Letter-1908, June 9

Joab Spencer wrote to George Martin:

   “I will tell you what Conl. Johnson [Alexander S. Johnson] said to me sometime after the occurrence. I will give only a bare statement. He said it was his father’s old associates of 55 that did the deed, because his father had declared for the Union but that the family did not wish this known i.e. their opinion for obvious reasons. If you think it would contribute to the truth of history, I am willing to give a signed statement, not to be used during the life of the Johnson Children. At the time, Will was only a blustering irresponsible boy. But I will not say more now. You may consider this item personal though not entirely confidential.”

[Spencer to Marlin, June 9, 1908. K.S.H.S. MSS. Dept.]