A. After 7 (PM)
Q. Then what occurred?
A. Then I proposed that we should walk up to the Capitol. Congress was in session. Three of us did go- Surratt , Booth and myself. When we were returning from the Capitol, Surratt and I left Booth at the corner of 6th & Penn. Ave.
Q. What did Surratt then do?
A. We went home.
Q. Did you see Booth again that night?
A. No.sir.
Q. And after you and Surratt got home, what?
A. Nothing.
Q. Did you see Booth the next morning, the 4th of March?
A. I saw him on the evening of the 4th, at Mrs. Surratt's. I didn't see him during the day.
Q. Was John Surratt home that evening?
Q. Yes, sir, he had been riding around town all day with the procession; he was on horseback.
March 1, 1865.
The inauguration must take place. There are no means of reaching him before. The best laid scheme seems blocked on every side. But the opportunity will come yet.March 2nd
Have arranged all our plans, and secured the required assistance. They all seem ready to do anything to secure success. I don't think that young fellow Herold has much
courage; but then, he may be made of use by-and-by. The risk is great but the reward greater. We have all we want for the work- everything except for the opportunity.March 3rd
Too closely surrounded by his friends. No chance before the inauguration. The city is full, and all the office seekers are buzzing around him like so many bees. Can't yet be done.March 4th
The inauguration is over, and nothing done yet. My hopes and prospects rest solely on this attempt, and should it fail, I am ruined forever. The Private Journal of John H. Surratt Comparison photos of John Surratt. LOC vs. Papal Guard uniform.
note; Lew Powell was identified in Federal uniform by Maggie Branson. "
He said he wanted to cross the lines" ( The Evidence pg. 197)
Although no evidence exists to confirm it, John Surratt may have used a Federal uniform in his "line crossing" and clandestine activities as a confederate courier.
Col. J. L. McPhail
Pro. Mar. Gen.
War Dept.
Washington City, DC
April 24th 1865
Hon. E. M. Stanton
Sec. of War
(excerpt)
Sir,
A man named Harbourn living near Piscataway, Prince Georges County, Md. ; now stopping with some relations near Bryantown, Charles County , Md. ,
name not recollected, was associated with Surratt in blockade-running, and was seen with Surratt in Port Tobacco in February or March.
Respectfully
J.L. McPhail
