Could John Have Spared Mary

[BettyO]

Good question -

John was definitely guilty - of at least spying for the Confederacy. He had also introduced Powell to Parr and subsequently to Booth. He was also involved in the initial kidnap plot.

Mary was just as guilty as John, I believe because she was "taking messages" for John when he wasn't home - as per Powell's one night stay at her house in February of 1865. Powell supposedly approached Mrs Surratt in the parlor and whispered something to her to which she agreed. She was also apparently cognizant of the kidnap plot. I therefore feel that Mrs Surratt although held in absence of her son John, would have still been convicted - if not hanged at least have received a lengthy prison sentence. She did no less than Arnold or O'Laughlen - and may have done more. She was definitely in collaboration with Booth; having run errands for him and such.