Help Wanted

[John Fazio]

Laurie, et al.:

I come to the opposite conclusion from that of our good friend Barry Cauchon, because:

1. The movie had one of her counsel at the execution, on the grounds, observing the hanging. I do not recall which one, but the movie makers were likely advised by consultants that at least one of the two was there.
2. Consistent with 1., Clampitt says, in his account, that "on arrival at the arsenal, we (i.e. both lawyers) went immediately to the cell where Mary Surratt was confined..." It seems unlikely that both lawyers would be there, but that only one would be on the grounds at the time of the hanging.
3. It is true that Clampitt follows this up with "I" met General Hancock at the eastern end of the building...", but his use of the singular pronoun here rather than the plural does not necessarily mean that Aiken left the premises. It may mean nothing more than that Aiken took a position elsewhere to witness the execution or that he was temporarily detained for some reason.
4. Clampitt's detailed description of the hangings has all the earmarks of an eyewitness, especially his statement that his pen wasn't smart enough to record the event. Had he not been present, he most likely would have said so and acknowledged that his information came from another source.
5. The Constitutional Union's account supports the view that both attorneys were present. "General Hancock with an aid(e) and Mrs. Surratt's counsel Messrs. Aiken and Clampitt came out a side door..." cannot reasonably be interpreted in any other way.
6. The Evening Star's statement that her lawyers took leave of her in the morning means only what it says: they said their goodbyes to her then; they had their last face-to-face communication with her then. It in no way precludes their being on the grounds witnessing the execution.
7. Clampitt's statement that General Hancock took no part in the execution means only what it says, especially because he follows it up with "General Hartranft had been specially designated by the President...as Special Provost-Marshal-General to execute the mandates of the Commission". That is to say that Hartranft would oversee the proceedings, not Hancock. That in no way precludes Hancock being on or near the grounds as a witness.

I conclude that the evidence is clear and convincing, even if not conclusive, that Hancock and both attorneys witnessed the execution.

John