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Story
May 4, 1867
Sunbury American
Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
A Washington dispatch reports opinions among officials that John H. Surratt's trial for his role in the Lincoln assassination conspiracy will likely be abandoned, as it could prove his mother Mrs. Surratt's innocence, embarrassing the administration, and due to uncredited reasons involving the President's reputation.
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Full Text
THE SURRATT MYSTERY.
A dispatch from Washington to the N. Y. Herald says :
"It is the opinion of persons high in authority and influence here, that the trial of John H. Surratt will be ultimately abandoned. The impression is that there is a general conviction prevailing in official quarters that the unfortunate Mrs. Surratt was not guilty of the crime for which she was executed, and that the trial of her son would only result in more clearly establishing that fact. Such a development, of course, would not be relished by the Administration and others concerned in the trial and condemnation of the mother. There is another cause, however, not very creditable, assigned why the President would not wish the trial to occur; but, as it would cast a deep slur upon the reputation of one who lately has not been sleeping on the bed of roses, I refrain from giving it publicity. It might only be creating another sensation, and perhaps, without justification of scandal-mongers. However this may be, it is not believed that the evidence in possession of the Government will warrant the trial of John H. Surratt."
A dispatch from Washington to the N. Y. Herald says :
"It is the opinion of persons high in authority and influence here, that the trial of John H. Surratt will be ultimately abandoned. The impression is that there is a general conviction prevailing in official quarters that the unfortunate Mrs. Surratt was not guilty of the crime for which she was executed, and that the trial of her son would only result in more clearly establishing that fact. Such a development, of course, would not be relished by the Administration and others concerned in the trial and condemnation of the mother. There is another cause, however, not very creditable, assigned why the President would not wish the trial to occur; but, as it would cast a deep slur upon the reputation of one who lately has not been sleeping on the bed of roses, I refrain from giving it publicity. It might only be creating another sensation, and perhaps, without justification of scandal-mongers. However this may be, it is not believed that the evidence in possession of the Government will warrant the trial of John H. Surratt."
What sub-type of article is it?
Mystery
Historical Event
Crime Story
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Crime Punishment
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Surratt Trial
Mrs. Surratt Innocence
Government Abandonment
Presidential Reputation
Washington Dispatch
What entities or persons were involved?
John H. Surratt
Mrs. Surratt
President
Where did it happen?
Washington
Story Details
Key Persons
John H. Surratt
Mrs. Surratt
President
Location
Washington
Story Details
Officials believe John H. Surratt's trial will be abandoned to avoid proving his mother Mrs. Surratt's innocence in her execution and due to discreditable reasons affecting the President's reputation, as government evidence is insufficient.