The Lincoln Conspiracy

Today in the Lincoln Conspiracy: July 5

Marry Surratt

Following the conviction of the Lincoln conspirators on June 30, five of the nine military judges signed a letter to President Andrew Johnson, asking him to commute the death sentence imposed on Mary Surratt.  Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt delivered it to the president on July 5, 1865.  Johnson signed the execution order and did nothing about extending clemency to Mrs. Surratt.  The president later claimed he never saw the letter.  Holt disputed that account.  He said Johnson read the letter, then signed woman's death warrant, muttering that she "kept the nest that hatched the egg."

Later on July 5, soldiers began constructing a gallows at the Old Arsenal Prison, where the condemned were locked up.