Photograph © 2008 C.K. Hickman
On the night of April 22, Booth and Herold set out from Nanjemoy Creek to cross the Potomac. Unlike their previous attempt, they succeeded in reaching the Virginia shore near Point Mathias. Moving down the river, they erred again by turning into Gambo Creek, just upstream from Machodoc Creek. While Booth remained in the boat, Herold traveled overland to the cottage of Elizabeth Quesenberry. A well known Confederate sympathizer, Quesenberry frequently aided agents moving back and forth across the Potomac. Though away from the cottage when Herold arrived, she returned shortly. During the discussion that ensued, Herold asked for transportation "up the country" for him and his brother. Concerned about Herold's manner and mood, Quesenberry declined and the fugitive departed. In the wake of Herold's visit, she contacted agent Thomas Harbin. Familiar with Booth from their meeting the previous December, Harbin took food to the fugitives and obtained horses from William Bryant. Traveling to the boat, Harbin discussed the situation with Booth and Herold. Mounting up, Harbin told Bryant to take the two men to Cleydael, the summer home of Dr. Richard Stuart. The doctor was known to be friendly to the Southern cause and had been recommended by Mudd.