Anna Surratt interview

[Gene C]

A great July issue with many interesting articles.

As you read the interview with Anna Surratt, I had to keep reminding myself of certain facts. Anna was 22 years old when her mother was arressted, tried and hung. Anna was also arrested and spent nearly one month in prison before she was released. She is allowed to spend the final days with her mother in prison up to the execution, due to Mary's failing health. She was very active in trying to save her mothers life, and several prominent people try to assist her. A few years later her husband is dissmissed from his government job in 1869. No wonder she doesn't want to talk to reporters and she (and her husband) have some bitter feelings.

Regarding the Anna Surratt interview, the reporters persistence and insensitivity is very remarkable. "The interview on Thursday ended at this point, and on yesterday, the representatives of The American again visited Mr. and Mrs. Tonry. (Anna and her husband) The lady was only seen for a few moments as she was laboring under a nervous excitement that prostrated her."

Because of the tragedy in her life, she is used as a pawn in a presidential election. Anna is another of the innocent victims of Booth's deeds (and her mother's short sighted actions)