The Lincoln Conspiracy

Today in the Lincoln conspiracy: May 25

On May 25, 1865, there was a bizarre courtroom confrontation during the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators.  A defense lawyer found himself trying to impeach the testimony of his own witness.  And the witness eagerly admitted he had lied.

Surratt Tavern near Clinton, Maryland

George Cottingham was an Army detective who had arrested John Lloyd, the man who leased Mrs. Mary Surratt's tavern in Maryland.  He testified Lloyd had confessed to him that Mrs. Surratt visited the tavern on the day of the assassination and told him to have firearms ready for two men who would call for them.  John Wilkes Booth and David Herold arrived at the tavern late that night and asked for the weapons.

The testimony was a complete surprise to defense attorney Frederick Aiken.  He protested that during a pre-trial interview, Cottingham had told him Lloyd made no mention of Mary Surratt during his confession.  Cottingham admitted that's what he told  the lawyer.  "Undoubtedly," he proclaimed, "I told you a lie there; for I thought you had no business to ask me."