Escape speculations

[L Verge]

The clemency plea was considered and passed by the necessary majority, though -- even if it only concerned her age and gender. The commission had to suspect a public backlash by carrying through with the execution of a woman.

I do agree that the Surratt boardinghouse had been under suspicion for quite some time. I asked Mr. Hall once why the authorities didn't shut it down earlier. He said that it was often easier to monitor things the way they were without playing Whack a Mole. The clandestine activity would just pop up some place else under someone else's leadership.

Remember that Union authorities had been keeping an eye on the Surratts since the beginning of the war when Mr. Surratt, Sr. was one of the most vocal secessionists in our county. I agree with Jim that they likely had things that they didn't even have to bring out in court, but I still think that she was intended as leverage to get the son who had known ties to Richmond directly. Remember that the Confederates were on trial at the same time.