Johnson's Pardon

[John E.]

It seems as though for many, justice had been done with the execution of the four conspirators. The others who were sent to Dry Tortugas became an afterthought. -- Except for Mudd of course. He kept his name in the news with his failed escape attempt.

When word leaked out in early 1869 that pardons were being considered, a paymaster who was aboard the Florida steamer (ship that sent the conspirators to Dry Tortugas) wrote a letter to a representative from Illinois stating that Mudd admitted to him (and others) of knowing who Booth was and to what crime he committed when he showed up at his home that early morning.

The paymaster had no motivation for writing his letter other than to make sure it was known before a pardon decision was made. Of course, others reported the same thing. -- Namely Captain Dutton, Captain Budd and General Dodd.

Years after the pardons, Samuel Cox, Jr. said that Dr. Mudd admitted the same thing to him.

It wouldn't be the first time a guilty man lied about his innocence. However, his selflessness during the outbreak of Yellow Fever at Dry Tortugas somewhat redeemed his reputation.

Spangler served the majority of his sentence and seemed to get the worst deal of all. I've changed my mind about him. I don't believe he deserved to be found guilty.

Arnold was pardoned at the behest of his family's pleas and those of many other Baltimore residents and Governor Bowie of MD.