Posted By:	sandra ferguson
	Email:
	Subject:	Re: William Rollins - John Wilkes Booth - Thomas H. Harbin
	Post Date:	January 29, 2009 at 08:43:08
	Message URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/va/kinggeorge/messages/233.html
	Forum:	King George County, VA Genealogy Forum
	Forum URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/va/kinggeorge/

There has been a great deal written about the assination of PResident Lincoln, and the escape, capture and death of John Wilkes Booth. There was a very good several hour program on this subject, on the History Channel, so I'd suggest you see if you can find a copy. In general, Booth accompanied by co-conspirator David Herold, wished to cross the Potomac River, but couldn't find anyone to take them across, as the waters were high and the trip across was dangerous. A local fisherman, Wm Rollins, refused to take them across,and their own attempt met failure, so they had to await the local ferry. While waiting, they met three former Confederate soldiers, First Lieutenant Mortimer B. Ruggles, Private Absalom Bainbridge, and Private William S. Jett, an 18 year old soldier. In talking with Jett, Herold first identified himself as Boyd and that his companion was his brother, James W. Boyd. As they continued to talk, Herold admitted their true identities and that they had killed the president. Hearing this, Jett agreed to aid the fugitives in securing lodging once they crossed the river. Once they reached the south bank, Jett sought beds at the house of Randolph Peyton in Port Royal. Refused, he took Booth and Herold south towards Bowling Green with the goal of finding lodgings with the Garrett family. Arriving at the Garrett Farm, Jett introduced Booth as Boyd. Richard Garrett agreed to let "Boyd" stay until Jett returned for him. David Herold, Jett continued on onto Bowling Green. On information received, the Federal troops dragged Willy Jett from his bed at the Star Hotel, and under duress, Jett revealed where Booth was. Having been warned of the Federal Calvery's approach, Booth hid in the tobacco barn on the Garrett farm, and Garrett refused to have them back in the house. Booth was discovered in the barn, and killed Here's a site that has all the facts... http://virtualology.com/virtualwarmuseum.com/uscivilwarhall/JOHNWILKESBOOTH.ORG/