Surratt Courier

[L Verge]

(07-25-2019 08:45 PM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote:  Noah Brooks wrote on Feb. 4, 1864, that Mary had "left off her mourning garb" (see Donna McCreary's book).

I like the appearance of Reverdy Johnson, Mary Surratt's future attorney, here.

I think that the black lace shawl was appropriate for still maintaining an air of mourning, as were the pearls - which were appropriate pieces of mourning adornment at various stages of the process. Also, by February of 1864, I would think that both Lincoln and Mary were concerned about the presidential election that was looming in November and would want to put a stronger face on their public appearances?