Winter Lecture Series at Gettysburg National Military Park

Lecture by Ranger Karlton Smith: Mary Surratt

Introduction

• Ranger Karlton Smith welcomes attendees
• Next events: January 21: Tom Holbrook on “If These Things Could Talk,” January 22: Tracy Evens on the Battle of Monocacy
• Main question: Is Mary Surratt guilty or not guilty of conspiracy?

Early Life of Mary Surratt

• Born Mary Elizabeth Jenkins in 1823 near Waterloo, Maryland
• Father died when she was 3 years old
• Married John Harrison Surratt in 1840 at age 17
• John Surratt's background: orphaned, had a child out of wedlock, inherited a farm
• Farm burned down in 1851, possibly due to a disgruntled slave
• John Surratt drank heavily and had gambling debts

Surrattsville and Civil War Era

• John Surratt purchased 200 acres and built a tavern and inn in Prince George’s County, Maryland
• Mary and John had three children: Isaac (1841), Elizabeth Susanna “Anna” (1843), and John Jr. (1844)
• Property later included a farm, gristmill, and general store
• Area became known as Surrattsville, Maryland; John became postmaster in 1854
• John Surratt faced financial issues and drinking problems

Civil War and the Secret Line

• Civil War broke out in April 1861; illicit courier system developed
• Surrattsville became part of the Secret Line for Confederate communication
• John Surratt Jr. admitted he was a Confederate agent
• John Surratt Sr. died in 1862, leaving Mary in debt
• Mary rented the tavern to John Lloyd in 1864

Conspiracy and the Boarding House

• Mary moved to a boarding house at 541 H Street, DC
• Boarders included Honora Fitzpatrick, Louis J. Weichmann, and Holohan family
• John Wilkes Booth frequently visited, planning Lincoln's kidnapping
• Booth turned to assassination after Lincoln’s April 9 surrender at Appomattox

Events Leading to Mary Surratt's Arrest

• Lloyd was given 'shooting irons' by Mary on April 10
• Mary and Weichmann delivered field glasses to Lloyd on April 14—day of assassination
• Booth killed Lincoln on April 14; police questioned Mary on April 15

Arrest and Trial

• Mary Surratt arrested on April 17, 1865
• Commission was established to try conspirators
• General Hartranft in charge of prison and execution mandates
• Mary’s defense attorneys: Reveredy Johnson, John Clampitt, Frederick Aiken
• Charges: conspiracy to kill Lincoln, aiding Booth

Trial and Execution

• Trial began May 9, 1865; witnesses included Louis Weichmann and John Lloyd
• Commission deliberated and delivered verdicts by July 5
• Sentenced to death and executed on July 7
• Captain Rath constructed gallows; execution photographed by Alexander Gardner
• Mary’s body hung for 30 minutes; buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery

Aftermath

• John Jr. arrested in Egypt, lectured in US on his Confederate activities, died in 1916
• Louis Weichmann became a business school owner, reaffirmed his trial testimony before his death in 1902
• Surviving family and locations: Surratt Tavern (now a museum), Boarding House (Wok and Roll Restaurant), Surratt family’s legacy debated

Conclusion

• Debate over Mary Surratt’s guilt continues
• Ranger Smith's opinion: “Mary is guilty of something; execution was excessive.”