148 Years Ago Today

[BettyO]

I think that Lew Powell suspected he would hang - but until they were informed on the morning of the 6th of July, nothing had been settled and perhaps they didn't think about it. Certainly, the other three given the death sentence, Herold, Surratt and Atzerodt, were utterly shocked when the verdict was read to them.

Of course the Commission knew and had known for a few days before hand. But no one was informed until the morning of the 6th. So, released apparently from shackles, the boys were given exercise and enjoyed it on the 4th of July.