Mr. Griffin.

I don't understand. It was not over 2 weeks ago in an account.

Mr. Newman.

An article. The first--anything 1 had heard, rumor or otherwise, as to how he got into the building.

Mr. Griffin.

You mean 2 weeks ago from today ?

Mr. Newman.

During the trial, approximately 2 weeks.

Mr. Griffin.

You didn't hear any rumors over television; didn't read any rumors in the newspaper?

Mr. NEWMAN. Well, let me retract that. I do recall a statement that Ruby himself made. I don't remember when it was. It was sometime in the 4 months between the incident and the trial. I think he had boasted how easy it was, or he couldn't have planned it that well, or something.

Mr. Griffin.

Do you take a daily newspaper?

Mr. Newman.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

Do you take any news magazines?

Mr. Newman.

No.

Mr. Griffin.

Time?

Mr. Newman.

No.

Mr. Griffin.

Life?

Mr. Newman.

[Witness shakes head.]

Mr. Griffin.

Saturday Evening Post?

Mr. Newman.

No.

Mr. Griffin.

Read any magazines?

Mr. Newman.

Yes; I read some magazines but no news magazines.

Mr. Griffin.

I mean, do you subscribe to any?

Mr. Newman.

Yes. American Rifleman and Readers Digest.

Mr. Griffin.

Those are the only two magazines you subscribe to?

Mr. Newman.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

Do you take both daily newspapers in town?

Mr. Newman.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

Did you try to keep abreast of the articles on the Ruby killing of Oswald, after this event?

Mr. Newman.

I think I read just about every word that was printed.

Mr. Griffin.

And you didn't see a single rumor in any newspaper about how he got in?

Mr. Newman.

I won't say I didn't see it. I will say I don't recall it.

Mr. Griffin.

Do you recall an article, for example, that was written about Sergeant Dean, where Sergeant Dean said, was quoted as saying he saw a man come down the Main Street ramp; do you recall that article?

Mr. Newman.

I don't. The reason I remember so well is because this article I saw 2 weeks ago satisfied my curiosity. I had been curious all that time. knew from what Lieutenant Leavelle told me, or from the remarks he made, that with the men with him there---he wasn't making the remarks to me, but I think, when I told him about this, he turned to the other men and said, "Well, that's it." That's the only information I heard. The police officers I worked with and so forth had been very shut mouth.

Mr. Griffin.

When were you first requested to make a statement or prepare a letter or something of that sort for the use of the police department?

Mr. Newman.

It was the following Sunday, the week from the day of--the day Oswald was shot.

Mr. Griffin.

Are you sure of that?

Mr. Newman.

First request?

Mr. Griffin.

Yes.

Mr. Newman.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

I am going to hand you what I have marked as Newman Exhibit No. 5038. Would you read that over [indicating]?

Mr. Newman.

I am going to have to back up.

Mr. Griffin.

Now, this purports to be a copy of a letter which you signed and was addressed to Chief Curry and dated November 26, 1963. Did you prepare that letter?

Mr. Newman.

Let me think. The Tuesday night afterwards, Lieutenant Merrell gave me a mimeographed questionnaire for me to complete and return to