Group Photo of Hartranft and his Staff

[John E.]

Hi Roger, Gen. Hancock's official orders to Gen. Hartranft regarding the executions was dated July 6, 1865. The letter can be found in both the Harold/Steers book as well as Swanson and Weiberg's book.

As Betty mentioned, newspapers and lawyers received word on July 6th as well. Apparently, everyone had a little over 24 hours to prepare for the hangings. Not just the condemned, but Hartranft, Hancock, his staff and the carpenters at the Arsenal.

Gardner's pass was signed by General Hunter but may have been issued by someone else. In any case, I don't believe he was tipped off early. I believe he was there to take pictures of Hartranft and his staff. The main sticking point for me that led me to this conclusion was that the men are wearing Mourning Crape in the group photo. Perhaps its safer to say (As Barry suggested) that the group photo was NOT taken on July 7th rather than stating it was for certain taken on July 5th.

I just think the evidence is really pointing that way.